Alabama Football: No. 1 reason Crimson Tide loses games
By Ronald Evans
- January 2015 – Ohio State 42 – Alabama 35
In the Sugar Bowl, CFB Playoff semi-final, the Buckeyes got outstanding QB play from Cardale Jones in only his second career start. The primary difference-maker was RB Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 230 yards on just 20 carries. Elliott frequently slashed through Crimson Tide tacklers. Despite Elliott’s yards and 256 passing yards from Jones, the Tide could have won, has it not been for three interceptions.
- October 2015 – Ole Miss 43 – Alabama 37
Chad Kelly had a huge day for the Rebels, passing for 341 yards. One of his three TD passes was a desperate heave that was deflected before landing in the hands of an Ole Miss receiver. Ole Miss likely would not have won without the fluke play, but the biggest problem for the Tide was the Rebels turned five Crimson Tide turnovers into points.
- January 2017 – Clemson 35 – Alabama 31
In a truly great football game (except for the outcome), Deshaun Watson had one of the ‘special’ games by a Tide, opposing QB. He passed for 420 yards and the game-winner with one second left in the contest. The biggest weakness in the game for the Crimson Tide was going 2-for-15 on third down.
- November 2017 – Auburn 26 – Alabama 14
Auburn soundly beat the Crimson Tide, with third-down conversions again being an issue for the Tide. Auburn QB, Jarrett Stidham had a strong performance, throwing for 237 yards and running for 51 yards more. Jalen Hurts was nearly all of the Tide’s ‘not near enough’ offense.