Alabama Football: Milroe, Bama Offense put on a show against LSU
Alabama Football Running Backs: A
Bama took full advantage of LSU’s porous run defense. While Milroe took the bulk of the carries, the attention he drew opened up a lot of running lanes for the backs.
Jase McClellan enjoyed a lighter load after his workmanlike performance against Tennessee, and was very efficient. McClellan ran 14 times for 63 yards, adding a touchdown and a 42-yard reception on an improvisational play from Jalen Milroe.
This was McClellan’s third game of the season going over 100 yards from scrimmage, with all coming against quality SEC competition (Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU).
Fellow senior Roydell Williams added 56 yards on just six carries, and even sophomore Jam Miller got some burn. Miller ran four times for 17 yards and hauled in a 35-yard catch from Milroe.
Alabama Football Receivers: B
The Bama receivers had limited opportunities with the Tide maintaining their 2:1 run-pass ratio for the third consecutive game. Bama attempted only 23 passes with 15 completions against LSU.
Still, the Tide pass-catchers made plays when they were able. Sophomore Isaiah Bond has been consistent as of late, and led the way with five receptions for 60 yards.
Jermaine Burton, Kendrick Law, and Kobe Prentice all made timely contributions for the Crimson Tide with chain-moving receptions.
Perhaps the most important development amongst the receiving corps has been blocking. With Bama gradually becoming a dominant running team, the receivers have improved as downfield blockers and typically do so without committing penalties.
Alabama Football Offensive Line: A
The Alabama offensive line had its best game of the season against LSU. The line paved the way for nearly 300 yards rushing in the game, easily the most Bama has produced all year. Its 288 yards on the ground were also the second-most LSU has allowed all season, and approached the 317-yard shellacking Ole Miss put on the Tigers.
Perhaps more importantly, the Bama O-line was steady in pass protection. It allowed a season-low two sacks, both of which were coverage sacks more than anything.
It must be noted that LSU has been terrible all year defending the run and getting after quarterbacks. Still, this has to be a confidence-building performance for an offensive line that has struggled to perform at a high level consistently.
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Ideally, the line will carry this performance over to next week’s game at Kentucky and beyond. If it can do so, the offensive potential of Alabama Football is limitless.