What the Alabama Crimson Tide is can be defined in multiple ways. Offensively, Alabama is not a power run team. Nothing will change that this season. Ryan Grubb will continue to work around the problem, mixing short passes to running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers. Eight consecutive wins are a measure showing that Grubb's adjustments are effective.
On the minds of Alabama football fans is whether the offensive strategy will work against Oklahoma, in Atlanta, and beyond. One suggestion is that the Crimson Tide offense can be better if Grubb and Kalen DeBoer more fully embrace what the Crimson Tide has become. Alabama is a passing football team. Offensively, it lives off the decisions made and passes thrown by Ty Simpson.
Recently, Cole Cubelic opined that Alabama should stay patient with its running game. That also seems to be Ryan Grubb's opinion. Cubelic and Grubb are correct that Alabama cannot abandon rushing plays. They are needed to supplement offensive production and keep opposing defenses honest.
Refusing to abandon running the football does not mean that Alabama must continue to run so frequently on first down. A deep dive into stats raises the question. Should Alabama use the pass more to set up running plays?
Alabama Crimson Tide Offense vs. LSU
On first downs against LSU, Alabama ran 14 times and passed 11 times. The passes produced seven completions for 79 yards. The 14 runs produced 41 yards, seven of which were closer to pass yards from a tight end screen to Josh Cuevas. On another first-down run, Jam Miller gained seven yards. That possession continued with three more runs and a turnover on downs. Eight of the 14 running plays gained two yards or less.
Ty Simpson's season stats reveal more interesting numbers. Simpson is No. 4 among SEC quarterbacks with a first-down completion percentage of 74.5%. He drops to No. 12 on second down (66%) and No. 12 on third down (56.8%).
Drilling deeper, on 3rd downs, needing 4-6 yards, Simpson is 68.8%. When the Crimson Tide needs 7-9 yards on 3rd down, Simpson is No. 16 among 17 SEC QBs at 42.1%.
Could the Alabama offense be more effective in avoiding universally debilitative 3rd and long situations by running less on first down? This stat review does not answer the question. It does suggest, as a passing offense, Alabama might have more success using its passing game to set up needed supplemental runs.
Note: Stats provided by cfbstats.com and rolltide.com