Kalen DeBoer has made his frustration with Alabama’s running game clear despite the Crimson Tide securing a much-needed victory over Texas A&M.
Alabama entered the matchup following consecutive SEC defeats to Georgia and Tennessee, leaving DeBoer under pressure to get his team back on track.
The win provides some relief, but the head coach knows his side must improve offensively before the final stretch of the regular season.
Kalen DeBoer demands more from Alabama Crimson Tide’s struggling run game
Speaking after the victory, DeBoer praised Alabama’s determination to fight for four quarters but was far less pleased with the team’s ground attack.
When asked about the running game, the Crimson Tide head coach did not hide his disappointment.
“Disappointed, disappointed,” DeBoer said. “The stats, that’s all you gotta really look at, and we needed more out of that run game to open up some things for us.”
DeBoer also highlighted missed blocks, negative rushing plays and defenders getting through the line as areas that need to be addressed.
“When we get some negative yards and have guys that are unblocked at the point of attack, or falling off blocks, those are things that we gotta get back to the basics, and we gotta get better at.”
The concern is particularly relevant with young quarterback Keelon Russell leading the offence. Alabama needs a more consistent rushing threat to help create opportunities and take pressure off its passing game.
Russell did, however, earn praise for his response after some early struggles, with DeBoer highlighting several important throws late in the contest.
Wide receiver Rico Scott also impressed, making key contributions when Alabama needed someone to step up.
The Crimson Tide now have a bye week before returning to SEC action against LSU, giving the coaching staff time to work on the issues exposed against Texas A&M.
However, Alabama will also have to monitor injuries. Offensive lineman William Sanders suffered a lower-extremity injury and could miss several weeks.
The victory offers DeBoer some breathing room, but Alabama’s next challenge is turning its late-game resilience into a more complete performance. Improving the run game will be a key part of that task.
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