Alabama’s offense ranks in the top 10 nationally for college football in scoring (48.4 ppg, fourth), total offense (525 ypg, fourth), and rush offense (251.4 ypg, seventh), but it could be even better.
Bill O’Brien is not using all the pieces that would make the Crimson Tide’s attack scary. Alabama has speed across the board at every skill position. Jahmyr Gibbs and Jase McClellan are explosive running backs. McClellan had an 81-yard touchdown run in week two against Texas. Gibbs had a career day of 206 rushing yards and two touchdowns versus Arkansas. He averaged 11.4 yards per rush attempt, including two 70+ yard scoring runs. Gibbs clocked 22.3 miles per hour on his 72-yard touchdown run.
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Tyler Harrell (foot) and Aaron Anderson (knee) are not back yet, but one of them could return this week. JoJo Earle, a sophomore, made his debut for this season against the Razorbacks. He caught one pass, but Earle took it for a 22-yard score.
Alabama has Kobe Prentice and Isaiah Bond that possess speed as freshmen. Prentice led the Tide with 92 yards receiving and a touchdown on three catches last week. Bond has been worked early into games because the coaching staff is impressed by his ability to get behind defensive backs. He totaled two catches for 76 yards, including a 53-yard reception on a deep shot.
Jalen Milroe has marquee playmaking abilities as a backup quarterback. Fans have seen his strength be well-documented; however, the native Texan brings elite speed. He showed it on a 77-yard to give Alabama back momentum in the fourth quarter.
Milroe eluded Bumper Pool of Arkansas and turned on the jets. Cameron Latu has decent speed as a tight end. He suffered an injury in preseason camp, but Latu showed his wiggle last year to make plays. Coach O’Brien has to craft ways to get players the ball that we know can make an impact on offense. He needs to use Milroe’s athleticism and arm more, but he also has to incorporate guys that can vertically stretch the field. Alabama could have the best offense in the nation if things click.
No defense would want anything to do with Alabama’s offense when Harrell and Anderson make their debuts, but O’Brien has to work with what’s available for now. The Tide has speed and playmakers everywhere, and it is time for them to be featured.
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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.
