TUSCALOOSA—The bluegrass state caters to more than just horses, basketball and the marquee chicken restaurant known for Colonel Sanders. Prior to Saturday’s game, Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison was the lone defensive back that hadn’t scored a touchdown in two seasons.
Everything changed in the second quarter, when outside linebacker Rashaan Evans seized an opportunity to aid Harrison. He stripped the ball away from Kentucky’s quarterback Stephen Johnson, leading to Harrison’s recovery and 55-yard sprint to the painted grass for a score. Coach Mark Stoops and the Wildcats hung tough with Alabama through much of the first half, but Harrison’s touchdown gave the Crimson Tide a 17-3 lead at halftime. His effort would ignite a 17-6 scoring advantage for Alabama in the second half, securing a 34-6 win.
TD!! @Rharr_15 #UKvsBama pic.twitter.com/YQjJbA7b39
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) October 2, 2016
Alabama now has seven non-offensive touchdowns this season, which is tops in college football.
Harrison finished with seven total tackles, including some huge stops in run support. He was one of numerous players that spoke with the media, stating that the Tide’s secondary is smarter now.
“We are more comfortable with each other now,” Harrison said. “A lot of guys are getting more reps.
Five of Alabama’s seven non-offensive scores came on defense, including two pick sixes and three fumble returns. Harrison said it’s the ability to make plays and score points that separates Alabama from others.
“It’s about giving our offense a chance,” he said. “We harp all the time about scoring on defense.”
“We try to get a score every game on defense.”
Alabama’s defense has scored in four its first five games. Harrison and others intend to keep the streak alive, as the team starts a brutal stretch that begins with Arkansas next Saturday.
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
