For the first time in quite a while, Alabama’s rushing attack seems to be non-existent in many ways.
In conference play, the Crimson Tide have 125 carries for 436 yards. That means that the Crimson Tide are averaging roughly 109 rushing yards per game. That is a recipe for a struggling offense, especially in a conference like the SEC. In order to have success, Alabama must establish some sort of rushing attack moving forward.
The run game starts and ends with quarterback Jalen Milroe. The redshirt junior has struggled in recent weeks. In the past three weeks, Milroe has 39 carries for 57 yards. He averages 1.46 yards per carry.
Aside from Milroe, running backs Jam Miller and Justice Haynes have had their share of ups and downs. Miller has 63 carries for 402 yards. Haynes has 47 carries for 271 yards. In seven weeks, Alabama’s feature running backs have touched the ball just 110 times.
In the first four games in SEC play, Miller and Haynes have combined to have 64 carries for 212 yards. That results in the two averaging a little over 3.3 yards per carry.
Altogether, Alabama has been unable to effectively run the football. It has proven to be costly for the Crimson Tide this season. In Alabama’s two losses, the run game has been a struggle. The inability to create a balanced offensive attack has created a lot of problems. Not only does it make Alabama’s offense more predictable, but it also allows opposing defenses to force the Crimson Tide to beat them through the air.
Moving forward, Alabama will need to figure something out in the run game. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan will need to be creative and find ways to create consistency on the ground. Otherwise, Alabama’s hopes of making a case for the College Football Playoff will be diminished.
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