For Kalen DeBoer, the Week 11 victory over LSU brought mixed emotions. In their 20–9 win at home, the main takeaway on the offensive side was their struggling run game. The Crimson Tide managed just 56 rushing yards—their lowest output of the season.

Analyst David Pollack weighed in on the issue, noting that Alabama’s run game doesn’t reflect the quality of talent on the roster.

“Alabama can’t run the football, and it’s got to get fixed. They’re too good at wide receiver. They’re too good at quarterback. Like they’ve got, and they’re too good up front athletically and big and strong guys not to be able to move people,” Pollack said on the November 8th episode of his podcast.

Despite the overall strength of Alabama’s offense, the team is averaging just 118.9 rushing yards per game, ranking 114th nationally. That’s a concerning sign for Kalen DeBoer’s squad. Winter is already making Big 10 offenses one-dimensional, and it’s bound to have some effect on the South as well. Additionally, there is a possibility that Alabama may have to play in cold conditions during the playoffs. Not being able to run the ball will hamper the offense.

One possible reason for Alabama’s struggles in the run game has been the absence of RB Jamarion Miller, who has spent significant time on the sidelines due to injuries. After suffering a preseason collarbone injury that kept him out for three games, Miller was sidelined again last month against Missouri with a concussion. Although he’s back now, he doesn’t appear to be at full speed. Against LSU, he managed just 13 yards on eight carries, suggesting it may take some time for him to regain his rhythm.

As a result, Ty Simpson was forced into third-and-long situations throughout against LSU. At one point in the first quarter, Alabama had a turnover on downs after they couldn’t get a first down despite three run attempts. Another thing to note here is that this was against an LSU defense that is without a permanent head coach. Next week, they’re going against Brent Venables’ Oklahoma.

Kalen DeBoer has to fix the running game before the Oklahoma clash

With just three games left in the season, the race for a playoff spot is heating up in the SEC. Coming off a bye week, Brent Venables will aim to carry the momentum from the Tennessee game into the matchup against Alabama. David Pollack believes Venables’ side has likely taken notes from Alabama’s win over LSU, and could look to replicate what the LSU defense did successfully.

“Oklahoma’s going to be practicing football this week, and they will be ready. Their defense will do a lot of what LSU’s defense did tonight.” Pollack asserted on his show. Oklahoma has allowed just 14.1 points per game, ranking seventh nationally in scoring defense. The Sooners boast one of the most efficient defensive units in the country, which means Kalen DeBoer must find a solution to Alabama’s struggling rushing attack before Saturday’s matchup.

The major positive from the LSU game for Bama was their defense. The Tide didn’t let their guests get a touchdown despite multiple trips to the red zone. Oklahoma’s John Mateer hasn’t looked himself since he returned from his hand injury, and a hungry Bama offense can make his life difficult. Moreover, just like Bama, Oklahoma has its own issues to sort when it comes to running the ball.