Evolution of Alabama Running Game Starts with Offensive Line

Averaging 254 yards on the ground over the last three games, Alabama's quarterback and running back were quick to give the credit to the offensive line.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama has averaged 254 yards on the ground over the last three games. It's been a big part of the evolution of the offense since the bye week. 

Through the first half of the season, it seemed like if the passing game was working well, the Crimson Tide struggled to establish the run like the Texas A&M game or Texas game. And vice versa. If Alabama was running the ball well, like against Mississippi State, there wasn't a lot of success through the air. 

There were signs of improvement against Arkansas and Tennessee, but the LSU game coming out the bye week was when the Alabama offense moved to a new level. There were new formations, more run-pass option plays, more designed runs for Jalen Milroe and getting more players involved in the offense like Kendrick Law and Jam Miller. 

Senior running back Roydell Williams and Alabama quarterback Milroe fully credit the growth of the running game to the big guys up front. 

"They do a fantastic job on their assignments," Williams said Tuesday. "With the additions of Jaeden Roberts, he's come in and tagged along very well. Those guys just do a great job of communicating and knowing their assignments. Coming in on the days where it's kind of tough and they may be banged up or so, but they do a great job in practice and practicing getting game reps in.”

Nick Saban said the improvement of the offensive line has come from better communication and technique among the group. Inserting Roberts in the starting lineup at right guard beginning with the Texas A&M game has also coincided with the overall improvement of the group. 

Another big part of the changes on offense have come from first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who was named a semifinalist for the Broyles Award on Monday. 

"I think he’s done a great job of transforming our offense and players and how they’ve improved," Saban said. "I think that’s made a huge difference in the confidence of our team offensively, as well as our team in general. He’s done an outstanding job.”

Williams shared that Rees has gotten more comfortable with the players as the season has gone along and developed better relationships with them. The young offensive coordinator has learned the abilities of his personnel and how to best game plan for their skillsets. 

For example, Milroe rushed for a career-high 155 yards against LSU with more designed runs and RPO plays called. 

Alabama will continue to try to have a balanced attack this Saturday against an Auburn team that is ranked 40th in the country in scoring defense at 21.5 points per game. While the Tigers have struggled mightily on offense at times this season, the defense has kept Auburn in games. 

"Just being able to get everybody comfortable and on the same page is key for us," Williams said. "Being balanced is the most important thing.”

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