Alabama Football: 5 impact players for Tide in national title game

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after the win over the Oklahoma Sooners during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

3. Damien Harris (and Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris)

Speaking of things Alabama traditionally does well, the running game has been dominant for the Crimson Tide in 2018-19. The Crimson Tide have not one but three rushers that can hurt you. Alabama averaged 5.3 yards per carry this year, led by senior Damien Harris, who rushed for 819 yards and nine touchdowns. Harris ran for 1,000 yards as a sophomore and a junior and will likely fall just short this season. Harris had two touchdowns in the first quarter to help Alabama cruise to an early lead against Oklahoma.

Not to be outdone by Damien, Najee Harris added 724 yards, four touchdowns and a whopping 6.7 yards per carry this season. Najee only had six carries against Oklahoma but averaged 7.5 yards per carry on those.

Both Harris’ were outshined by junior Josh Jacobs, who rushed for 98 yards and added four catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. The Alabama backfield is an embarrassment of riches that allows the passing game to have space and provides plenty of big plays. The Clemson defensive line will have its hands full.

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