The Alabama Crimson Tide survived on Saturday afternoon against the Texas A&M Aggies with a 31-20 win after three dreadful quarters – only figuring it out in the fourth to keep the season alive and avoid a third straight defeat.

While it was not exactly an inspired performance for most of the day, the injuries have begun to pile up for Alabama and are clearly having an impact on this team. The good news is that the Crimson Tide gets a bye week which may be more needed than any break before.

Being banged up is no excuse, but given Alabama on Saturday was down its starting center, top wide receiver, top cornerback, most talented running back, best defensive lineman, only to lose a starting guard, another defensive back and more defensive linemen during the game, it’s understandable why things have looked a little bit off.

With two weeks to go until a season-defining game on the road in Baton Rouge against LSU, getting healthy is the name of the game for the next 10 days.

Alabama has dealt with as many injury issues as anyone in the country, and it’s clear that it’s impacting their performance on the field. Being able to get guys like Racin Delgatty, Ryan Coleman-Williams and Zabien Brown back on the field could make a world of difference for a team that has looked like a legitimate national title contender at times.

If the Crimson Tide cannot take advantage of the week off and get a lot of these guys back on the field, the already tall task of defeating LSU in their house could be elevated to impossible.

It has not been pretty the last three weeks for Alabama, but the bye comes at the perfect time. Getting healthy for the stretch run will help this team have a legitimate shot at not only the SEC, but a deep run in the College Football Playoff.

The next two weeks are going to feel long, but fans should take solace in the fact that the Tide is still alive, and every day that passes before their showdown in Baton Rouge, they are getting a little bit closer to full strength.