Alabama football proves it has physical run game even in defeat vs Georgia

Alabama football didn’t beat Georgia on the scoreboard. However, the Crimson Tide still managed to make the Bulldogs’ run defense struggle to look like it was the third-best in the nation, which is where the unit was ranked coming into the contest.

Even in a 20-17 defeat at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama proved that it can run the ball on anyone.

The evidence was in the 161 rushing yards Alabama gained on Georgia, which didn’t let Arkansas produce more than 17 yards. The same defense only gave Oklahoma 67 yards before allowing 85 from Vanderbilt.

Georgia has only given up one 100-plus yard rushing game all season – to Western Kentucky, the wake-up call preceding the SEC slate that led to Alabama.

Coach Kalen DeBoer credited Alabama’s run game for giving the Crimson Tide “explosive runs … when we needed it.”

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Freshman Trae’shawn Brown fueled the Crimson Tide with nine carries for 90 yards, his season high, while fellow rookie EJ Crowell was the only running back to account for a touchdown, beating out the clock at halftime with a 1-yard punch into the end zone.

Running backs can’t take all the credit, either. Quarterback Keelon Russell flexed his dual-threat capabilities to come second in rushing yards with 41.

“For the most part, I thought it was consistent,” DeBoer said, noting that he would have to review film to give a better evaluation.

After the game, Russell commended Brown, Crowell and Daniel Hill for doing their jobs.

Alabama’s rushing yard total in the loss to Georgia may not pop on paper quite like 247 yards against Florida State or 229 against East Carolina. The Bulldogs defense, however, presented a much tougher test, and the Crimson Tide erased any doubt about its rushing attack.

Alabama returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Tennessee for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff. Broadcast information has yet to be released.

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football proves it has physical run game even in defeat vs Georgia