It has been a frustrating season and a half for Alabama with Ryan Grubb as the offensive coordinator. The high moments, such as brilliance against Florida State and South Carolina, have been quickly replaced by the lows, as we saw in Knoxville against Tennessee.
After looking like the best offense in the country through five games, Alabama has mustered just 27 total points - three after halftime - in back-to-back losses to Georgia and Tennessee. The two games in which the Crimson Tide has played elite defensive teams, Grubb and the offense have been severely outclassed.
Alabama fans are already dreaming of who will ultimately replace Grubb next season. To his credit, he didn't run from the chatter and the fan frustration in the aftermath of the 26-10 loss to Tennessee.
"More questions than answers right now, and it starts with me," Grubb said during his weekly press conference. "I thought I had a good game plan. This isn't a point-the-finger-at-the-kids sort of day. I thought I had them ready, and I didn't.
"It's embarrassing. If I was a fan or supporter, I'd be pissed off too."
Ryan Grubb called Alabama's offensive output vs. Tennessee 'embarrassing'
I'll give credit where it's due: Grubb didn't run from this press conference. He didn't make a lot of excuses. He didn't throw players under the bus. He owned up to the shortcomings and put the poor offensive performance squarely on his shoulders.
That's the kind of accountability you can work with. The bigger question is whether that accountability is just for show or if we'll actually see a fundamental change in Grubb's game plan and play calling in the coming weeks.
He discussed putting Keelon Russell, whom he called the best QB in the country, in more favorable positions going forward. You can tell he was frustrated with himself for not helping the sophomore signal-caller out a bit more in a tough road environment. That's something that should have been obvious going in, but it's better late than never.
The season is not over yet. Alabama still has everything in front of them this season. They just don't have a margin for error anymore after back-to-back losses.
The Crimson Tide will face a talented opponent this week, but they have the added benefit of coming back home to Tuscaloosa. Alabama has to find a way to go get a win this weekend before a much-needed bye week prior to the stretch run of the season.
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