Alabama football’s report card vs. Florida Gators
Cornerbacks: B
Last week, Alabama rested both starting corners in place of younger options. This flexed the depth of the position, but it also raised questions for Alabama football. Now that all players are healthy, who was going to start? Would we see more rotation from the talent in this game?
We mostly saw the starters in this game, but Alabama still used a variety of defensive backs when they ran nickel and dime. For the most part, the secondary handled the different formations well. They need to become more physical against wide receivers to shed blocks, but they played well when they were in man. Jalyn Armour-Davis had a nice pick, and plays like that were crucial in a close game.
Safeties: B-
Alabama has shown depth at safety as well. Battle is one of the most underrated players for Alabama football. DeMarcco Hellams is also a stud when he is healthy, and both Malachi Moore and Brian Branch can play in the slot or at safety. This added versatility is certainly a strength for the Crimson Tide. Regardless of what an opponent throws at them, they have the personnel to respond with an adequate scheme.
Brian Branch made a nice play when he forced a deflection to get the defense off the field. There were mental errors in the secondary, but the team was mostly focused on stopping the run. Emory Jones made a few plays, but he was unable to win this game with his arm. Credit the secondary for that.