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Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from crushing 2019 Iron Bowl loss to Auburn

By Gavin Jernigan

AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 30: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this reception and takes it for a touchdown against Christian Tutt #6 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 30: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this reception and takes it for a touchdown against Christian Tutt #6 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates beating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama won 26-23. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates beating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama won 26-23. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Mac Jones handcuffed

Many Alabama fans watched this game with extreme frustration while the offense was on the field. Prior to Tua Tagovailoa’s season-ending injury, the Crimson Tide offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, took a relatively aggressive approach to calling the offense. Even in the past two games against Mississippi State and Western Carolina, he allowed the new starting quarterback, Mac Jones to take shots down the field.

But, against Auburn, this was not the case.

As my good friend Glen suggested, Sarkisian was treating Mac Jones like an inexperienced freshman and called extremely conservative plays. This approach may have been appropriate considering Jones did throw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, both in the first half and second half.

However, Alabama has some of the best wide receivers in the country that should be able to beat Auburn defensive backs the majority of the time. Jaylen Waddle is a perfect example given his dominating performance. Waddle finished the game with a kickoff returned for a touchdown and three receiving touchdowns.

Keeping Jones handcuffed like he was in this game may prove to hurt the Crimson Tide in future games.

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