Alabama's defense will be without Nick Saban. That attack may not.
These are my 10 words after watching A-Day on a beautiful Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where 72,358 fans gathered to welcome new football coach Karen DeBoer.
Defensively, we noticed the absence of Caleb Downs, Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Now, on the bright side, quarterback Jalen Milroe and reserve Ty Simpson took advantage of the defense throughout the early possessions.
I'm reluctant to put too much emphasis on the spring game, but this scrimmage showed how the combination of Milroe and DeBoer can improve Alabama's scoring output. The Tide averaged 34 points last season, their lowest scoring total since 2009.
Alternatively, A-Day should serve as a rallying cry for defensive players entering the transfer portal. “We’re looking for help in Alabama.” That side of the ball wasn't up to the standards Saban established.
Here's my assessment of the day:
What I liked about Alabama football on A-Day.
1. The offense showed big-play ability. On the fourth play of scrimmage, Milroe enjoyed a good snap and a comfortable pocket (imagine what happened last season), giving Jermie Bernard a 35-yard strike. Bernard caught a pass in front of Malachi Moore. It wasn't even the best relationship for them. Bernard took out freshman defensive back Xavian Brown on a corner route across the field, and Milroe took out Bernard in stride with a nice throw. Bernard was Washington's No. 4 receiver last year. You wouldn't know that from A-Day. He emerged as a likely target.
2. Jam Miller stakes his claim as a bell cow tailback. For two years, I've been itching to see more of Miller. A combination of size and quickness, he proved his ability in the final game of his freshman season, gaining 44 yards on three carries in a bowl win over Kansas State. However, Jace McClellan and Roydell Williams hindered his playing time last season. With those two backs gone, Alabama might be better off with Miller. On A-Day, he saw a hole and hit it with authority. He earned game MVP honors and made a bold declaration afterwards. “We're going to be the No. 1 running back room in the country, believe me,” he told reporters. He got my attention.
3. What about its offensive line? A-Day pass protection isn't the equivalent of stopping Georgia's Mikel Williams from going 3-for-8 in September. Despite this, Alabama's line consistently opened up running lanes and gave the quarterback time to read the field. I still have a hard time digesting the fact that Saban's team allowed 49 sacks last season. Alabama returns only two linemen who started in the Rose Bowl. Probably that's for the best. This modified unit looks great.
Top Meyer:After Nick Saban thrills the crowd, Jalen Milroe is overjoyed at Karen DeBoer's first A-Day
Good bread:Alabama football ready for action in NCAA spring transfer portal
one day:Alabama football's Jalen Milroe goes from hero captain to A-Day contestant
What I didn't like about Alabama football on A-Day.
1. Alabama's tackle would have made his former coach's blood boil. I would argue that Alabama won't be missing out on some of the departed offensive linemen. The same cannot be said for the defensive losses. This group misses Downs et al. Please let the players in the portal know about it. Alabama was hampered early in the scrimmage by addressing issues. Linebacker Jihad Campbell (injured) did not play. His return should help.
Saban's story: Relive Nick Saban's epic career as Alabama football coach in a special book!
2. Who puts pressure on the quarterback? The flip side of the offensive line's stability is that no clear successor to Turner and Braswell has emerged. ESPN named four SEC players among its top 10 pass rushers in 2024, but none were from Alabama. I understand why.
Quote to memo
“They're so passionate and so confident in me. Every day when I talk to them, they give me light. That's a huge thing.” – Milroe, with DeBoer About playing under this staff. Alabama's starting quarterback hit it off with his new coach.
a question that won't go away
How much more defensive help can DeBoer add between now and September? The best transfer talent will be eaten up in the winter, but this staff must do everything possible to strengthen the defense. Alabama could help him at all three levels, especially at the secondary level. The Tide returns five defensive players who started in the Rose Bowl. Reconstruction is still under construction.
Blake Toppmeyer is the SEC columnist for USA TODAY Network. Email BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow us on Twitter @btoppmeyer.
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