Alabama vs. Southern Miss: Grading The Crimson Tide’s Performance

Nothing has changed in Alabama's quarterback competition. Blake Sims is still the front runner and has managed the offense better than Coker.

There are two concerns that fans should have for Sims: throwing the deep and sharing the wealth with other receivers. He has a good arm but he hasn't shown the accuracy to complete deep passes downfield. Also, Sims only completed passes to three different wide receivers. While Amari Cooper is probably the best wide receiver in the SEC, Sims needs to spread the field more and look for other receivers. On a brighter note, his ability to avoid pressure and pick up yards on the ground is a valuable asset that Alabama is not accustomed to.

Alabama's ground game has yet to falter. You will not see one individual running back put up big numbers because the carries are being split between three very good running backs. Kenyan Drake had the best day rushing with 59 yards and three rushing touchdowns. There are now four different running backs that have scored for the Crimson Tide this season.

Alabama can also find comfort in the way the offensive line has performed so far this year. There have been a few miscues through three games. The only remaining concern is the battle at right guard where Leon Brown seems to have won the spot over Alphonse Taylor. Offensive line coach Mario Cristobal has done a great job with this year's group of linemen.

Alabama may struggle at times defending the pass, but teams have yet to find success running the ball. The Crimson Tide ranks first in the country in rush defense by only allowing 47 rushing yards per game and still haven't allowed a rushing touchdown through 12 quarters. A lot of credit goes to the defensive line, who has done a terrific job of closing up running lanes and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Similar to the running back situation, Alabama also has a lot of talent and depth at linebacker. Granted, dropping back into pass coverage may not be the strength of this unit, but they are big contributors in putting pressure on the opposing quarterback and slowing down the ground game. Trey Depriest led the unit on Saturday with six tackles, and Ryan Anderson added a sack and two QB hurries.

The real concern on defense remains in the secondary. Alabama allowed six pass plays that went for 15 yards or more. To make matters worse, Nick Perry was ejected for targeting during the game and will sit out the first half against Florida. Not good news for a team that is already without Jarrick Williams to a foot injury. Alabama was in great position in many situations, but passes were still being completed. The secondary will have to improve on tightening up coverage and making plays on the ball especially as Alabama begins SEC play.

The grading system was a little tougher on special teams. Adam Griffith was perfect once again and has yet to miss a field goal or extra point and leads the team in scoring. Punter JK Scott had one punt for 34 yards that was downed on Southern Miss' on nine yard line. He had another booming punt despite being hit on the play. A penalty was called that gave Alabama a new set of downs.

Christion Jones did a nice job returning finishing with 14 punt return yards and 111 kick return yards. So why does this unit get their first B of the season? A short punt by Southern Miss bounced off of Tyren Jones and gave the Golden Eagles the ball in Alabama territory. Alabama could have gone up another score before halftime. Instead, Southern Miss tacked on another three points. A blunder like that can be very costly in a close game.