Alabama football’s defensive report card vs. Ole Miss
Defensive Line: D+
Coverage pressure was Alabama football’s key to success, and they did not get it early in this game. The lack of pressure put too much strain on the defensive backfield, and they could not hold up over the course of the game.
Alabama can’t keep playing without pressure. The Crimson Tide have depth on the defensive line, but no one has gotten to the quarterback with consistency. If you let every offense dictate the line of scrimmage and the pocket, they will tear apart the rest of the defense. Matt Corral was too comfortable in this game, and it was partially due to the failures of the D-line.
It wasn’t until the end of the game that Alabama finally got to the quarterback, but it was too late at that point.
Linebackers: D-
Dylan Moses has not lived up to the expectations since the first half of Alabama football’s season opener. He missed multiple tackles in the open field, and the other linebackers struggled as well. Linebackers are supposed to be the backbone of an Alabama defense, and they have failed to live up to the hype.
The linebackers continued to shoot themselves in the foot throughout this game. On a crucial interception, Dylan Moses’s coverage drew a flag and lost the ball. That can’t keep happening for Alabama football.
The talent is there. We just need players like Dylan Moses and Christian Harris to do more than what they have done so far in 2020.
Secondary: D
Daniel Wright was a liability once again at safety, but other players struggled as well. Tackling on the perimeter was weak throughout the entire game, and Matt Corrall got to make many plays through the air.
The rain was expected to be a bigger factor in the passing game, but the time delay helped the rain slow down. Because of that, it was even more important for the corners and safeties to step up. They did not do that.
The worst part of the secondary’s performance is that Jordan Battle will miss the first half of the next game due to a targeting call. With Georgia on the slate next week, this loss will be devastating.
Alabama learned a lot in this game, but they are going to have to apply those lessons over this week. If they come out against Georgia and look like they did against Ole Miss, they will lose. Nick Saban will have a lot to focus on in the coming days.