The Rush to Redemption
Alabama’s offense struggled to move the ball on the ground during the 2025 season, a fact that dominated headlines and sparked debate among analysts and fans alike.
Looking back, the Crimson Tide is not the first powerhouse to encounter a weak rushing attack in a championship‑contending year; Iowa’s 2021 and 2023 teams posted modest ground gains while still posting strong records, whereas the Florida Gators saw a sharp decline the following year after a similarly lackluster rush in 2016.
Clemson’s 2016 squad, which still managed to capture the national title despite a middling rush, benefited from a freshman phenom named Travis Etienne, and the next season the Tigers turned that early‑season deficiency into a dominant rushing identity. A similar trajectory unfolded at Oklahoma State in 2015, where a poor ground game gave way to a resurgence the following year.
The article draws a direct comparison between Alabama’s 2025 metrics and Clemson’s 2016 numbers, noting that both teams relied heavily on a potent passing attack while a breakout running back — whether Etienne or a future star — could be the catalyst for a turnaround. Names such as DeShaun Watson, Ty Simpson, Mason Rudolph, Chris Carson, Justice Hill, Kelly Bryant, Travis Etienne, Tavien Feaster, Keelon Russell, Austin Mack, EJ Crowell, and Trae’Shawn Brown have been cited in the discussion of how a single playmaker can reshape a team’s offensive balance.
If history is any guide, Alabama may find reason for optimism in the pathways of Clemson and Oklahoma State, both of which transformed a disappointing rush into a competitive advantage the very next season. The expectation is that the Crimson Tide will look to fortify its ground game in 2026, leveraging the lessons learned and the talent of its emerging runners.