Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football return to practice Thursday after having three days off on a bye week.
Alabama handled Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium, but its biggest test to date comes next week as the University of Georgia enters Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Coach DeBoer has an opportunity to create his history against Kirby Smart of the Bulldogs after Nick Saban earned a 5-1 all-time record over Smart. DeBoer addressed reporters in Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference and brought up the biggest area for improvement needed for Alabama. He highlighted the team’s run defense.
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DeBoer likes the consistency of Alabama’s pass rush on the defensive line, yet he said the run defense ‘has to improve’ against the Bulldogs. He mentioned there were moments versus the Badgers were the Crimson Tide ‘was not clean’ in stopping the run.
Georgia will look to challenge the Tide with its run game before taking shots with Carson Beck downfield.
Alabama struggled against South Florida to stop the run and Wisconsin ripped off some good plays. Gap integrity and containing the outside edge will be pivotal for the Tide’s defensive front, especially its defensive ends (Bandit and Wolf) and linebackers.
Alabama cannot afford to have Georgia own time of possession. The Tide’s front line has to have its A game.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
