Saban tells what Alabama should do to fix run game

Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jam Miller (26) runs the ball against the Mercer Bears during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

It is no secret Alabama football is struggling to run the football with its running backs.

The Crimson Tide has managed to continue to win despite a struggling rushing attack. Ty Simpson and Alabama’s wide receivers and tight ends have played a huge role in the Tide’s continued success as of late, but a nonexistent run game is not a recipe for success. No one knows more about this than Nick Saban.

Saban gave some advice to the Alabama coaching staff while discussing the Tide’s rushing attack on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday.

“Now they have struggled to run the ball,” Saban said. “The offensive line is going to have to continue to improve because they have pretty decent backs, but they just have not been able to sustain and finish in the run game at all, which puts them behind the sticks a lot, but they make more explosive plays on run downs. This is that play right there that you’re watching right now is a first-and-ten play. So I’m like, throw the ball when they think you’re going to run it and just keep making explosive plays that way. And if you want to run it better, run it when they think you’re going to throw it and maybe you’ll do a better job and develop some confidence in your ability to run the ball.”

A lack of an efficient rushing attack continues to be a talking point concerning Alabama football. The Tide will look to get things back rolling on the ground against Oklahoma on Saturday.