Nick Saban praises progress of Alabama's offensive line after early-season struggles
Quarterback was not the only position facing early-season pushback in Tuscaloosa. The offensive line took quite a beating as well, not being up to the standards we are used to seeing at Alabama. Nick Saban always knew it would be a work in progress but early on, it was rough protecting whoever was back there.
Progress has slowly been made and after reviewing the film, Saban thinks Saturday’s win against LSU was the best the offensive line has played all season. He discussed how they have improved in aspects other than just blocking the man in front of them. Saban sees them playing as a complete unit and on the biggest stage of the season.
“They played their best game in the last game, I think,” Saban said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “They’ve improved all year long. And I think the chemistry has gotten better, the communication has gotten better and the technical execution has gotten better. I think if we continue to build on that, it would be a positive for our offensive team.”
Alabama has trotted true freshman Kaydn Proctor out at left tackle for the entire season. Playing high school football at Des Moines (IA) Southeast Polk, he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. Proctor was the No. 9 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Somebody his age is going to struggle on the offensive line, no matter what. But since he was at left tackle and getting starter snaps, a lot of scrutiny fell on his shoulders. Alabama even let Elijah Pritchett go out there for a few drives to protect Jalen Milroe.
Alabama offensive line played ‘best game’ vs. LSU
Earlier in the season, giving up sacks had been a problem for the Alabama offensive line. Going up against a talented LSU front, they only got to Milroe twice. You would expect Harold Perkins to make at least one play in the backfield and he did. Paris Shand had the other sack for the Bayou Bengals.
On the ground, Alabama was able to average 6.3 yards per carry. All six touchdowns scored by the Crimson Tide were rushing too. Whenever you can have the much success in the run game, you know the offensive line was dominant for all four quarters.
Saban will still need the unit to continue to improve over the final three games of the regular season. There are bigger goals at stake, particularly in Atlanta in the SEC Championship game. Getting the job done vs. LSU was another positive growth point.