ReliaQuest Bowl: Alabama's 3 Biggest Issues

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Post on Jan 01, 2025

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ReliaQuest Bowl: Alabama's 3 Biggest Issues

The ReliaQuest Bowl showcased a less-than-stellar performance from the Alabama Crimson Tide, resulting in a loss against Kansas State. While the game highlighted some positive aspects of the team's young talent, it also exposed three significant issues that need addressing before the next season. This isn't about blaming individuals, but rather identifying systemic weaknesses that need to be tackled strategically.

1. Inconsistent Offensive Line Play: This wasn't a new problem for Alabama in 2022, but it was glaringly apparent in the bowl game. The offensive line struggled with both pass and run blocking consistently throughout the game.

• Pass Protection Breakdown: The pressure on Jalen Milroe and other quarterbacks was relentless. Kansas State's defensive front consistently disrupted plays, leading to hurried throws, sacks, and ultimately, stalled drives. This lack of pocket protection significantly hampered the offensive rhythm and severely limited the team’s ability to effectively utilize its passing game.

• Run Blocking Ineffectiveness: Even when attempting to establish the run, the offensive line failed to create sufficient space for the running backs. This resulted in minimal rushing yards and an inability to control the clock, a crucial element of winning football games. The inability to run effectively also compounded the issues faced in the passing game, as teams can focus on defense without a fear of a strong rushing attack.

2. Defensive Vulnerability Against the Run: While Alabama's defense showed flashes of brilliance at times throughout the season, the ReliaQuest Bowl exposed a significant weakness in their run defense. Kansas State's running game dominated the line of scrimmage and controlled the pace of the game.

• Missed Tackles: A significant number of missed tackles allowed Kansas State's running backs to gain extra yards after contact. This consistent failure to bring down ball carriers led to extended drives and put immense pressure on the Alabama defense. The team's inability to secure tackles exhausted the defensive line, creating openings for more successful runs later in the game.

• Gap Assignments: The defense seemed to struggle with gap assignments, leading to open running lanes for the Wildcats. This highlights a need for improved defensive coaching and player execution in identifying and filling gaps quickly and effectively. This lack of cohesion allowed Kansas State's runners to exploit strategic gaps.

3. Lack of Explosive Offensive Plays: Alabama’s offense lacked the big-play potential that has been a hallmark of their program in the past. The team struggled to consistently create explosive plays through the air or on the ground, leading to a predictable and easily defended offense.

• Limited Deep Threats: The absence of consistent deep threats forced the offense into shorter, less-rewarding passing plays. The team lacked the explosive potential needed to open up the field and keep defenses honest. This predictable nature of the passing game allowed the Kansas State defense to focus heavily on stopping the run, further hindering Alabama's overall offensive performance.

• Play Calling Strategy: The play-calling needs further review. The game plan lacked the necessary adjustments to counter Kansas State's defensive strategies. Finding a balance between passing and running while maintaining offensive diversity needs to be a focus for the coaching staff moving forward.

Conclusion:

The ReliaQuest Bowl loss serves as a valuable learning experience for Alabama. Addressing the inconsistencies in the offensive line, improving the run defense, and creating more explosive offensive plays are crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season. While youth and inexperience played a role, these issues extend beyond individual player performance and demand a comprehensive coaching and strategic overhaul to reach their full potential. The coaching staff needs to address these concerns proactively during the off-season to build a more complete and competitive team.