Another national media pundit is challenging Alabama’s defense.
Sam Acho, a College Football analyst for ESPN, says the Crimson Tide’s defense must ‘step up’ if the program wants to be a contender from the Southeastern Conference in the College Football Playoff. Alabama has looked subpar on defense since the first half against Georgia. It allowed 27 points to the Bulldogs in the second half, 40 points in a loss to Vanderbilt, and 25 points in a narrow victory over South Carolina. Kane Wommack, the Tide’s defensive coordinator, knows what needs to be fixed, but can he get it done? Alabama faces Nico Iamaleava and the Tennessee Volunteers this weekend at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.
.@TheSamAcho says Bama’s defense needs to step it up to be CFP contenders in the SEC 👀 pic.twitter.com/GEwIsXNjzu
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 15, 2024
“The second half against Georgia, we saw the Alabama defense for lack of a better term collapse,” Acho said. “Then against Vanderbilt, they did not play great. Now against South Carolina, you are seeing a consistent theme. The defense needs to improve significantly if they want to compete in the SEC for an SEC title. Those margins at the top, especially in the SEC, are smaller.”
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Acho mentioned that there are several one-loss teams in the SEC, except for Texas A&M, Texas, and LSU. Those three programs are undefeated in conference play. Alabama cannot afford another conference loss or it is out of the picture for not only an SEC Championship shot but possibly a CFP opportunity. The defense has to play better and it starts Saturday against Tennessee.
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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.
