The conundrum with Alabama’s offensive identity

Heading into the 2024 season, there is some disagreement about the offensive identity of Alabama Football under new coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff.

Having experienced some stagnation in recent years, Alabama fans are excited about the potential for an explosive passing attack. Quarterback Jalen Milroe enters year two as the starter, and Bama will field a revamped receiving corps with enticing new pieces like Washington transfer Germie Bernard and 5-star true freshman Ryan Williams.

Perhaps even more importantly, the Tide offense is now under the jurisdiction of Kalen DeBoer, Nick Sheridan, and JaMarcus Shephard, who orchestrated one of college football’s most prolific passing attacks last season.

Playing under DeBoer for the Washington Huskies, QB Michael Penix threw for nearly 5,000 yards while spreading the ball around to a variety of receivers. By the end of the season, Washington had four receivers with 45+ receptions and two wideouts with well over 1,000 yards.

Alabama hasn't had a single 1,000-yard receiver since the 2021 season. Heading into the 2024 campaign with its combination of talent and an offensive-minded staff, many believe the Tide is primed to once again have an electric passing game.

Is there a conflict between Alabama's philosophical approach and personnel?

While all of these factors are very real, Alabama’s personnel may lend itself more to a power running attack. While not quite as big as last year, the Tide’s massive offensive line remains one of the biggest in the sport. The unit is led by hulking guards Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts, who bookend transfer center Parker Brailsford to form what should be a dominant interior line.

Running backs Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and Richard Young are a battering trio who are widely expected to be one of the overwhelming strengths of the team. Additionally, quarterback Jalen Milroe has a combination of speed and physicality often found only in elite running backs, and is always a threat on the ground.

Even players like tight ends CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver Kendrick Law are extremely physical and could contribute to a dominant running game. These three will make plays as pass-catchers, but all are also very effective blockers. Law has even shown an ability to tote the rock himself and can be a punishing ball carrier.

Variability will be an advantage rather than an obstacle

This apparent discrepancy is a good problem to have. Rather than an identity issue, it likely indicates that Alabama will field a balanced offensive attack in 2024. Still, it will be very fascinating to see what becomes the bread and butter for this football team this season. 

I tend to believe that Bama will establish the ground game first and foremost and build off that. While I think DeBoer and company can construct an effective passing attack with Milroe at the helm and a multitude of weapons at his disposal, the strength of this offense will be the running game. Bama’s veteran offensive line and deep stable of backs will be reminiscent of the early Saban days, and Milroe’s dynamic ability as a runner will be the X-factor for this unit. 

While this approach likely isn’t conducive to scoring 40 points a game, Alabama will implement enough offensive balance and vertical explosiveness to keep defenses guessing. I expect Bama to make a significant jump in offensive production after ranking 58th in yardage and 24th in scoring last season.