Two things are currently true about Alabama football. Nick Saban wants the Crimson Tide to run the ball better this season and he still hasn’t named a starting quarterback for the season opener against Middle Tennessee State.

Saban doesn’t want that QB battle to end with with a named starter. With that battle still apparently raging, an improved running game could be a luxury for all involved.

“That’s something that can help those guys (the quarterbacks),” running back Jase McClellan said Tuesday. “Creating the running game, those (defenders) focusing on the box gives us the opportunity to throw and pass.”

Last season, Jahmyr Gibbs provided the majority of Alabama’s rushing offense. He’s now off to the NFL, so the Crimson Tide will need to find other options.

McClellan looks to be one of them, along with Roydell Williams and Jam Miller. Saban has expressed confidence in the running back room, which also includes youngsters Justice Haynes and Richard Young, throughout preseason practices.

“I like all those guys,” Saban said during camp. “I think they all have great attitude, and I think that’s one of the strongest positions from a depth standpoint on our team.”

McClellan noted that MTSU’s defense tends to send blitzes on first and second down, so the running backs will need to remain alert on that front. He said the Crimson Tide backs will seek to establish their identity against the Blue Raiders before taking on the rest of the season.

According to the senior, physical running football can be part of that.

“It brings wear and tear on the defense,” McClellan said. “You’ve got to make the decision to come make that tackle every play if you run ground and pound. They’ve got a head on collision every play, so that’s something that wears them out.”

The Crimson Tide faces MTSU Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff scheduled. The game will be aired on the SEC Network.

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