You heard it here, or maybe you didn’t if it’s your first time visiting our site, but if you need a referesher here is the blog:
If you read the article, the best case scenario is 11-1, with the worst case scenario being 9-3. After seeing what the Tide did against Texas, looks like worst case scenario. So, why was this loss so bad? Here’s why:
Alabama Loss IN Tuscaloosa
The answer is 52-1, what’s the question? That’s Alabama’s record at home over the last 53 games. The last time the Tide lost at home was against LSU in 2019 who eventually went on to win the National Championship. Well, Quinn Ewers is not Joe Burrow and Jalen Milroe is definitely not Tua.
This Texas team finished 8-5 overall this year and a 10-2 record would be a good year for them. They’re talented, they have a tremendous upside, but I don’t see them holding up the Dr. Pepper trophy at the end of the year. On paper, Alabama is the better football team. So, why the loss? Two things, Jalen Milroe and Jase McClellan.
Alabama’s Lack of a Running Game
Last week, I posted a video on Youtube labeling Alabama as the ‘GOOD’ for Week 1. I stand behind that. However, since it has 0 views, let me explain my concern from last week’s win. Jalen Milroe was the team’s leading rusher followed by Jase McClellan with only 38 yards. Well, same story different team. This week McClellan led the team with 45 yards rushing. They’re inablity to run the football put the offense completely on the shoulders of Jalen Milroe, which is a lot to ask for a first year starters. He fell short.
Milroe Falls Short
Last week, we saw Jalen Milroe pass when the pass was there and when it wasn’t there, he tucked the football and moved forward. Well this week, it seemed as though his first instinct was to move. It was pretty rare for him to stay in the pocket and Texas was able to get pressure on him. So, what we saw in the 4th quarter was Jalen Milroe basically had one read and forced the throw, held it too long and took a sack, or managed to get a few yards on the ground. His two interceptions were a result of him simply not seeing the field and throwing it into double coverage.
What Does This Mean for Bama?
Is this an isolated incident or is this something that we will continue to see as long as Milroe is under center? In my humble opinion, this isn’t something that’s going to get fixed in the next few weeks. Running the football is their first priority to take pressure off Milroe, but his issues are something that is going to take time to correct to the point that he is what Bama fans want to see at quarterback.
If you’re expecting to see a Bryce Young type performance, maybe don’t hold your breath. This season, it’s going to be more important than ever for Alabama to establish a running game and take some pressure of their quarterback. If they do that, they could still see themselves in Atlanta. If they don’t do that, three losses would be a good year for them.