He only took three questions after last week’s matchup, and yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine could understand why. The hurt had gotten to him. For the first time in his career, Najee Harris showed the Alabama fan base how badly he wants to dominate and win games.
He has always been sort of a finesse runner with smooth hands out the backfield; however, supporters of the Crimson Tide wanted to see if would ever have a game where he physically desired it more than everyone else on the field. People got their answer last week versus LSU inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, especially with ESPN’s College GameDay, SEC Nation and President Donald Trump in attendance. The message that former Tide legend, Shaun Alexander gave to the young Harris should be injected into the veins of everyone. He played a grown man against the Tigers – fighting for every yard was the catalyst behind an entertaining second half.
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After having just 38 rushing yards in the first half, Alabama decided to feature Harris more and the junior running back flipped a switch. He totaled 108 yards with two touchdowns, to provide him with a career-high 146 yards on 19 carries. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder averaged 7.7 yards per rush and had a long run of 31 yards.
A host of National Football League scouts fell to their knees in the third quarter, upon seeing the California native make an insane, acrobatic 15-yard reception from Tua Tagovailoa in the end zone. His draft stock was already increasing after the last few games, but that catch and his overall performance has pushed him up even further.
Najee Harris is UNSTOPPABLE right now. pic.twitter.com/BUg9zDlZrW
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 9, 2019
When in doubt, GIVE IT TO NAJEE! pic.twitter.com/szMfud9pUu
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 9, 2019
Harris collected three catches for 44 yards and one score.
Najee Harris can do it all for @AlabamaFTBL, TOUCHDOWN TIDE! pic.twitter.com/voUhq6WJQp
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 9, 2019
If the defense could have gotten one stop, he would have been the story of the game. Harris gave everything he had, unfortunately it was not enough. Joe Burrow and the Tigers proved to be too much and earned a 46-41 victory. Hope is still alive for Harris and the Tide for the College Football Playoff, but a few scenarios must fall in line. For now, the focus shifts to Mississippi State.
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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 @CoachingMSmith.
