Alabama football holds players-only meeting after tough USF game, 2-1 start

Alabama football holds players-only meeting after tough USF game, 2-1 start

According to one offensive lineman and team leader, Alabama football is “on the same page” following a players-only meeting on Sunday.

Tyler Booker explained Monday on The Next Round that there weren’t any cracks along the Crimson Tide (2-1) roster. But following two weeks of ugly offensive line performances and multiple quarterback changes, the vibes needed to be reset ahead of conference play.

“Everybody got a lot of stuff off their chest. I feel like we’re all on the same page now. You know what I mean? It’s unfortunate it took a loss at Bryant-Denny and a subpar game in Tampa for that to happen. But I feel like we’re all on the same page now, and I am excited to see how the rest of the season goes now that we’re all on the same page.”

The No. 13 Crimson Tide lost its second game of the season to Texas by 10 points, the worst non-conference home loss in the Nick Saban era. Alabama needed to rally against South Florida with a sputtering offense after the sudden demotion of Jalen Milroe, eventually winning 17-3 in a sloppy effort.

Booker, a sophomore guard, watched from the sidelines with Milroe as the Tide allowed five sacks against South Florida. Booker had been in uniform, went through warmups pregame and was a captain on the field for the coin toss, but sat out with back spasms. He told The Next Round he felt “a lot better.”

He’ll be needed to help solidify the offensive line against former defensive coordinator Pete Golding and Ole Miss next Saturday. Another highly-regarded offensive coach and former Saban assistant is coming to town in Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin, too. The game (2:30 kickoff on CBS) could ease fan concerns.

Booker explained why supporters of the Tide shouldn’t panic: “Trust the process. It’s the same thing that we have to do on a day-to-day basis. Trust the process. Trust in us getting better week by week and just continue to support us. We’ll show up for y’all. Y’all continue to show up for us.”

RELATED: Alabama football sinks to 8-year low on AP, coaches poll following tight win over USF

Defense bails out Alabama offense, gets closer to ‘standard’ against USF

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].