Fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium were treated to some old school Alabama football, especially on defense, in the second half of the Crimson Tide’s matchup with Georgia.
Nick Saban’s group made the halftime adjustments and shut the Bulldogs off the scoreboard, to secure a 41-24 win over the weekend and remain undefeated. Part of its success was the performance of the Tide’s defensive line, including sophomore Christian Barmore. Despite one penalty (off sides) he had in the second quarter, the former SEC All-Freshman team honoree created havoc to Bulldogs’ quarterback Stetson Bennett and started to become an alpha personality on defense for Alabama.
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Barmore collected three tackles, one stop for loss, one sack, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.
He consistently pressured the pocket, which led to 10 breakups and three turnovers (all interceptions) for the Crimson Tide.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder also helped render Zamir White to his second-lowest rushing total of the season (57 yards, 10 carries) for Georgia.
A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Barmore got Alabama off the field on third down in the second half as the Bulldogs converted on just two of seven situations. He celebrated when Malachi Moore and Daniel Wright both recorded picks; however, Barmore’s energy was on another level after Justin Eboigbe started things with an interception.
Until the Tide finds a way to get Dylan Moses going, Barmore must be the spark plug for the defensive front in continuing to help Alabama turn a new leaf.
He was dynamic in limited action last year, amassing 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, five quarterback pressures and two breakups through 12 games. If Alabama wants to have a defense in a national championship matchup, Barmore has to set the tone.
He now channels his attention on handling Tennessee this week at Neyland Stadium.
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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.
