Kirk Herbstreit and the College GameDay crew discussed a disappointing 7-2 Alabama Saturday morning.

Alabama has lost 2 games for the first time since 2019, when it lost to LSU and Auburn. This year, the Tide have lost to Tennessee and LSU. While most folks are screaming the Tide’s dynasty is over, Herbstreit brought some common sense into the discussion.

The analyst pointed to a specific reason for Alabama’s struggles — a lack of playmakers on the outside.

“I would say that what they’ve had is an embarrassment of riches in the perimeter, and they don’t right now. Like, Jahmyr Gibbs is their guy. When you pull out the film and you’re LSU or you’re Ole Miss and see what they have, you see No. 1. Just flashes everywhere. You see 80 occasionally, keep an eye on him, tight end, pretty good player.

“But you don’t see Henry Ruggs, you don’t see Jerry Jeudy. You got so many playmakers that are unique and you don’t have that this year. So it makes it real hard for Bill O’Brien. Yeah, we know Bryce Young can do things. They can run the football. They still have great linemen. But you don’t have to fear the threat of those vertical shots the way you used to. So I think it makes it a little bit easier to defend them.”

Herbstreit’s right — Alabama doesn’t have difference-makers on the outside. It likely has the best player in college football in Bryce Young, but creating space on the outside for Young to throw to has been an issue for the cast of receivers.

Lacking a down-field receiver who can take the top off of a defense is a major issue for the Crimson Tide this year.

Will a receiver step up with 3 games remaining?