How Should Alabama Line Up in First-and-1 Situations?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It was the subject of Nick Saban's postgame film breakdown with Chris Stewart. Well, kind of.

The actual "Play of the Game" from the Ole Miss game that Saban broke down was Ja'Corey Brooks' blocked punt in the second quarter against the Rebels. But the Alabama head coach made sure to express his feeling about what happened after the blocked punt when the Crimson Tide got the ball at the 1-yard line.

Coach Saban draws up the Play of the Game from @AlabamaFTBL's win over Ole Miss.#RollTide | @CBSBank pic.twitter.com/ZDVPOcw2tX
— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) September 24, 2023

"We get it first-and-1 at the 1, and we didn't do great with it," Saban said with a chuckle. "But at least we got it at the 1."

Alabama lined up in the shotgun on the next play, and Seth McLaughlin's snap went over Jalen Milroe's head. This led to three straight negative plays for the Crimson Tide, and instead of running it in for a touchdown from one yard out, Alabama ended up kicking a 40-yard field goal.

After having more time to look at the film, Saban further expanded his thoughts on the goal line situation in his Monday press conference.

"It was not smart on our part to do what we did, and then we get a bad snap after all that," Saban said. "Still, I'm not defending anybody, but with better execution, we shouldn't have snapped the ball over the quarterback's head. And we've got to get on the same page with the snap count. But I agree with you that, at a time when it's first-and-1 on the 1, why do you need to be in (shotgun)?"

Alabama's size along the offensive line has been well documented this year with its average weight among the starting lineman just under 340 pounds. With Jalen Milroe now cemented as the starting quarterback, the Tide also has a quarterback with the size and athleticism to gain a yard under center in close- yardage situations. Plus, Alabama has a deep stable of running backs.

Starting left guard Tyler Booker was asked what his ideal play or formation would be in a first-and-1 situation, but remained loyal to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

"Whatever coach Rees calls," Booker said. "We have the upmost confidence in Coach Rees, and whatever he calls, that's our job to execute."

Alabama will play at Mississippi State this Saturday in a loud environment. If the offense finds itself in a similar set of circumstances, it won't be likely that the Crimson Tide lines up in the shotgun.