Film Room: Physicality on Full Display in Alabama's Thumping of Chattanooga

The Crimson Tide left no doubt on the field, cruising to a win over the Mocs while averaging nearly 10 yards per rushing attempt.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — 315 rushing yards.

There's only one way to get there. No matter the opponent, it takes a nasty, dominant effort in the trenches to reach a number like that. No. 8 Alabama was just that on Saturday afternoon, beating Chattanooga into submission.

10.1 yards per play? 9.5 yards per rush? Those numbers are downright comical. You're thinking, 'It's just Chattanooga.' And you're right. But like I said in Sunday's takeaways, you still have to physically do it. Although it was favored by almost seven touchdowns, the Crimson Tide (10-1, 7-0 SEC) had to take care of business on the field.

Alabama did, bludgeoning its way to its ninth straight win. Roll the tape.

In games like the one on Saturday, it's important to set the tone early. You want to get your key players rest, and get younger players experience.

Tight end Amari Niblack did his job of setting the tone early:

Niblack finds his home in the soft spot of the Mocs' zone, hauls in what was actually a high pass from Jalen Milroe and turns upfield. From there, it's him and a bunch of defenders in white.

Niblack carries a couple of grown men with him, picking up an early third down for the Crimson Tide.

Later in the drive, Alabama is knocking on the door of another touchdown:

At first, it doesn't appear that Jase McClellan scored. But after another effort, and some help from the big guys, McClellan does get into the end zone.

Excellent fight shown by the fourth-year running back. The best part comes at the end. Watch Jaeden Roberts dap up Kadyn Proctor before barrel rolling out of the pile.

The offense wasn't the only group asserting its dominance early and often. While he was ejected from the game for targeting, linebacker Chris Braswell showed Chattanooga what it was dealing with:

The sheer size and strength of Braswell made this look worse than it was. You can even see Braswell confused by the penalty, thinking, 'What do you want me to do?'

He didn't get to play another snap, but Braswell brought the force and fear early on.

Alright, let's get to the good stuff. We opened the story talking about the Crimson Tide running the football, and yet, haven't seen one big run yet. That changes now:

Kendrick Law had a hell of a game. He scored a touchdown that was eventually ruled a yard short, but his impact in the rushing attack was felt as well. Here, he goes in motion, opening a hole for Jam Miller by sealing the edge of the line.

Miller explodes through the gap for a 45-yard run. Who doesn't like a big run? Personally, I like watching Miller run. Something about those high shoulder pads...

Want another chunk play? I've got just the thing:

The blocking up front here actually isn't great. Roberts whiffs on his guy while pulling over to the left from the right guard spot. The middle linebacker fits the gap untouched, but McClellan simply disregards both of them.

Moments like these remind you why No. 2 plays for the team in crimson and why the two aforementioned defenders play in white. If Malik Benson was able to lend a hand here, McClellan may have scored. Instead, he welcomes a little bit more contact.

You probably don't want to watch this play again, however, don't watch Ty Simpson. Instead, watch Law bust his tail down the field to create the space for Simpson:

I mean, Law absolutely locked up his defensive back — step-for-step, the entire way. Emmanuel Henderson Jr. was in on the fun, too.

Alabama bullied the Mocs the entire contest. Even when the backups' backups got in, the Crimson Tide kept the foot on the pedal:

Similar to how Law did on the earlier run, tight end Danny Lewis Jr. goes in motion and sets the edge for true freshman Justice Haynes. Shazz Preston got just enough of his defender for the dynamic Haynes to scoot on by everyone.

In case you didn't know yet, Haynes is going to have a fantastic career in Tuscaloosa.

See Also:

Takeaways from Alabama Football's Senior Day Win Over Chattanooga