Alabama’s defense has struggled in several different areas this season. One of the biggest issues has been Alabama’s inability to stop the run.
Through the first seven games of the season, Alabama’s defense has allowed 137 rushing yards per game. That might seem like a low number, but several teams have increased that average in recent weeks. Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Tennessee have each had success in the run game.
Vanderbilt ran the ball 54 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns. The Commodores controlled the clock as well as the line of scrimmage. Alabama’s struggles to stop the run and get off the field on third downs led to the Commodores upsetting the Crimson Tide.
South Carolina stayed true to the run game over the course of four quarters and nearly came away with a victory. The Gamecocks ran the ball 39 times for 132 yards and a touchdown. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains had a great offensive attack that emphasized the importance of effectively running the football and wearing down the Crimson Tide.
In week eight against Tennessee, Alabama neutralized the Volunteers rushing attack in the first half. However, it was a completely different story in the second half. Star running back Dylan Sampson led the way with 26 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Other ball carriers added to the run total and helped the Volunteers accumulate 214 yards on the ground.
Alabama’s inability to stop the run has been a lingering concern that seems far from being fixed at this point in time. Alabama’s front-seven struggles to get off of blocks and has missed a handful of tackles in recent weeks. Those are two issues that are difficult to clean up midseason. Several players that could see an uptick in snaps are defensive lineman Jordan Renaud, defensive lineman Edric Hill, and defensive lineman James Smith. Each of them were highly touted coming out of high school and have performed well in ample playing time this season.
Something has got to give, or opponents will continue to prioritize the run game. This is a major concern that Alabama’s coaching staff will need to find a solution for pretty quick. The SEC is a different animal, and this coaching staff needs to realize that. Opponents will run their best backs until the wheels fall off. How will Alabama respond moving forward? It will be interesting to see what changes the coaching staff makes to handle the lingering concern.
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