Alabama Football: Crimson Tide Offensive Report Card vs Texas

Alabama football generally had a rough game in week two, squeaking out a one-point victory. The offense sputtered its way to 20 points in a game that was similar to several it played last year. Alabama football fans can find reasons for optimism in the offensive performance, but for much of the contest it was difficult to watch.

Alabama Football Quarterbacks: B+

Bryce Young’s fourth quarter performance salvaged an otherwise abysmal effort. For much of the game, the reigning Heisman winner was outperformed by a wily freshman and his gimpy backup. He entered the fourth quarter with less than 100 yards passing and even less production on the ground. After a couple scripted drives that ended in points to start the game, the Alabama offense bogged down, repeatedly going three-and-out. Young could not find open receivers, and did well just to protect the football.

As bad as the offense was for three quarters plus, Bryce Young woke up in the fourth quarter, and the rest of the unit came alive with him. His heroics took many forms. Young suddenly started connecting with his receivers, and scrambled for first downs on several occasions. Once again, he came to the rescue of the Tide and pulled out an improbable victory.

Alabama Football Running Backs: B-

The play of the Alabama running backs was inconsistent at best. Jahmyr Gibbs was effective as a receiver from the first drive of the game, ultimately leading the Tide with nine catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs seems to lack the physicality to be an every down, between-the-tackles type of back. He gained only 22 yards on nine carries, and got Bryce Young leveled when he blew a pass-protection assignment.

Jase McClellan showed his big-play ability when he broke off a career-long 81-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, but he was a non-factor for the rest of the game. He and Roydell Williams were seldom used, running only seven times for 20 yards combined outside of McClellan’s touchdown.

Alabama football has a lot of talented running backs with plenty of diversity in their skillsets. For some reason, Bill O’Brien doesn’t seem comfortable using them in a more balanced manner. Gibbs and McClellan have gotten the vast majority of the snaps through two games, and Alabama has leaned disproportionately on the pass. I am not sure this is a sustainable, championship level approach.

Alabama Football Receivers: C

The Alabama receivers were non-existent for over three quarters. Along with Bryce Young, they came alive just in time to win the game, but their effort for most of the game was concerning. Ja’Corey Brooks and Traeshon Holden, along with tight end Cameron Latu and freshman Kobe Prentice, suddenly began to create separation and make plays in the fourth quarter.

Prior to the last three possessions of the game, this group was shut down. On the rare occasion that they got open, they couldn’t hang on to the football. Alabama was plagued by untimely drops from Prentice, Jermaine Burton, and Isaiah Bond.

Alabama’s lack of speed at the receiver position may place a handicap on the offense. The Texas defense was able to play aggressively and attack the Alabama offense because they had no fear of getting beat vertically. Fans are clinging to the hope that Louisville transfer Tyler Harrell will return from injury and be a difference-maker, but Alabama has plenty of talented wide receivers that are currently not stepping up.

Alabama Football Offensive Line: C-

The Alabama offensive line has still not shown it can be a strength of the team since the day Kyle Flood left for Texas. Alabama could not establish a consistent running game for the second consecutive contest, an issue it dealt with all last season. With the exception of Jase McClellan’s long touchdown run, Alabama mustered only 80 rushing yards on 23 carries. Of that production, nearly half came from Bryce Young scrambles.

The Tide was almost completely ineffective on designed running plays, opting to lean heavily on speed backs Gibbs and McClellan. Roydell Williams was seldom used for the second straight game, and Alabama displayed no semblance of a power running game. On one of the game’s most frustrating plays, Williams was stopped short on a fourth and inches in Texas territory that could have sealed the win for the Tide. Bafflingly, Alabama attempted to run out of the shotgun, but the offensive line generated no push regardless.

The pass protection from the offensive line was decent for much of the game, but it broke down at inopportune times. The receivers were of no assistance, causing Bryce Young to hold the ball forever, but Alabama offensive linemen were beaten one-on-one by pass rushers on several occasions.

Lastly, the offensive line played a role in Alabama committing an absurd 15 penalties. To my surprise, the crowd noise at DKR Texas Memorial Stadium was a major factor, resulting in several false start penalties and communication breakdowns.

The Crimson Tide offense was highly disappointing this week, exhibiting many of the same warts that kept Alabama football from winning a national championship last year. It showed flashes of potential and a clutch gene, but there are a lot of problems that need to be fixed if Alabama is going to return to the mountaintop.