Alabama Football: 3 overreactions to win over Tennessee in Week 8
2. Najee Harris is fully capable of shouldering the load
A few weeks ago, Najee Harris was asked about his improvement as a pass-catcher in Alabama’s offense. He said then that he was just trying to stay relevant in the offense. With the focal-point being on the passing game due to Tagovailoa’s transcendent talent, Harris has taken more of a backseat than usual for a Crimson Tide running back.
Harris will be sliding over to the driver’s seat with Tagovailoa on the mend now.
We saw it in the second half against Tennessee. Steve Sarkisian had a concerted effort to put the ball in Harris’s hands and let him carry the offense, hoping his ability to run would open up the play-action passing game for Jones and give him some high-percentage and easy throws.
It worked.
Harris totaled 105 rushing yards on a career-high 21 carries, adding 48 receiving yards on four catches. He scored two touchdowns on the ground, and provided the spark the Alabama offense needed after the injury.
With Tagovailoa out against Arkansas, look for it to be the Najee Harris show on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. The Arkansas defense ranks 100th in the country against the run, and Harris should be able to exploit that weakness.
The Tide’s offensive line has made steady improvements, and with Deonte Brown’s return from suspension, the starting five looks set even with a healthy Chris Owens. With Brown at right guard, Florida State transfer Landon Dickerson shifted to center, joining left guard Evan Neal and dominant bookend tackles Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills.
The unit has had back-to-back strong games together, and you can bet the coaching staff will be challenging them to make it a trifecta against the Hogs.
Don’t be surprised to see a career-high in rushing attempts and yards for Harris this weekend; I think he has a chance of eclipsing 200-yards on the ground for the first time in his collegiate career as he finally garners the spotlight he’s long coveted.