Alabama players bought into Tommy Rees as its offensive coordinator upon working with him, but now the college football landscape is starting to see how good the 31-year-old can be under Nick Saban.
Rees, a former Notre Dame quarterback, coached the Crimson Tide offense to 40+ points in back-to-back matchups against Southeastern Conference competition. He positioned sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe to account for ten total touchdowns, including seven rushing scores, in games versus LSU and Kentucky. Milroe became the first signal-caller in Alabama history to record four rushing touchdowns in a game and tied Bryce Young and Tua Tagovailoa for scoring six touchdowns in a game.
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The wide receivers, running backs, and offensive line have come together for the Tide as well. Rees has put together his best offensive game plans in the last few weeks, and it has Alabama playing for an SEC Championship. Coach Saban detailed for reporters in Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference about Rees’ chemistry with the offense and how it has grown.
“I think the chemistry between Tommy and the players has always been good,” Saban said. “I think that we gradually improved, in terms of how we technically execute things, which is the key to the drill. I think we’ve also figured out how to use the personnel that we have a little bit better and I think that’s contributed to us making more positive plays. And I think in turn the confidence grows, and that’s been a good thing.”
Rees has unlocked Milroe’s running ability while developing him more in the passing game. Alabama’s offensive line started asserting its dominance, which has increased opportunities for running backs to make plays. The receiver unit has blossomed as Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice, and Jalen Hale have gotten more involved. Amari Niblack caught his fourth touchdown of the season versus Kentucky at tight end. Rees has the Tide flowing at the right time, but Alabama fans want to see more as it faces Chattanooga and Auburn. Alabama can post two dominant performances on offense before facing Georgia in Atlanta soon.
Rees and the Tide battle Chattanooga on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CT.
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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.
