It’s finally here, the thing everyone has been waiting for. Week one of college football is here, and it did not disappoint. With Alabama struggling early in their 127th season opener, there’s a lot to react to, so let’s take a look in my Alabama vs Duke recap.
O-Line Struggles Early
During the first drive, one thing became clear: this is not a usual Alabama line. The days of an all-time line in front of AJ McCarron are long gone. Tua was hit often, and at times, running for his life. While Tua made some impressive throws while getting hit, the five men up front need to protect him better. Tua had to run to keep drives alive, which leads me to my second point.
Tua was playing physical, which is not a good thing
This Alabama team will live and die by Tagovailoa. If he stays healthy and plays up to his potential, this team will be almost impossible to beat. However, if he gets hurt, this team is screwed. That is nothing against Mac Jones or Taulia Tagovailoa, but Tua has the skill set and experience to lead this team to immortality. If the line doesn’t hold up and Tua gets injured, the Tide is in store for a disappointing season. Seeing Tua come out without a brace is a great sign, meaning his injuries from last season should not be an issue, but they should be in the back of every Bama fan (and coaches’) mind.
Suspended Players Give Bama a Boost
While the score tied at zero after the first quarter was partially due to the offensive line being more ineffective than the Maginot Line, Alabama’s four suspended players also caused issues. RBs Najee Harris and Brian Robinson, LB Terrell Lewis, and WR DeVonta Smith were all suspended to start the game. The first three were suspended for missing a team function, and It was not announced why Smith was suspended. The improved ground game with Harris and Robinson helped lift the tide, while Smith finished with five receptions for 54 yards and a TD. While the defense didn’t need help, Lewis did set the tone with a big sack soon entering the game.
The Tide’s Defensive Issues
You might see this heading and think, “Kevin, stop being so pessimistic, Alabama only gave up 97 passing yards and 115 rushing yards while getting two INTs,” and you’d be right. Remember though, this is Duke, and Quentin Harris sat behind DANIEL JONES. Clearly he has a great career ahead of him as owner of a sporting goods wholesale company. Imagine this was Jake Fromm or Trevor Lawrence, and you’d see my point: the secondary did not look great. Specifically when the ball was in the air, the DBs did not turn around. They got away with it once early, but got a pass interference call for doing the same thing in the endzone.
Final Thoughts
Alabama played well, but not great. While they did cover (congrats Brandon, you got at least one right), that was due to a late 37 yard run by Jerome Ford for a TD (handed off by Taulia Tagovailoa). Luckily, Alabama has over a month until their first real test when they head to College Station to play the (currently) 12th ranked Aggies.
And there you have it, my somewhat pessimistic Alabama vs Duke recap. Think I’m too down on the Tide? Let me know on twitter @BellyUpKev, and make sure to follow @BellyUpCFB to keep up to date on the college football season.
