For the most part, Alabama football played a clean game against Middle Tennessee State on Saturday. The Crimson Tide rolled to a 56-7 victory and moved on to the coming week’s matchup with Texas on a high note.

But there were still some things that could have been better. One of which was pass protection by the running backs.

“There’s some things we could work on,” running back Jase McClellan admitted on Tuesday.

The Blue Raiders sacked Jalen Milroe twice during the game. Both times, it was a running back who missed a block.

McClellan pointed to some areas where he felt himself and the rest of the group could improve.

“Working on more attacking guys coming in the hole,” McClellan said. “Not sitting there waiting for them, so that’s what we’re working on this week as we looked at film.”

Alabama went with running back by committee against MTSU. McClellan led the group in rushing yards, with 39, while Roydell Williams, Jam Miller, Richard Young and Justice Haynes also contributed.

Texas will obviously be a more serious challenge for Alabama’s pass blockers across the board, although pass rush was a major question mark for Steve Sarkisian’s squad entering 2023. The Longhorns sacked Rice quarterback JT Daniels one time in their first game Saturday and had six tackles for loss as a defense.

Leaders on the defensive line for Texas include Byron Murphy II, T’Vondre Sweat and Barryn Sorrell. Sophomore Ethan Burke was also impressive as an edge rusher in the Rice game, pressuring the quarterback three times and tallying the lone sack.

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham said he was impressed by Texas’ front.

“They’re big,” Latham said. “They’re stout. They can run. They’re really active with their hands. They’re a really great defensive line. They play great together and they’re in a really great scheme.”

Latham and the offensive line played generally well against MTSU. Still, he thought the group could be better going forward.

“I think we did good,” Latham said. ” I think it was a great start. I think there’s a lot of areas to improve in. Be more consistent. Pad level. Finishing blocks. I definitely think it’s a good start. Obviously there’s things we can do to be better.”

Alabama and Texas are set to kick off Saturday at 6 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired on ESPN.

More Alabama football: Texas native Jalen Milroe talks love for Vince Young