GIF recap: Breaking down Alabama’s eight rushing TDs vs. Eastern Illinois

Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back AK Dear (0) waltzes into the endzone during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

It’s hard to say if Alabama truly revived its running game against an overpowered Eastern Illinois defense over the weekend. The Crimson Tide sure stuffed the stat sheet, though. 

Alabama ran for 269 yards and eight touchdowns on 49 attempts, using 13 different rushers during its 56-0 win over EIU. The Tide’s eight rushing touchdowns are its most in a game since punching in nine scores on the ground during a drubbing of Vanderbilt back in 1979. 

“It means a lot,” running back Jam Miller said after the game. “First, let’s thank the O-line for doing what they’re doing up front, opening up holes for us. I give all credit to them.”

Alabama’s running game has been its Achilles heel this season. The Tide rushed for just 80 yards on 33 attempts during its loss to Oklahoma. That was one of three straight games Alabama failed to reach the century mark on the ground, rushing for 56 yards against LSU and 72 yards against South Carolina. 

While this past weekend’s opponent was a struggling team from the FCS level, Alabama’s offense resembled the power running attack it used to hang its hat on in years past. 

“I just think that it’s always execution and just more reps,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said. “Everything, you get better with reps, and it doesn’t matter what your position is — head coach, position coach, player. And so, a day like today, there’s just a lot of reps, and we had a shakeup there with the offensive line with Geno [VanDeMark] in there [at center] and a few other guys. And so, again, more reps for those guys against the looks that we saw. 

“Did mix in running backs, and I thought they all ran hard and got their opportunities. And so, it’s just trying to build on everything. I thought last week, a week ago, I thought we took a step forward. And we’ll watch the film and continue to go back to work. I feel like we got a physical football team, both sides of the ball. And that’s what’s gonna come down to here if we go down this home stretch.”

Here’s a breakdown of Alabama’s eight rushing scores on the day.