Alabama football looked different at a few positions on Saturday. A trio of injuries shook up the offensive line, the defensive line rotation and special teams groups against South Florida.

The losses of Jaheim Oatis, Tyler Booker and Kendrick Law didn’t ultimately prevent the No. 10 Crimson Tide (2-1) from beating USF (1-2), 13-3, but they contributed to the team’s sloppy play. Postgame, Saban provided updates on each of the three sophomores.

Booker was out due to “back spasms” according to Saban. He was a surprise absence after Booker worked with the first-team offense pregame and was in uniform as a captain for the coin toss. Redshirt sophomore Terrence Ferguson II started at left guard next to Kadyn Proctor and was part of a unit that allowed five sacks.

“Book’s kind of the leader of the offensive line,” Saban said. “He certainly helps 74 (Kadyn Proctor) play better because he plays beside him, makes all the calls and I think 74 has a lot more confidence when he’s in there. Hopefully, we’ll get him back next week as well.”

Oatis, who wore a walking boot, has a right ankle injury. Saban said Oatis “should be OK” moving forward but didn’t comment on Oatis’ availability for next week’s game against Ole Miss. Tim Smith filled in well in his absence, producing nine total tackles.

Justin Eboigbe also had five tackles and half a sack. Damon Payne Jr. and James Smith earned snaps as the Tide opened its depth chart against USF’s high-tempo offense. Alabama only allowed a field goal to the Bulls and held them to 264 total yards.

Kendrick Law, a kickoff returner and punt gunner on special teams, was “very sick” and remained in Tuscaloosa for the game. His absence moved cornerback Terrion Arnold to kickoff and Saban said that change resulted in two new gunners for punter James Burnip.

“I don’t like for starters to play more than two special teams,” Saban said. “So he was a gunner, K-Law was a gunner and those guys are really good at downing the ball, catching the ball. … That’s the cumulative effect sometimes when you start to lose players. Next guys got to be able to step up. We didn’t execute great.”

Burnip averaged 46.1 yards per punt. He had eight total, four of which fell inside the 20-yard line. Arnold had a kickoff return for a touchdown that was called back to a holding penalty.

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