Arkansas Razorbacks AD and College Football Playoff Selection Committee chair sent a clear message to the Alabama Crimson Tide after ranking them No. 10, behind the Notre Dame Fighting Irish: run the ball effectively to get more respect in the rankings.
Though it was against a previously 3-8, now 3-9, Eastern Illinois Panthers, Saturday Down South's Derek Peterson believes Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb's attack accomplished that in Week 13's Iron Bowl tune-up.
"When the Tide tumbled from No. 4 to No. 10 in the latest College Football Playoff Top 25, selection committee chair Hunter Yurachek said the committee has been less than impressed with Alabama’s ability to run the football. The criticism wasn’t well-received within the fanbase, but it wasn’t exactly off-base. Alabama entered Week 13 averaging just under 109 rushing yards per game — the 14th-worst in the FBS," Peterson wrote.
"So, it came as no surprise on Saturday when, in a 56-0 dusting of Eastern Illinois at home, the Tide made a concerted effort to pound the ball on the ground."
There was gamesmanship around college football. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish scored three touchdowns before quarterback CJ Carr took the field. Miami Hurricanes QB Carson Beck threw a touchdown pass to The U receiver Malachi Toney on 4th and 2 with under 30 seconds left in the game while up 10. Alabama had its own against a severely limited opponent.
The Tide amassed 269 yards on the ground, led by senior running back Jam Miller (62 yards on 11 carries, one touchdown), freshman AK Dear (45 yards on nine carries, two touchdowns), and redshirt freshman running back Kevin Riley (36 yards on eight carries, two touchdowns). Overall, the performance was ideal. But it doesn't say all that much about next week.
Iron Bowl in a different place with Deuce Knight in for Auburn
It's the Auburn Tigers' rushing attack that should be the story. Deuce Knight had 162 yards on the ground with four rushing touchdowns. Even though it came against the FCS Mercer Bears, it's easy to see that Knight has a gift under center.
If DJ Durkin and Derrick Nix unleash the freshman out of Lucedale, Mississippi, against Alabama, Kane Wommack could be play-calling for the final time on the Crimson Tide sideline.
Ashton Daniels could start, but have a short leash, in the Iron Bowl. He didn't play against Mercer to preserve his redshirt and maintain eligibility for next year.