Alabama has always been known for its powerful running game. The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 4, finds itself struggling to run the ball effectively. As they prepare to face LSU on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama ranks 114th out of all FBS teams and 14th in the SEC in rushing, averaging just 118.9 yards per game. That's a far cry from the dominant ground attacks of the past.
So how did Alabama get here, and what are they doing to fix it?
The short answer is that their passing game, led by quarterback Ty Simpson, has been solid enough to carry the offense. Simpson has completed nearly 68% (177-for-261) of his throws, racking up 2,184 yards with 20 touchdowns and only one interception so far. In the recent win against South Carolina, he threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, helping Alabama escape with a 29-22 victory. But even in that game, the running game was pitiful, just 72 yards on 23 attempts. Most of those yards came with the game on the line, in the final seconds, when running back Germie Bernard scored the winning touchdown.
Alabama's offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, knows the running attack needs a boost. During their recent bye week, the team spent a lot of time reviewing how they run the ball, especially focusing on how to handle tough defenses that bring double-teams. They've been revisiting the basics: improving communication at the line, timing, and how to attack the defense more aggressively. Grubb even said, “Everything is up for grabs,” meaning they are ready to try new approaches to get the running game back on track.
Meanwhile, LSU is in a different kind of trouble. The Tigers were heavily favored to do well this season, but after a crushing 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M, their College Football Playoff dreams have taken a serious hit. That game also marked the end of Brian Kelly’s time as the head coach, with LSU paying a massive $54 million buyout to part ways.
Now, Frank Wilson is the interim coach, and he’s trying to rally the team. He said their morale is high and that the team has come together during the bye week to rethink what hasn’t worked. “I think we understand the challenges before us and we’re eager to play in this game,” Wilson said.
Offensively, LSU hasn’t been able to match the promise many expected. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s numbers are off from last year. This season, he’s completing 65.9% of his passes for 1,806 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, well down from 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last season.
Historically, Alabama has dominated the LSU series, holding a 57-27-5 record overall and winning the last meeting 42-13 in Baton Rouge last year. But every game is a new challenge, especially with Alabama’s need to find its rhythm running the ball again.
For Alabama supporters, the hope is clear. The passing game has kept the offense moving, but a strong running attack is what can really push their team into championship territory. Quarterback Ty Simpson put it simply: when a run play is called, the team needs to believe they’re going to get a solid gain every time, like eight yards or more.
Saturday night’s game won’t just be a regular SEC showdown; it’s a test of Alabama’s ability to fix what’s been missing on offense against a tough LSU defense that still wants to prove it belongs among the top teams in college football.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Alabama can bring back the bruising run game that once defined this powerhouse or if they’ll continue to lean mainly on their strong passing attack, hoping it’s enough to carry them through the rest of the season.
Alabama plays against LSU at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Nov. 8 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Power meets resistance in this SEC clash, and finding which side breaks first takes true playmaker insight. At Bankroll U, we break down every trench battle and trend to uncover the edges that move bettors ahead of the game.