So far in 2021, Alabama Football is not in the top half of the FBS in running the ball. The Alabama Crimson Tide average of 3.96 yards-per-carry is better than just 46 FBS teams. Last season, the Crimson Tide rushed for a respectable 5.0 yards-per-carry.
The average yard stat is a good barometer but not as important as efficiency in short-yardage situations. It matters not how a third or fourth and short situation is converted. But in tight contests between top teams, being successful in running for two yards or less can determine a game’s outcome.