National Title Game Film Preview: Alabama Offense

The Alabama running game is based around finding as many ways to use inside/outside zone, counter and power blocking as possible. To accomplish this the Crimson Tide will use jet sweeps, option concepts, constantly moving tight ends/h backs and direct snaps to quarterback Jalen Hurts. Mix in play action passes, run pass options, roll out passes and the occasional drop back and the Alabama offense is lethal if on schedule. There are a few cracks, despite being the #1 rated rushing offense by S&P the Tide rank 88th in stuff rate. In addition the passing game is relatively mediocre, ranking in the 40’s and 50’s in efficiency and explosiveness. While Hurts does not take many sacks (19) or throw many interceptions (9) he has put the ball on the ground eleven times. The Tide are much more all or nothing on passing downs, where Alabama is 41st in efficiency but the 6th most explosive offense in the country. While Alabama did change offensive coordinators lately, with a week to prepare and coming from in house I don’t expect Sarkisian to make many changes to the scheme.

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