Alabama football had a real problem with penalties in 2022. The Crimson Tide cost themselves yardage and games making mental errors at inopportune times.

Against Texas in Austin, the issue reared its head. Alabama had 15 penalties, for 100 yards in the narrow victory.

During the offseason, Nick Saban made fixing the penalties a priority.

“So we’ve tried to do things in practice to get guys to play with more discipline,” Saban said last week. “To watch the ball, not jump offsides, not have illegal formations, have better communication with the quarterbacks so we don’t have false starts. And I think we’ve made some progress in those areas. Every day, we track every penalty, and if anyone (gets) more than one penalty, their whole group is affected in some way.”

Against Middle Tennessee State, the Crimson Tide were much improved in that area. Alabama only had two penalties including a roughing the passer call on Jaheim Oatis.

On Tuesday, Oatis debated whether the play even deserved the call.

“Personally to me, I don’t think it was a flag,” Oatis said with a chuckle. “I guess just trying to get to him aggressively, trying to show him that our D-line can get back there pretty easily.”

The offense was completely clear of penalties with the other occurring on special teams. That one came when Ja’Corey Brooks drew a holding flag on a punt return.

Offensive tackle JC Latham, who struggled in that area last season, explained how the unit eliminated the issue.

“Just being disciplined,” Latham said. “Understanding the game plan. Being more intricate in how you prepare for every single game and every single play. You want to understand that every single play has details within. A yard or two off can be the difference in a play being successful or not.

“Penalties kind of put you behind the track. The scheme might be a little off now because instead of it being second and 7 or second and 6, it will be second and 13 or 14, whatever it might be depending on the penalty. I know I was one of the guys on the team who got a lot of penalties, so that was my goal to be disciplined and just be locked in on every single play.”

Alabama and Texas will face off at 6 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.