Alabama football trails Kentucky at halftime.
Here is what the Crimson Tide needs to do to make a comeback in the second half:
– Protect The Football
Keelon Russell turned the ball over on the Crimson Tide’s first two drives of the game, giving the Kentucky Wildcats a lot of life in this one. Turnovers hurt you in every game, but it hurts you even more on the road in the SEC. The sophomore has to do a better job of protecting the football.
– Defense Has To Remain Stout
Alabama football’s defense came out operating in an opposite fashion of the Crimson Tide’s offense. The Tide will need them to remain stout against the Wildcats in the second half of this one. The Tide has flashed on all three levels on defense in this one so far, but they likely will need to be at their very best in the second half to help its offense led by a young Keelon Russell.
– Give Keelon Russell quick reads and allow him to get in rhythm
Keelon Russell finally showed some resemblance of being rhythm early in the second quarter. This rhythm appeared to be a product of the Tide gaining some yards on the ground and Russell getting the football out of his hands quick to Lotzeir Brooks. This opened up an opportunity to hit Rico Scott deep. Growing pains are still very visible for the first-year starter.
– Offensive Line Has To Be More Consistent
Alabama football’s offensive line did not play well consistently in this one in the first half. They left a lot to be desired in run blocking and pass protection. They have to be more consistent to get the Tide’s run game establish and to protect a young Russell.
– Can Not Let Costly Penalties Pile Up
This one could be tight throughout the second half. The deeper the game gets, the more costly those penalties could become. Alabama’s defense can not afford to give the Wildcats free yards via penalties, and the Alabama offense can not afford to let Russell get behind the chains. Multiple penalties hurt the Tide in the first half including a massive defensive delay of game called on Bray Hubbard in the final seconds of the second quarter.
