Roll Tide Wire's takeaways from Alabama's win over LSU

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Alabama defeated LSU on Saturday night, 20-9. It was another SEC victory against a talented team, who was dangerous given the circumstances.

Ty Simpson did not have his best game, but he was still efficient and found a way to win. Alabama is improving in certain areas, but is still struggling in others. The offense has done a great job managing games, but all the pieces need to come together for them to win a national championship.

Below are a list of Roll Tide Wire’s takeaways from Saturday’s game.

Alabama offensive line looked good in pass pro

Alabama’s offensive line looked good in pass protection Saturday night. Ty Simpson had lot of time to read the LSU defense, and for the most part had a clean pocket. Alabama has improved much in this regard, especially since the first game against Florida State. LSU ultimately recorded one sack and also had a forced fumble against Simpson. However, this is a talented LSU pass rush. Kadyn Proctor’s pass protection and footwork has improved a great deal since the first game against Florida State.

Alabama defense looked good in run fits

Kane Wommack’s defense was swarming Saturday night, and they looked much better in their run fits. The linebackers and safeties were doing a much better job of filling gaps and making tackles. Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, Bray Hubbard, Nikhai Hill-Green, and Keon Sabb all had at five total tackles. They also combined for 2.5 TFL. The defenders looked like they were swarming. The defense looked like it was being played like it’s supposed to.

Alabama had been giving up several big runs in previous games. Saturday night, they only gave up one big run, which was a 37-seven yard run by Harlem Berry. In total, LSU ran for 59 yards. LSU did not score one touchdown. Kudos to Coach Wommack.

Alabama’s running game still has no identity

Alabama ran for 56 yards, 2.2 yards per carry, and one touchdown. They have struggled for weeks to establish the run. Jam Miller hasn’t looked healthy since he’s come back from injury. Daniel Hill has contributed, but only rushed for 83 yards all season entering Saturday night. The Alabama offensive line isn’t always sustaining blocks long enough for the running backs to pick up chunk yardage. A lot of times, blocks are being shed, and holes are closing quick.

The Alabama offensive line isn’t doing a great job of getting to second level on blocks either. My point is that the blame isn’t squarely on the running backs. A big part of the issue is Jam Miller just hasn’t looked confident after the injuries. He’s not nearly as explosive or effective with the football. He just looks like he is trying not to get hurt. If Jam was his old self, I believe he would open up opportunities for runners like Kevin Riley, Daniel Hill (who can also catch), and Germie Bernard who is effective on end arounds.

Look for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to continue to be creative. I could see Grubb potentially using Hill or Bernard in the Wildcat, as Bernard can also throw. If Alabama can have a consistent running game, they may be the most complete team in the country.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football takeaways from win vs. LSU Tigers

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