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.
Without the defense’s fault, three of Texas A&M’s five first-half possessions, excluding the opening possession, began in Alabama territory or close to midfield. Only one drive (following a fumble by Jermaine Burton) began in Alabama territory in the second half; all other drives averaged starting field positions near the Texas A&M 27-yard line. It helped to force the offense to travel a considerable distance.
The game was eventually won by Alabama’s front seven, who stopped Max Johnson from finding receivers downfield. The secondary receives an assist; following Malachi Moore’s injury, it made its way and got going
much improved communication. There were several coverage sacks as a result of good downfield coverage, but none was more significant than the second down sack that set up Chris Braswell’s blocked field goal two plays later. Trey Chris Braswell’s, and Deontae Lawson were an especially strong trio. Following just one sack in the first three quarters, Alabama recorded four in the fourth quarter.
