Power run game. Short throws. Move the chains.

That’s what Alabama has seen in recent weeks from opposing offenses, but it will face an entirely new system when Georgia Southern comes to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday.

The Eagles run the triple option, a variation of the old wishbone offense that relies heavily on a running quarterback to make the decision to hand the ball off to the fullback, keep it himself or pitch it to one of the wing backs.

The team is doing extra preparation this week because of the different offense, and the focus has been on discipline.

“You’re going to get a lot of cut blocks, a lot of different blocking schemes,” said senior nose tackle Josh Chapman, who will play a pivotal role in stopping the run. “But it’s about going out and doing our job, watching film and watching the path of the running backs.”

Nick Saban has been in coaching for almost 40 years, and said that it’s been a while since he’s seen an offense like this.

“We played Army when they used to run the wishbone when I was at Michigan State as a defensive coordinator in the ‘80s,” Saban said. “We played Navy when I was head coach at Toledo [in 1990], that might be the last time.”

Preparation has been ongoing, even before the season started.

“We did a lot of research and a lot of study on these guys in the offseason,” Saban said. “Because we knew they were going to be one of the most different teams that we play.”

Offensive line depth tested

            Season-ending surgeries to Arie and Cyrus Kuandjio and the recent ankle injury to Barrett Jones have limited the depth on Alabama’s offensive line. The Kuandjios were key backups, and Jones saw major playing time at almost every position on the line.

However, the running game has continued to succeed, due in large part to other players being able to step in and contribute.

Alfred McCullough, for example, played the entire Mississippi State game at left tackle and the Tide rushed for over 200 yards.

And the rest of the offense is taking notice.

“We have capable backups, and those guys did a wonderful job Saturday,” receiver Marquis Maze said. “You really can’t ask for much more.”

So you’re saying there’s a chance…

            Alabama got as much help off the field as they could ask for on Saturday as two undefeated teams fell and were effectively knocked out of the national championship game picture.

Boise State missed a last second field goal against TCU, and Stanford was routed by Oregon, 53-30.

“TCU came out and played a great game against Boise,” safety Robert Lester said. “Obviously the better team won. It betters our chances of getting to where we want to be. Sorry that Boise State had to lose, but we’re excited about getting that opportunity.”

Josh Chapman was a little less enthusiastic.

“We saw the score when we were on the bus on the way back,” Chapman said. “It is what it is. I kind of dozed off on the bus, so I really don’t even know.”