And the issue is not throwing predominantly, let alone exclusively. The issue is about scoring points, as many and as quickly as possible and opposing that to Kelly's expressed "ND DNA": play good defense, run the ball and control the clock -- the very things Saban said won't win anything now. If you can get explosive plays in the running game and score points quickly, fine. If you can use the run, or threat of run, to get explosive plays passing, fine. RPOs are intended to take away the defense's numbers advantage (optioning off of the pre-snap alignment of defenders, on whether the numbers favor the wide receivers, or post-snap off a strong safety or middle linebacker) and enable both. Elite modern offenses are going to score against you. Running the ball to control the clock and wear down defenses will not win at an elite level. It's a dead formula.
As for Alabama's offense, Sarkisian can explain: Sark Clinic