Alabama’s defense is tied for tops in the country with four touchdowns scored: two fumble returns and two interception returns.

The defense leads the country in three-and-outs with an average of eight per game. More than half of opponents’ offensive drives end in three-and-outs, 55.2 percent to be precise, a total of 32 of 58.

The first run of the game last Saturday went for 47 yards, an inauspicious start to the day for one of the nastier defenses in the country. For the rest of the time the first-team defense was on the field, a total of 26 more plays, the Kent State offense managed just 14 yards of offense.

The numbers paint a picture. One of a stingy unit that, quite frankly, has played three stellar games and one not so great game.

The unit is experienced and getting deeper as the season goes along.

“The big question we had going into this season was how much depth did we have on defense, how were we going to be able to sustain the season?” UA head coach Nick Saban said. “I think in three games this year the defense played really well and in one game this year we didn’t play well at all.

“I think that was the most challenging game…we’ve had to this point because of the skill level of their players and their quarterback. We didn’t respond to it. I think you have to respond every week to really be good. When you have the big challenges that’s when you step up and play well. Hopefully, we can improve on that and play with more consistency is basically what I would say. Guys don’t need to be getting casual about what they’re doing. They need to bear down when we’re playing the best teams. Obviously, everybody we play here for the next long time that I see is pretty daggone good.”

Kentucky is no slouch on offense, averaging 6.62 yard per play, which ranks fourth in the conference in total offense, ahead of Alabama’s 6.38. The Wildcats average 30.3 points per game, while Alabama allows 14.8 points per game.

What has slowed the Wildcats down offensively is its defense, which ranks dead last in the league in total defense. Kentucky has run 51 fewer plays through four games than Alabama’s offense has.

The Crimson Tide is developing more depth as the season continues and getting junior defensive back Tony Brown back this week will only help. Overall, the group is more athletic than any group in Saban’s tenure in Tuscaloosa.

“I think it’s our attitude,” sophomore cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick said. “Everybody has a different type of attitude, from the secondary to the linebackers and to the defensive line. I think we just combine all those different attitudes and just fly around and get to the ball and have fun.”



Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.