Alabama Crimson Tide fans entered this season with sky-high expectations after a Final Four run last year. However, their SEC hopes have wavered despite being ranked No. 6 nationally with a 9-2 record. While the records don’t show any signs, there seem to be some storms coming their way. Troubling inconsistencies continue to show as the team sits 13th in the SEC. Alabama’s shooting struggles and defensive lapses have raised doubts over their dominance, under Nate Oats.

Two days ago, Alabama’s defensive skills, or lack thereof, were exposed in a showdown with North Dakota. While they were big favorites, the Crimson Tide surrendered 90 points, including 40 from Treysen Eaglestaff. Their defensive efficiency dropped more than 20 spots to 57th in the nation, according to KenPom rankings.

A breakdown in defensive play could not be made up for by their offense, which ranked 6th nationally. The absence of Charles Bediako’s defensive anchor presence has left holes in Alabama’s defensive structure and the recruited Cliff Omoruyi has not yet filled that role.

NCAA analysts have not shied away from critiquing Alabama’s struggles. Rob Dauster, speaking on The Field of 68: After Dark, noted, “The shooting that we have seen from Alabama this year has not really been up to snuff. So, um they needed these two guys, Houston Mallette and Chris Youngblood specifically…I thought they’re good off the bench.”

Against North Dakota, Youngblood has shown flashes of impressive efficiency on his shots, pulling 60% from the field, and 50% from beyond the arc for 10 points. At the same time, Mallette too boosted the Tide with his 10 points on 4 of 8 shooting.

Nevertheless, with the team shooting just 32% from 3-point range, Alabama’s reliance on perimeter shooting hasn’t produced results. As the team sits 264th nationally. Alabama’s woes have only been compounded by the rocky start of star guard Mark Sears.

In the Tide’s 83-75 win over Creighton, Sears scored 27 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in the crucial win. But Alabama hit 6 of 30 from three-point range, a pattern of spotty shooting. With 10 rebounds, Grant Nelson helped secure second-chance points. But Alabama will need to be better than preseason expectations if they are to repeat that success.

Nate Oats’ high-tempo offensive system has been a force on offense, but a weakness on defense. There are concerns about the Tide’s ability to compete with SEC heavyweights because of the Tide’s defensive lapses and inconsistent rhythm. Hence, will the Crimsons work on their lapses or go with the flow as they tackle Kent State next?

What lies ahead for Nate Oats and Alabama?

After a closer-than-expected battle against North Dakota, Alabama returns home to face the Kent State Golden Flashes on Sunday. What should be a very competitive matchup will give the Crimson Tide a chance to get back to winning ways and at the same time work on their defenses.

The Golden Flashes come in at 8-2 and boast one of the nation’s best defenses, allowing only 60.2 points per game (11th nationally). Coach Rob Senderoff leads Kent State with a disciplined team that features redshirt senior VonCameron Davis (14.9 PPG, 38.7 percent from three-point range).

This game is a chance for Alabama to solidify a position of dominance and shore up flaws that will spell trouble in conference play. The Tide will hope Mark Sears and Grant Nelson can provide strong games and a decisive victory for themselves. This is to say, the Tides have to become a little tougher on defense. And a little more accurate shooting in order to avoid getting upset again by Kent State’s defensive toughness.

All eyes will be on Nate Oats to figure out just how he will adjust his strategy as the Crimson Tide continue to navigate early-season hurdles. While Alabama has looked brilliant at times, it must get past its inconsistencies to fulfill its championship dreams. A win over Kent State could be the start of a turnaround. But they’ll need to be better on both sides of the ball — they need to improve their shooting and close out games.