The University of Alabama suffered an embarrassing loss to Oklahoma, but did it also lose a captain on defense as well?
ESPN College Football Playoff Predictor updates Alabama chances after loss to Oklahoma
Deontae Lawson, a junior inside linebacker, suffered a lower body injury in the first half.
The Crimson Tide’s green dot communicator as an off-ball linebacker did not return to the game.
Alabama’s defense was not the same after Lawson exit as it could not set the edge, struggled against the run, and could not communicate properly. Oklahoma had 325 total yards in its 24-3 victory over the Tide, including 257 yards rushing. Jackson Arnold and Xavier Robinson had a lot of success getting to the perimeter on Alabama’s run defense. Arnold had 131 yards rushing on 25 carries, while Robinson had 107 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Jihaad Campbell, a junior, can communicate at linebacker, but who steps up if Lawson is out?
Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson could finally get a marquee opportunity to make an impact if Lawson is out going forward.
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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.
