Every Monday we present Tide Takes, where we’ll get into a different topic on the Crimson Tide, break down the previous game, preview the upcoming game, and everything in between.
In this week’s edition, Alabama is fresh off its most complete half of football on the year, but the Crimson Tide cannot afford to keep starting the way they have been as it moves forward.
Let’s start with the good: After trailing 20-7 at halftime, Alabama pulled off its largest second-half comeback at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 25 years and largest under Nick Saban since the national championship game against Georgia in 2018.
On offense and defense, the Tide was phenomenal in the second half Saturday, scoring 27 unanswered points to earn their cigars and take down the Vols.
The bad news is that slow starts, especially on the offensive side of the ball, continue to plague this team.
When you can completely shut down a Tennessee offense in the second half, you can get away with starting your first four possessions with three punts and a fumble. But when Jayden Daniels and LSU’s high-flying offense come to town, Alabama has to bring it from the opening snap.
Sure, Alabama’s defense can limit the Tiger offense. But completely shutting down an offense that is averaging 47 points and more than 500 yards per game is just simply not realistic.
If Alabama puts itself in a hole early against LSU, it will be difficult to climb out. A fast start is going to be essential in this matchup.
The good news is that while the Tigers boast an elite offense, they are also giving up nearly 400 yards per game on defense and have shown a demonstrated lack of ability to stop the passing attack.
Alabama has two weeks to get ready for LSU, and Jalen Milroe must be ready to throw it around the yard in what looks like the biggest game of the season for the Crimson Tide.
Follow Michael Brauner on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP