Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama's problems run deeper than at quarterback

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/11/23

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe received a decent portion of the criticism after the Tide fell 34-24 at home to Texas on Saturday. But Alabama's problems run much deeper than at quarterback.

For the second consecutive season, Alabama looked mortal against Texas. Unlike last year when the Crimson Tide had two future top-3 NFL Draft picks on their roster, they weren't able to escape this time with a victory.

Milroe's two interceptions were costly but even more concerning was the Tide's inability to pressure Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Alabama's defense finished w/ 6 total pressures vs. Texas.

Last year, Alabama averaged 19.5 pressures per game. Will Anderson had 6 pressures by himself in his final college game (bowl game vs. KSU).
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 10, 2023

As The Athletic's Dane Brugler noted, Bama's six pressures were well below what they averaged last season and what it had in its 20-19 win over Texas in September 2022. In that game, the Tide had 15 total pressures, including four by Will Anderson Jr., the third overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

With Anderson gone, junior edge rusher Dallas Turner was expected to step up in his place, but he only had one pressure against Texas and has five through two games.

The Tide need more from him — and the rest of the defensive front — going forward. Milroe showed off his athleticism and strong arm in the loss but is too inconsistent for Alabama to win shootouts.

If Alabama is going to turn its loss to Texas into a blip on its radar, it's going to take much more out of the defense. Allowing 454 total yards (including 349 passing) isn't going to cut it.

Bama's defense will be under a lot of pressure until it starts supplying some of its own.

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