Fans of traditional Alabama football were treated to a pleasant game on last week.
Defensively, the Crimson Tide played a complete game. It rendered Mike Leach scoreless for the first time in his 19-year head coaching career, as the Tide earned a 41-0 win over Mississippi State. The Bulldogs totaled just 200 yards offensively and Alabama forced three turnovers.
Throughout the season, Nick Saban has been searching for an alpha personality on defense.
Despite all the veterans, he may have found his leader in Malachi Moore.
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As a true freshman, Moore has created a valuable case to be the most valuable defensive player. Since arriving on campus in the summer, he has turned his hard work into big success.
Not only does he enjoy learning about the game, but Moore is even better in applying the knowledge on the field. Normally, the middle linebacker position is the most popular on a Saban defense.
However, it is now the nickel spot that is grabbing all the attention.
Moore carried a team-high eight total tackles versus Mississippi State, including one tackle for loss and two pass breakups.
The 6-foot, 182-pounder has 28 tackles on the season. He also chimes in with three tackles for loss, six breakups (team-high), two interceptions (tied for team lead), one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. His playing style puts people in the mind of former Tide standouts, Minkah Fitzpatrick and George Teague.
Moore is a secure tackler with exceptional ball skills and is a fierce competitor.
Whether it has been in meetings with Texas A&M, Georgia, Tennessee or Mississippi State, he has come up with a marquee play in almost every game for the Tide on defense. He and Brian Branch will be special together, but Moore has taken over for now.
According to a graphic from Pro Football Focus, Moore was among the highest-graded cornerbacks for week nine of college football.
When it comes to the Tide, only Patrick Surtain II had a higher output than Moore.
Highest-graded CBs in Wk 9
1. Patrick Surtain II, Alabama – 89.9
2. Dreshun Miller, WVU – 87.9
3. Malachi Moore, Alabama – 85.7
4. Tanner McCalister, OK St – 80.7 pic.twitter.com/ceGUSGNuqT— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 1, 2020
As talented as players like Surtain, Dylan Moses, Christian Harris, Christian Barmore and Jordan Battle are, Moore has earned his keep on this group and has created critical plays in timely moments.
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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.
