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This statistical trend favors Alabama when defending against Washington RB Myles Gaskin
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If Alabama is to beat Washington, it will have to control the battle up front.
The Huskies enjoy running the football. Chris Petersen’s team averages 210.0 yards per game on the ground. Star runner Myles Gaskin employs a slashing style — and has accrued 1,339 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
Backup Lavon Coleman — a bigger back — chipped in with 836 yards and seven touchdowns. The 5’11” 228-pound back is also running to the tune of a 7.8 yards-per-carry average.
While these numbers are impressive, one should take a look at what Alabama’s been doing when defending the run. The Crimson Tide are No. 1 nationally — holding opponents to 63.4 yards a contest. They’re also allowing a paltry 2.03 yards per carry.
#Alabama football's 1st national championship came vs. Washington in 1925, and now a win over the Huskies gives it a chance at No. 17.
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) December 23, 2016
Alabama has particularly dominated when going up against the top rushers in the SEC.
Take a look at how it did versus the best four rushers (statistically) in conference play:
Auburn RB Kamryn Pettway:
Averages 124.8 yards per game
Versus Alabama: 17
LSU RB Derrius Guice:
Averages 113.6 yards per game
Versus Alabama: 8
Arkansas RB Rawleigh Williams III
Averages 110.5 yards per game
Versus Alabama: 46
Mississipi State QB Nick Fitzgerald
Averages 103.6 yards per game
Versus Alabama: 15
In essence, the top four rushers within the SEC are averaging 21.5 yards per contest against Alabama’s front seven.
Suffice it to say, but things likely won’t be easy for Washington running the football in this contest.
