Alabama Football: Tide to open up offense against Texas?
The Alabama football offense looked pretty good in its season opening win over Utah State. Led by quarterback Bryce Young, the unit was efficient but not always explosive against the Aggies. However, there is plenty of reason to believe we will see more big plays from the offense in week two, even taking on a Power Five opponent in Texas.
Alabama Football: Offensive Line developing
Alabama’s offensive line performance was far from optimal against Utah State, but I still have faith in Eric Wolford. It may just take Wolford some time to find the right combination of personnel. Alabama fans may have to exercise additional patience while that group gets comfortable playing with one another. Offensive line, perhaps more than any other position group on the field, is reliant on chemistry. Clearly, Alabama’s front is still meshing. The good news is that the Tide appear to have stability at center and both tackle positions.
Senior Emil Ekiyor did not start due to missed practices, but Coach Nick Saban reiterated that Ekiyor is still the starter at right guard. If Ekiyor reclaims his spot in time for the Texas game, the line will benefit from having its veteran leader back in the lineup. If that is the case, the question becomes who will start at left guard?
Sixth-year senior Kendall Randolph and junior Javion Cohen are both experienced and capable, but Cohen has NFL upside and started at guard for the Tide last season. Most of the fan base feels that Cohen has to be the guy at left guard for this line to reach its potential. We likely won’t find out anything about the lineup until game time, but until then this offensive line has a week to work out the kinks.
Alabama Football: Receiving corps in growth mindset
Another reason to expect a more dynamic offensive performance is Alabama’s youth at receiver. Freshmen Kobe Prentice, Isaiah Bond, and Kendrick Law all figure to factor into the Crimson Tide receiver rotation. Even upperclassmen such as Traeshon Holden and Jermaine Burton are not yet accustomed to starting for Alabama football. This group, much like the offensive line, should be undergoing a period of rapid growth and maturation. They are gaining confidence in themselves as individuals, while also adjusting to playing with one another and quarterback Bryce Young. This group still has not come near its peak.
If Cameron Latu is able to suit up this week, he is another difference maker Texas will have to account for in the short to intermediate passing game. Alabama football did not have much of a pass-catching presence at tight end in week one, and Latu is one of the best in the country when healthy. With him in the lineup, Alabama becomes even more efficient at moving the chains. More importantly, he could open up more opportunities for the big-play threats on the offense.