In the past, Alabama has primarily been a run-first offense. If not, the offensive attack has been more balanced than anything. This season is a bit different.
Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan seems to be placing an increased emphasis on Alabama’s passing attack. Early on in the season, it seemed to be working. Throughout the last four games, the passing attack has been neutralized and the team’s rushing attack has been nowhere to be found.
Through the first seven games of the season, the season-high for an Alabama running back in terms of rushing yards in SEC play is 45. Jam Miller had just five carries for 45 yards and two touchdowns against Vanderbilt. He averaged nine yards per carry in that game. On the season, Miller averages 6.4 yards per carry.
The No. 2 running back on the roster is Justice Haynes. He averages 5.8 yards per carry. Clearly, the running backs have been efficient. They just have not had the opportunities to truly become a mainstay in Alabama’s offense. Sheridan has quarterback Jalen Milroe as the team’s leading ball carrier. He has 91 carries alone. Miller and Haynes have 110 carries combined.
The run game has to be a focal point moving forward or Alabama’s offense will become stagnant and one-dimensional. We have seen the offense’s production go into decline in the last three weeks. A large reason for that is the lack of dedication to the run game. Alabama must run the football to open up the offense and allow Milroe to operate. He should not be throwing the football 30-40 times a game and having to run the ball so much. Alabama has a talented backfield with Haynes and Miller. They are not being utilized in the manner in which they need to be.
Hopefully, Sheridan and the offensive coaching staff will look to establish a rushing attack against Missouri. It is essential that Alabama can effectively run the football and keep opposing defenses on their toes. It makes it easier to call plays and more difficult for defenses to defend Alabama’s dynamic offense.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
