‘Get excited about running the freaking ball’: Alabama looks for ground game improvement vs. LSU
The Alabama Crimson Tide enter their matchup against LSU with one mission in mind — fix the run game. Despite a 6–2 record, Alabama’s offensive inconsistency on the ground has been glaring. According to Game on Paper, the Tide rank
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb didn’t mince words this week when asked about Alabama’s struggles.
“We’ve really looked at that,” Grubb said. “The last two practices have done a really good job on that. We’ve got to block better.”
That honesty reflects what many Alabama fans have seen — a talented but inconsistent offensive line failing to open lanes for the backfield. With the Tide averaging under 4.0 yards per carry in multiple key games, the urgency is clear. The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. It gave players a chance to rest, reset, and recalibrate the physical tone that Alabama football has always been known for.
Running back Jamarion “Jam” Miller is expected to play a larger role after dealing with early-season injuries. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Daniel Hill has started to emerge as a bright spot, leading the team in total scrimmage yards during the South Carolina win. Grubb praised both backs for their work ethic, noting that improvement won’t come from scheme alone but from
The importance of reestablishing the run goes far beyond raw yardage. A productive rushing attack can open up Alabama’s entire offense — forcing defenses to respect play-action and giving quarterback
Interestingly, LSU’s interior defense has been one of its few weaknesses this season, offering an opportunity for Alabama to strike where it hurts. Analysts suggest that consistent early-down success on the ground could shift momentum and wear down LSU’s defense, especially late in the game.
Still, nothing about this matchup will be easy. The Tide’s offensive line has struggled with penalties and missed assignments, and LSU’s aggressive linebackers will test every gap. Grubb admitted that improvement won’t happen overnight, but he emphasized that physicality and execution will be key:
“We just need to get excited about running the freaking ball,” he said. “That’s who we need to be.”
In a season filled with growing pains under a new offensive system, Alabama’s response this weekend could define its trajectory. Rediscovering the run game isn’t just about yards — it’s about reclaiming
If the Tide can ground and pound effectively against LSU, it may spark the balanced attack they’ve been searching for all season. But if not, the same questions about blocking, toughness, and consistency will only grow louder.
Either way, the message is clear: Alabama wants to get back to running the freaking ball — and running it with pride.
Canucks recall top prospect Tom Willander
Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK
Since being sent down, Willander appeared in one game with Abbotsford (AHL), adding an assist, now up to two points in his first five North American professional games. Drafted 11th overall in the 2023 draft by Vancouver, Willander is widely considered the club’s No. 1 prospect and one of the top defensive prospects in the league.
Despite having limited professional experience so far, the Swede spent the past two seasons starring for the NCAA’s Boston University, becoming acquainted with the North American game. Before his time in college, Willander made two appearances for Rögle BK of the SHL as a teenager.
A smooth-skating right-hander at 6-foot-1, Willander’s ability in his own end could be NHL-ready. The offense may take some time, but not many have his acumen at this phase in their careers with his quickness and agility. Vancouver could call on Willander to make his awaited debut partly due to necessity. With Quinn Hughes
Although it may seem like a forgone conclusion considering the circumstances, fans will watch closely for updates on whether the prospect will make his debut Tuesday or not.
