The Good, Bad, and Ugly from Alabama’s Win Over South Carolina

Another week of Alabama football has passed, and what were the Good, Bad, and Ugly from Alabama's 27-25 victory over South Carolina? Here is Ryan Fowler's perspective of the game!

Get our free mobile app

Good

Alabama's win against South Carolina is the most significant positive from the game. However, the overall feeling was more like a loss than a win. Alabama managed to create some turnovers, which ultimately made the difference in the game. It's clear that the team is a work in progress in the current chaotic college football landscape. While this may allow for some margin of error, survival seems to be the new term in college football. Despite this, the pathway to the playoffs is still open due to the expansion and current status of college football.

During the game, Domani Jackson sustained an injury but was able to return and make a potentially game-saving interception. Keon Sabb led the team with 12 tackles, 7 of which were solo tackles. LT Overton continues to be a consistent player on the defense, which is still trying to establish its identity.

Bad

The Crimson Tide came into Saturday ranked 115th in college football in penalty yards per game. This is still a problem for the team. I understand that these are just growing pains for a team that has a lot of youth, but these mistakes need more attention. These penalties seem to occur at crucial moments in the game when it looked like Alabama was about to gain momentum.

Alabama lacked rhythm again on offense, partly because of the struggles in pass protection from the offensive line. Kendrick Law is missed in the blocking department, hopefully, he gets back soon. Alabama’s rushing attack is lacking, including Milroe’s rushing statistics. The Tide only averaged 2.7 yards per attempt. South Carolina created a lot of pressure on Milroe and ended the day with four sacks, creating some real problems.

Ugly

I've reserved judgment on Alabama’s defense, as I understand that this unit is a work in progress. However, this defense seems to lack the toughness that is typically associated with Crimson Tide defenses. Describing them as "soft" is a term often overused in college

football, but I can't think of another adjective. This unit lacks the toughness required to play elite defense or at least up to the Alabama standard. Who is the standout player on the Crimson Tide defense that opposing offenses must watch out for on every play? They don’t seem to have one, or at least not through six games. This lack of identity on that side of the ball leaves me speechless, especially considering that this unit has some young talent, as well as players who should be performing better. The defensive line was expected to be a strength coming into the season, but at this point, it's lacking in a big way. Perhaps their confidence has been shattered in the last 10 quarters, I know mine has been dwindling as I watch this unit.

These are just some of my comments on the Alabama vs. South Carolina game, I will share more tomorrow starting at 2 pm on The Game with Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9 and online at Tide1009.com. I am always excited to hear your opinions and analysis every Monday as we present the Good, Bad, and Ugly sponsored by Daniel Moore Art which creates some great conversations.