Alabama fans, myself included, have caught ourselves saying "It's a four-quarter game," or " Still got another half of football." In reality, the first two drives watching the offense will tell fans all they need to know about how the game will go.
This season, Alabama has not been a second-half team, with most of the damage by the offense coming in the first half. Yet, fans still convince themselves a comeback is possible. Friday won't be any different. The game won't be decided in the first quarter, but fans will have that pit in their stomach if the offense doesn't start fast.
Getting off to a fast start will be pivotal for Alabama vs. Oklahoma
The first drive is scripted. It is practiced over and over again. This is where DeBoer and Grubb will show their hand. Fans will be watching intently to see how this offense has been revamped over the bye week. Is the plan to start fast or wait until the play clock bleeds down? Will the Tide try to get a deep passing game going and take a shot, or will they try to establish the run? Is the offense going to stretch the Oklahoma defense or let them settle in and get comfortable? The Tide needs to start fast, put stress on the Oklahoma offense, and score early. A three-and-out happens, and fans will start thinking back to the SEC Championship game.
The second drive is where the Tide needs to roll. They have already seen Oklahoma's defense, and now it is time to improve and adjust. OU's defense has also seen the script and will adjust. Fans should anticipate quicker throws to get the ball out of Simpson's hand quickly against the vaunted pass rush. Putting receivers into motion will provide the Tide offense with a boost against Oklahoma's secondary as well and help Simpson read the defense.
If Oklahoma scored on its first drive, the second drive for Alabama is a time when they need to answer. If Alabama comes out again, checking to the sideline, snapping the ball late, looking unsure, fans should buckle up. If Simpson's feet are set and the offense looks like they are playing with pace and purpose, the offense capitalized on the extra preparation and is ready to roll.
Alabama can survive ugly football against lesser teams. Fans saw this versus Auburn. Against good defenses, ugly turns into dangerous real fast. The opening drives will show whether Alabama plans to dictate the game or react. Alabama can't afford to play from behind and feed into the crowd during the game. This isn't about points but about body language. Are they playing loose or tight? Does Simpson look confident, or does he have happy feet and is moving around a muddy pocket? Fans want to see the Tide strike fast and quick if there is hope for a deep playoff run.
By the second offensive drive from Alabama, fans will know whether they will be kicking off their weekend with a win and waking up Saturday morning from dreams of a deep playoff run or if the offensive nightmare from the SEC Championship game will be relived. If the Tide plays fast, attacks early, trusts their talent, and transfers their offensive pressure onto Oklahoma's, Friday could feel like an offensive reset for the Tide. If they hesitate, stall out, or play from behind, it will be a long night filled with "just one more adjustment" optimism.