Duds
The goal line play calling
The offense was in the red zone six times. Three touchdowns, two field goals and an interception.
Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien called a pass on third and one, and goal to go, earlier in the game, resulting in one field goal. He followed up with three straight passing plays from the Aggies’ three-yard line later in the game resulting in a second field goal. The decision to not attempt to run the ball with a hot Brian Robinson Jr. is downright baffling.
Even the former Heisman winner, Devonta Smith had something to say about the call on Twitter:
RUN THE DAMN BALL !!!!
— DeVonta Smith (@DeVontaSmith_6) October 10, 2021
Alabama Football First Half Defense
The defense got off to a slow start against the Aggies. Missed tackles, blown coverages and sloppy execution led to 24 first-half points for A&M. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding has a talented defense. Yet, every week they play dazed and confused. Additionally, the team did not register any sacks or QB pressures the entire game.
Alabama Football Drops
Tight ends Cameron Latu and Jahleel Billingsley both had key drops late in the game. Latu had a sure-fire touchdown in his grasp and the drop forced the Tide to kick a field goal closing the score to 31-30. The catch would have put Alabama up by three points. Billingsley’s drop on third and nine forced the Tide to punt the ball with 2:17 remaining in the game from their own 25-yard line.
Next up, the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Head coach Mike Leach is ready to make a name for himself in the SEC and being able to knock Alabama football off the throne is on his bucket list.