Crimson Tide Football

Crimson Tide football has been one of the greatest traditions here at the University of Alabama. When you hear about the Tide, it’s not too long after that, you hear about the Tide’s defense. The University of Alabama is thought of as one of the nations top defenses, BAMA is currently ranked second in the nation for the least amount of yards allowed per game. With household names such as Terrance Cody, Rolando McClain, Javier Arenas, and Justin Woodall, it’s hard not to be a defensive powerhouse. But like anything, the defense has its weaknesses also.

The defensive front for the Tide is a tough one to budge. Rushing offenses don’t stand much of a chance due to the size and speed the Alabama’s line. The University of Alabama’s average defensive lineman size ranges from 320 and beyond; depending on what package is in the game. Plugging up the middle is one of Alabama’s key players, also known as the mountain, Terrance Cody. If you’re a running back, trust me, you want to avoid this mountain of pain. Avoiding this is easier said than done thanks to the help of the two experienced senior defensive ends, Lorenzo Washington and Brandon Deaderick. These two are masters at stopping the run. Depth is definitely not an issue with the Tide’s defensive front either. Second stringers such as Dareus, Chapman, and Davis have already made a name for them selves this season and don’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

The core of any defense is the linebackers. Alabama is known for having the best group of line backs the nation has to offer. The Tide’s linebacker core is what holds the whole defense together. There is no lack of leadership in these guys and, a few still are underclassmen as well. The two beastly sophomore linebackers, Dont’a Hightower and Rolando McClain are built like Mack trucks. The outside linebackers are talented as well but aren’t as outstanding as the two middleman, but they great for stopping the run, hints that the tide’s opponents average 47.3 yards per game rushing.

If there is a weakness to the Tide’s defense it is definitely found in the secondary. They have given up 155.3 yards passing per game so far. This is 3 times as much as what the give up on the ground. Although this is their weakness they still have a lot of talent in the secondary. Justin Woodall and Mark Barron are premier run-stopping safeties. They have no problems with tackling and wont shy away from anything. Coverage could use a bit of work though, but these two are a pair to have back there at safety. The corners are lock down for the most part. Javier Arenas, he‘s not the biggest, but he is one of the best athletes I have ever seen. Depth is the tides primary problem. In big time situations our corners are the key targets. 23 and 24 need help with coverage and clutch situations.

The University of Alabama, all in all, has a great defense. The word threw out the SEC is that people just hate coming in and playing us because we are such a physical team. The tide is ranked at the top for a good reason. Although there is a slight weakness in the secondary, don’t plan on coming in and racking up any points on the Tide. It just wont happen.