Alabama Football: Tide’s report card in Iron Bowl vs. Auburn
By Dakota Cox
Alabama football’s report card vs. Auburn
Offensive Line: D-
The offensive line has been a red flag for the Crimson Tide all season. Some issues come with mental mistakes and miscommunication, but others are simply from missing plays. Play has improved with some personnel changes, but this was Alabama’s last chance to work against an opponent before Georgia. The SEC Championship will be Alabama’s biggest test thanks to their elite defensive front. To hold their own against UGA, Alabama needed to thrive against the Tigers.
At the start of the game, Alabama’s offensive line struggled. Auburn got pressure on Alabama’s first three plays, which caused Alabama to punt on the first drive.
This offensive line is lowering the ceiling of the offense. Young has to worry about avoiding the rush before he can take a deep shot. Alabama moved Chris Owens back to right tackle in the fourth quarter, so this competition seems to be open. At this point, anything should be on the table for Saban when it comes to substituting.
With the game on the line, Alabama tried to run the ball. The offensive line failed.
Defensive Line: B+
With T.J. Finley in at quarterback, Alabama knew that Auburn would like to run the ball with Tank Bigsby. Winning the trenches was a key to dominate Auburn, and that falls on the defensive line.
Auburn tried to establish the run early in this game, but the defensive line kept the Tigers from running down the middle. Alabama used its depth to stay fresh, which stalled Auburn in the first quarter. While it wasn’t enough for Alabama to dominate, it at least limited Auburn’s offense in the Iron Bowl.
Phil Mathis is a leader for the Tide. He wanted this win as much as anyone. He went down with an injury, but he thankfully returned. This unit is being wasted, but plenty of players will return next year.