Miller Accepts Challenge in Tide's Run Game

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama's run game has left a lot to be desired this season. Prior to Saturday afternoon against Vanderbilt, Alabama had not had a running back rush for 100 yards since Jam Miller did it in week two of the 2024 season, when he rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown in a 42-16 win over USF.

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Miller carried the ball 22 times for 136 yards and one touchdown in Saturday's 30-14 victory over Vanderbilt in his first home game of the 2025 season. Miller suffered a dislocated collarbone in the Tide's second scrimmage of fall camp and did not play in Alabama's first three games against Florida State, ULM, and Wisconsin.

His first action of the season came last week against Georgia, where he rushed for 46 yards on 16 carries.

"Good to see Jam out there doing his thing," head coach Kalen DeBoer said after Alabama's 30-14 victory over Vanderbilt. "Breaking loose and bigger chunks, right? Bigger chunks. I still feel like between the line and the tailbacks, there's still a few more opportunities that we can improve on."

After the game, Miller shared that offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb challenged the run unit this week.

"It was a great feeling. Coach Grubb, he actually challenged us in the run game," Miller said after the game. "Challenge accepted, so we just went out there and (did) what we do best... It's all about preparation at practice, and once that time comes, we succeed."

It's the best performance by an Alabama running back since Miller's showing in week two of last season, and the second-best showing by a Crimson Tide running back since Jahmyr Gibbs was toting the rock in Alabama's backfield during the 2022 season.

"We need to keep taking the next step in the run game," DeBoer said after the game. "It was something we've worked on a lot. We were getting closer last week. I feel like we, again, took another step this week."

Alabama will have an opportunity to take another step next week when it travels to Columbia, Missouri, to take on the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, October 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.