Casey's Corner: Time to Turn the Tide

In my humble opinion, something's got to change in Tuscaloosa.

After Alabama dropped its second straight game—a 21-14 loss to Bobby Bowden and Florida State—I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. 

In case Mike Gundy ever comes across this article, I am not—I repeat not—trying to bash anybody. 

I simply believe that if Alabama is to return to the winning ways it enjoyed prior to being thrown from it's high horse by Georgia, it must start executing. 

Again the offense never seemed to find its rhythm, and again the defense appeared to run out of steam as a result. 

Quarterback John Parker Wilson looked uncomfortable in the pocket, and appeared to have a mild case of tunnel vision.

Wilson looked to senior wide receiver D.J. Hall on several occasions, and normally that has meant success.

That was not the case on Saturday, however, as Florida State figured out Wilson's primary read early and adjusted accordingly, limiting the Tide's passing game.

Wilson went 28-53 and threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns, but was plagued by  overthrows, indecision, and sacks—including one that led to a fumble that was recovered by FSU at the Alabama 5.

Florida State scored on the next play and increased its lead to two scores.

The running game never got rolling either.

Leading rusher Terry Grant managed just 39 yards, and the Crimson Tide had only 89 yards as a team.

When the game ended it was hard to see a silver lining, but upon further investigation, I have managed to pluck a few positives from what seemed like a dismal afternoon. 

Alabama made some strides on defense, dispite being victimized by horrible field position for most of the game.

The defensive line stepped up against the Seminoles—and linebacker Rolando McClain continued his assault on opposing offenses, racking up nine total tackles.   

Punter P.J. Fitzgerald was a busy man on Saturday, booting 10 punts for a 36.9 yard average while punting into an unrelenting 20 mph wind for half the game.

Crimson Tide defensive end Wallace Gilberry said it best when he cited "self-inflicted wounds" as the reason Alabama came up short in the defensive struggle with the 'Noles.

It's time for the Tide to lick those wounds and prepare for a scrappy Houston team.

It may be homecoming but the Cougars are no pushover, and Alabama will need more than the final five minutes to pull out a victory.

If the Alabama can execute for 60 minutes on Saturday, it will be back to its winning ways in no time.