Ryan Grubb tells why Alabama abandoned run game in loss to Florida State

Alabama football started the game with what appeared to be an emphasis on running the football.

The Crimson Tide opened the game with a 16-play scoring drive. The Tide rushed for 55 yards during the drive and four different players ran the football.

This would be the most successful rushing drive of the day for the Tide. Alabama would go on to finish the game with just 87 yards.

Grubb was asked about the Tide’s carry distribution in the game and Alabama running back, Kevin Riley, on Monday.

“I think that Kevin (Riley) showed up,” Grubb said. “I thought he showed a good burst. That’s something we were excited to see was what game reps were going to show up from what running back. I think we had right around 20 running back touches in the run game, and you’d love that number to be higher, like 25 to 30. Again, I think the fourth quarter and how it played out and having to play from behind at that point certainly hammered that a little bit. But we got to be able to run the ball in any situation, you know, down two scores or not.”

The Alabama offensive coordinator  has talked  a lot about the importance of running the football since becoming the offensive coordinator for the Tide.

“I think with the physical style of play it takes to win championships in the SEC, you certainly have to have a presence obviously with the offensive line,” Grubb previously said. “It’s also the type of runner they’ve had over the years here at Alabama. There’s a presence they bring there. Just the explosiveness of being able to run the ball and control the line of scrimmage. I think that’s another element we’re really excited about, and I certainly think we have an offensive lineman here that can bring that energy. So, we’re certainly looking to expand on that and make it even better.”