Alabama Crimson Tide Can't Keep Living Like This

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The Alabama Crimson Tide appeared to be in big trouble against Florida State on Saturday, much in the same way they seemed to be in peril versus Kentucky last week.

But, once again, Alabama rallied, outscoring Florida 44-15 after a 21-6 deficit to come away with a 50-36 victory.

Keelon Russell threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 56 yards and a score in a breakout performance, wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks was sensational and the Crimson Tide's versatile rushing attack got contributions from everywhere.

But we simply cannot ignore the fact that Alabama has fallen into first-half holes in back-to-back weeks against inferior opponents.

You can do that against Kentucky. You can do it against Florida State. You absolutely cannot do it against Georgia.

The Crimson Tide have shown just how dominant they can be for stretches. They outscored Kentucky 32-0 in the second half last week. They poured 23 points on top of the Seminoles in a second-quarter onslaught Saturday.

But can Alabama do it consistently?

The Crimson Tide's vaunted defense actually surrendered 471 total yards to Florida State in Week 3. Do I think that's a concern? No, because we know Alabama's defense is really good. But it does show that the unit might not always be locked in.

Same goes for the offense, which looked lifeless in the first half against Kentucky and incredibly limited in the first period versus FSU.

Outside of Week 1 against East Carolina, 'Bama has yet to put together a strong wire-to-wire effort this season, and that is slightly concerning.

Alabama has a legitimate chance to be at least the second-best team in the SEC behind Georgia. It is also talented enough to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. But it must be more balanced. It must be more consistent.

I think the Crimson Tide have it in them to do so. Russell is still a young quarterback, and much of their roster is inexperienced. So it might take some growing pains. Perhaps by the end of the season, Alabama will be a well-oiled machine.

Right now, though, there is no doubt that the Crimson Tide are vulnerable. They just haven't played a team strong enough to crack them yet.

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