Justin Jefferson provided the elite LB play Alabama needed vs. Vanderbilt

One of the most jarring things you notice when you go back and watch the tape from Alabama's season-opening loss to Florida State was how poorly the Tide's linebackers played. That's been a problem all season as Deontae Lawson continues to get comfortable returning from injury, and senior Justin Jefferson got off to a slow start.

But against Vanderbilt, in a game where LB play was always going to be vital, Jefferson put forth an All-American type performance for Alabama in a 30-14 Tide win over Vanderbilt.

Jefferson finished the game with 14 tackles, 9 solo. The 14 tackles were a full 10 more than any other Alabama defender. He harassed Diego Pavia all day, coming up with several big plays throughout the afternoon to help key a masterful performance by the Tide's defense after a rough first drive.

Jefferson made a massive play on Vanderbilt's second drive. With Alabama trailing 7-0 already, the Commodores were inside the redzone looking to build a two-score lead in the first quarter. But Jefferson tackled Pavia on a third-down scramble and ripped the ball away from him in the process to force the game's first takeaway in a key spot.

Alabama turned the fumble into a touchdown drive to tie the game.

With Alabama leading by nine with under two minutes to go, Jefferson sacked Pavia for a big loss that effectively ruined any chance the Commodores had of staging a late drive to cut into the Alabama lead.

Justin Jefferson keyed an elite effort from Alabama's defense

There were plenty of Alabama fans - myself included - angry with the defensive effort early against Vanderbilt. The Commodores ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander on their first drive of the game. On the second, Pavia broke free for a 36-yard run. Starting with Jefferson's strip sack, however, it was a pretty dominant effort from the Alabama defense the rest of the way.

Vanderbilt added a touchdown late in the first half, but the drive started at the Alabama 38 following a poor punt by Blake Doud.

In the second half, Alabama's defense pitched a shutout. Alabama allowed only 13 rushing yards in the second half to a Vanderbilt offense predicated on being able to run the ball effectively. Even better, after allowing 113 yards on the first five rushing attempts for the game, the Crimson Tide's defense held Vanderbilt to just 22 yards on 14 attempts the rest of the game.

A tip of the cap is well deserved for Kane Wommack. It was Jefferson who keyed the resurgent effort for Wommack's defense and helped his coach avoid further heat from the fanbase.