TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The one and only serious criticism anyone can have for Alabama football at this point is its field goal kicking.

That’s it. The Crimson Tide has been up-and-down on field goal attempts this season, and the downtrend of kicking showed in the team’s 56-14 beating of Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday.

“We probably would have gone for it on a couple of those fourth-down situations, but we wanted to see if the kicker could develop confidence and he missed two pretty easy field goals, so that is not what we had planned for him,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said.

Joseph Bulovas missed both of his field goal attempts on Saturday. Saban said he thought Bulovas hit both balls well.

Bulovas looked strong last week, making a 47-yard field goal, but didn’t carry over that form.

Saban said the team is still confident in Bulovas. He talked up how well Bulovas has looked on kickoffs and extra points. He even added that Bulovas has made his kicks during practice.

But it doesn’t always translate to the game.

Kickers are in a unique situation. If a running back or receiver has a bad play, they’re right back in and have an opportunity to immediately make up for it. Not kickers.

Alabama running back Josh Jacobs said the team supports Bulovas and the kickers, make or miss.

“They definitely have more pressure because they only get one chance so you either have to be right or you’re wrong,” Jacobs said. “I definitely feel for them, but right now that’s an area we need to improve on.”

Luckily for Alabama, the offense is so good that the team might not need a clutch kick this season.

Jalen Hurts sticks with the Tide

Transfer. Change positions. Redshirt. Those were the options many assumed Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts had after losing his job to sophomore Tua Tagovailoa.

Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday was a turning point for Hurts’ career as it was Alabama’s fifth game of the season, ending the possibility of him redshirting. Hurts has shown nothing but commitment to this Alabama team in what must to be an extremely difficult time.

Players rarely lose their job after starting nearly 30 games and winning nearly all of them.

Other players left their programs to take advantage of the new transfer rule, but Hurts is staying put in Tuscaloosa.

“I know there has been a lot of talk around here about guys transferring and the transfer rule, but Jalen has obviously handled this extremely well, relative to being a great team player and leader, respecting his teammates and sticking with the program here,” Saban said. “He played very well today and took advantage of when he does have an opportunity to play, he plays well and tries to create value for himself, which I think would be the message that I would send to all players out there who are trying to take advantage of this new rule.”

Hurts has shown improvement as a passer and his time with quarterbacks coach Dan Enos is huge for his long-term development. Alabama still has the best quarterback situation in the country.

Hurts has been the ultimate teammate during this time.

“Jalen is a real good friend of mine. He’s a good guy and a great competitor,” receiver Derek Kief said. “He’s going to do what’s best for him. As a man, he displays (what) a man should want to be. He handled all the outside stuff well. He’s a great teammate. We love him.”

A September to remember

Alabama’s offense got off to a record-breaking pace for September.

Alabama scored 50 or more points in four its five games. The Crimson Tide have scored 45 or more points in five consecutive games for the first time in school history; they topped 45 points four times back in 1945.

Alabama finished Saturday’s game against the Ragin’ Cajuns with 608 total yards, surpassing the 500-total yard mark for the fifth time this season. That’s a school record as well.

Alabama has fielded some impressive offenses under Saban, but this one seems to be in a class of its own with a wealth of playmakers.

Alabama is still spreading the ball around, and guys are taking turns having breakout games. Crimson Tide fans should strap in and enjoy this ride to see how many records fall this season.