Alabama's run game wasn't always perfect in Week 1 against East Carolina, but if you were looking for tangible signs of progress in the opener, you got them.
It wasn't exactly joyless murderball, but it was effective. Alabama gained 227 yards on 49 rushing attempts. Keelon Russell's legs helped, turning 13 attempts into 86 yards. He did the things that earned him the job: making things happen when nothing was there. He flashed his magic ability in the pocket, escaping pressure and making big plays with his feet.
But the backs found lanes, too. Daniel Hill picked up 47 yards on nine carries, showing that he can be a steady back for the Crimson Tide.
But it was the freshman duo of EJ Crowell and Trae'shawn Brown that flashed the most. Crowell had a couple of impressive runs, picking up 38 yards on seven attempts and scoring his first career touchdown. His contact balance proved to be otherworldly, a carbon copy of his high school tape..
EJ CROWELL PUNCHES IN ALABAMA’S FIRST TD OF THE SEASON 🐘
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 5, 2026
(via @AlabamaFTBL)pic.twitter.com/bUTh0hLBig
The final numbers on the ground could have been even better, too. Trae'shawn Brown had a 70+ yard touchdown called back on one of the worst holding penalties you'll ever see. But the fact that the hole opened like it did and Brown exploded through it was a great sign of things to come:
BS call by the ref. The C didnt even hold. Trae'Shawn Brown earned & deserved that TD pic.twitter.com/3eamkKJORe
— 1️⃣9️⃣0️⃣4️⃣🫡 (@OvaDaBush) September 5, 2026
Alabama can build off its rushing performance in the opener against ECU
The most positive sign was the lack of negative plays. Alabama had a couple of negative runs, but for the most part were able to stay ahead of the chains. The Crimson Tide will face tougher opponents in the coming weeks, but ECU had a veteran defensive line that provided a good first test for Alabama's revamped offensive line.
Alabama started with, from left to right, Jackson Lloyd, Will Sanders, Racin Delgatty, Michael Carroll, and Jayvin James. There wasn't much rotation when the game was in doubt. Mal Waldrep rotated in at left guard for Sanders, but for the most part, the offensive line remained the same until the backups came in once the game was well in hand.
It was a good start. They'll have to get better week by week to hold up once Alabama faces better opponents, but after the disaster of last season's ground game, being able to lean on an opponent and put up over 200 rushing yards in a game is an immediate positive sign in Week 1.
It's just one step in a long race for the 2026 season. But it's a big one.
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