TIDE WINS BIG, BUT...

        Light your torches. I fully expect many of you to flame me again. After five games it is clear that Alabama has some serious defensive problems. The only real question Tide fans need to concern themselves with is whether Tua and company can outscore every team on the schedule.

        Hats off to offense once again. Tua Tagovailoa had another afternoon that showed the nation what a great quarterback plays for Alabama. Despite the fact, that Devonta Smith, one of the Four Amigos, setting receiving records for touchdown passes in a game, an uneasiness won’t about this team won’t go away. The defense isn’t even average.  The defense is simply bad.

       It isn’t just the linebackers who are young and lost.  The defensive line isn’t playing well. Anferee Jennings had an outstanding day. Finally, Raekwon Davis looked better. Despite those two having 17 tackles between them, the Ole Miss Rebels ran the ball for 276 yards. The Rebels had 476 total yards for the day including 25 first downs.  Alabama gave up 88 offensive plays. I don’t care how much Crimson Kool-Ade you drink, those are unacceptable for a team who wants to win another National Championship.

      I thought the defensive backs played well. The Rebels outfought Tide defenders for a couple of jump ball passes but any team will lose some of those. The defense gave up far too many yards to a   freshman quarterback who merely kept the ball and attacked the edges of the Tide defense. Alabama is now 5-0 on the season. Luckily, the Tide has an open date next week to see if some of the problems can be addressed. Perhaps all college defenses are a dying breed. The offenses have been given too many advantages by the rules committee. Or perhaps, Alabama doesn’t have a defense that can stop anyone. Let’s be honest. The Tide has played five bad football teams. The good teams are coming up. LSU and Auburn are coming up. Texas A&M is on the road, and Kellen Mond is a dual-threat quarterback. I don’t even know if Alabama will make it to the SEC Championship game unless the defense steps it up. I think the defense can get better. I hope the offensive line improves. 

     Still, it seems to me that the best hope for Bama is that offense just keeps it up. So, I'll continue to worry about the defense. I'll continue to marvel about the Tua and his wide-out buddies. Let's just hope that no opposing offense comes up with a scheme. to stop the Tide. Let's hope the defense can find some true grit.