What we learned from Alabama’s spring game broadcast and coaches’ thoughts
Here is a deeper look at the broadcast of the game, including what the ESPN crew relayed from their production-meeting conversations with Nick Saban and Alabama coordinators Bill O’Brien and Pete Golding:-- Some sloppiness from the start for Alabama’s first-team offense. Seth McLoughlin’s third-down snap on the opening drive appeared to deflect off tight end Cameron Latu, who went in motion and lined up behind the right guard, then cut back behind the center when the ball arrived.
-- ESPN sideline reporter Kris Budden said Saban was unhappy with the white team coaching staff after its opening field-goal drive, asking its staff on the sideline why it did not throw the football more. Wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins and running backs coach Robert Gillespie led the white team.
-- Budden recalled speaking to Gibbs before Georgia Tech games last season, noting he breaks down film of Alvin Kamara and tries to emulate his playing style. Bill O’Brien was asked by the broadcast crew about the comparison but did not want to put the pressure of becoming the next Kamara on the junior transfer.
-- Barrie relayed conversations with Saban and O’Brien about the offensive line, saying they were trying different combinations and Alabama coaches feel they need “to find the right chemistry” among linemen. -- The ESPN crew asked defensive coordinator Pete Golding the position he was most uneasy about entering the summer, and he said cornerback. Alabama assigned Kool-Aid McKinstry and Khyree Jackson to the first team after they started the national championship game, and put Eli Ricks on the second team for the spring game. But Saban said all three are competing for starting jobs.
-- “It’s really important that we’re able to evaluate all the players,” Saban said about taking Anderson out in the second half so he did not impact the game too much. -- Brockermeyer, a five-star prospect in 2021 who did not appear in a game as a freshman, was then beaten by Turner for a sack to begin the final drive of the game. He was pulled and replaced for the remainder of the game by Randolph. But on second down, right tackle J.C. Latham -- like Brockermeyer, a five-star recruit in 2021 -- was beaten by Braswell for a sack of Young.