Do we think the attack from Saturday is sustainable, or is that even desired? I'm curious if this approach will carry over or if this was just a combination of opponent and weather.
In a word, yes, it is sustainable. Desired? Absolutely.
For this offense to run at its highest efficiency, the run game must be a strength... and I'm talking about going against SEC level opponents... Bama isn't going to run Milore 10 times this Saturday against Mercer. But, the emergence (finally) of a dynamic rushing attack has been a much needed and positive step. Against Vandy, South Carolina, and Tennessee, Bama averaged 2.8 yards per rush on 93 attempts. In the last 2 games against Mizzou and LSU, Bama has averaged 6.8 yards on 85 attempts. Now, there are a few different reasons for such, including the fact that the Vols and Gamecocks have high level edge players that made things difficult for Bama. Also, Milroe was limited physically for most all of those 3 games. Still, the improvement has been substantial. The OL is performing well, the play calling and play designs have been shaper (example, LSU's edges were stout too, but Bama schemed better to limit their impact), and Milroe has regained his quickness and burst. It all adds up to significant improvement.
I'll also break it down this way... Of Bama's 315 total rushing attempts this season, 175 have been either behind or off either left or right tackle. That is where Bama has had their most consistent success on the ground... they've averaged 6.27 yards to the left and 6.8 yards to the right. It's been difficult sledding up the middle in the A gaps, but overall, more success in the B gaps (especially on the left side). Law being back has helped on some perimeter runs. The TE's, Ouzts specifically, has been like having a bulldozer on the field at times (there's a reason we are seeing more 12 personnel).
Bottom line, there was a concerted effort going into the LSU game (and even the Mizzou game) to get this offense on track in terms of a physical rushing attack. I'd imagine the rainy forecast had something to do with it, but also, it was the needed course correction. It's about maximizing the potential of the offense and not putting too much on Milore's shoulders in the passing game.
