Shaun Dion Hamilton wanted to ensure himself and this year’s team on not having the group feel the way he felt to conclude last season.
A serious knee injury versus Florida in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game had him carried off the field, while during the loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff title game – he blamed himself.
As the ringleader on defense, nothing held the senior linebacker from making plays in a 24-7 victory over Florida State on last week. Despite slipping at times, Hamilton would return on following situations with marquee tackles – including a team-high 3.5 stops for loss.
Sack! Alabama LB @shaundion11 stops #FSU on 4th & 2 pic.twitter.com/xbrjchqCqg
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) September 3, 2017
He was credited with a sack of Seminoles’ quarterback Deondre Francois (-4), and led the Crimson Tide’s defense with eight total tackles. Behind Hamilton, Alabama allowed just four conversions on third down in 13 attempts.
Much like his predecessor, Reuben Foster, Hamilton also put Alabama’s front line in position to stop the run. Even with some highly-anticipating freshman back Cam Akers to have a big game, Florida State was limited to 40 rushing yards.
Following a score on its second possession of the first quarter, the Seminoles next 10 drives with the football were unfruitful.
Hamilton and the Tide forced seven punts, a turnover on downs and two interceptions. Although it had two more first downs than Alabama (15-13), Florida State mustered just 250 yards of total offense.
Losing both Christian Miller (torn biceps) and Terrell Lewis (elbow) for the season will be difficult to overcome, but Hamilton’s leadership should help carry the defensive front to success. The Crimson Tide is scheduled to return home this week, to host Fresno State at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
