Two concerns and one question for the Alabama Crimson Tide vs. South Carolina

Almost all the angst following the stunning Alabama Crimson Tide loss to Vanderbilt has been about Alabama's defense. Even without defensive adjustments and renewed focus, the Crimson Tide defense should play better against South Carolina. The reason is that the Gamecocks have a struggling offense. Based on average yards per play of total offense, South Carolina is No. 14 among SEC teams.

The minimal success of South Carolina's offense stands out after reviewing the Total Defense stats of three of the Gamecocks' five opponents. Again, based on yards per play, Old Dominion is No. 82 among FBS teams; LSU is No. 97, and Akron is No. 109. Kentucky is a respectable No. 44 and Ole Miss would be outstanding at No. 3, except for the Rebels' weak schedule.

The Alabama defense should have little trouble against South Carolina's offense.

Where Alabama might be vulnerable, in ways it was not against Vandy, is the Tide's offensive line versus the South Carolina defensive line and linebackers. The Gamecocks are good at pressuring quarterbacks, making sacks and tackles for a loss. The defensive weakness for the Gamecocks comes from their secondary. They will have little choice but to blitz Jalen Milroe often and aggressively attack Alabama's Zone Read.

Two Alabama Crimson Tide Concerns

Kadyn Proctor should do fine on the left side of the Tide o-line, but the right side could be a problem on Saturday. Elijah Pritchett has improved. At times, he is still challenged by speed rushers. How he performs is concern No. 1. Concern No. 2 is that Alabama will likely be forced to rotate its right guards again.

Alabama offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic says Jaeden Roberts is "in pain on a daily basis" and "playing through some things that I don't know most people would," Alabama has provided no more details about what Roberts is working through. Still, Alabama football insiders say Roberts has a couple of injury-related issues. Playing must not be slowing his recovery, but it is hard to imagine he is playing at anywhere near 100%. The Alabama staff has confidence in Geno VanDeMark, but rotating players in an offensive line can be problematic. It begs the question would it be better to rest Roberts and hopefully have him at 100% for the Tennessee game?

Alabama should be expected to bounce back from last week's loss, but a repeat of its early, offensive dazzle against Georgia is unlikely. What the Tide should gain is a solid win. It just may not be the get-well game Crimson Tide fans are hoping to see.

Note: team stats provided by cfbstats.com