The Crimson Tide offense is averaging 228 yards passing, 229 yards rushing and is scoring an average of 39 points per game through eight games this season. These are impressive statistics for any offense in the SEC, much less one that was considered the weak spot of the team coming into the season.
Alabama’s offensive balance thus far is astonishing, since they are viewed primarily as a running team. With the rich history Alabama has at running back, and the stable of backs they have this season, the label is rightly deserved, but not necessarily true. Coach Saban always talks about having a balanced attack on offense, and this group epitomizes that.
Dominating defense is this team’s calling card, but the offense is improving every week and gaining confidence along the way. During the spring, Alabama fans voiced concern. There was no clear starter at quarterback; the wide receiver position was a question mark; and the offensive line was being shuffled around like a deck of cards.
The first order of business was finding a starting quarterback. A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims battled it out in spring training, with Sims slightly better in the scrimmages. When live action began against Kent State both young quarterbacks looked out of sorts, throwing two picks each. The running game didn’t shine either, due to the shuffling offensive linemen, and fans had valid concerns about the lack of offensive continuity.
Week two had the Tide traveling to Penn State, and Saban named A.J. the starter due to his experience over Sims. Many fans didn’t know it, but the quarterback battle was already over and the job was McCarron’s to lose. The offensive line used several different variations of the same players at different positions early in the year looking for that perfect fit. Trent had his first 100-yard game and A.J. didn’t throw an interception after throwing two against Kent the week before. Things were starting to take shape for the Tide offense, but there were still questions about the receivers, and the Tide didn’t officially have a starting quarterback yet.
The offensive line began to gel in North Texas game, and the Tide backs ran up and down the field, rushing for a combined 347 yards. Questions remained at quarterback and receiver. The Tide failed to surpass the 200-yard mark, and did not have a TD pass against an overmatched Mean Green squad.
The Arkansas game in week four was something of a coming-out party for the Crimson Tide offense, and they let the rest of the nation know this team wasn’t only about defense. Against the toughest opponent thus far, the Tide dominated the Razorback defense. Trent Richardson made people forget about Mark Ingram, with over 200 yards combined rushing and receiving. The offensive line owned Arkansas in pass protection, and controlled the line of scrimmage at the point of attack. McCarron threw for over 200 yards and two TDs, proving he was ready for SEC competition.
Since the Arkansas game, the offense has improved every week. The stellar blocking has allowed Richardson to rush for 989 yards. Richardson has 1,138 total yards on the season and has moved into the upper echelon of the Heisman race.
McCarron has thrown for 1,664 yards through eight games after looking shaky and uncertain in the first game. The receiving core has been production by committee since losing Julio Jones to the NFL, with an astounding fourteen different players with at least one reception. This version of the Crimson Tide offense may be the weak link of the 2011 squad, but only because the defense is one of the best to ever suit up.
Alabama’s devastating defense is one reason they’ve been so productive. It’s a huge plus for McCarron to have a Heisman-worthy running back in the backfield with him, and a defense drawing comparisons to the best ever. McCarron can learn and develop into a guy that wants the weight of the program on his back.
Next Saturday in Tuscaloosa will be the ultimate proving grounds for this year’s offense. We will know soon enough just how much this offense has evolved, but there’s no doubt this group hasn’t received the recognition they deserve. Every game seems to be a new high for A.J. passing, Trent rushing, and receivers stepping up. We know who our defense is, but come next weekend the real surprise could be the offense. All starters are healthy and ready to go, intensity will be at an all-time high and the stage is set. Will this Tide offense continue its progression and become the talk of college football?