Mixed emotions hit social media when Nick Saban returned Kevin Steele to the University of Alabama football program as its defensive coordinator.
Some were excited to have an old-school face back in the building while others felt Steele was too old.
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He may not be a Kirby Smart or Jeremy Pruitt, but Coach Saban made the right move in returning Steele. Alabama’s defense has looked better through seven games under the 65-year-old than it did in five years under Pete Golding. The Crimson Tide allowed 15 points in the second half versus Arkansas; however, it surrendered a combined 13 points in the second half against South Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M. Alabama shut out the Bulls in the second half, earning a 17-3 victory.
Steele’s defense is allowing 16 points per game. Several stats are below to indicate why Steele was the right hire.
Alabama’s national defensive rankings
-Scoring defense: 16 ppg, tied for No. 12
-Total defense: 291.6 ypg allowed, No. 15
-Rush defense: 104.4 ypg allowed, No. 18
-Team sacks: 26 sacks, No. 3 (3.7 sacks per game)
-Team tackles for loss, 50 TFLs, tied for No. 6
-Team interceptions, 7, tied for No. 7
Steele has the Tide playing relentless again. Alabama needs to handle Tennessee, LSU, Kentucky, and Auburn to show the College Football Playoff Committee it is one of the best four teams in the nation. The Tide faces Tennessee on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT.
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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.
