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Alabama Football: Offense shows progress, room to improve in Starkville

By Zach Breathwaite

Sep 9, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban cheers on his players before their game against the Texas Longhorns at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban cheers on his players before their game against the Texas Longhorns at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Alabama Football Running Backs: B+

The Bama running back room continued to offer steady production while falling short of spectacular in this game. Jase McClellan led the way with 15 carries for 63 yards (4.2 YPC) and a touchdown, while catching two passes for 25 yards.

McClellan doesn’t get the respect he’s due because he’s not in the same category as the Heisman-contending running backs Bama has fielded in past years. While he may not have an elite skill, he does everything well, and is on track to finish the season with right around 1,000 yards from scrimmage despite splitting carries.

Fellow senior Roydell Williams had a solid night too with 10 carries for 44 yards. He is a physical, hard-running back that always gets the yardage that’s available to him. Williams is quietly on his way to a 600+ yard season as RB2.

True freshman Justice Haynes came in late with the second unit and got some touches, perhaps seeing an increased role with Jam Miller serving a targeting suspension. Haynes got his first opportunities to run the rock since week one, and showed some of the ability that made him a consensus 5-star recruit. He finished with 22 yards on four tries, highlighted by a 15-yard burst which was the longest run of the night by an Alabama running back.

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