Most offensive coordinators at all levels believe in the concept of running to set up the pass. It is sound football strategy. There are coaches who prefer passing to set up the run. There are some coaches who adjust to the way the game is being played and make moving the ball and scoring the ball their primary objective rather than foolish adherence to a broken game plan.
And now let's look at Arkansas' offense:
Quarterback Mitch Mustain: 7-for-22, 97 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptiions
Running back Darren McFadden: 25 carries, 113 yards, 1 TD
Running back Felix Jones: 4 car., 65 yards
McFadden is the best running back in the SEC (sorry, Kenny Irons, but you saw this coming). No one outside the SEC (and Auburn) knows this because Arkansas really is a bad team and McFadden will fly under the radar just as Norwood did at Mississippi State. Stopping him is all a team can hope to accomplish.
One way Alabama might have contained the Arkansas ground game was by putting a lot of points on the board through its passing game. Hang 21 quick points on an opponent and see how many times they run the football. Most coaches, presumably those not named Shula, would or reduce the number of rushing plays or abandon them altogether to get back in the game. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.
On the flipside, Mustain, a freshman, could not consistently complete passes despite having a 6'6" receiver in Marcus Monk. His only touchdown pass came in the second overtime. The Razorback passing game showed no sign of being a consistent threat. It did not have to be. Alabama could not slow the run and could not force Mustain to beat them with his arm.
Tiffin is an easy scapegoat but the kicking game will right itself in good time. As Jamie Christiansen recovers from injury, he will replace Tiffin as Alabama's kicker. Last year Christiansen kicked three game-winning field goals last year. Shula better fix the play calling or Tiffin will not be the only one being replaced.
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