re: Does throwing long loosen up things for the run even without a high completion %

It won't matter against Saban. Saban is going to load the box to stop the run and predominantly play press man on the outside. He'll do that so long as the passes fall incomplete. He'll probably do it even if Mett completes some long balls downfield. It's his philosophy. Stop the run, force the offense into long third downs, pressure the passer.

In sum, we'll have to consistently pass the ball downfield with success to score points on Bama. We can't hope that the mere threat of sporadic bombs is going to force Saban to alter his defense and allow the run. It won't happen.