Alabama Football: Offensive standouts heading into the bye week

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 21: Jermaine Burton #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a reception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 21: Jermaine Burton #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a reception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Alabama Football hasn’t necessarily had an elite offense this season, but it has been a balanced unit that has done enough to get to 7-1 and 5-0 in SEC play. It has also had several offensive weapons that rank among the SEC’s best.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe has surpassed all expectations thus far. Though he is clearly in the midst of his developmental stage, he has been one of the most statistically efficient passers in the SEC.

Milroe ranks second in the league behind only LSU’s Jayden Daniels in yards per attempt (10.6) and passer efficiency rating (175.0). His yards per attempt is good for second nationally, while his efficiency rating ranks sixth in the country.

Milroe has accounted for 1,759 total yards and 18 total touchdowns (fourth in SEC) despite not being the running threat that many anticipated. In Bama’s most recent game against Tennessee, he was a more willing runner. If that trend continues, it will make him much tougher to defend down the stretch.

Senior running back Jase McClellan has been a workhorse for the Alabama offense. He ranks third in the SEC with 122 carries and 132 total touches, and has posted a team-leading 569 rushing yards with four touchdowns. McClellan has two 100-yard rushing games this year, both against SEC competition in Ole Miss and Tennessee.

Senior wide receiver Jermaine Burton has been the top receiver for Alabama Football this year. His 23 catches, 508 yards, and five touchdowns all lead the team, as do his 22.1 yards per reception. Burton has been a reliable deep threat target for Jalen Milroe, and ranks tenth in the SEC in receiving yards, second in yards per catch, and sixth in touchdown grabs.

Sophomore wideout Isaiah Bond (23 catches, 360 yards, three touchdowns) and sophomore tight end Amari Niblack (12 catches, 218 yards, three touchdowns) have also been notable receiving threats for the Tide.

Senior kicker Will Reichard returned for his extra year of eligibility and has been one of the most valuable members of the Alabama Football team. He ranks fourth in the league with 70 points, first with 15 made field goals, and first in field goal percentage as he has yet to miss a kick.

Bama hopes to get continued contributions from these standouts, and also needs more playmakers to step up.

Running backs Jam Miller and Justice Haynes along with receivers Ja’Corey Brooks, Malik Benson, Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice, and Jalen Hale have all shown the ability to be difference makers, and could factor into the offense more coming out of the bye week.