FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt isn’t backing down from a growing national narrative surrounding Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football program.
In a recent appearance on The Next Round, Klatt delivered what many Crimson Tide fans may view as an uncomfortable truth: Alabama hasn’t improved in the areas that matter most, particularly in competing at the highest level.
His biggest concern? The lack of a consistent run game.
“When you get into the playoffs, and you don’t have a run game… guess what you can’t do… fake it.”
That statement cuts straight to the heart of Alabama’s identity, or what used to be its identity.
The Statistical Reality Behind the Concern
While Alabama showed improvement in the win column from 2024 to 2025, the underlying numbers tell a more complicated story.
- 2024 Record: 9–3
- 2025 Record: 10–2 (CFP appearance)
On the surface, that’s progress.
But the rushing attack, which was long considered a cornerstone of Alabama football, took a significant step backward:
- 2024 rushing offense: 172.8 yards per game (45th nationally)
- 2025 rushing offense: 92.6 yards per game (129th nationally)
That dramatic drop is exactly what Klatt is pointing to, and it’s hard to ignore.
Kalen DeBoer Has Addressed Run-Game Issues
Klatt’s concerns are grounded in reality, but it is also fair to point out that DeBoer has done more than enough to address the run-game issues that plagued the Tide in 2025.
He completely revamped the offensive line room with new coaches and more than 10 new players.
DeBoer knows his team must run the ball better in 2026, and he made improving that one of his biggest priorities this offseason. Only time will tell if that investment will pay off.
Final Takeaway on Joel Klatt’s Thoughts
Joel Klatt didn’t say Alabama is failing.
He said something potentially more concerning:
The Crimson Tide may not be built to win it all, at least not yet.
And in Tuscaloosa, that’s the only standard that matters.
Joel Klatt Exposes Harsh Reality About Alabama Under Kalen DeBoer