Alabama Run Game

One of the things I haven't understood about the Alabama run game is the dedication to running plays that don't work. Last night (and several times this seasons and last year), it seems like Alabama has insisted on running slow developing run plays or running wide despite having limited success.

I started rewatching the game and making notes. By my count in the first quarter, Alabama had 5 slow developing or wide run plays for -5 (negated by irrelevant penalty), 1, 3 (Henry broke tackles in the backfield), 1, and 2. The= quick hitting runs where Henry gets the ball immediately or without having to slow down were for 4, 5, 7, 50, 7, 0, 8 (on a 3rd and 16, Clemson probably hedging on pass).

Has anyone else noted this tendency? Is there any reason for it? I certainly can't think of one. The strength of Alabama's run game has been big strong running backs and a brutal offensive line. Slow developing plays and running wide seem to be playing to a weakness in Alabama's offense and frequently to the strength of the defenses they play.