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What’s the issue with the running game?

Posted on 9/14/25 at 4:29 am
Posted by TizzyT4theUofA
This side of eternity
Member since Jun 2016
12053 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 4:29 am
Is it lack of physicality on the line, not committing to the run, or the RBs that can pass block can’t run and the ones that can run can’t pass block?
Posted by crimsoncoded94
Georgiana
Member since Aug 2025
895 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:12 am to
The running game isn't an emphasis in this offense. It is what it is.
Posted by TizzyT4theUofA
This side of eternity
Member since Jun 2016
12053 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:29 am to
quote:

The running game isn't an emphasis in this offense.


No doubt but we still need to have some semblance of balance and averaging more than 3.3 yards per carry isn’t going to cut it.
Posted by crimsoncoded94
Georgiana
Member since Aug 2025
895 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:32 am to
I agree, but I think part of it is the running backs.

Dear has busted two bug runs in limited carries. One against Wisconsin was called back, but I dont think our Rbs have much vision.

Dear will start once he learns to pick up pass pro
This post was edited on 9/14/25 at 5:33 am
Posted by TizzyT4theUofA
This side of eternity
Member since Jun 2016
12053 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:34 am to
quote:

Dear will start once he learns to pick up pass pro


I think so too. I know he’s running against their 2s/3d but he has looked the best this year.
Posted by Robot Santa
Member since Oct 2009
45921 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:38 am to
Square peg/round hole right now. It takes time to recruit and develop OL for a pretty dramatic change in how they are used in the run game. It also doesn't help that Riley is the only RB in the current non-garbage time rotation who has a lot of wiggle and burst.
Posted by ReauxlTide222
St. Petersburg
Member since Nov 2010
88310 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 6:53 am to
Riley get get skinny and through some holes the other guys aren’t and it it’s refreshing to see. He’s a solid RB and more effective than the others right now.

But he’s not some game changing talent that we’re used to.

Maybe the run game will improve a bit once we establish that we’re not scared to throw it all over the place.
Posted by SECFan413
Cookeville,TN
Member since Jan 2009
1010 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 6:56 am to
Judging by the number of free defenders on almost every run, I’d say the run schemes aren’t the greatest.

You’ve got OL and TEs not holding their blocks or getting to the next level too, but there does not seem to be a concerted effort to establish the run game. Rather it appears to just be used as a means to setup the pass at this stage.
Posted by Goombaw
Kentucky
Member since Jan 2013
6035 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 6:58 am to
I think we have good backs, but the OL is still gelling and the lanes aren’t always there yet. Riley is my favorite right now because of his pass pro and hands, but Dear is likely the future. Young has been a disappointment, and we haven’t even seen Miller, so maybe he’ll be a game changer.
Posted by Amarillo Tide
Amarillo, TX
Member since Aug 2023
1411 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:06 am to
I think it's a variety of things. I think part of it we have a so so offensive line. Brailsford and Roberts are solid to good, Vandermark is adequate but that's about his ceiling. Proctor and Formby are too slow and/or way too fat. I also think we have ZERO coaching from Chris Kapilovic. He's a very mediocre coach.

Part of it is scheme and a lack of a commitment to run the ball. I know CKD and Ryan Grubb were successful in the past without really taking the run game seriously but in the SEC, to win there, you MUST run the ball fairly to really well to win here. Will CKD and Grubb finally realize that? Who knows.

I think on paper, we have a stacked RB room but really, IMO, we only have two really good RBs or will be really good ones in Kevin Riley and AK Dear. Both are quicker, faster and shiftier than the rest. Current Tide recruits Ezavier Crowell and Javari Burnett are impressive and should shine at Bama. Burnett IMO has good speed and has some real wiggle and shiftiness. Crowell is putting up gaudy numbers. So, hope is on the horizon.

This post was edited on 9/14/25 at 7:08 am
Posted by InkStainedWretch
Member since Dec 2018
4545 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:12 am to
The issue with the running game yesterday is that we were playing an opponent whose absolute strength is run defense. Everyone on Wisconsin’s schedule, including Ohio State, is going to play hell trying to run the ball against them.

So while all of the issues people are citing may be true, was yesterday really a good gauge of where we stand?
Posted by InkStainedWretch
Member since Dec 2018
4545 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:16 am to
We knew what we were getting when we hired this coaching staff.
Posted by tide06
Member since Oct 2011
19808 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:35 am to
We have a poor OL when it comes to run blocking so far.

Outside of Brailsford not one of them is consistently getting wins, some of which might be coaching/development/scheme, but it is the reality.

As was also mentioned, UW is well coached and physical against the run so I had low expectations coming in on that front.

The reasons for optimism might being forward IMO are:
-our starting RB has been injured
-our RG is injured
-our best tackles might be TF
-our best RBs are TF so far and we have an elite guy coming in
This post was edited on 9/14/25 at 8:22 am
Posted by Easye921
Mobile
Member since Jan 2013
2876 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:45 am to
Yup. They have one of the better run ds in the country and they were routinely stacking the box yesterday. Tough to run against that. Be interesting to see how much we improve once Jam gets back.
Posted by InkStainedWretch
Member since Dec 2018
4545 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:49 am to
Yeah Wisconsin basically said, “You’re going to have to throw the ball to beat us,” and Ty said, “OK.”
Posted by UltimaParadox
North Carolina
Member since Nov 2008
50324 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:54 am to
Add other have said, I need to rewatch it.

But it seemed like Wisconsin consistently sent 5/6 players at the los every play.

Basically nothing was going to stop them from bringing pressure. And unlike the FSU game, ty let it fly
Posted by TS1926
Alabama
Member since Jan 2020
7318 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:56 am to
quote:

Dear has busted two bug runs in limited carries. One against Wisconsin was called back, but I dont think our Rbs have much vision.


This. The RBs are serviceable but not great. It’s ok due to the offensive philosophy. Riley catches the ball like a WR and he’s kind of quick but they don’t have an elite between the tackles RB.
Posted by bamatide07
Member since Jan 2019
5241 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 7:58 am to
Jam Miller has been out. That’s why.
Posted by TS1926
Alabama
Member since Jan 2020
7318 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 8:07 am to
quote:

Jam Miller has been out. That’s why.


Another serviceable RB.
Posted by CrimsonBoz
Member since Sep 2014
19392 posts
Posted on 9/14/25 at 8:14 am to
Just my .10 cents and obviously scrimmages didn’t mean much but Jam runs angry. I think he will do well when he comes back, he is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield and on the line.
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