Alabama Crimson Tide 2015 Spring Game Preview: What to watch for

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) and defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) celebrates a defensive stop against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the third quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

4. Going long

Usually Alabama’s defenses seem invincible. If you score on the Tide, you worked hard for it. Last season, some teams found Alabama’s kryptonite.

Alabama’s secondary struggled all season to stop the long ball. Safety Landon Collins did what he could, but defenses are never meant to lean on the safety position like Alabama did at times. The rest of the secondary figured things out eventually, but not before several opponents got on the board and in the highlight-reel, with some long touchdown passes.

This year cornerback Cyrus Jones will be leading the secondary, and his leadership could mean a return to form for Alabama’s defense. For starters, it is often easier to lean on a talented cornerback than it is to lean on a safety. Look for Alabama’s secondary to be tested on Saturday as the coaches still need to decide who will start at corner opposite of Jones and at the two safety positions.

Next: How do the lines play?