The main takeaway from Alabama’s too close for comfort 31-24 win in Starkville last weekend over Mississippi State was the Tide’s struggling defense. The unit had major issues tackling MSU’s backfield and QB Nick Fitzgerald for much of the game.

Two stats from Saturday night really point out that fact: Mississippi State rushed for three touchdowns on Alabama, the first time that’s happened in the Nick Saban era, and MSU eclipsed the 150-yard rushing mark. LSU also eclipsed that mark the previous week.

Why is that last figure so important?

In 134 games under Saban since the 2008 season, Alabama has only given up 150 or more yards on the ground 18 times. Having two of those games in back-to-back contests signal a red flag for the defense. Of course, the linebacker unit has been devastated by injury this season but good news could be on the way.

Check out this video posted early Thursday morning from Christian Miller, who started but was also feared to be lost for the season in the opener against Florida State.

What exactly does the video mean? It sure looks like Miller is signaling his “return from the dead” much like the Undertaker.

We’ll have to wait to find out but it’s a promising sign with the Iron Bowl just over a week away.