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3 Spring Practice Questions: Alabama Crimson Tide

By Brooks Carter

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Will Alabama find a reliable kicker?

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Adam Griffith (99) kicks from the hold of quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Adam Griffith (99) kicks from the hold of quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Simply put, Alabama has not had a place kicker who has converted more than 75 percent of their kicks since 2012, when Jeremy Shelley went perfect for the entire season.

Bama fans everywhere have cringed anytime the Tide have needed a meaningful field goal in recent years, and with good reason. Typically, one of the sparkling characteristics of a perennial contending team is a great kicking game, so it is rather surprising that Alabama’s inconsistencies in that area have not affected them more to this point.

It has reared its ugly head on the big stage a couple of times. 2011 vs. LSU and 2013 vs. Auburn were each  games in which the Tide would have likely won had the kicking game been stronger.

Alabama thought they may have found their guy for the next four years when they picked up a commitment from the Class of 2017’s top kicker Brandon Ruiz in the summer of 2016, but he de-committed from the Tide shortly after the National Championship Game. Andy Pappanastos is the only returning kicker on the roster who has attempted a field goal for the Tide.

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