Alabama heads into its final bye week, prior to facing what’s deemed to be its biggest opponent of the regular season.
After being bumped to No. 2 in favor of Louisiana State University in the latest updated version of the Associated Press poll, the game on Nov. 9 will be one for the ages. Opposing teams, rival fans and even bandwagon fans that came to the Crimson Tide upon Nick Saban’s arrival have been criticizing Alabama’s defense all year. Statements like “they are not as good as they use to be” or “they have fallen off” have been used through eight matchups.
It may not be dominate, but the Tide is solid nonetheless.
RELATED: Hilarious Mac Jones song embodies the quarterback’s performance in first career start
In fact, Saban’s bunch has come alive – especially in the last two games. Trevon Diggs, senior cornerback, told local reporters (before facing Arkansas) that the secondary had not showed its best performance. Others on the roster felt the team needed a statement outing on defense.
Since its meeting with Texas A&M on Oct. 12, Pete Golding has coordinated a group that’s forced six turnovers while allowing 10 points per game. Aside from its meetings with Duke, New Mexico State and Southern Mississippi, Tennessee (231) and Arkansas (213) were both rendered less than 300 yards offensively against the Tide. Alabama recorded a defensive touchdown on both programs – including an 84-yard interception against the Razorbacks.
When it comes to the Tide’s secondary, it shut down the passing game – limiting the quarterbacks of the Volunteers and Hogs to completing 23 of 50 (46 percent) attempts for 224 passing yards with one touchdown to four picks. Terrell Lewis, junior outside linebacker, has been on a tear since the Texas A&M game. He currently leads the team in sacks (six), tackles for loss (nine) and quarterback pressures (12). Nick Starkel of the Razorbacks could not breathe last week as Lewis knocked him down six times and forced three picks in a 48-7 win for Alabama.
Seeing as how Auburn held LSU to a season-low 23 points, the Tide has a great chance of frustrating the Bayou Bengals at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Despite its playing calling being vanilla for much of the year, expect for Saban to up the ante in practice over the bye week.
Following two good showings, Alabama is ready to prove it can lock LSU down.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
