Alabama Football: Tide roll Louisville behind Tua Tagovailoa's big game

Alabama Football: Tide roll Louisville behind Tua Tagovailoa’s big game

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. The Alabama defense hasn’t missed a beat

When the teams jogged off the field at halftime a beet-red Saban scowled about the deficiencies of the Alabama defense. He went on and on about how poorly they had played and the improvements that need to be made at halftime.

They had pitched a shutout and were winning 28-0.

Eight players from last year’s defense were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft including three in the first 22 overall picks. Once more, Alabama reloaded rather than rebuilt.

It’s beginning to seem like it doesn’t matter who Saban trots out on defense anymore. The Crimson Tide picked up 11 tackles for a loss, three sacks and two interceptions all while holding the Cardinals to 4-of-15 on third down. From start to finish, the defensive front dictated the game, forcing new quarterback Jawan Pass to do his best to move a mountain — he was unsuccessful.

Pass finished 20-of-39 for 252 yards and two touchdown passes with two interceptions. Par for the course when it comes to Alabama and their dominant defense.

Home/Alabama Crimson Tide