Alabama’s run game thrives against East Carolina

The Alabama Crimson Tide struggled to run the football throughout the entire 2025 campaign.

Things changed quickly, however, as Alabama dominated on the ground during Saturday afternoon’s season-opening contest against ECU. The Tide were credited with 227 total rushing yards, as sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell flashed major potential with his legs throughout the first three quarters of play.

Russell recorded a team-high 86 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground, while junior running back Daniel Hill ran for 47 total yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore quarterback took a moment to comment on his impressive performance on the ground following Saturday’s win, as Russell claims he is willing to do whatever it takes in order to help the team succeed moving forward.

“I’m just here to be a playmaker.” Russell said. “If I got to use my legs, got to use my arms, I’m here to do whatever. You know, my stuff goes bad, like coach said today ‘you know you’re a playmaker too. The whole offense is counting on you to make a play’. So, if I’m in the pocket in a breakdown, of course I’m using my legs. I told you, god blessed me with the attribute that I can use my legs, and why not use it?”

Russell recorded 256 yards through the air in addition to his impressive day on the ground. Alabama as a whole compiled five rushing touchdowns as well, with freshmen duo EJ Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown flashing major potential in addition to Russell’s success.