Can Alabama football contend for the SEC and the Playoff?

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Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (32), Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (15), and Alabama linebacker Henry To’o To’o (10) combine to tackle Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn (22) during the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Alabama Football defense be elite in 2023?

One of the underrated storylines about Alabama football is the partnership between veteran defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and Nick Saban. They’ve worked together from 2007-08 and again in 2013-14. They’ve also been adversaries when Steele was defensive coordinator at Auburn and LSU.

Both are disciples of the 3-4 defense, but their approaches sometimes differ. Saban has evolved in that he’s learned how to manage defensive expectations playing with a tempo, quick-strike offense. That said, if Alabama runs the football more this year, the defense will have to look slightly different.

Last season’s numbers weren’t bad. The Tide finished 9th in scoring defense, 13th in total defense, and 17th in pass yards allowed. However, this is Alabama; one or two poor performances can cost you your job. Pete Golding learned that the hard way. LSU had its way on the ground against Alabama, rushing for 318 yards, and everyone knows what happened against Tennessee.

The Crimson Tide allowed 52 points, 385 yards, and five touchdowns in Knoxville. Before Alabama is wholly dismissed, keep in mind both of its losses were by four points, though the defense could not finish both times.

That’s the task for Steele. The Tide must play great defense again and close the challenging games against LSU, Kentucky, Texas, Texas A&M, and Auburn.

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