Alabama has struggled to run the ball this season, but the good news for the Crimson Tide as they prepare to begin SEC play at Georgia in Week 5, is that veteran running back Jam Miller is finally set to make his season debut.
Miller, who missed the first three games of the season after suffering a dislocated collarbone in the team’s final scrimmage of fall camp, is the program’s top returning rusher. He was not included on Alabama’s Thursday SEC Availability Report, the team’s first of the season, so he is fully expected to play against the Bulldogs in Athens.
There is significant pressure on Miller’s return, not just because the Tide rank 122nd in the country in rushing success rate this season, but because Kalen DeBoer let his backup walk in the offseason, and Justice Haynes is dominating for Michigan. Haynes, who was the more efficient back for the Tide last season by EPA/rush, transferred to the Wolverines this offseason and so far has 537 yards and six touchdowns on 66 carries.
Haynes’s 8.1 yards per attempt ranks 12th in the country for backs with at least 20 carries, his 15 missed tackles forced are 27th most, and he already has seven carries of 15+ yards. Alabama’s entire roster has just two such rushes and 18 total missed tackles forced.
Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have leaned into a heavy rotation in the backfield with Miller out, and surprisingly, Kevin Riley has emerged as the most productive back. Riley leads the team with 120 yards on 23 attempts, but has generated -0.08 EPA/rush with a 35 percent success rate.
Not all of the struggles in the ground game have been because of Miller’s absence. Alabama’s offensive line has failed to open consistent running lanes, which has prompted a bit of a rotation up front. True freshman Michael Carroll is taking snaps away from Week 1 starter Wilkin Formby at right tackle, while Kam Dewberry, Geno VanDeMark, and Jaeden Roberts vie for playing time at the two guard spots.
Through the struggles, Ty Simpson has been one of the country’s most efficient and effective quarterbacks, but the Tide could need more than just a crisp passing game to take down Georgia on Saturday. How Miller performs in his return could have a major bearing on the outcome of the game and Alabama’s season.
Jam Miller latest injury update:
The senior running back is expected to make his season debut in Week 5 against Georgia. He missed the first three games with a dislocated collarbone and was always expected to return after the team’s bye in Week 4.