TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama’s offensive line has performed well through the first two games of the 2018 season. But there are still clearly areas it needs to improve as a unit going forward.

That was the assessment from both Nick Saban and center Ross Pierschbacher on Monday as the top-ranked Crimson Tide (2-0) started its preparation for Ole Miss and the start of SEC play.

“The offensive line, I think at times has shown really good execution and been physical, but I think a little more consistency in that area would be something that we’d all target and try to improve on,” Saban said during his noon press conference on Monday. “Fundamental execution, finishing blocks, being a little bit more physical at the line of scrimmage and on a more consistent basis is the way I would sort of categorize those guys to this point.”

Alabama rushed for 278 yards against Arkansas State last Saturday and only allowed one sack during its 57-7 win over the Red Wolves at Bryant-Denny Stadium. So, through two games, the Tide has averaged 250 yards on the ground and surrendered two sacks to its opposition.

Some would argue that the No. 1 team in the land has few weaknesses, but right now fans would point to the kicking game, secondary and offensive line as areas that need cleaning up with the meat of the 2018 schedule ahead of UA. But Pierschbacher doesn’t see it that way.

“I mean, it’s the second game of the season, and it’s pretty frustrating,” the redshirt senior said. “We have 250 yards a game and only allowed two sacks, so I think we’ve had a good start. There’s always stuff to clean up, you know what I mean? In the years past, we’ve never had the perfect game, especially early on. So, I think we’ll continue just to grow as an offensive line.

“That’s just kind of how it goes at that position, you know.”

For comparison, Alabama averaged 239.0 yards per game in the first two weeks of 2017, and that was without the potent passing attack it now possesses with both Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts, along with the plethora of options in the passing game and out of the backfield.

The pair of sacks are also tied for the fourth-lowest total in the conference after two games, as Kentucky, Mississippi State and Missouri have yet to give up a sack at this point in the season.

Alabama center Ross Pierschbacher blocks on a run play against Arkansas State.

But a lack of explosive runs to pair with the big plays in the passing game leaves some wanting more.

“I mean, there’s execution errors, like, I think Coach Saban’s mentioned that,” Pierschbacher said. “But that comes with just playing next to each other, being on the same page. We’ve got two younger guys on the right side. (Alex) Leatherwood’s kind of at a new position, to be honest. So, I mean, that’s expected, and I know everyone wants things to be perfect right away.

“But I think we played well through the first two games, and I think in years past -- I remember last year, it was kind of like we were in crisis mode after Fresno State and Colorado State about our offensive line, and we ended up being a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. So, I think that people kind of jump the gun a little bit too quick. But I think we’ve done good so far.”

Sophomore Alex Leatherwood just wrapped up his second-ever game as a starter at right guard.

And he has made some mistakes. The entire offensive line has played late into games to try to gel as a unit, but Leatherwood has been the only player to leave the field, as the coaches have given Deonte Brown some reps. But Pierschbacher has been there to provide advice to the former 5-star as he transitions to a new position along the Crimson Tide offensive line.

“I think with him, it’s just like not getting frustrated,” Pierschbacher said. “He wants to be perfect all the time, and when you move to a position like that, it’s a big move from tackle to guard.

“And a guy like me, who I’ve played a lot of snaps at guard, just kind of telling him just things that helped me out, just little things, little tips, tricks and stuff like that that will hopefully help him progress. And I think that he’s kind of been more understanding as we go along.”

As the offensive line continues to gel ahead of Saturday’s SEC opener at Ole Miss (6 p.m. CT on ESPN), Pierschbacher had the same words of encouragement for Leatherwood as he did the fans.

“‘Hey, don’t get frustrated,’” he said. “‘This thing, it’s going to click. So, just give it time.’”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

*** Don't miss a VIP update with our FREE trial of BamaOnLine. Sign up HERE ***