Make no mistake about it. The bye week was necessary for the Alabama Crimson Tide to recharge. On top of players recuperating from a tough October, the bye week gave the coaching staff a chance to evaluate the team, and make adjustments that couldn’t happen during a normal week of practice and preparation. Heading into LSU week, fans should keep an eye out for answers to a couple of curiosities brought on by the bye week.
Who Backs Up the King?
Running back Derrick Henry is the unquestioned top dog in the Alabama back field. The junior from Yulee, Florida has amassed 1,044 yards to go with 14 touchdowns through eight games. Barring injury, he will receive the majority of the carries throughout the remainder of the year. Even kings need a breather, and who comes in to provide that is a point of some debate.
The easy answer is Kenyan Drake. He’s had the position throughout the season, but hasn’t been able to consistently produce. The explanations for his struggles include poor play calling, and Drake trying too hard to hit a home run on every play. Whatever the case may be, 50 total rushing yards in October to go with 42 receiving yards isn’t setting the world on fire.
A player to watch out for is Bo Scarbrough. He was the number three running back on the depth chart in the spring before tearing an ACL and then had to suffer through an NCAA-imposed four game suspension to start the 2015 season. That time lost hurt Scarbrough’s development and carving out a role to this point has been difficult. The bye week’s evaluation time could provide the perfect opportunity for a switch.
There is precedent for change and it comes from Derrick Henry. Before the 2013 Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma, it was Henry proving his mettle as a complete running back that pushed him to second on the depth chart behind then-starter TJ Yeldon.
What would Scarbrough bring to the table for the Alabama offense? At 6’2, 240 pounds, he could continue the physicality that Derrick Henry consistently brings on his runs. Bo also has good hands and could be useful as a safety valve, or in the screen game. Like many young backs, Scarbrough will have to prove he is a consistent blocker to make a move past Kenyan Drake.
Right Tackle Troubles
Right tackle Dominick Jackson suffered an ankle injury at the end of the Tennessee game, and has been called day-to-day by Nick Saban. While Jackson has been out, Brandon Greene has spent time with the tackles.
Jackson is an excellent run blocker, but has struggled in pass protection at times. The trouble for Alabama is that offensive line chemistry is a finicky thing and the unit as a whole has been inconsistent. While the Tide has recruited at a high level, chemistry is less about star power, and more about familiarity. Trying to rebuild that chemistry heading into a game against a staunch LSU defense will put offensive line coach Mario Cristobal to the test this week.
One important note is that Jackson’s injury is similar to Cam Robinson’s injury last year. Robinson played in the next game, ironically LSU, following a corrective procedure. Who would replace Jackson, if necessary, remains a mystery as the Tide inexorably spins towards a showdown with the Tigers in Tuscaloosa.
