Alabama Football Will Dominate The Playoff Again This Year
![Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban celebrates winning the trophy with his team after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban celebrates winning the trophy with his team after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b6e4255d098f73c0889db0dbe10811a1754a7f86f9202caaac9c3ddfa96cc1f1.jpg)
Question 1: The Alabama football defense has continued its dominance under new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. What has Pruitt brought to this defense that it may have lacked in years past?
Hornsby- Under Saban, I can honestly say I don’t think Alabama football has ever lacked on the defensive side of the ball. Much of this year’s success can be attributed to the sheer collection of talent. They have pressured opposing quarterbacks like no other in the Saban era.
This group has a vicious personality and playing style; if they can touch you, they will put you on the ground. Many times, the big plays on offense are caused by missed tackles. This Alabama defense does not miss much. Jonathan Allen and Reuben Foster have been leaders in this “lights out” style of playing.
Time will tell if this is because of Pruitt or if he’s reaping the benefits of the framework Saban built through recruiting and his well-known Process. I do think the boys play with more heart than ever before this season, and they appear more excited than in years past. Jeremy Pruitt is definitely the one to thank for putting that spark into the program that was missing under the “all-business” Kirby Smart.