Jahmyr Gibbs proves why he’s Alabama’s X-factor for a title run

Jahmyr Gibbs is becoming a superstar in the Alabama backfield right before our very eyes.

When the Alabama Crimson Tide needed a spark on Saturday to keep the lengthy winning streak alive vs. the division rival Arkansas Razorbacks, Jahmyr Gibbs stepped up big time to save the day.

Gibbs had two award-winning touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to roast the Hogs in Fayetteville. The Georgia Tech transfer came up huge in a time of need for Alabama. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young had to leave the game with an obvious shoulder injury. Although Jalen Milroe played well in relief, it was Gibbs who put this game well out of reach.

Gibbs was recognized as the National Running Back of the Week by the Doak Walker Award.

Alabama football’s X-factor has to be running back Jahmyr Gibbs going forward

While Young can do a little bit of everything at the quarterback position, the Crimson Tide receiving corps is very much a work-in-progress. More importantly, Young has a proclivity for getting injured, as he is an undersized quarterback. The best way to keep him upright and healthy is for him to hand the ball off to Gibbs. He transferred from Georgia Tech to Alabama because he wants to win.

Although it remains to be seen how Alabama stacks up with the best teams in the SEC and across the country, we cannot overlook what Gibbs did in the final frame on Saturday. Big-time plays in big-time moments help create big-time players. This performance was Gibbs’ SEC arrival and coronation, to some extent. Alabama still has a ways to go, but that performance was electrifying.

Ultimately, Alabama is on a shortlist of teams who can realistically get to and win the College Football Playoff. They are the reigning SEC Champions and national runner-ups after all. However, Gibbs seems to possess that running back talent that can get the Crimson Tide to places few, if any, teams can. His sensational fourth quarter helped Alabama get back to No. 1 in the AP Poll.

He may not have highlights like those vs. Arkansas again, but Alabama has a guy in Gibbs, alright.

For more College Football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.