Alabama football’s always been known for pounding the rock, but last season? Yikes. The run game just fell off a cliff, ranking 123rd out of 136 in the FBS.
The Crimson Tide averaged a measly 3.35 yards per carry and 104.1 yards per game. Head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are making it their mission this spring to fix it—yeah, it’s kind of a big deal around Tuscaloosa.
Let’s talk about what went wrong and what Alabama’s doing to turn things around.
Challenges Faced Last Season
Last year was rough for the Tide’s run game. The low point? The SEC championship game, where Alabama finished with negative three rushing yards.
Things didn’t get much better in the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide managed just 23 rushing yards against Indiana, and got thumped 38-3.
Key Statistics
- Ranked 123rd in FBS for rushing offense
- 3.35 yards per carry average
- 104.1 yards per game average
- Negative three yards in the SEC title game
- 23 yards against Indiana in the playoff
Coaching Changes and Their Impact
So, Alabama shook things up on the coaching staff. Adrian Klemm is now the offensive line coach, taking over for Chris Kapilovic.
Klemm’s expected to bring a tougher, more physical vibe to the O-line. That’s something Alabama’s been missing lately, honestly.
Adrian Klemm’s Philosophy
Klemm keeps hammering on physicality and consistency. He wants his linemen to really understand why running the ball matters, not just how to do it.
That message is getting drilled into the players this spring. It’s all about building a foundation, one practice at a time.
Player Development and Competition
Player development is another piece of the puzzle. With guys like Jam Miller, Richard Young, and Dre Washington gone, there’s a fresh batch of backs stepping up.
True freshman EJ Crowell’s already turning heads. Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear are all pushing each other, making the competition real.
Spotlight on Key Players
- EJ Crowell: True freshman with a ton of upside
- Daniel Hill: Leaner and meaner, down to the low 230s
- Kevin Riley: Looks quicker, more agile than last year
- AK Dear: Adds a spark to a crowded running back room
Strategic Adjustments
Ryan Grubb admits last season’s play-calling wasn’t cutting it. He’s been reevaluating everything, from the run-pass balance to the nitty-gritty details.
He’s not shy about saying they need to be better. The goal? A smarter, sharper offensive game plan.
Focus Areas for Improvement
Grubb’s got his eyes on two things: physicality and consistency. If the Tide can nail those, the run game should bounce back.
He’s also thinking about the quarterbacks—giving them a strong run game takes a load off. Makes sense, right?
Looking Ahead
Spring practice is all about rebuilding the ground attack. The big test comes at the A-Day scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 11.
Fans will finally get to see what’s cooking. Who knows—maybe this is the start of something special for Alabama’s run game.
Spring Practice Highlights
- Start Date: Sunday
- Focus: Improving the run game
- Key Dates: A-Day scrimmage on April 11
The Alabama football team is starting spring practice this Sunday. Coaches have made it clear: fixing the run game is a top priority.
There’s fresh energy with new staff coming in. They’re talking a lot about physicality and building consistency, which—let’s be honest—felt missing last year.
Players are getting pushed to step up, especially those expected to lead the ground attack. The A-Day scrimmage on April 11 is circled as a big test for these changes.
If you want to dig deeper, the full article over at AL.com covers all the details.
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