The Alabama Crimson Tide Upset by South Carolina Gamecocks: 'Bama's Flaws

The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide was upset by the No. 19 South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday in a 35-21 game. The Gamecocks played like they had everything to lose, while Alabama played like they had nothing to gain. Though blamed for most of Alabama’s problems, Julio Jones cannot be blamed for this Alabama loss. Jones caught everything that was thrown to him. However, the rest of the team cannot be spoken for.

Quarterback Deficiency

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TUSCALOOSA - OCTOBER 17: Defensive end Clifton Geathers #96 of the South Carolina Gamecocks recovers a fumble by quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide while Geathers' teammate Melvin Ingram #6 looks on during the game at Bryant-Denny S

Quarterback Greg McElroy should have had a big game against the Gamecocks over the weekend. However, he took too long to release the ball. Oftentimes his wide receivers were open, yet he couldn’t find them. Other times McElroy had no options. In those cases, he should have run the ball himself. 

Offensive Line Woes

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 9: Quarterback Greg McElroy of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass in the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks October 9, 2010 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Im

In McElroy’s defense, Alabama’s offensive line was not doing a good enough job protecting him. He was sacked seven times throughout the game. Though in several instances McElroy had plenty of time, Alabama receivers were just not getting open, and he had nowhere to run.

Kicker Chokes

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Jeremy Shelley #90 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Field goal kicker Jeremy Shelley had a horrifying night. Shelley missed a field goal and an extra point. Perhaps the bad snap could prove to be an excuse, but when his foot was on the ball, the setup was perfect. Shelley missed critical point-scoring opportunities that might have given the Tide some sort of momentum.

Risky Calls by the Coaching Staff

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 9: Coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide directs play against the South Carolina Gamecocks October 9, 2010 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Head coach Nick Saban made a risky call when he decided to try a fake field goal. Calls like that can make a coach look ingenious or dim. Saban commented in a press conference that he should have just kicked a field goal instead of trying to gain a first down. However, most Alabama fans feel that the call was necessary. Defensive lineman Ed Stinson caught and then dropped the ball. Alabama is a team that can respond in the face of adversity, and that moment was the time to respond. However, Stinson could not make it happen.

Non-Exsistent Pass Coverage

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 9: Wide receiver Alshon Jefrey #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks grabs a sideline pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide October 9, 2010 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Pass coverage from the defense was embarrassing. The South Carolina Gamecocks have some of the best receivers in the nation on their roster; however, Alabama is the No. 1 team in the nation. Stopping the Gamecocks' receivers was something that the Tide just could not do. 

National Championship or Bowl Game?

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: (2nd from R) Running back Mark Ingram #22 and the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate with the BCS Championship trophy after winning the Citi BCS National Championship game over the Texas Longhorns at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 201

Although the rest of Alabama's schedule will not get any easier, the Tide will have to learn from its first loss and bounce back in the following weeks. If they are resilient the rest of the season, the Tide’s National Championship aspirations can still be met.