There were cracks in the foundation for Alabama early in Week 1 against East Carolina. They were found in the first quarter and buried quickly. The Tide's poor pass protection came under a microscope, but not enough over a full game to cause any long-term worries. Rinse and repeat in Week 2 against Kentucky.
Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels, Auburn's backup behind Jackson Arnold for most of the 2025 season, notably exposed Alabama once more despite the Seminoles' 50-36 loss to the Crimson Tide at BDS in Week 3.
Daniels had 377 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, plus two rushing touchdowns in the red zone. The difference in the game may have been his three picks.
Still, Daniels had FSU up 15 points in the first half. By every stretch, he was in control against Kane Wommack's defense early.
Alabama was in serious trouble. Despite the win, the Crimson Tide looked exposed defensively. The secondary was losing 50/50 jump balls and gave up big plays through the air and on the ground.
This was against a quarterback who Tiger fans know is talented after putting up 442 yards of total offense against Vanderbilt last November, but wasn't expected to keep up with the Crimson Tide's biggest offensive performance since the 2022 season.
Ashton Daniels had struggled before the Alabama game
Daniels had 125 passing yards in his last game against SMU on Labor Day night. The Seminoles only lost 27-24 to the Mustangs, with Daniels making up for it with 71 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He went for over 200 all-purpose yards against New Mexico State in Week 0, but was by and large underwhelming against an overmatched defense.
This is to say, Daniels wasn't coming into Week 3 with the most momentum. Certainly, he leaves it with plenty of questions about his ball security.
And yet, Daniels can leave Tuscaloosa with his head high. He gave Mike Norvell's tenure life with an astounding offensive performance.
For the SEC's sake, he further exposed Alabama's defensive issues. The Nick Saban years are long gone. We were reminded of that yet again on Saturday afternoon and evening.
Auburn's passing game may have a shot against Alabama's secondary
Byrum Brown awoke during the first half of Auburn's Week 3 matchup against Florida. His chemistry with Keshaun Singleton, Chas Nimrod, and Jeremiah Koger was on full display against an SEC defense.
Are we entirely sure that Brown and his band of receivers coming with him from USF aren't the answer against the Crimson Tide?
There have been rough patches for the passing game early on in 2026, but the Tigers are still coming together and looked more efficient in the second quarter against the Gators tonight than they have all season.
By Week 13, Alabama will be in trouble if the Tide's defensive backs don't start playing up to their potential.
Daniels may have further added to the blueprint on how to beat Alabama.
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