Alabama's Pass Rush the Cornerstone of the Crimson Tide Defense

The Alabama Crimson Tide defense was embarrassed in the second week of the season, giving up 21-fourth-quarter-points en route to a 34-24 loss to the Texas Longhorns.

Alabama was credited with just three quarterback hurries and zero sacks in the entire matchup against the Big 12 foe, leaving Quinn Ewers all day to pick apart the Alabama secondary.

The Crimson Tide was able to generate just two sacks and four quarterback hurries in the season's first two contests, but something's clearly changed in the most recent two games.

“Just watching film and just looking over all the old games, going over stuff from last games and seeing what we’ve been doing," said defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis on Tuesday. "And coming to now, just looking forward to dominating every game.”

How has it paid off for Kevin Steele's defense?

The Tide has allowed just 13 points in the last two games, thanks to getting to the quarterback for eight sacks with nine additional quarterback hurries. The pressure has allowed the Alabama defense to come away with three turnovers, two interceptions and a Dallas Turner fumble recovery.

"Just being a DB in general, the pass rush doing its job, it’s very beneficial. Every DB want their rush to do a good job because you don’t have to cover as long or do as much because the pass rush is so effective," said Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. "Just knowing those guys are up there doing their job makes me very happy."

Mississippi State has allowed 10 sacks and has only turned the ball over three times through the season's first four weeks, making for an intriguing matchup on Saturday night in Starkville.

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