The troubling signs from Alabama that can’t be overlooked

It’s time to get enter into full-blown panic mode about Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide after they only beat Louisiana 56-14.

Alabama may have won 56-14 over Louisiana but don’t let the score distract you from the fact that Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide have serious issues.

If Alabama can’t rectify these issues it could spell certain disaster for the defending national champions and shake up the hierarchy of college football.

Let’s get into the areas of concern for Alabama that have to be shored up before getting into the heart of their SEC schedule.

First, it can’t be overstated how important the kicking game is. Alabama was 0-2 on field goal tries, including a miss from only 24 yards. I mean, I can kick a 24-yard field goal if you asked me to. Believe me, I got the time. Joseph Bulovas was 4/5 entering the game, but if Saban can’t rely on him to kick chip-shot field goals when arguably the nation’s most prolific offense doesn’t get a touchdown, this could really prevent Alabama from hitting the “over” on many bets this year.

Secondly, the fourth quarter is when games are won. This is crunch time. The time when big-time players are expected to make big-time plays in big-time games. However, I am extremely concerned about the lack of killer instinct shown by the Crimson Tide vs. Louisiana on Saturday afternoon.

Alabama was outscored 14-0 in the fourth quarter. Expect Saban to preach about closing and finishing and all that good stuff this week in practice. Just because you go up 56-0 after three quarters doesn’t mean you get to put it in cruise control for the final 15 minutes.

Lastly, Alabama now has a third member of the quarterback controversy. Everyone knows Tua Tagovailoa is the starter and Heisman front-runner. Jalen Hurts is worked in as the backup after electing not to transfer or redshirt. But now comes third-stringer, Mac Jones, who completed a 94-yard touchdown on one of his two pass attempts. Now Saban will have to field questions about his three-headed monster at quarterback, and he’ll say, he’s not going to and for you to quit askin’.

Look, these are all serious issues that could see Alabama only beat Arkansas 56-13 next week or only beat Missouri 52-17 in two weeks.

Finally, this is all satirical, and Alabama has nothing to worry about. They are so much better than the No. 2 team in the country, it’s not even funny, which is the opposite of this funny article. Sure, the kicking issues are somewhat of a concern, but they still have faith in Bulovas, and they’ll be fine when it really matters.

The truth is, Alabama makes excellence look boring and while I have no doubt that there are some fans upset about the kicking game or allowing 14 points at the end to lose the shutout, you can’t expect perfection every week, no matter how much Saban wants it.