Alabama Football: Will Bryant-Denny slump end for the Tide?
Much has been made of Alabama football and its road struggles over the past two seasons. While those concerns are certainly valid, an argument could be made that Alabama has struggled equally as much at home. Three out of the Tide’s last four conference home games within the friendly confines of Bryant-Denny Stadium could be classified as “struggle wins.” The only exception? Vanderbilt earlier this season.
In other words, the last three times Alabama has hosted a conference opponent not named Vanderbilt, the game came down to one possession. Although three out of four games over two seasons is hardly enough of a sample size to be considered a pattern, there is marginal reason for concern here. Common themes throughout these games include one side of the ball being uncharacteristically bad, in combination with poor special teams play.
Last November, Alabama Football survived a scare from Ed Orgeron and the LSU Tigers. The Alabama offense bogged down, and the running game stagnated, producing just six yards in a historically bad performance. An early missed field goal and a second half missed extra point by Will Reichard left the door open for LSU, but the Alabama defense ultimately held on for a 20-14 win.
Just a couple weeks later, it was that same defensive unit that disappointed Alabama fans in a 42-35 shootout against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Bryce Young threw for a school-record 559 yards and five touchdowns, connecting with Jameson Williams for three long scores. The Tide needed every bit of that production, as Arkansas matched Alabama score for score after falling behind early.
KJ Jefferson and Treylon Burks hooked up for two touchdowns in their own right, but Will Anderson Jr. helped to slam the door on Burks and a Razorback onside kick attempt. It’s worth noting that Reichard also missed a field goal in the second half of this game.
Earlier in the 2022 season, Alabama hosted Texas A&M in the first start of backup quarterback Jalen Milroe’s career. Milroe had understandable struggles, and the Alabama offense sputtered throughout the contest, much like it had against LSU the previous year. Missed field goals by Reichard on back-to-back second half possessions gave the Aggies an opportunity to win the game, but the defense held firm for a 24-20 victory.
Next. Words from a Mississippi State expert. dark
Alabama football fans hope that today’s game against Mike Leach and Mississippi State will not continue this trend. If Bama’s road issues are at least somewhat understandable, its problems at home are completely baffling. It is time for Alabama to get back to dominating opponents in Tuscaloosa.