Offensive line springs big plays in big win
The University of Alabama drew a line in the grass Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
That line – a starting unit which averaged a shade under 6-foot-5 and an even 308 pounds – protected quarterback Jalen Hurts and paved the way for an effective running game.
Hurts, a mobile freshman, operated more from the pocket in rolling up his first 300-yard passing game. Alabama runners averaged seven yards per carry – with Hurts gaining 100 yards on 11 carries to lead the pack – in the 51-3 victory over Mississippi State.
"Once we started seeing what they were doing we started clicking pretty good" left guard Ross Pierschbacher said.
Hurts was still utilized on sprint-out pass plays and run-pass options, but set up more in the pocket than usual. Alabama's line got to show off its ability to stave off a rush in normal pass protection schemes.
UA gave up just one sack on 41 pass attempts, and when Hurts did scramble it was rarely because the pocket collapsed.
"I think we've always practiced the traditional pass set, too, from years before, too," Pierschbacher said. "This year with a mobile quarterback, that's changed that a little bit."
What also changed was Alabama's starting lineup on the offensive line. Senior Korren Kirven started at right guard, joining regular starters Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman at center and tackles Cam Robinson and Jonah Williams.
Kirven replaced Lester Cotton. Alphonse "Shank" Taylor has also started in the right guard spot. Backup Josh Casher got some snaps at that position against MSU.
"They both played lights-out," Bozeman said of Kirven and Casher.
Head coach Nick Saban said Cotton had missed some practice time a few weeks after sustaining a concussion and was in a black, no-contact jersey this week. He did play a few snaps on special teams.
"We said we're just going to take a look at some other guys playing that position right now," Saban said. "We've been wanting to try Kirven in there all year just to see what he could do."
While that position hasn't yet settled, the results have been impressive no matter the lineup. Alabama came into the game leading the league in scoring offense at 40.1 points per game and fourth in total offense with a 478.6-yard average, and exceeded both, gaining 615 yards.
In the running game, before backups entered en masse in the final 12 minutes, Alabama's line averaged giving runners 5.8 yards before contact, thanks to a couple of long runs that helped the average. Out of 23 rushes, the Crimson Tide allowed contact in the backfield just four times and at the line of scrimmage only three times. On 11 plays, a UA runner was at least three yards downfield before the defense could lay a hand on him.
Alabama got explosive running plays, with Hurts gaining 60 yards on one breakaway gallop and Josh Jacobs, who finished with 89 yards on nine attempts, adding a 69-yard run.
"We just came out and we played physical today and got the ball moving," Bozeman said.