Alabama fans came away from Week 3's win over Florida State with mixed feelings. On one hand, the offense got rolling, and the light appeared to click on for star sophomore QB Keelon Russell, who was terrific in leading the offense to nine straight scoring drives and putting 50 points on the board.
On the other hand, a defense that many believed was one of the best in the country looked highly flawed. A Florida State offense with some real issues managed close to 500 yards and 36 points. It was a disappointing effort, one that DC Kane Wommack didn't mince his words about during his Monday press conference.
Simply put, Alabama has a lot to fix this week heading into Week 4 against South Carolina. If they can't get them fixed in practice, then this weekend's game could be dicier than it has any business being.
1. Alabama must avoid another slow start and digging another major hole
The final results of the last two games are hard to complain about: a four-touchdown road win over Kentucky and a two-touchdown home win over Florida State. But the beginnings of each game were frustrating, and saw the Crimson Tide having to play from behind after coming out with an uninspired performance out of the locker room.
Alabama had to rally from a four-point halftime deficit in Week 2 at Kentucky. Last weekend was worse, with the Tide falling behind 21-6 late in the second quarter against Florida State. With the brutal schedule that lies ahead, Alabama needs to leave the slow starts in the past. Because they are about to play some teams that will not be nearly as forgiving as the last two.
That starts with a desperate South Carolina team that needs a marquee win in the worst way.
2. Alabama's defense has to limit the explosive plays
With LaNorris Sellers at QB and talented receivers like Donovan Murphy and Nyck Harbor, the Gamecocks are capable of making explosive plays in the passing game. Against Florida State in Week 3, Wommack's defense gave up nine plays that went for 20+ yards.
That can't continue.
This Alabama secondary is too talented to have coverage busts that leave guys this open. Now, some of what Florida State did was just a mega-talented WR in Duce Robinson winning one-on-one battles. But some of the big plays certainly could have been prevented.
Wommack said on Monday that the defense was pissed off after their performance against the Seminoles. Hopefully that will carry over throughout the week of practice and into Saturday's matchup with the Gamecocks.
3. Alabama needs to win the third-down battle
Alabama looked to have a significant edge on third down heading into last weekend's game against FSU. Instead, the Seminoles won the battle. Alabama's offense went just 4-of-12 on third down, while Florida State converted 8-of-15.
The battle on third down will be pivotal against South Carolina. They can be an immensely challenging team to get off the field when they have the ball due to the athletic ability of Sellers. He has to be accounted for in those situations.
If Alabama wants to avoid a shootout, then the defense is going to have to take advantage of any and all opportunities to get off the field. On the other side, the Tide's offense needs to avoid getting behind the sticks and making third-down conversions more difficult than they need to be.
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