Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen joins former Crimson Tide standout Wallace Gilberry for most sacks in a single season under head coach Nick Saban (10). Gilberry recorded 10 sacks in 2007 and Allen leads this year’s group with 10.
The junior and Virginia native has been exceptional creating pressure and attacking quarterbacks. He chimed in with three tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and a quarterback hurry in Alabama’s 29-15 win over Florida, securing the program’s 25th Southeastern Conference title and fourth under Saban.
Allen has benefited greatly from defensive line coach Bo Davis and outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi, yet the Crimson Tide as a whole accounts for 46 sacks (leads nation). It has surpassed the 2002 unit coached by Dennis Franchione and could eclipse 50 sacks during the College Football Playoff.
Alabama remains at No. 2 and will face No.4 Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl (semifinal) on Dec. 31 in Dallas, Texas.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
