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Five questions heading into Alabama vs. Colorado State
Tony Tsoukalas | Alabama team writer
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) looks down field against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | USA Today
Playing in its final tune-up before SEC play cranks up next week, No. 1 Alabama (2-0) will host Colorado State (2-1) Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. Last week, the Crimson Tide was able to show some improvements on offense in a 41-10 victory over Fresno State. However, the game still revealed some areas where Alabama needs work.
Colorado State should offer a better test than Fresno State. The Rams come into Bryant-Denny Stadium after beating FCS opponent Abilene Christian 38-10 last week. Colorado State also beat Pac-12 opponent Oregon State 58-27 in its season opener. Led by a dangerous passing attack, Colorado State is ranked No. 22 in the nation in total offense, averaging 509 yards per game.
Here are five questions to consider heading into the rest of the week:
Will Alabama develop more of a downfield passing game?
A career-best rushing performance from starting quarterback Jalen Hurts last week did little to quell the fears of an Alabama fan base paranoid over potential roadblocks. Hurts rushed for a team-high 154 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries against Fresno State. He also completed 14 of his 18 passes for 128 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.
So what’s the concern surrounding the sophomore quarterback?
Those looking for a negative on Hurts’ performance will point to the fact that only two of his completions traveled 10 or more yards in the air before reaching a receiver. Alabama set up several screen passes and quick routes early on. Hurts’ longest pass came when he hit a wide-open Hale Hentges for a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
According to head coach Nick Saban, the Tide’s conservative play calling has more to do with the circumstances surrounding the game than it does his quarterback’s ability as a passer. Saban said Alabama had plays drawn up to attack Fresno State deep last week but was unable to execute them due to problems in pass protection.
“There's certain things that we need to improve on as a team in the passing game, and that's something that we'll work hard on,” Saban said. “The things that we did in the short, quick passes are things that complement our running game and complement what we do on offense, and I think it makes our offense more effective when we can do these things. They're things that hopefully we'll be able to continue to do successfully in the future."
Can the offensive line fix its problems?
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) congratulates offensive lineman Jedrick Wills after the offense scored against Fresno State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | USA Today
Speaking of providing better protection, Alabama will look to find more improvement from its offensive line in Week 3. While the Tide showed an inability to provide enough protection in the passing game at times, it offered enough push to allow Alabama to rush for 305 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
“I think we’re doing good. I think we need to continue to grow,” Alabama offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher said. “I think from Week 1 to Week 2 we made some good improvements. I think as Coach Saban has been saying, it’s just one little thing away, whether it’s one guy finishing his block or whatnot from being a moderate gain to a big, explosive play.”
Alabama had five plays of 20-yards or more against Fresno State, two through the air and three on the ground. However, after watching film, Saban said he counted more than a handful of times where his team was on the verge of coming up big.
“I think that the offensive line did a better job in this game,” Saban said. “When I talk about finishing plays, there were probably seven plays that if we have a hat on a hat, that if we finish one block, that play would be significantly more successful and maybe even an explosive, big play. When I talk about finishing, I think that’s what we need to do.”
One big positive for Alabama was the play of redshirt sophomore right tackle Matt Womack, who earned SEC Offensive Lineman of Week honors Monday. Womack did not allow a sack or quarterback hurry and graded out at 90 percent while recording three knockdown blocks against Fresno State.
“I think he’s a guy who has been trying really hard, been taking it seriously,” Pierschbacher said. “And for a guy to get a good accolade like that it will boost his confidence and he’ll continue to grow and become a better player.”
Will Alabama improve on last week’s pass-rushing performance?
Fresno State Bulldogs offensive lineman David Patterson (78) blocks Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Christopher Allen (4) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | USA Today
Alabama mustered up just one sack and two quarterback hurries last week against a far inferior Fresno State offensive line. That stat is somewhat deceiving, considering the Bulldogs’ emphasis on getting the ball out early in the passing game. It also didn’t help that Alabama was without its top pass rushers in Christian Miller (biceps), Rashaan Evans (groin), Anfernee Jennings (ankle) and Terrell Lewis (elbow). Still, Alabama’s front seven holds itself to an elite standard and will be looking for much more production this week.
“I think it was a great learning experience for a lot of young guys,” Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne said. “We got a chance to play a lot of players, and just improve from the week before that's game. We just need to keep improving.”
This week, Alabama will be up against a Colorado State offensive line that has allowed just two sacks in three games. The Tide will need to provide pressure in order to disrupt Rams quarterback Nick Stevens, who has already passed for 980 yards with six touchdowns.
"I think it's just more of an 'us' thing,” Payne said. “We're just trying to become better as a team and try to improve every practice."
What’s the progress report on Alabama’s freshman playmakers?
Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy breaks away from a defender after recording a catch last week. Photo | Alabama Athletics
Last week saw several freshmen make their mark on offense. Najee Harris led way, topping all Alabama running backs with 70 yards on 13 carries.
The game also saw quarterback Tua Tagovailoa make his college debut, completing 6 of 9 passes for 64 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown pass to fellow freshman Henry Ruggs. On top of his solid performance, the freshman gained vital experience, something that might come in handy if Hurts was to go down to injury later in the season.
“Tua is always willing to learn, he’s always watching, asking me questions,” Hurts said. “Whatever it is, he’s always trying to learn and better his game. And I always tell him, I told him before the Florida State game — Mac Jones included — I told them, I said, ‘Anything can happen, so just be ready to play.’ When your phone rings, if it rings at all, you’ve got to answer it.”
Ruggs was the first of Alabama’s talented freshmen receivers to record a touchdown this season, while Jerry Jeudy recorded his first reception on an 8-yard catch. DeVonta Smith has yet to record any stats but has seen significant playing time in both of Alabama’s games this season.
“Just know that, they're some great players,” Alabama receiver Cam Sims said of the trio. “They can do anything. Slot receivers, outside receivers, make a dude miss, go over the top of somebody. Man, look better than me when I was a freshman."
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) works to control a loose ball during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Photo | USA Today
Can Alabama remain turnover free?
The trend for much of last season was Alabama’s uncanny ability to score points off of turnovers. While the Tide has yet to score a non-offensive touchdown this year, its ability to hold on to the ball has been equally impressive.
Last year only eight teams put the ball on the ground more than Alabama, as the Tide fumbled the ball 26 times while giving up possession 10 times. Through two games this season, Alabama has only fumbled the ball one time, recovering its lone mistake. Even better, the Tide has yet to give up the ball at all, as neither Hurts nor Tagovailoa has thrown an interception.
Heading into Saturday’s game, Alabama is tied for No. 5 in the nation with a plus four turnover margin after intercepting three passes and recovering a fumble over its first two games.
“We really emphasize taking care of the ball on offense,” Saban said. “Turnover margin, turnover ratio, whatever you want to call it is one of the most significant statistics in winning and losing. And hopefully, we can continue to do a good job of taking care of the ball.”
BamaInsider.com - Five questions heading into Alabama vs. Colorado State
Tony Tsoukalas | Alabama team writer
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) looks down field against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | USA Today
Playing in its final tune-up before SEC play cranks up next week, No. 1 Alabama (2-0) will host Colorado State (2-1) Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. Last week, the Crimson Tide was able to show some improvements on offense in a 41-10 victory over Fresno State. However, the game still revealed some areas where Alabama needs work.
Colorado State should offer a better test than Fresno State. The Rams come into Bryant-Denny Stadium after beating FCS opponent Abilene Christian 38-10 last week. Colorado State also beat Pac-12 opponent Oregon State 58-27 in its season opener. Led by a dangerous passing attack, Colorado State is ranked No. 22 in the nation in total offense, averaging 509 yards per game.
Here are five questions to consider heading into the rest of the week:
Will Alabama develop more of a downfield passing game?
A career-best rushing performance from starting quarterback Jalen Hurts last week did little to quell the fears of an Alabama fan base paranoid over potential roadblocks. Hurts rushed for a team-high 154 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries against Fresno State. He also completed 14 of his 18 passes for 128 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.
So what’s the concern surrounding the sophomore quarterback?
Those looking for a negative on Hurts’ performance will point to the fact that only two of his completions traveled 10 or more yards in the air before reaching a receiver. Alabama set up several screen passes and quick routes early on. Hurts’ longest pass came when he hit a wide-open Hale Hentges for a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
According to head coach Nick Saban, the Tide’s conservative play calling has more to do with the circumstances surrounding the game than it does his quarterback’s ability as a passer. Saban said Alabama had plays drawn up to attack Fresno State deep last week but was unable to execute them due to problems in pass protection.
“There's certain things that we need to improve on as a team in the passing game, and that's something that we'll work hard on,” Saban said. “The things that we did in the short, quick passes are things that complement our running game and complement what we do on offense, and I think it makes our offense more effective when we can do these things. They're things that hopefully we'll be able to continue to do successfully in the future."
Can the offensive line fix its problems?
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) congratulates offensive lineman Jedrick Wills after the offense scored against Fresno State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | USA Today
Speaking of providing better protection, Alabama will look to find more improvement from its offensive line in Week 3. While the Tide showed an inability to provide enough protection in the passing game at times, it offered enough push to allow Alabama to rush for 305 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
“I think we’re doing good. I think we need to continue to grow,” Alabama offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher said. “I think from Week 1 to Week 2 we made some good improvements. I think as Coach Saban has been saying, it’s just one little thing away, whether it’s one guy finishing his block or whatnot from being a moderate gain to a big, explosive play.”
Alabama had five plays of 20-yards or more against Fresno State, two through the air and three on the ground. However, after watching film, Saban said he counted more than a handful of times where his team was on the verge of coming up big.
“I think that the offensive line did a better job in this game,” Saban said. “When I talk about finishing plays, there were probably seven plays that if we have a hat on a hat, that if we finish one block, that play would be significantly more successful and maybe even an explosive, big play. When I talk about finishing, I think that’s what we need to do.”
One big positive for Alabama was the play of redshirt sophomore right tackle Matt Womack, who earned SEC Offensive Lineman of Week honors Monday. Womack did not allow a sack or quarterback hurry and graded out at 90 percent while recording three knockdown blocks against Fresno State.
“I think he’s a guy who has been trying really hard, been taking it seriously,” Pierschbacher said. “And for a guy to get a good accolade like that it will boost his confidence and he’ll continue to grow and become a better player.”
Will Alabama improve on last week’s pass-rushing performance?
Fresno State Bulldogs offensive lineman David Patterson (78) blocks Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Christopher Allen (4) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | USA Today
Alabama mustered up just one sack and two quarterback hurries last week against a far inferior Fresno State offensive line. That stat is somewhat deceiving, considering the Bulldogs’ emphasis on getting the ball out early in the passing game. It also didn’t help that Alabama was without its top pass rushers in Christian Miller (biceps), Rashaan Evans (groin), Anfernee Jennings (ankle) and Terrell Lewis (elbow). Still, Alabama’s front seven holds itself to an elite standard and will be looking for much more production this week.
“I think it was a great learning experience for a lot of young guys,” Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne said. “We got a chance to play a lot of players, and just improve from the week before that's game. We just need to keep improving.”
This week, Alabama will be up against a Colorado State offensive line that has allowed just two sacks in three games. The Tide will need to provide pressure in order to disrupt Rams quarterback Nick Stevens, who has already passed for 980 yards with six touchdowns.
"I think it's just more of an 'us' thing,” Payne said. “We're just trying to become better as a team and try to improve every practice."
What’s the progress report on Alabama’s freshman playmakers?
Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy breaks away from a defender after recording a catch last week. Photo | Alabama Athletics
Last week saw several freshmen make their mark on offense. Najee Harris led way, topping all Alabama running backs with 70 yards on 13 carries.
The game also saw quarterback Tua Tagovailoa make his college debut, completing 6 of 9 passes for 64 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown pass to fellow freshman Henry Ruggs. On top of his solid performance, the freshman gained vital experience, something that might come in handy if Hurts was to go down to injury later in the season.
“Tua is always willing to learn, he’s always watching, asking me questions,” Hurts said. “Whatever it is, he’s always trying to learn and better his game. And I always tell him, I told him before the Florida State game — Mac Jones included — I told them, I said, ‘Anything can happen, so just be ready to play.’ When your phone rings, if it rings at all, you’ve got to answer it.”
Ruggs was the first of Alabama’s talented freshmen receivers to record a touchdown this season, while Jerry Jeudy recorded his first reception on an 8-yard catch. DeVonta Smith has yet to record any stats but has seen significant playing time in both of Alabama’s games this season.
“Just know that, they're some great players,” Alabama receiver Cam Sims said of the trio. “They can do anything. Slot receivers, outside receivers, make a dude miss, go over the top of somebody. Man, look better than me when I was a freshman."
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) works to control a loose ball during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Photo | USA Today
Can Alabama remain turnover free?
The trend for much of last season was Alabama’s uncanny ability to score points off of turnovers. While the Tide has yet to score a non-offensive touchdown this year, its ability to hold on to the ball has been equally impressive.
Last year only eight teams put the ball on the ground more than Alabama, as the Tide fumbled the ball 26 times while giving up possession 10 times. Through two games this season, Alabama has only fumbled the ball one time, recovering its lone mistake. Even better, the Tide has yet to give up the ball at all, as neither Hurts nor Tagovailoa has thrown an interception.
Heading into Saturday’s game, Alabama is tied for No. 5 in the nation with a plus four turnover margin after intercepting three passes and recovering a fumble over its first two games.
“We really emphasize taking care of the ball on offense,” Saban said. “Turnover margin, turnover ratio, whatever you want to call it is one of the most significant statistics in winning and losing. And hopefully, we can continue to do a good job of taking care of the ball.”
BamaInsider.com - Five questions heading into Alabama vs. Colorado State
