You can determine all you need to know by a team’s grit and overall nastiness at the line of scrimmage, part of the reason Alabama has won three national championships since 2009.
It’s the Crimson Tide’s unmatched dominance in the trenches that strangles the opposition into submission and plays into Alabama’s strengths as a fundamentally-sound defense. Nick Saban’s team returns the bulk of their run-stoppers, led by All-American candidates A’Shawn Robinson and Reggie Ragland, which should lead to another successful season in Tuscaloosa.
Looking at the rest of the league, the SEC’s five best run defenses in 2015 will be …
5. Arkansas Razorbacks
Preferred combo: DL Taiwan Johnson and Bijhon Jackson
Underrated weapon: LB Brooks Ellis
Projected rushing allowed: 1,680 yards, 14 TDs
Why it’s deadly: Personnel losses are heavy within the front seven, but depth’s not an issue for Robb Smith as he tries to post another noteworthy season defensively as the Razorbacks’ play-caller. Deatrich Wise steps in for Trey Flowers and the Johnson-Jackson combo for Darius Philon on a unit projected to be above-average against the run. Linebacker Brooks Ellis becomes the quarterback of the defense as a junior following a 72-tackle campaign. His ability to read and react will benefit a defense that prides itself on getting off the field so the Arkansas run game can go to work.
4. LSU Tigers
Preferred combo: DL Davon Godchaux and Christian LaCouture
Underrated weapon: DB Jalen Mills
Projected rushing allowed: 1,652 yards, 13 TDs
Why it’s deadly: Massive tackles Godchaux and LaCouture earned their stripes over the second half of the 2014 season, playing noticeably more consistent over the season’s final seven games. Godchaux provided LSU with instant impact as a true freshman with 42 tackles. Replacing Danielle Hunter is the obvious dilemma heading into fall camp, a player who led the team with 13.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage last fall. Mills is this team’s best tackler and will be asked to impose his will on running backs at the second level along with fellow safety Jamal Adams.
3. Ole Miss Rebels
Preferred 1-2 punch: DL Robert Nkemdiche and Marquis Haynes
Underrated weapon: LB C.J. Johnson
Projected rushing allowed: 1,599 yards, 9 TDs
Why it’s deadly: Thanks to an elite secondary, defensive coordinator Dave Wommack can afford to cheat a bit this season and stack the box with additional personnel against the run. The Rebels have an immovable force inside with future first-round pick Nkemdiche and Haynes has already proven an ability to seal the edge in run support. Johnson’s move to middle linebacker is an interesting angle to watch since he’s played most of his career snaps in a three-point stance. Denzel Nkemdiche’s return will be beneficial in pursuit.
2. Florida Gators
Preferred 1-2 punch: DL Jonathan Bullard and LB Antonio Morrison
Underrated weapon: DL Alex McCalister
Projected rushing allowed: 1,525 yards, 11 TDs
Why it’s deadly: We know Florida’s defense will be stout at the back end, but will the Gators be able to replace Dante Fowler’s production at the line of scrimmage with up-and-comer McCalister? First-year defensive coordinator Geoff Collins tends to think so and is planning on lining the athletic pass rusher on the outside to help chase down ballcarriers as well. Bullard, a senior, is the leader of this group and must shoulder much of the burden if Morrison and fellow linebacker Jarrad Davis aren’t yet ready by the opener. Jim McElwain expect Davis to return in August, but the outlook isn’t as clear for Morrison, the Gators’ top returning tackler.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Preferred 1-2 punch: DL A’Shawn Robinson and LB Reggie Ragland
Underrated weapon: DL Jarran Reed
Projected rushing allowed: 1,485 yards, 7 TDs
Why it’s deadly: There’s something about Kirby Smart’s scheme defensively that complete shuts down what the opposition hopes to accomplish on the ground and he welcomes back nearly all of his 2014 production this season. The Crimson Tide have established the SEC’s top rushing defenses four consecutive years through strength and power up front and this season’s no different. Led by All-American candidates Robinson and linebacker Reggie Ragland within the front seven, Alabama’s rush defense should be one of the nation’s most prolific. The Crimson Tide have given up just 13 touchdowns on the ground since the start of the 2013 campaign. By comparison, Florida is the SEC’s next stingiest, yielding 27 rushing touchdowns.
