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For a team long known for a fearsome defense loaded with freak athletes, last year’s Alabama defensive line fell short of expectations. After recording no fewer than 25 sacks in a season in the previous five years, the Tide only registered 22 quarterback takedowns in 2013, a drop of 13 from 2012.
Nick Saban said before the season that his team needed to rededicate to “the Process” after two straight losses to end last year. He must have had the pass rush in mind, because they’ve already shown a major improvement from a year ago. With six sacks through two games, they’re averaging 1.3 more sacks per game than a year ago.
Things can certainly get better, though. Outside of those six sacks, the defense has only one quarterback hurry, credited to freshman Rashaan Evans. The blame doesn’t fall on the defense, as teams have been trying to attack the Tide with quick passes, as Chris Walsh detailed here.
Saturday could be a day to feast. Nick Mullens, Southern Miss’ sophomore quarterback, has a weak offensive line in front of him and a freshman running back alongside him. The Tide should be licking their chops looking at that matchup.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
