Ryan Grubb makes Alabama’s run game top priority

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said fixing the Crimson Tide’s running game is a major focus after another uneven performance in Saturday’s win over LSU. Alabama finished with 79 rushing yards and averaged 2.7 yards per carry.

Grubb said Alabama found an early groove before LSU pushed the offense away from some of its plans. Falling behind the chains created too many second-and-long and third-and-long situations. Those situations exposed the Tide to LSU’s pass rush and limited its options.

Trae’Shawn Brown led Alabama with 35 yards on 11 attempts. Daniel Hill was the only other running back to record a carry, gaining 15 yards on five attempts.

The rushing problems have lasted throughout the season, though they have not reached the level of Alabama’s 2025 issues. Those struggles contributed heavily to postseason losses to Georgia and Indiana.

EJ Crowell and AK Dear did not play against LSU after dealing with injuries throughout the season. Grubb said Crowell tried pregame but was physically unable. Neither injury is season-ending, he added. Both players continue to prepare while working toward a return, Grubb said.

Grubb’s immediate challenge is finding ways to restore the running game while getting the ball to the right players. Alabama now turns toward a road game against Vanderbilt in Nashville.

Why it matters

Alabama’s long-yardage situations against LSU placed more pressure on its passing game against a strong pass rush. Improving the ground attack remains a major offensive focus after rushing problems also contributed to the Tide’s 2025 postseason losses.

What to watch next

Alabama faces Vanderbilt in Nashville on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. CT on SEC Network.