Alabama Football: Tide’s report card in win vs. Miami

Alabama football’s report card vs. Miami

Cornerbacks: B+

Josh Jobe has more responsibility this year without playing across from Patrick Surtain. He will have to be in charge of stopping the top receivers in the country if the Tide want to fully thrive on defense. He didn’t have a major challenge against Miami, but this was his first test.

The question was at the other outside corner spot. Alabama has three corners who competed for a starting role, but Jalyn Armour-Davis won the job.

Malachi Moore usually plays in the slot, but he moved to free safety for the day as Brian Branch played at STAR. All in all, the corners played well. They eliminated the deep threat, and the front seven took it from there. Miami could barely move the ball early in this game, and the defense deserves credit.

Safeties: B-

Alabama has a sneaky amount of depth at safety this year. Jordan Battle is one of the most underrated players in the secondary, and DeMarcco Hellams won the starting job late last year. You also bring in Brian Branch typically, who is capable of playing both safety and slot corner. That versatility will matter when the Tide play against pass-heavy offenses. You also have Daniel Wright, a starter from last season who turned into a depth piece as the season progressed.

The starters against Miami at safety were Malachi Moore and Jordan Battle, which surprised many. Daniel Wright got some work in dime coverage, but his only memorable play was when he was called for pass interference. It was a questionable call at best.