Nick Saban called his own shot about Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nick Saban knows championship football as well as anyone, and ahead of Alabama’s showdown with Oklahoma, he didn’t hesitate to spotlight the Crimson Tide’s biggest flaw. He just so happened to unknowingly called out the cause of would result in his former team’s second loss.
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With decades of big game experience behind him, Saban explained what concerns him most about Alabama isn’t quarterback Ty Simpson or the passing attack, but it’s a ground game that has fallen far below the program’s historic standard.
“Ty Simpson has done a good job,” Saban said. “The receiving corps is probably the strength of the team. But the issue for Alabama has been their inability to run the ball with consistency. They’re going to face a really good Oklahoma defense.”
The numbers back him up. Alabama entered the contest averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. The Tide averaged 2.4 yards per carry in the loss to the 11th-ranked sooners on Saturday night.
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Explosive plays have evaporated, too. The Tide have just seven runs of 20+ yards and only one run over 30 yards all season.
Alabama had survived its shortcomings, grinding out three one-score wins, but couldn’t overcome Oklahoma’s defensive effort. Now with two losses, the Tide can’t afford another letdown. The Iron Bowl with Auburn is now a must-win affair.
