Elijah Pritchett didn’t enter the game at right tackle until late in the fourth quarter.

At that point, Alabama held a 21-16 lead over South Florida. About six minutes of game clock later, the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulls 42-16 on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Pritchett didn’t score those three touchdowns himself, but it’s hard not to spot that difference at right tackle the final three drives.

Jam Miller’s 56-yard touchdown run and Justice Haynes’ 29-yard score each went off the right side of the offensive line. Pritchett’s side.

Wilkin Formby got the start at right tackle, and he played most of the game. He struggled, logging four holding penalties.

Why didn’t Pritchett start or replace Formby earlier?

The question was posed to Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer postgame: What led to the decision not to play Pritchett until then?

“He got, last game, a minor ding,” DeBoer said. “We were trying to get through. He didn’t practice much early in the week. Practiced Wednesday and Thursday. So, was ready to go. Probably worked a little bit more on the left side. We felt good after we had gone through the week that we were just going to role with what we had with (Tyler Booker) and Geno (VanDeMark), but he was ready to go. He could have started the game. We were just trying to hold on as long as possible. Try to keep him 100% healthy. Got through just fine tonight. I think we’re going to be in better shape offensive line wise going into next week. Was a little touch and go there at some points during the week with a few different guys.”

Against South Florida, Alabama had a different look offensive line with left tackle Kadyn Proctor out with a shoulder injury. Left guard Tyler Booker shifted over to left tackle, and VanDeMark replaced him at guard. Then, Parker Brailsford was at center with Jaeden Roberts at right guard and Formby at right tackle.

Pritchett filled in for Proctor at left tackle in the season opener against Western Kentucky after Proctor was injured in warmups. Pritchett was expected to rotate with Formby originally at right tackle before Proctor’s injury changed those plans.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.