Remembering that one Fall Camp scrimmage does not define a season is good advice for Alabama Crimson Tide fans. Based on the opinions of scrimmage guests, the Alabama offensive line took some lumps in Thursday's first scrimmage. After the scrimmage, Kalen DeBoer said the offensive line performed better later in the scrimmage after a rough start.
Kalen DeBoer's post-scrimmage review of the Tide's offensive line included succinct praise for Alabama's defensive line performance: "Our defensive line does a nice job."
Given Alabama's offensive line weaknesses in recent seasons, Crimson Tide fans have reason to be concerned. But the first scrimmage may not signal a return to O-line woes. No matter how talented, any offensive line with four new starters is going to struggle to develop cohesion. Another reason is that the Tide's new offensive linemen battled against what might be one of college football's best defensive fronts.
Phil Steele, in his annual massive summer preview, rated Alabama opponents, Georgia, South Carolina, and LSU as having better defensive lines than Alabama. Only Georgia was ranked significantly higher at No. 9, compared to Alabama at No. 18. Former Alabama player Christian Miller has been bullish about the Tide's defense throughout the offseason. As a scrimmage observer, he gave the Alabama d-line a thumbs-up.
Alabama defense can carry the Crimson Tide a long way
Bill Connelly's recent SP+ update has Alabama at No. 13 nationally. Connelly has five SEC teams ranked above the Crimson Tide. His defense rankings show real strength for the Crimson Tide. Alabama's SP+ defensive ranking is No. 6 across all FBS teams. Alabama's only opponents with higher defensive rankings are LSU, No. 3, and Georgia, No. 5.
Based on the SP+ rankings, the projected defensive strength of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU is almost equal. Which could mean Alabama's offensive line is practicing and scrimmaging against one of college football's best defensive front sevens.
Lack of returning production lowers Alabama's offensive SP+ ranking to No. 33. The Crimson Tide offense should rapidly improve as it works its way to a 5-0 start. The SP+ highest-ranked opposing defenses in the first five games are South Carolina at No. 21, Florida State at No. 30, and Kentucky at No. 34. Alabama's offense might not sizzle in those early games. Still, it should make rapid progress against defenses not as stout as the one it faces in every practice.
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