Once again, Alabama Football has a penalty problem

Last season, Alabama Football struggled mightily with ill-timed penalties, finishing with the fourth most penalty yards in the country. In the first half of week two against USF, penalties have once again reared their ugly head and grinded the Crimson Tide's offense to a stunning hault.

Alabama took a 14-6 lead to the half against the Bulls, but were called for 8-penalties for 60-yards. 7 of those penalties were called on the offensive line, producing -45 yards as a result. Two holding penalties were called on new starter Geno VanDeMark, who slid into the left guard spot with Tyler Booker kicking out to left tackle to replace the injured sophomore Kadyn Proctor.

Three holding penalties were called on right tackle Wilkin Formby, one of which was extremely costly. On 2nd-and-10 in the second quarter with just 2:27 remaining in the half, Jalen Milroe took a run to the right and broke a 74-yard touchdown that would have given the Crimson Tide a 15-point cushion late in the half. Unfortunately, Formby was called for a hold and Alabama would ultimately punt, one of four punt by James Burnip in the first half.

It's clear in the early going of the season that penalties could be an Achillies Heel for Kalen DeBoer and company. A new coaching staff doesn't appear to have fixed the issues that plagued the Tide last season. Now, massive early changes on the offensive line could be the impetus for the Tide's struggle.

Hopefully the return of Proctor soon will fix the glaring issues plaguing Alabama in the early going of the 2024 season.