#5 Jeremy Pruitt’s Aggressive Defense Looking to Make a Statement
Clemson coach Brent Venables is one of the top defensive coordinators in college football. Jeremy Pruitt may be even better. Alabama excels at QB pressure with only four pass rushers, but Pruitt’s style is to attack. When he brings an extra man on a blitz it works with great frequency.
Pruitt’s aggressive play calls are the perfect match for a defense filled with football predators. Timely chosen blitzes from linebackers and defensive backs create sacks or rattle QB’s to rush throws. Against Washington, a Reuben Foster pre-snap read alerted Ryan Anderson to challenge a swing receiver, then Reuben’s blitz caused Jake Browning to make the pick-six throw.
The 2015 Tide defenders were embarrassed by giving up 550 yards to Clemson last year. The 2016 Tide defensive players are seeking atonement. Clemson has played a tough schedule. But nothing they have faced compares to what awaits them Monday night.
The Tide defenders are on a mission to prove that defense still wins championships.