The victory—and a significant one at that—makes the setbacks easier to take. Despite making mistakes, Saban’s victory on Saturday was the greatest of his career. Alabama found some encouraging moments along the way as it managed to win away from home and seize control of the SEC West race.
After Alabama’s victory in Week 6, there is a lot to analyze and talk about. After rewatching Saturday’s game, the following things became clear:
After halftime, Alabama’s defense is starting to show who it really is. Alabama’s defense has only given up 13 second-half points since the Texas game. With just three points given up on Saturday, that trend persisted. Field position was the other factor, but the defense has reduced the number of explosive plays that turn the game, giving up one in the second half. In the first half, Texas A&M ran 24 of its 34 offensive plays, or roughly 70% of the total, in Alabama territory. In the second half, only 12 out of 26 saw a sharp decline.
The defense of Alabama after the half is starting to show its true colors. Only 13 second-half points have been given up by Alabama’s defense since the Texas game. On Saturday, just three points were allowed, continuing that trend. The defense has reduced the number of explosive plays that reverse the field; they allowed just one in the second half. Field position was the other factor. Approximately two-thirds of Texas A&M’s offensive plays (24 out of 34) were executed in Alabama territory during the first half. In the second half, that number fell precipitously (12 of 26).
