DeBoer evaluates Alabama football’s rushing attack after loss to Oklahoma

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) during the third quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

The lack of a consistent running game is something that continues to hang over the head of the Alabama offense.

The Crimson Tide sported another new starting offensive line combination, keeping left tackle Kadyn Proctor and center Parker Brailsford at their positions, starting Kam Dewberry at left guard, moving Wilkin Formby to right guard and starting freshman Michael Carroll at right tackle.

Alabama rushed for 80 yards against Oklahoma and averaged 2.4 yards a carry. Running back Daniel Hill rushed for 60 yards on 15 touches, and Jam Miller carried the football nine times for 27 yards. When you compare this game to Alabama’s previous game against LSU, this is an improvement as the Crimson Tide rushed for 24 more yards vs the Sooners, but it is not the kind of running game that a championship contender has.

Kalen DeBoer was asked about the running game in the post-game press conference, and he shared what stood out to him tonight.

“I think it felt like there was opportunities where we had steams to run the football more so than we have, and there’s still times, again, they’re [Oklahoma] very good against the run,” DeBoer said. “So, I’ll watch the film in more detail and see, but I thought our effort and our belief in doing it is continuing to head in the right direction.”

Alabama’s 80-yard rushing performance is the offense’s best showing on the ground since the Tennessee game where Alabama ran for 120 yards, but Alabama’s running backs were only responsible for 49 of those yards.

The storyline continues to be talked about after Alabama football’s games, and it will only get more traction as the season continues.