Regardless of South Carolina being a much-improved team and Alabama graduating so many juniors on defense to the National Football League, supporters of the Crimson Tide still expect the defense to not give an inch. Nick Saban’s bunch allowed 23 points to the Gamecocks and some fans were highly upset about on social media, referring to the performance as ‘terrible.’
While there are some aspects that need improvement, Alabama is only allowing 12 points per matchup.
Injuries have played a major role in the issue. The Tide is without linebackers Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon – both knee injuries – for the season, and now LaBryan Ray is expected to miss six weeks with a foot injury.
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It is forced to play four to five true freshmen at critical roles on defense and the question becomes, is this team equipped to win a College Football Playoff National Championship?
Stephen Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine updates Ray’s status and names the player who is set to emerge in his place in Thursday’s edition of In My Own Words.
He also provides two questions for fans and discussed how this game against Southern Mississippi can help the Crimson Tide moving forward.
The matchup is set for Saturday at 11:00 a.m. inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
