Alabama OC Ryan Grubb Takes Accountability

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It's been an ugly two weeks for an Alabama offense that was soaring on eagles' wings through the first five games of the season. After averaging 49.6 points per game through the first five weeks and starting 5-0, Alabama has scored just 27 points in back-to-back losses to Georgia and Tennessee.

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"It starts with me," Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said during his opening statement on Monday. "I thought I had a good game plan. This isn't a point the fingers at the kids kind of day. This is, you know, we're pissed off. I thought I had them ready to play, and I didn't. You know, the bottom line is we got outplayed. [Tennessee] played their butts off. I think they're a good team. We certainly didn't show anywhere close to the caliber of team that I know we are. It's a long season. We still got everything in front of us. I think the guys know that, but you know, really just super disappointing. A lot of hours and time put into 10 points, you know, and it's embarrassing. And if I was a fan or a supporter, I'd be pissed off too. So I know our guys are going to come back ready to work, and I just want to count these guys out. Let's just see what happens this week."

Alabama's offense was shut out in three quarters, scoring just 10 points in the second quarter in Saturday's 26-10 loss to the Volunteers. Alabama produced its season-low in passing yards (147) and rushing yards (54) and worst third-down conversion percentage (2-for-13). Alabama also gave up four turnovers, five sacks, and 10 tackles for loss against Tennessee, producing a season-high seven three-and-outs on offense.

Alabama Drive Chart in Loss to Tennessee:

Fumble
Punt
Interception
Punt
Punt
TD (Set up by a turnover at the Tennessee 14-yard line)
Fumble
Field Goal (Second-best field position of the day)
Turnover on Downs
Punt
Punt
Interception (Final drive of game)

For the first six plays against Tennessee (encompassing Alabama's first two drives of the game), Grubb called six pass plays, resulting in a net loss of 19 yards (Russell was sacked on third down on the first drive and back-to-back penalties cost Alabama on the second drive). On Monday, the Tide's offensive coordinator explained why he called pass plays on the opening script.

"Well, I thought the opening drive, first play, you got a duo concept with free access throw to the boundary, and Keelon threw it out there to Derek (Meadows), and probably got nine yards. The ball got tipped," Grubb said. "Second play, you go to quick game, try to get the ball out of his hand fast, and ball gets tipped. You know, so two plays in a row, not the greatest thing in the world, and then you end up in third and 10, and that's definitely not where you want to be in a defense like that. And get beat on a twist on the backside on a TE, you know. And in that situation, you know, that was a rough moment for Keelon.

"Honestly, was really bad luck on how the ball hit one of our guys when he got spun and tackled. So that part, you know, stinks. But you got to find that balance with Keelon and all the things that he does so well in the pocket, keeping plays alive and, you know, igniting our offense. But at the same time, when they got you wrapped up, blocked the wrist, put the ball in, and called it the day. And so in that moment, he didn't. So I felt like the first series, you know, obviously didn't play out like we wanted to, but there was nothing defensively that was happening that we didn't anticipate right there. You know, there was no calls that were like, 'Oh my God, what was that..."

Alabama has scored a touchdown on just one opening series so far this season, getting set up in plus territory against Mississippi State on a Kamario Taylor fumble. The Tide drove 48 yards and capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Coleman-Williams.

"Two weeks in a row with no points in the second half; it's pathetic," Grubb said. "For us, it just starts with me and the staff, and especially me, and just finding ways to get guys in better positions."

No. 13 Alabama will host Texas A&M for homecoming on Saturday, October 24, at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.