Alabama’s defense — primarily its secondary — was thought to be a weakness in the summer by national media pundits, including former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.
Saban is now singing a different tune about Alabama.
RELATED: Watch: Nick Saban officially joins ESPN’s College GameDay crew
He is a member of ESPN, but he also holds a position at the University of Alabama as an “advisor.” The 72-year-old was present during the Tide’s second scrimmage of fall camp at Bryant-Denny Stadium and came away with a new aspect for the defense.
Coaches and players spoke nonstop about how ‘physical’ the second game-like practice was.
Saban watched it first-hand and told the ESPN College Football GameDay panel he sees Alabama making a run in the College Football Playoff, especially if its defense plays the way it performed in the second scrimmage.
“I was worried about the defense, but the defense really impressed me in the scrimmage that they can come along,” Saban said.
“So if they can play the kinda defense, especially in the secondary because they lost so many players, they’re going to be right up there challenging people.”
Saban knows what Alabama has in Jalen Milroe, its running back room, and other offensive pieces, yet it comes down to how significant the defense can be in limiting explosive plays. Kane Wommack, 37, is excited to see what his group can do in his first season as the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator. He’s had many conversations with Saban, but he is ready to take the defensive standard to a new level. Alabama’s defense has its first moment to show out next week versus Western Kentucky.
*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 senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
