Alabama’s defense is still college football’s gold standard.
It had to remind national media of that in the first half of its matchup against Louisiana State University, as the Crimson Tide held the Tigers scoreless. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who said earlier this week that he is “not afraid” of this game, endured pressure on every play, was sacked twice and got knocked down a few times.
In term of its rushing attack, Alabama made Nick Brossette and company non-existent.
While Burrow managed to complete seven of 15 passes for 63 yards, the Tigers mustered just eight yards rushing (minus nine yards, loss on sacks) on seven carries. Dylan Moses, a sophomore from Baton Rouge, La., leads the Tide on defense with five total tackles — including a shared tackle for loss. Both cornerback Saivion Smith and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams have four tackles apiece. Smith, who started his career at LSU, had a solid first half with a couple of pass breakups and almost recorded an interception.
Alabama had six players — Patrick Surtain II, Xavier McKinney, Mack Wilson, Anfernee Jennings and Isaiah Buggs — to record at least two tackles.
LSU had just 62 yards of total offense in the first half as the Tide leads, 16-0.
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.
