As important as this matchup with Ole Miss is for Alabama’s rushing attack and defensive secondary, the Crimson Tide’s defensive line must show up too. After generating three sacks in week one against Missouri, the Tide failed to finish plays in the backfield on Kellen Mond of Texas A&M. In hiring Freddie Roach to Alabama as a defensive line coach, Nick Saban wants to see the front unit return to consistently pressuring quarterbacks.
During fall camp, LaBryan Ray (redshirt junior) told local reporters he desires to see the defensive line get back to what it once was.
Another opportunity presents itself versus Lane Kiffin’s team.
Despite facing an offense that averages 38.5 points per game, the Tide will have the task of limiting quarterbacks Matt Corral and John Rhys Plumlee from making explosive plays.
Corral has become a much better passer (seven touchdowns, one interception), while Plumlee is a dynamic athlete in space. Kiffin looks to isolate his best players versus Alabama’s secondary and exploit any weakness he can find. For the Tide, it will depend on its defensive front to keep pressure on the pocket as well as set the edge.
RELATED: WATCH: TDA staff writers preview Alabama-Ole Miss matchup for Saturday
With heavy rain expected for Oxford, Miss., this becomes a major chance for Ray, DJ Dale, Christian Barmore, Byron Young, Phidarian Mathis, William Anderson, Christopher Allen and others to flex their muscles.
Alabama’s defense set a physical tone in its last contest that featured unpleasant weather conditions.
The Tide forced three turnovers — all interceptions — versus Georgia in 2015 and the quarterback tandem of Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey had their faces in the dirt throughout the game. Alabama would win the game by a score of 38-10.
With its secondary still working some kinks out, it will be on the defensive line to make sure the Tide gets off the field on third down and limit Ole Miss’ production as much as possible.
Although its defensive backs must tackle well and not get lost in coverage, Alabama’s defensive line has to set a dominant tone.
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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.
