Jumbo Package: Alabama focused on reviving run game vs LSU

Happy Friday, everyone. Fatutoa Henry was recognized for his big game, and particularly his big fourth quarter, against Texas A&M. Nick Kelly asked him about it.

“My mindset just changed to, I’ve got to go out there and dominate,” Henry said.

Henry is in his second season with the Crimson Tide. He was a junior college player who started his career at Oklahoma.

He’s largely been a depth piece for Alabama , but with injuries in the front seven, Henry has received more opportunities.

“I feel like I can be dependable, really,” Henry said. “That’s the standard I put above my head now. Ever since just showcasing what I can actually do when i get the opportunity.”

His efforts against Texas A&M earned him SEC co-defensive lineman of the week honors.

Basically, he had a choice and elected to kick ass. Nice.

Ben Flanagan asks if this LSU game will be the biggest of Kalen’s career.

But with their backs against the wall now and their season on the line, Alabama and DeBoer are in a unique position where the team must prepare to escape a hostile environment with a win.

So, how big is this game for DeBoer?

A third loss would all but eliminate Alabama from the College Football Playoff conversation, though the sport’s widespread parity could keep their hopes alive until the bitter end.

With a 24-team format, Alabama could afford to lose this one. But not yet. And even with a win, the other Tigers will visit Bryant-Denny next month.

First off, Alabama made the playoff last year and those two games were the biggest of Kalen’s Alabama tenure, and Kalen coached Washington in a national title game. Second, I disagree with the assertion that Alabama would be “all but eliminated” from playoff contention. They would likely fall multiple spots out of the committee rankings at that juncture, but there are so many SEC games left among contending teams that multiple three-loss teams may well get in.

Mal Waldrep says that Alabama is hyper-focused on the run game.

“Just really hammering down on it,” interior offensive lineman Mal Waldrep Jr. said Thursday after practice. “Getting in the film room. Everybody getting extra work in and being on the same page about it. We know what we have to do moving forward. We have to be able to run the ball. We really started to hammer down on it. Not like we weren’t before, but at the same time, it’s more of an emphasis now than it was because it’s a priority we need to be able to run the ball.”

Tennessee has the No. 42 run defense, giving up 121.6 yards per game. Meanwhile, Texas A&M is ranked 55th, giving up 132.6 yards per game.

Neither is as good as the rushing defense that’s in Baton Rouge. LSU ranks No. 6 in run defense, giving up 85.4 yards per game.

Hopefully Mal will be playing left guard in place of William Sanders, which means that Racin Delgatty has returned. LSU does indeed have a strong run defense, and Whit Weeks returning should only make them better, but Kentucky and Mississippi State were both able to top 150 yards rushing with some decent efficiency against them.

Maxwell Donaldson of the Gadsden Times has a little primer on the women’s basketball team for you.

Ace Austin has scored 21 points in both exhibitions for the Crimson Tide, while packing the rest of the stat sheet as well. Yes, both exhibitions were against lower NCAA foes, but she was the leading scorer in both games and was orchestrating the offense. That’s why she can be named first-team All-SEC by the end of the year, but not why she’s going to be a national star.

Austin has the unique ability, and the desire, to connect with fans of all ages. After most games, she’ll take photos with young fans for as long as possible. Her personality off the court, paired with a strong season is going to make her a star.

Last, imagine a blueblood program’s media team posting this.

Folks, that is pathetic.

That’s about it for today. Have a great weekend.

Roll Tide.