re: How good is ND's D and will Alabama run the ball well?

Just like always, the pass and the run complement each other. An effective downfield threat opens up the run, and the run sets up play action. Nothing fancy, just fact.

What this means is that the O-line has to protect, AJ has to be on, and the receivers have to get open.

Just like against LSU. If that happens, we will run wild. If not, look for a slugfest.