COLLEGE STATION, Texas. — A more passionate Damien Harris has taken over Alabama’s backfield, and Crimson Tide fans are loving every minute of it.
Offseason talk is fun, but Harris is about action.
After earning a career-high in rushing yards (151) and touchdowns (three) three weeks ago versus Vanderbilt, the junior running back was one of few bright spots for the Tide.
He totaled 124 yards rushing on 14 carries, including a 75-yard touchdown in helping his team pull out a 27-19 win over Texas A&M. While the play itself was Harris’ longest career run, offensive lineman Lester Cotton got the key block that sprung him for his seventh score of the year.
75-Td Run Alabama RB @DHx34 #BamavsTexasAM pic.twitter.com/u9zySnosSe
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) October 7, 2017
Harris, who added both muscle and speed during the summer, averaged 8.9 yards per carry and rushed for three first downs on his 14 attempts. His outing versus Texas A&M marks the second consecutive Southeastern Conference game and sixth time during his career, in which he has rushed for 100 yards.
Prior to facing the Tide, the Aggies’ defensive front was one of the more improved units in college football against the run. Despite giving up 96 rushing yards a game and shutting down South Carolina, Alabama pounded Texas A&M for 232 yards on 5.3 yards per carry.
With this performance, Harris accounted for 35 percent of the Tide’s offense and now has 500 yards rushing with seven scores on 59 carries.
One of his four 100-yard games from last season came against Arkansas.
Now at 6-0, Harris and Alabama will return to Bryant-Denny Stadium next week to host the Razorbacks for homecoming.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
