It has confidence in Mac Jones, but it also has to shut down opposition.
Alabama’s secondary has not allowed a 100-yard receiver; however, it has given up two more touchdown passes than interceptions (nine to seven) and with Tua Tagovailoa (ankle) out this week, it has a chance to put together a strong performance versus Arkansas without penalties.
The Razorbacks, under Chad Morris at head coach, are searching for answers.
RELATED: Notes on Mac Jones, Taulia Tagovailoa and UA’s defense from Tuesday’s practice
While its offense reached the 30-point mark in one game, Arkansas surrenders 31 points per matchup through seven contests.
Even with the struggles of Nick Starkel at quarterback and the Hogs being winless (0-4) in conference play, the Crimson Tide cannot afford to aid Morris’ group with penalties.
Alabama was flagged eight times for 93 yards against Tennesse and while some calls were questionable, it knows this area of its game must be cleaned up before a showdown with LSU comes on Nov. 9. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, was one of two players available for interviews on Tuesday.
He spoke on how the coaching staff drilled the secondary about pass interference fouls.
“We got to do better in practicing not getting called for pass interference,” Diggs said. “Just play the defense. We don’t need to hold. We are good enough to not hold guys.”
A senior from Maryland, Diggs is one of the team leaders in pass breakups (four) and interceptions (two), but feels as though he has not played his best game yet.
The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder had fans going crazy at Bryant-Denny Stadium last week, when he returned a fumble off Jarrett Guarantano for a 100-yard touchdown. His efforts sealed a 35-13 win over the Volunteers; however, Diggs knows the defensive backfield is capable of more.
“Everyone is 100 percent confident, but we all have to step it up,” Diggs said.
Even with not having Tagovailoa, Diggs confirmed the things that were said on Monday from Miller Forristall and Henry Ruggs III on Mac Jones as the starting quarterback.
“He has all the confidence in himself and we have all the confidence in Mac,” Diggs said. “He is going to make plays and he is going to throw the ball.”
Prior to Diggs, local reporters heard from Jared Mayden on Monday.
The senior at safety came into the 2016 class with Diggs and the two have been close friends ever since.
Mayden recorded his second interception of the year in the matchup with Tennessee and is starting to look like a quality NFL Draft pick. Although the team hates not having Tagovailoa on the field, Mayden said the defense felt no added pressure when he got hurt.
“If you go out there and you are trying to be your best, then you should never let that cross your mind on if Tua’s healthy,” Mayden said. “It can’t be like Tua’s healthy, so I can relax or it’s okay for me to give up a touchdown…The offense is going to go score, you can’t think like that. It’s unfortunate that Tua went down, but if you are really a competitor and if you really want to be good on this defense, no matter who is playing you better do your best.”
Alabama will have its crowd and the LED lights again for its homecoming game with Arkansas.
ESPN will have the call at 6:00 p.m. as the Tide looks to turn in a complete effort.
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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.
