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Can this year’s Alabama defense live up to the standard of its 2016 team?

Christian Harris communicates with the rest of the defense
Photo by Kent Gidley of Alabama Athletics/SEC Media Portal

The excitement surrounding this Alabama defense is high.

Since 2018, the Crimson Tide has had enough of hearing about how it is no longer elite defensively. Regardless of it leading the Southeastern Conference in points allowed (19.4 ppg) last year, there were still people who felt as though it did not do enough.

RELATED: How Tide fans reacted to Jeremiah Alexander committing to Alabama

After seeing what the 2016 group accomplished, Tide fans have compared the following units after it. A video has surfaced on social media of the 2016 defense and how dominant it was.

Many people left comments, and a few players from the team spoke about how special it was.

Ronnie Harrison and Tim Williams said 2016 was the most fun they had playing football.

T.J. Simmons, a former Alabama wide receiver, said the 2016 defense was guaranteed to score a touchdown every game.

This year’s team has the playmakers to equal what 2016 did, but will it live up to the standard?

Names such as Christian Harris, Will Anderson, Phidarian Mathis, Christopher Allen, Henry To’oto’o, Malachi Moore, and Jordan Battle will make sure it happens. With a new offensive coordinator, a lot of the responsibilities will be placed on defense.

Nick Saban has a group that’s prepared to run college football.

Alabama will start its season on Saturday, Sept. 4 versus Miami at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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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.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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