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Alabama Football: After shaky start, defense shuts down Tennessee

By Zach Breathwaite

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 21: Chris Braswell #41 of the Alabama Crimson Tide forces a fumble by Joe Milton III #7 of the Tennessee Volunteers that resulted in a touchdown by Jihaad Campbell #30 during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 21: Chris Braswell #41 of the Alabama Crimson Tide forces a fumble by Joe Milton III #7 of the Tennessee Volunteers that resulted in a touchdown by Jihaad Campbell #30 during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Alabama Football Defensive Line: A

The Alabama defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage and allowed its back-seven to make plays all afternoon. This rapidly-improving group handled a Tennessee offensive line that had bullied Texas A&M’s defensive front just a week before.

Alabama held the SEC’s leading ground attack to just 133 yards on 38 carries (3.5 YPC). It rendered Tennessee’s running back duo of Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small ineffecive. Wright and Small produced 46 yards on 19 carries (2.4 YPC) just a year after combining for 124 yards on 24 attempts against Bama in Knoxville.

Quarterback Joe Milton ran the zone read well and proved to be Tennessee’s most effective ball carrier, but ultimately gained just 59 yards once sacks were factored in.

Senior Justin Eboigbe led the Alabama defensive line with eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Jaheim Oatis and Tim Keenan III added three tackles and a quarterback hurry each.

Alabama Football Linebackers: A+

Throughout this season, I have cautiously said that Alabama has the best linebackers in college football. I now feel confident in this assertion, as the depth, versatility, and consistency of this group continues to be on display every week.

A pair of sophomores lead the way from the middle of the defense. Redshirt sophomore Deontae Lawson was all over the field and notched 12 tackles against Tennessee. True sophomore Jihaad Campbell was just as good, finishing with 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery returned 24-yards for a touchdown. Campbell’s fourth quarter scoop-and-score blew the roof off Bryant-Denny and, for all intents and purposes, took the will to compete out of the Tennessee Volunteers.

Bama’s edge rushers may be even better than its inside ‘backers. Junior Dallas Turner (five tackles, 2.0 TFL, one sack) might be the best pure pass rusher in the nation, and he has arguably been just as good against the run this season. Senior Chris Braswell has quietly put together an All-SEC caliber season on the other side. He recorded four tackles, 2.0 TFL, a pair of sacks, and forced the fumble that Campbell picked up and took to the house.

Over the past five seasons, Bama has recruited the edge position better than any other, and it has paid dividends. Miraculously, the Tide outside linebacker room has not missed a beat after losing top-3 NFL Draft pick Will Anderson Jr.

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