Reeling Alabama faces Missouri in a must-win this weekend following the devastating 24-17 loss to Tennessee. Coach Kalen DeBoer is in trouble. It is doubtful that he’s on the hot seat yet, but a fan base will start turning on him if they haven’t already. Any time you have multiple losses earlier than Nick Saban ever had in a season, you’re in trouble. The most frustrating part is it’s the same issues that keep occurring. Just like Alabama, Missouri hasn’t been impressive in multiple weeks. But the Tigers are still the country’s 21st-ranked team, and a loss to them ends the season.
Penalty Problems
One of Alabama’s biggest issues is too many penalties. Usually, that signifies a lack of composure, which ultimately falls on the head coach. In his press conference, DeBoer was asked if that was on him, and he gave a long-winded, convoluted answer that didn’t really address the question. But he did have a more clear response when asked about Kendrick Law’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in the game.
“The message continues to be with the team. It’s not just one. We gotta learn from those moments. Those moments are big. Our choices, our decisions, our words, our actions. I mean, all of those things. They have to be focused on what’s best for our team.” DeBoer said in his press conference this week.
That message doesn’t seem to be getting across. He needs to find a way to get through to them. But there also needs to be accountability from the players. They both need to be better. But until those things begin to change this team will play with one arm tied behind their backs.
Still Can’t Run
DeBoer spoke in last week’s press conference about the running game with Jam Miller and Justice Haynes feeling like it had taken a step in their South Carolina win. Against Tennessee, they combined for 64 yards on 20 carries. The inability to establish any consistent run game puts so much on your quarterback and the rest of the offense. It makes sustaining drives nearly impossible especially when this isn’t an offense predicated on quick, short passes.
One-Dimensional Milroe
The lack of a consistent run game puts Jalen Milroe in an unenviable situation. He must do everything for this offense. Miller and Haynes’ struggles have been evident. But a huge development over the last three games has been his inability to run. In Alabama’s first four games, he rushed 52 times for 273 yards, just over five yards per carry, and eight touchdowns. In the last three games, he’s only rushed for 57 yards on 39 carries, one-and-a-half yards per carry, and three touchdowns. He’s gone from one of the best rushers in the country to a non-factor. Teams are honing in on the run and forcing Bama to beat them with the pass.
The trickle-down of this issue changes the entire offense. When the running backs can’t get it going and the dual-threat quarterback is a single threat, the team is one-dimensional. Then desperation sets in and things like 20 targets for only eight catches to Ryan Williams happen. In addition, so does an increase in turnovers. In the last three games, Milroe has six. He’s been making more mistakes in key moments at key areas on the field. Feeling like you have to do everything makes you try to do too much.
Two Desperate Teams
Missouri knows how Alabama feels right now. The last few games for the Tigers have been rocky. Texas A&M destroyed them a few weeks ago before they beat up a lowly Massachusetts team. Last week, Auburn was up 17-3 on them in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Brady Cook returned from injury to lead the Tigers to a come-from-behind victory. Cook isn’t a star, but he’s a steady, efficient quarterback who has only thrown one interception this season. But he has also been listed as doubtful to play this week, which usually means he won’t. If he’s out, that’s devastating for Missouri.
Missouri’s backup is Drew Pyne, a senior who has played for Notre Dame and Arizona State. But he’s only had one season where he attempted more than 50 passes. He will have to rely on Luther Burden, who is arguably one of the best receivers in the country. His numbers aren’t eye-popping so far this year but he’s capable of taking over any game. The Tigers have a solid committee of running backs who can get yards. But their leading rusher, Nate Noel, is also doubtful. If Cook and Noel are out, that’s a huge advantage for Bama.
Stout Defense
The Tigers’ defense lost a lot of starters from last year and this was their main question coming into the season. But they have performed well giving up only 273 yards per game, ninth best in the country. That stems from only giving up 157 yards passing per game, also ninth-best in the country. They are a little more vulnerable against the run, allowing 115 yards per game which is outside the top 30. Overall they only give up 15 points per game. This will not be an easy task for Alabama’s inconsistent offense.
No More Excuses
Alabama has struggled in the run game so this could be a bad matchup or a get-right game. Milroe’s passing has been inconsistent so facing a very good pass defense is not ideal. But there can’t be any more excuses, especially if Cook and Noel don’t play. Alabama needs to beat Missouri, a team that barely beat Auburn last week with those two. A third loss and Alabama’s national championship hopes are officially over. And this team can start looking ahead to something they never do this early – next season.
