Alabama Football: Not a loss, but not a win for the Crimson Tide
By Ronald Evans
Saturday afternoon in Tampa the Alabama football team survived. The Alabama Crimson Tide outscored South Florida 17-3, but other than the final score the game’s result was no win for the Crimson Tide.
Nick Saban’s post-game review was not lengthy, but the nine minutes or so was plenty of time. There was not much to say about the South Florida game. Alabama Football is 2-1 and on Saturday it looked like a team that could lose two or three more games.
Going into week four of the season, the Crimson Tide does not have a quarterback. Saban said the QB position will be evaluated next week, along with the performances by Jalen Milroe in two games, plus Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson on Saturday.
When asked about Jalen Milroe, Saban said,
"He has really been supportive of his teammates. I was happy to see that."
The only insight given by Saban into why Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson played against USF – and Jalen Milroe did not, was that Buchner and Simpson did the best in practices preparing for USF.
In talking about problems with the Crimson Tide offense, Saban reminded that four touchdowns (including a kickoff return TD) were negated by penalties in the last two games. The reminder came across as a statement of fact and not an excuse.
Saban also pointed out improved defensive play and gave the offensive line credit for its second-half play, particularly the Tide’s final scoring drive.
The complete Nick Saban, post-game video can be seen below.
Left guard, Tyler Booker did not play against South Florida due to back spasms. Wide receiver Kendrick Law did not make the trip to Tampa because of sickness. On defense, Jaheim Oatis also missed the game because of an ankle problem. All three are expected to play against Ole Miss.
Feels like a loss to Alabama football fans
Many Alabama football fans spent most of the USF game in shock. Much of the head-shaking came from another game without effective quarterback play. It is not hard for fans to consider the possibility the Crimson Tide does not have a championship-capable quarterback on the 2023 roster.
Just as glaring and more shocking considering the preseason buildup is the Tide’s offensive line. So far, it has not been close to what was expected and there is little indication that could suddenly change. Yes, the offensive line got the job done late against USF; a team that was No. 131 in Total Defense last season.
Next. Maybe Greg McElroy was right. dark
Talking about how Alabama football can finish the season can be discarded for now. All that matters is a week of work and progress that puts the Crimson Tide in a position to beat Ole Miss.