TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 13: Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian looks on during the team's A-Day Spring Game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)It took just two quarters for Alabama fans to be frustrated with one of the team’s offseason coaching moves. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is getting crushed for his playcalling in the first half against Duke.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been incredibly efficient so far, as he’s 16-of-19 for 208 yards and a touchdown. But the running game has struggled mightily. The Crimson Tide have just 42 yards on 20 carries thus far.
Alabama has only put up 14 points on the Blue Devils through halftime. The team has really only had a few big plays in the first half.
The team’s first three possessions resulted in a punt, a fumble and a missed field goal. Fans are apparently expecting more given the circumstances.
Alabama's first 3 possessions against Duke:
Punt
Fumble
Missed FG pic.twitter.com/aW6QW0KrPB— ESPN (@espn) August 31, 2019
I really want to understand how Steve Sarkisian got this job at Alabama. You have the best WR in the nation and you’re not using him.
— JaiHawkFLY (@JaiHawkFly) August 31, 2019
Question.. When does Coach Saban choke Sarkisian out on the sideline for his play calling ?? #AlabamaVsDuke
— Hugh Douglas (@Bighugh53) August 31, 2019
Sarkisian, who was the head coach at USC from 2014-2015, actually coached at Alabama in 2016. After two years as offensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons, he’s back in Tuscaloosa.
It’ll be shocking if Alabama doesn’t improve it’s play in the second half. But for now, it’s 14-3 at the half.
