Alabama football 's offensive line has been a focal point heading into this season, specifically the right tackle battle between Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby .
In Saturday's 42-16 win over South Florida , the Crimson Tide offensive line was once again a focal point, but for reasons it probably would rather avoid: penalties. In total, Alabama committed 13 penalties for 120 yards. Out of those 13 penalties, eight came from the Crimson Tide 's offensive line, with two of those calling back touchdown runs.
Left guard Geno VanDeMark and right tackle Wilkin Formby each committed three penalties, all holding calls with the exception of a false start call on VanDeMark in the second quarter. VanDeMark's first holding penalty nullified a 21-yard Jam Miller touchdown run in the first, while a holding call against Formby in the third called back what would have been a 74-yard Jalen Milroe touchdown run.
On top of that, the Alabama offensive line gave up four sacks for 20 yards.
"We weren't focused on what our responsibility was," center Parker Brailsford said postgame. "I think that's why we were a little bit slow going out there.
"Just the holding penalties, the simple things, we need to be more disciplined."
Left tackle Kadyn Proctor 's shoulder injury has affected the Crimson Tide's offensive line starting rotation early through the season. Proctor initially warmed up prior to Alabama's season-opening contest, leaving the field shortly thereafter only to return in street clothes. The same happened against South Florida; Proctor came out in full uniform for warmups but ultimately returned to the field in street clothes to watch from the sideline.
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DeBoer later said Proctor was dealing with a shoulder injury and that it is more of a "day-to-day" thing rather than "week-to-week."
In Proctor's place last week, it was Elijah Pritchett who got the start. Pritchett was initially manning the left tackle position through fall camp amid Proctor's transfer to Iowa . With his return to Tuscaloosa, Proctor earned back his starting spot at left tackle, while Pritchett spent the majority of fall camp battling with Formby for a starting spot at right tackle.
Pritchett suffered a "minor ding" vs. WKU, causing him to miss practices early this week. With that, DeBoer and his staff opted to shift Tyler Booker from left guard to left tackle while shifting VanDeMark into Booker's typical spot at left guard. DeBoer added that Pritchett was "ready to go" but they opted to keep him on the sidelines for his health.
Pritchett did eventually check into Alabama's game vs. South Florida about midway through the fourth quarter at right tackle for Formby.
Alabama's offense was able to find a rhythm over the final 10 minutes of the game. Jam Miller and Justice Haynes each rushed for touchdowns late — Miller's a 56-yard rush and Haynes' a 22-yard run — rushing for more yards than Alabama had rushed for the entire first half (34). The change was simple: not having penalties.
Alabama entered the fourth quarter up 14-13, ending the game on a 28-3 scoring run.
"If we just keep fighting, good things can happen," DeBoer said. "In the fourth quarter, staying away from the penalties and turnovers, it's amazing what can happen."
Much like last year, for all its mistakes, Alabama's offensive line eventually wore down South Florida and took control of the ground game late. This may give the Crimson Tide offense something to build on as it goes forward, as pass protection and keeping the opponent out of the backfield is paramount.
"A lot of things need to be cleaned up," DeBoer said. "...Going to be a lot to learn from. Excited about the challenge, the opportunity, because that's what this is. I think you need games like this."
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Can Alabama football win with this offensive line after USF problems?
