The latest LaBryan Ray news aside, this has the chance to be an elite Alabama defense, even among those in the Saban era.

That’s at least the opinion of the SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, who made his regular appearance on WJOX in Birmingham, Alabama, with “McElroy and Cubelic In the Morning”.

“What I’m told Cole, and that’s all you can rely on right now, is this will be one of the better defenses we’ve seen in the Saban era,” Finebaum said. “That’s a mouthful, that really can get you a national championship if everything else fails.”

Last year’s Alabama defense was a bit down by its standards, at No. 32 in total defense in the country, but 2019 was No. 21, 2018 was No. 16, 2017 and 2016 were both No. 1 and 2015 was No. 3.

The only apparent weakness appears to be on the defensive line as the Crimson Tide secondary returns every starter except for Patrick Surtain, and added players like 5-star Kool-Aid McKinstry. Ray is expected to miss some time as he deals with a significant groin injury.

At linebacker, Alabama will have the best groups in the country, led by Will Anderson and Christian Harris who returns for his third year as a starter on the inside. Chris Allen returns as well, and Henry To’o To’o has already received high praise from defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who called him the best transfer he’s ever had.

Some have said this could be the best linebacking corps since 2016 for Alabama.