Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer talks limiting Mizzou run game, time of possession

by: Kenny Van Doren10/11/25thevandalorian

NCAA Football: Alabama at Missouri — Kalen DeBoer (Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Alabama entered play Saturday with concerns around its run defense.

The Crimson Tide yielded 155.4 rushing yards per game entering its contest with Missouri. The Tigers boasted a two-headed monster in the backfield with Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts, but Alabama held the duo to 102 total rushing yards in a 27-24 victory.

“Some of its just doing your job,” Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer said postgame about defensive adjustments. “We have the size finishing and getting to him, and (Hardy) is a tough back. They both are, and the quarterback did a nice job with his legs. We knew that would be a concern. … Obviously, they went down the field throwing the ball more than anything at the end, but the run defense, I think it took another step in the right direction.”

Saturday marked season lows in rushing yards for Missouri. Hardy entered the week again in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Yet while taking 12 carries, the sophomore logged his first game with less than 100 yards on the ground for the Tigers.

DeBoer noted Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula keeping the ball around the edge with his feet. Alabama attempted to contain the signal-caller, keeping its eyes in the right spot of the backfield. Pribula still ended as the Tigers’ leading rusher, amounting 61 yards and one touchdown on 11 attempts. The quarterback only accounted for 167 yards through the air while throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Prior to Saturday, Missouri dominated time of possession through its first five games, but Alabama flipped the script. The Crimson Tide held the football for 38 minutes, 33 seconds in response to the Tigers’ 21 minutes, 27 seconds.

“It’s huge just not letting them get in their rhythm, not letting the run game wear you down, open up play action,” DeBoer said. “Our offense also staying on the football field time after time, that wears on them too. And there’s times I know we wanted to put more points on the board ourself, but it’s part of the game when you play a team like this.”