Saturday's loss to Oklahoma stings, not because the Sooners dominated the Tide like last year, but because Alabama outplayed itself. The numbers don't lie: Alabama racked up 406 total yards to Oklahoma's 212, and held the ball for 34:28 of the game. Despite controlling most of the action, and maybe TOO much on their last drive, a trio of turnovers and a missed 36-yard field goal turned the tide. That's not luck, that's poor execution. So what needs to change in the next two weeks before Alabama plays for its season at Jordan-Hare?
The first and most important adjustment starts in the backfield. Daniel Hill should become Alabama's lead running back. With Jam Miller struggling since his concussion and not being able to break runs and be consistent running north/south, at least Hill can drag defenders for more yards. Hill seems to have stamina issues, though, which is warranted with how much contact the big-bodied back sustains over the game.
To spell Hill, it is time to give AK Dear a shot in the rotation. With Eastern Illinois coming up this week, DeBoer and Grubb should give him some meaningful reps. His blend of burst and grit could add a different dynamic to the running game. He might be the "lightning" to Hill's "thunder" when it comes to their styles. Giving Jam Miller a week off is not punishment. It is roster management; if you aren't producing results in practice or on the field, the next man on the roster is up. Miller could use the time to refocus, and maybe it would light a fire underneath him.
Ty Simpson showed flashes, and I still believe he is a top 3 quarterback in college football this year, but he missed some critical throws, which contributed to two turnovers. The turnover bug has been a problem for him these last couple of weeks. He made some tight window throws but seemed hesitant with Oklahoma's pass rush applying pressure and blitzes. Alabama doesn't need a flawless game from him, but they need better than how he played yesterday. Eastern Illinois will be a great "get right" game for him, and I would like to see him play as much as possible, even if Alabama gets out to a big lead.
Defensively, they were lights out. They got key stops and kept the momentum away from Oklahoma's offense. They tackled well and kept drives short for Oklahoma. The third-down defense was on fire, and Kane Wommack's unit did all it could to give the Tide offense chances. There are really no huge adjustments that need to be made here with this group. Over the last few weeks, they have become the bright spot of this team. Maybe just work on some hands and catching drills, so some of these dropped interceptions turn into returns and points.
Special teams and the kicking game? It may be too late in the season to fix it. The shouting match between Connor Talty and the long snapper was broadcast for all to see. Talty still needs to make that kick. Missing a 36-yard field goal in a tight game is more than a blemish; it is a missed chance to swing momentum and the lead into the half. After all, the Tide lost by two points. Before Will Reichard, many Saban teams struggled with kickers, and with Reichard in the NFL now, DeBoer shouldn't rely heavily on the kicking unit.
Eastern Illinois provides Alabama a perfect opportunity to work out the kinks
I'd also like to see Ryan Williams not returning punts and let Cole Adams carry those duties. The two-returner formation on punts was a new wrinkle that didn't seem to work out. Williams has taken a step back this year and, with his light frame, seems to be scared of contact. He has dropped passes, and the fumble on the punt return was one of the three turnovers that cost Alabama the game. Put Adams as the returner on punts, and launch that two-returner setup into the sun.
Oklahoma didn't dominate Alabama, but the Sooners still left with a win. That's what matters, though. The Tide gave them every chance to do so. Passes were inaccurate in key situations, three turnovers gave Oklahoma points and short fields, and the kicking game left points off the board. The fixes are there: tighten ball security, give Hill the lead role, let Dear get his shot, let Simpson gain some confidence this week, and work on special teams.
Clean up these areas with Eastern Illinois coming to Tuscaloosa, and be ready for the season on the line in the Iron Bowl. This isn't new for Alabama fans with championship aspirations on the line in the biggest rivalry in college football, but it will be for DeBoer. The team needs to get ready against EIU and then be ready for the biggest game of the season.