Top-ranked Tide sleepwalks through Colorado State

Courtesy of a special teams touchdown, timely defense, and just enough second half offense, the Alabama Crimson Tide held off the pesky Colorado State Rams by the score of 31-6.

In a contest that felt much closer than the final score, the Tide, who appeared to “sleepwalk” through a large portion of the game, were able to score two offensive touchdowns in the final quarter to officially seal the victory.

Reminiscent of the season-opener against Virginia Tech, the Alabama offensive line struggled at times, and especially found the going tough in the run block department. Needless to say, because of an insufficient outing, the Alabama rushing attack was anemic.

Call it a “post-Aggie hangover” or simply not respecting the opposition, but in truth, the Alabama squad looked shaky and inconsistent. Right or wrong, expect a faction of Tide fans to do more questioning than celebrating over the next 24 hours.

While the sky is certainly not falling, the Crimson Tide have yet to play back-to-back consistent games. In fact, every game has looked different with no "signature sign" of stability in critical areas.

31-6 is still "easy street" on the scoreboard, but the important factor is not always that a team wins, but rather how a team wins. In truth, the honest identity of the 2013 Alabama football team has yet to be established and revealed.

Alabama's lackluster performance against Colorado State will certainly provide Nick Saban with an endless supply of "teaching tools" in the days to come.

--Complete Stats--

AJ McCarron with Jim McElwain pic.twitter.com/C8EUjGRPmr
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 22, 2013

Tide on Twitter

AJ McCarron comments about Alabama's lackluster offense...

AJ gets a question about the offense: "We just didn't communicate." What do you attribute that to? "Communication. We just didn't do it."
— Marc Torrence (@marctorrence) September 22, 2013

All about respect...

Kellen Williams: "Anytime you play in a big game, you come out and you want to respect your opponent, I don't think we did that tonight"
— Marc Torrence (@marctorrence) September 22, 2013

Third down woes for 'Bama...

Total yards: Alabama 272, CSU 228. Alabama was 2-10 on third down conversions.
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 22, 2013

Running in quicksand... (USC = South Carolina)

Alabama rushed for 66 yards on 21 carries,the fewest rushing yards by the Tide since Alabama rushed for 36 yards on 29 carries at USC 2010
— The Game (@TheGameWDGM) September 22, 2013

Pass happy Tide?

Alabama's 21 rush attempts vs. Colorado St. were fewest of Nick Saban era. Last had 21 in 2004 Music City Bowl.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 22, 2013

Saban not pleased with underachieving squad...

Saban: I'm not satisfied with where we are as a team.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) September 22, 2013

Injury report

DB - Deion Belue (Toe)
WR - Amari Cooper (Foot/Toe)
WR - Kevin Norwood (Leg)
S - Nick Perry (Shoulder)
RG - Anthony Steen (Post-Concussion Symptoms)
DB/S - Jarrick Williams (Eye)

Due to the injuries in the secondary, coupled with substandard performance against Texas A&M, true freshman Eddie Jackson (first college game) and redshirt sophomore Bradley Sylve were the starters at defensive back against Colorado State.

Alabama injury roundup: Amari Cooper nursing toe injury, Anthony Steen a late scratch http://t.co/6gk5vrTc5V
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 22, 2013

Turn the power on

Rome wasn't built in a day, and the current edition of the Alabama football team is still under construction.

It goes without saying that injuries do play a factor when attempting to form chemistry on both sides of the ball, but thus far with the 2013 Tide, focus and intensity seem to carry an on/off switch. The lights need to be on at all times in order to perform at a high (and expected) level.

When Alabama welcomes Ole Miss to town in less than a week, something will need to change. The Rebels are an upstart and confident team with many skill players, especially on offense.

Sleepwalking is a dangerous game, and Alabama will need a good wake up call if they expect to survive the SEC. The opposition(s) will certainly not wait for the Crimson Tide to figure things out.