Here’s a strong indication of how the University of Alabama defense has dropped off since the 2011 season when it led the nation in all four majors statistical categories:

  • In 2011 Alabama allowed just three running touchdowns – one by triple-option Georgia Southern, the other two just 1-yard in length – and six in the air. It allowed an average of 8.15 points per game.
  • In 2012 the Crimson Tide yielded 10 rushing touchdowns and eight in the air. The longest rushing touchdown allowed was 32 yards, and the longest pass play 71 yards (which led to a Michigan touchdown in the opener). It gave up an average of 10.9 points per game.
  • In 2013, opponents scored eight rushing touchdowns compared to 13 passing. The longest rushing touchdown was 77 yards, compared to 95 in the air. It yielded an average of 13.9 points.

In comparison last season the opposition was limited to just five rushing touchdowns, but passed for 19. The longest plays it yielded was 85 yards on the ground, and 68 yards on a throw.

The average points allowed, 18.4.

Due to breakdowns and Alabama’s offense playing at a higher tempo, the Crimson defense had to make a lot more tackles this past season as its opponents had an average of eight more snaps per game from a year ago.

Total snaps by opponents (average)
2011: 720 (55.4)
2012: 837 (59.9)
2013: 771 (59.3)
2014: 945 (67.5)

However, the gap between the team leaders wasn’t as wide as safety Landon Collins led the Crimson Tide with 103 total tackles, ahead of linebackers Reggie Ragland (95) and Trey DePriest (88), safety Nick Perry (80), with six more players between 40 and 56.

In 2011 there was similar balance as linebacker Dont’a Hightower led the Crimson Tide with 85, while safety Mark Baron was second at 68, and linebacker Courtney Upshaw third with 52.

One common trait of Nick Saban’s defensive scheme is that having numerous players around the ball instead of one primary tackler is usually an indication of success.

On the list of single-season leaders among Saban-coached teams (Toledo in 1990, Michigan State from 1995-99, LSU from 2000-04 and Alabama after 2007), no one is from the four national championship teams.

When LSU brought home the crystal football in 2003, the Tigers’ leading tackler was free safety LaRon Landry with 80 (54 solo, 26 assists).

Season
Name, School, Year, Tackles
Bradie James, LSU, 2002, 154
Ike Reese, Michigan State, 1997, 137
Aric Morris, Michigan State, 1999, 132
Aric Morris, Michigan State, 1998, 127
Sorie Kanu, Michigan State, 1998, 121
Trev Faulk, LSU, 2001, 119
Ike Reese, Michigan State, 1996, 115
Trev Faulk, LSU, 2000, 113
Bradie James, LSU, 2001, 113
Reggie Garnett, Michigan State, 1995, 111

Career
Name, School, Year, Tackles
Bradie James, LSU, 2000-02, 376
Sorie Kanu, Michigan State, 1995-98, 365
Aric Morris, Michigan State, 1996-99, 360
Ike Reese, Michigan State, 1995-97, 328
C.J. Mosley, Alabama, 2010-13, 319
Rolando McClain, Alabama, 2007-09, 275
Lemar Marshall, Michigan State, 1995-98, 261
Mark Barron, Alabama, 2008-11, 237
Dont’a Hightower, Alabama, 2008-11, 234
Trev Faulk, LSU, 2000-01, 232