Alabama Football: Scrimmage thoughts and drill down on one position

After the Alabama Football offense gained rave reviews from the first spring scrimmage, Tide fans are excited but also concerned about the defense. In a typical spring, the defense would be ahead of the offense, even when both Coordinators are new to the staff.

A simple reason why is Nick Saban allows a new OC more tweaks than a new DC. So Alabama football offensive players have more ‘new’ to learn.

But Friday’s scrimmage was atypical. Some many key defensive players did not take part, the offense had a significant advantage.

A sensible fan response is justified excitement about the offense, and patience with Kevin Steele and the defense.

Although it is too early to jump to conclusions, the most promising news from the scrimmage is the appearance Alabama has two quarterbacks capable of winning football. Observers report Jalen Milroe looked much improved from last season, comfortable in the pocket and making good downfield throws. Ty Simpson’s long-heralded passing skills were also on display. Icing on the offensive cake is that wide receiver, Malik Benson showed he can be the explosive threat the Tide missed having last season.

Alabama football fans are also optimistic the offensive line will be much improved. The scrimmage showed some evidence the offensive line has a chance to be more physical than last season. Building a high-level offensive line unit requires more than putting the five best on the field. It requires that five to gain experience playing together, building communication and trust. Alabama’s O-line will settle in during fall camp, but progress for the 2023 group may need four or more fall games to fulfill potential.

An Improved Alabama Football Offensive Line

If, as is expected, the Tide’s offensive line is improved over last season, four Crimson Tide running backs can be productive in more than mop-up work. Over the past five seasons, Crimson Tide offenses have most often had one back that dominated the carries. That was Najee Harris in 2019 and 2020, and Brian Robinson Jr. in 2021. Najee had 251 carries in 2020 and B-Rob had 271 carries in 2021.

Last season, Alabama had two 100-plus carries backs but together they combined for fewer carries (262) than Robinson the season before.

Last season Alabama Football led the SEC in rushing yards-per-carry at 5.57 yards, yet its 3rd-and-short, yardage production was No. 13 in the SEC, at 1.51 yards. That is one reason why the Crimson Tide was No. 10 in the SEC in rushing attempts. In the 2022 season, the Alabama rushing attack did not always deliver.

The expectation is Alabama will run the ball more in the 2023 season – and run it better. Jalen Milroe’s running skills will be a feature of the offense (assuming he beats Ty Simpson for QB1). In addition, the Tide is so loaded at running back, it is possible three, and maybe four running backs will be used when the outcome of games is not yet determined.

It could be that Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are too good to be used sparingly. Some Alabama fans see Miller as the Tide’s most versatile runner. Based on early reviews from one scrimmage, Haynes might be the Tide’s hardest back to bring down.

Note: Alabama Football Team and Player Stats from cfbstats.com

These spring observations may be interesting, but at best they are just hints of what the future will bring. And more hints following the next scrimmage and from the A-Day game will still not provide a clear picture. Even with much left to be learned, enthusiasm about the Crimson Tide’s rushing attack is warranted.