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Alabama’s Defense Making a Run at History

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By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com
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The Crimson Tide, with more of the same, are at least in contention to finish as one of the greatest defenses in recent memory.

Alabama’s defense ranks number one in the nation in rush defense, scoring defense and total defense, also leading the SEC in third down defense, fourth down defense, forced fumbles and sacks, clearly standing out as the nation’s top unit. Ahead of a College Football Playoff semifinal showdown with Washington, the Crimson Tide, with more of the same, are at least in contention to finish as one of the greatest defenses in recent memory.

Playing another tough schedule, featuring Rose Bowl participant Southern Cal and the nation’s top scoring offense in Western Kentucky out of conference, Alabama is allowing the fewest yards per game (247.8) since a Crimson Tide group led by the likes of Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower and Dre Kirkpatrick held opponents to merely 183.6 yards per outing back in 2011; that unit may be the modern-day measuring stick.

To date, Alabama has held seven different foes without a touchdown this season, two of whom are playing in New Year’s Six bowl games. Only a pair of teams, Ole Miss and Arkansas, have scored over 16 points on the Crimson Tide this fall and only those two teams have topped 280 total yards against Alabama. In their last game, an SEC Championship Game romp over Florida, the Crimson Tide gave up a grand total of 0 yards rushing.

Remarkably, Alabama has allowed just 14 offensive touchdowns in 2016; staggeringly, the defense has scored ten. Throw in special teams and the Crimson Tide have literally scored as many touchdowns, via non-traditional means, as their opponents have on offense. End Jonathan Allen, corner Minkah Fitzpatrick, safety Ronnie Harrison and safety Eddie Jackson have all reached the endzone multiple times. That accomplishments has long-established metrics scrambling for a parallel.

Of the touchdowns Alabama’s defense has surrendured, four of them have come in the final three-and-a-half minutes of contests, with the Crimson Tide protecting a multi-score lead.

Next up, for Alabama, is a Huskies’ attack that has scored the most touchdowns in power five football with 76. Jake Browning, Washington’s star signal caller, ranks second in the country with 42 touchdown passes and slots in the top five nationally in total passer rating. On paper, the Huskies will be the Crimson’s Tide toughest test of the year. Both staffs have had four weeks of time to prepare.

For all of Alabama’s impressive defensive statistics, the most important measure is one that reflects the whole team; the Crimson Tide are 13-0 and are one win away from playing for a fifth natinal championship in eight years.

BJ Bennett – B.J. Bennett is SouthernPigskin.com’s founder and publisher. He is the co-host of “Three & Out” with Matt Osborne and Kevin Thomas on the Southern Pigskin Radio Network and is the sports director for multiple ESPN Radio affiliates based throughout southeast Georgia. @BJBennettSports


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