Crimson Tide Football: Alabama’s practice week checklist
By Preston Judah
The Crimson Tide enters this week’s contest against Austin Peay at a disappointing 8-2 with lots to accomplish in order for Alabama to finish the season strong. The first goal this week is to avoid the “rat poison” and handle business against the Colonels on Saturday. However, this should be a great week for Alabama to focus on themselves and improve the team
Solidify the Alabama Offensive Line
The Crimson Tide started to rediscover its physical nature in the second half against Ole Miss. The offensive line has struggled at times this year, particularly in generating yards on the ground. The constant shuffling of players along the line, particularly at the center and guard positions could be partly to blame. Chemistry is a big part to building a successful offensive line, and Alabama needs to continue to build cohesiveness in the unit. The Crimson Tide rolled with Tyler Booker and Emil Ekiyor at the guard spots and once again started Seth McLaughlin at center and should use this week to continue that growth.
Continue Developing D-Line
Byron Young had a coming out party on the way to collecting the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week award. The Senior finished the game with a team high 11 tackles and 2 sacks, both of which came at critical points in the game. Other than Young, the defensive line continued to struggle as the Rebels ran for 190 yards against the Crimson Tide. Alabama needs to find some answers up front as they continue to move forward, particularly with a matchup against Tank Bigsby and a suddenly resurgent Auburn on the horizon.
Grow Crimson Tide Receiving Corp
The young Tide receivers continue to try and grow up together against a daunting SEC schedule. Many of the young receivers have shown great growth throughout the year. Ja’Corey Brooks continues to show promise as a future number one receiver, and Jermaine Burton continues to be steady. However, the bottom half of the receiving corps has continued to struggle to have an impact. The one bright spot was the emergence of Kendrick Law. The Freshman from Shreveport has been dealing with a hamstring issue but made 3 big catches against Ole Miss and was an important target on 3rd down.
dark. Next. It's Time to Sit Bryce Young
Alabama may have lost their playoff hopes after Arkansas lost to LSU last week, but the Crimson Tide still has a lot to play for. Hopes for a New Year’s Day bowl berth and a ten-win regular season hinge on how much the Tide can continue to develop down the stretch.