Alabama has seen an area of its defense go from bad to elite in one season.
Mel Tucker, a former secondary coach for the Crimson Tide, did it in 2015.
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Alabama’s defensive secondary was a joke in college football in 2013 and 2014. Tucker took over in 2015, and the group became the best in the league. The Tide totaled 19 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns. Eddie Jackson led the team with six picks — including two for scores. Tucker’s tutelage helped the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship, a College Football Playoff appearance, and a CFP National Championship. Is Kevin Steele taking this year’s defense from bad to dominant again as a unit? Alabama fans are becoming excited as he’s performed well through four games as a coordinator.
The Tide have allowed 13.5 points per game: an improvement from its numbers under Pete Golding.
According to College Football Film Room, there is a surprising stat about Alabama’s defensive front.
Alabama’s defense boasts the SEC’s top pass rushers through Week 4 pic.twitter.com/BOCJJo2ZIm
— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) September 26, 2023
The tandem of Chris Braswell and Dallas Turner lead the SEC for pressure rate on pass-rush snaps to quarterbacks. Braswell carries a 20 percent pressure rating — which leads the SEC. Turner is behind him with a 17.2% pressure rating.
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Both players are leading Alabama’s defense in sacks and tackles for loss. Turner has 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. Braswell chimes in with 3.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Turner and Braswell will lead the Tide’s defensive charge against Miss. State.
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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.
