Defense finishes in Top 5 of total defense
As the defensive line grows healthy, the young linebackers gain experience, and the secondary stifles opposing receivers, Alabama defense gels at the right time of the season. Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings are troublemakers off the edge. A healthy Trevon Diggs is a playmaker the defense needs from his shutting down receivers, and innate ability to find the end zone on turnovers.
The only prolific offense Alabama will face in November is LSU. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding has his hands full with coaching the young linebackers, but he will put the defense in a position to make plays against Burrow and company.
The current top five in total defense are Wisconsin, Ohio State, Utah, Clemson, and UAB. Alabama sits at nineteenth with an average of 307.5 yards per game. The rushing defense allows 127.3 yards per contest while the passing defense sits at 180 yards.
Alabama throttles Mississippi State, Western Carolina, and Auburn to vault past the other teams in total defense.