Can the Tide dominate UL-Monroe after barely surviving in Austin?

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Hunter De Siver

Nearly every season of the Saban era had at least one game where the college football world thought the Tide was in trouble.

Last Saturday, No. 1 Alabama traveled to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns. The record attendance gave UT all the momentum they needed to make this an amazing game.

The Tide narrowly escaped Texas 20-19 after a field goal by kicker Will Reichard split the uprights with 10 seconds remaining. This thriller was the most streamed regular season CFB or NFL game in Fox Sports history.

Alabama moved down to No. 2 in the AP Poll, giving Georgia the top spot. To even be considered for the No. 1 spot, they will need to defeat UL-Monroe by A LOT on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide plays UL-Monroe in Tuscaloosa at 3 p.m. on SEC Network. They are favored to win by nearly 50.

Alabama Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young has played well this season, but in different ways from last fall. Young is yet to throw for 250 yards in his two games played, but he has run for a total of 138 yards.

Young was recruited as a dual-threat QB but mainly threw inside/near pocket last season. It looks like he’s grown more comfortable in the offense this season, allowing him to be more confident to run the ball.

Saturday against UL-Monroe could be an opportunity to combine last season’s and this season’s playstyle as a true dual-threat.

Penalties were the biggest issue against Texas. The Tide’s 15 penalties were the most in a game under Nick Saban. Assuming discipline for penalties was a large part of this week’s practice, it shouldn’t be an issue on Saturday.

In week one against Utah State, the Tide receivers, also known as the Ryde Outs, were the stars of the game. Last week, running back Jahmyr Gibbs had the X-factor.

The defense hasn’t really been an issue so far this season. However, they are yet to force a turnover.

This Saturday is the game to put it all together. The true dual-threat quarterback, the lack of penalties, elite rushing, receiving and defense–All with the goal of earning back the No. 1 spot in the nation.

The quest for dominance kicks off at 3 p.m. on SEC Network.