Alabama fans demanded change to the depth chart after last week's lackluster effort and subsequent two-touchdown loss to Florida State in Tallahassee. The level of effort some players gave a week ago couldn't be allowed to stand. As Nick Saban said this week - the bench is a powerful tool.
It looks like Kalen DeBoer is ready to utilize it.
Speaking on Paul Finebaum's show on Friday, Jordan Rodgers, who will be on the SEC Network broadcast for Alabama's home opener against UL Monroe tonight, stated that after talking to the coaches, he expects some changes in the two-deep.
“There will be some new pieces you’re gonna see," Rodgers said. “The offensive line, all five starters from last week, didn’t rotate out of the game. You’re going to see a few more guys rotate into that lineup to help out. You’re gonna see a few more guys rotate into positions on the outside and other spots. There’s going to be some new faces.
“What I took away from that call with Kalen DeBoer is competition is going to breed and bring out the best in this team. They’re going to be more competitive, the intensity is going to be there. The passion is going to be ramped up.”
Kalen DeBoer has no choice but to make changes after last week
DeBoer has no real choice but to make some changes and hope that the bench works as a motivator. There should be open competition at quite a few spots.
The effort level wasn't poor on the offensive line, but the level of play wasn't good enough, either. On six rushing plays to the right side against Florida State, Alabama managed 12 net yards. I would expect, with Jaeden Roberts cleared to play, he'll rotate in pretty early at right guard. I also expect freshman Michael Carroll to get some early work at right tackle in place of Wilkin Formby. Carroll can bring a nasty streak that the Tide needs up front.
Rotation at WR probably depends on Ryan Williams' availability. But I do believe with Alabama searching for explosive plays in the passing game, freshman WR Lotzeir Books to get a longer look this week. He brings a big-play ability that the offense lacked a week ago.
There's also a belief that freshman QB Keelon Russell might get an extended look, but that's probaby contingent on Alabama starting pretty fast and building an early lead.
Defensively, it'll be interesting. I think there's a fair argument to be made that Kane Wommack rotates too many guys. But something has to give at LB - all three of the veterans, Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green, looked lost a week ago.
In the secondary, I would anticipate someone else starting at safety in place of Bray Hubbard. Hubbard received the most flak on social media for his effort, with numerous clips of him loafing going viral. Zay Mincey, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., or freshman Ivan Taylor may get a legitimate opportunity on the back end.
This has been a week of soul-searching in Tuscaloosa. Tonight we'll see if it bears any fruit.