The concept of Alabama being 3-0 to start the season isn’t new. They’ve managed to start out with that same record in all but one season since Nick Saban arrived in 2007 — the only time they didn’t was in 2015 when they lost to Ole Miss in the third game of the season.

While the record isn’t surprising, several things have developed that are. Here are 8 things that have surprised me about Alabama’s 3-0 start.

1. Struggles on the offensive line: Whether it be protecting the quarterback or creating movement in the run game, Alabama’s offensive line hasn’t been as impressive as many thought it would be. With two new starters (Matt Womack and Lester Cotton) and a third guy (Jonah Williams) playing a new position, this unit will have to continue to jell as the season progresses. It may be surprising to some to know that the direction of the season could end up being tied to the offensive line.

2. The lack of a consistent pass rush: When you lose four players in one game, all of whom essentially play the same position — except for Rashaan Evans, who only sees a portion of his snaps at outside linebacker — it’s going to impact your defense. That’s exactly what happened to Alabama, but the lack of a pass rush is still a cause for concern. The defense has been forced to get creative — by blitzing more often — in order to get the necessary pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Luckily, the Tide is getting Anfernee Jennings, Evans and Dylan Moses back this week.

3. Jalen Hurts’s development: All offseason, it had been reported that Hurts had shown improvement in the passing game. He showed glimpses of that in the A-Day game with several completions downfield, but the start of the season has shown something different — or, at least it has on the surface. No, Hurts still isn’t a completed product, but the people who say he’s the same player as last year aren’t looking deep enough. Hurts has shown steady improvement, and he should only get better.

4. The number of freshmen getting playing time: Alabama’s roster is stacked and has been for quite some time. That’s why it’s so shocking that several members of the 2017 recruiting class have seen playing time already. In total, 11 freshmen have seen the field in the Tide’s three games:

  • Tua Tagovailoa, QB
  • Najee Harris, RB
  • Jerry Jeudy, WR
  • Henry Ruggs III, WR
  • Devonta Smith, WR
  • Jedrick Wills, OT
  • Alex Leatherwood, OT
  • Dylan Moses, LB
  • Chris Allen, Edge
  • Daniel Wright, S
  • Xavier McKinney, S

Some of the players, such as Chris Allen, have been pressed into playing time as a result of injuries, but these younger guys getting significant game reps should only help set up Alabama down the road.

5. The ups and downs of the kicking game: Following the Florida State game, it seemed like Alabama’s kicking game would be more of the same. Ole Miss transfer Andy Pappanastos only made 60 percent (3 of 5) of his field goals against the Seminoles, but he has since converted his last four in a row. His long this season has been from 46 yards out, and he’s made all 11 of his extra-point attempts. It has been an impressive turn around for the Alabama kicking game.

6. Shaun Dion Hamilton’s recovery: Reuben Foster was the big name among the Alabama linebackers last season, but Shaun Dion Hamilton was such an underrated piece of that defense. When he suffered a torn ACL against the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship, there were a lot of people who thought he wouldn’t be able to return until midseason or later. In addition, some players take awhile to return to form following an ACL injury. Hamilton has not, however. He’s recorded 15 tackles, 3.5 TFL and a sack this season.

7. Inconsistency in the secondary: Coming into this season, there was talk of Alabama’s secondary being one of the best of all time. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison and Anthony Averett all have the potential to be first-round NFL picks, and Tony Brown isn’t far behind. That’s why it’s been a little surprising to see them struggle at times. Don’t get me wrong, the unit has been impressive overall, but there have been some mental lapses.

8. Lack of production from the running backs: There is no doubt that the running backs have looked impressive at times this season, but the overall statistical production hasn’t been there. Damien Harris leads the running backs with 158 yards rushing, which is just 52.7 per game. His 6.08 yards per carry and 3 touchdowns are impressive, but — outside of Hurts — this hasn’t been the Alabama dominance on the ground that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.