The outstanding performance of Alabama Football Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb against Georgia was anticipated. Grubb, as the play-caller of the DeBoer-Grubb offense, had proven himself as a top OC at Washington and Fresno State. Going into Saturday night, there was reason to doubt Alabama Crimson Tide players than there was to doubt Grubb. He delivered. The closing possession third-down conversion iced the game and was an exclamation point to Grubb's play-calling. It was a well-designed play that had Georgia so out of position that Ty Simpson actually had three open receivers.
Alabama's other Coordinator, Kane Wommack, also had success against the Bulldogs. His defense made key plays at important moments in the game. Assessing Wommack for Alabama's defensive success against the Bulldogs is a mixture of pluses and minuses. The Bulldogs rushed for 7.2 sack-adjusted yards per carry. The stat amplifies a core reason why so many Alabama football fans doubt Wommack's defensive scheme.
Alabama Crimson Tide fans are still celebrating Saturday night's redemptive win. The Alabama coaching staff, and especially Kane Wommack, does not have that luxury. In last season's loss to Vanderbilt, the Dores produced more passing yards than rushing yards. Vandy also converted 13-of-19 third and fourth down conversions. This season's Vandy offense is more balanced.
The now 5-0 Commodores lead all SEC teams in average rushing yards, with an impressive 6.49-yard average. The stat is inflated by Vandy's Strength of Schedule (SOS) of No. 88 among all FBS teams. Statistically, Vanderbilt was the SEC's worst rushing team last season. And still they beat Alabama.
Alabama Football Rushing Defense
Last season, Alabama was No. 8 among SEC teams in average rushing yards allowed. This season, Alabama is No. 14.
Kane Wommack can't just load up the box to shut down Vandy's rushing attack. Diego Pavis is the SEC's top-rated quarterback, with a pass completion percentage of 74.6%. His 9.6 yards per pass attempt is third among SEC quarterbacks.
The Commodores may or may not be the SEC's new 'real deal.' They are a better football team than last season. After last season's loss to Vandy, there is little chance Alabama will be unfocused on Saturday afternoon. The game is an opportunity for Wommack and his defensive players to show improvement.
Saturday's game is the first of three straight games in which Alabama will have to contend with three of the SEC's top four rushing offenses. Vanderbilt is No. 3, Missouri, and Tennessee are No. 3 and No. 4. For perspective, the Georgia Bulldogs are No. 5.