Alabama finally got back in the win column Saturday, but the Crimson Tide still has a glaring offensive problem that could determine how this season ends.
The run game.
That department of Alabama's offense was virtually nonexistent throughout the first half of the Tide's 31-20 win over Texas A&M, putting even more pressure on Keelon Russell and the passing game to generate consistent production.
Alabama managed to find its rhythm offensively in the second half, scoring touchdowns on back-to-back drives to build an 11-point cushion to salt away the game. But despite doing enough to throw the air to hold off the Aggies, the Tide finished with just 68 rushing yards on 28 carries — an average of just over two yards per attempt.
That win is important, but the continued lack of production on the ground is alarming when looking back at how Alabama suffered back-to-back losses in the first place.
The Crimson Tide opened October averaging 186.5 yards per game throughout its first five contests, but that production hasn't carried over into the tougher stretch of the schedule. Against Georgia, Alabama rushed for 161 yards on 29 carries, though most of that production came from explosive plays. A week later, the ground game completely stalled in Knoxville, with Alabama struggling to establish any consistency as the Tide only mustered 54 rushing yards on 26 carries against Tennessee.
Today wasn't any better — that's the concern heading into November.
Kalen DeBoer acknowledged the unit's struggles to reporters postgame.
Kalen DeBoer's postgame comments say it all about the improvements Alabama's run game has to make
"Disappointed in the stats,” DeBoer said. “So that’s all you got to really look at, and we need it more out of that run game to open up some things for us. We gotta get back to work and make sure we’re continuing to execute, first of all, and be able to stack some plates on top of each other. It’s okay for a couple yards; we get some negative yards and have guys that are unblocked at the point of attack or falling off blocks. Those are things that we gotta get back to the basics, and we gotta get better at.”
Alabama has a bye week to address those issues before traveling to Death Valley to face LSU, Vanderbilt, and Auburn, and getting healthier could help.
True freshman running back EJ Crowell and center Racin Delgatty are among players to watch coming out of the bye week, while WR1 Ryan Coleman-Williams could provide more relief in the passing game to create lighter boxes upfront. Those potential returns would offer a boost against a Tigers front that ranks 11th nationally against the run, allowing 88.1 rushing yards per game.
With this mix of reinforcements and much-needed rest, it'll be interesting to see if DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb can make the adjustments required to revive the run game. If so, Alabama could regain the offensive balance it needs to make a serious push in November. If not, the Tide’s lingering issues on the ground could derail its postseason hopes.
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