For the first time in 2023, Alabama football decided to utilize its arsenal of running backs in the same matchup.

The Crimson Tide gave four running backs multiple carries against Arkansas after a season-low rushing effort the week prior. The ball carriers — Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, Justice Haynes and Jam Miller — totaled 196 yards across 31 carries (6.3 average) when accounting for Jalen Milroe’s negative sack yardage.

“We think we have four running backs who can play, so we’re going to play them when we feel like we have an opportunity to play them,” Nick Saban said after the 24-21 win. “That’s always the plan; have we always been able to do that? No, sometimes the game doesn’t dictate it, but I’m glad to see all those guys got to play and I think they all had good moments.”

Through the first seven games of the season, No. 11 Alabama (6-1, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) gave a majority of its carries to McClellan. He and fellow senior Roydell Williams have offered a combo of speed and physicality. In recent weeks, Haynes, a promising freshman, has gotten more involved. The former five-star has had six carries for 33 yards in the last three weeks after not registering any since the Middle Tennessee opener.

The ground attack can be a welcome reprieve for an offense reliant on big plays. Milroe, a dual-threat passer, has stayed in the pocket more in recent weeks and hasn’t finished with positive yardage while trying to elude pass rushers. And while Miller and Haynes have shown talent, the underclassmen have shown lapses in protection.

Alabama currently ranks eighth in the SEC with 148.4 rushing yards per game. The Tide’s 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for fifth in the conference. UA’s next opponent, Tennessee, is 20th nationally. It’s conceding 105.2 rushing yards a contest.

“(Haynes) played great. He’s been playing really well all year. So got four guys at the position, and all those guys deserve reps and playing time. It’s really, really hard to get four guys at the running back position to be in rhythm and to play a significant number of snaps,” Saban said ” … We’re pleased with all those guys, and maybe there will be some opportunity for him to make a bigger contribution in the future.”

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].