The balance of Alabama’s offense is often overshadowed due to the hype of Heisman hopeful junior running back Trent Richardson and the success of the running game.
Richardson and company rushed for 1,834 yards this season, while the quarterbacks passed for 1,827 yards. This seven-yard difference is the most balanced attack in college football.
Richardson has rushed for 989 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.
“We’re going to have to continue to be able to do that, but not turning the ball over, making good choices and decisions, having balance on offense, which is certainly something that is important to us being successful,” said Alabama coach Nick Saban at Alabama’s weekly press conference.
Alabama turned the ball over five times in their first game — a win against Kent State— but has been stellar since with only three turnovers in seven games.
“Everybody having ball security awareness is very, very important and is something that we emphasize a lot … especially after the first game,” Saban said. “The players have responded, and we have not turned the ball over, so that’s something that we need to continue to pay attention to detail.”
LSU also has a balanced offense, rushing for 1,512 yards and passing for 1,465 yards. The Tigers have only given up three turnovers this season.
Alabama’s passing success has improved over the course of the season. Sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron averaged 248.3 yards passing and threw six touchdowns over Alabama’s last three wins compared to averaging 153.16 yards and throwing for four touchdowns and two interceptions during the first six games.
“A.J.’s played well for us,” Saban said. “I think he’s improved in every game, and he’s done a really good job in managing the game.”
McCarron has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,664 yards this season, throwing for 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 150.4.
“Whatever we’re asking him to do, he has been able to take it, and I think [offensive coordinator] Jim [McElwain] has done a good job of how he’s fed what he is capable of doing, and that’s sort of accumulated as the season goes on,” Saban said. “But you know, we’ve got quite a few experienced players around, which I think is also helpful.”
One of McCarron’s favorite targets has been senior Marquis Maze, who leads the receiving corps with 39 receptions and 482 yards.
“He’s one of the most explosive guys we have on offense, so we are making a conscious effort to get him the ball and he does a good job with the ball in his hands,” Saban said. “It’s not surprising to me that he has the production that he has, and we want more and more players to put themselves in a position where we can have balanced production with some of those guys as well.”
Richardson, senior wide receiver Darius Hanks and senior tight end Brad Smelley are McCarron’s second favorite targets, accounting for 52 receptions, 607 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Michael Williams leads the team with 15.2 yards per catch and two touchdowns.
“Teams won’t be able to roll their coverage as much knowing that we have guys out there that can make the plays,” Maze said at Alabama’s weekly press conference.
 
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Contact Andrew Chapple at [email protected]