No. 7 Alabama has a major defensive problem that may get worse vs. No. 16 Mississippi State

No. 7 Alabama is currently sitting at 4-0; their defense has created five turnovers in just two games, but all of that is hiding two defensive leaks. These leaks are their deep pass and run defense, and right now their injury list leaves little room to fix them.

The Crimson Tide beat Florida State 50-36, where they allowed 471 yards, and South Carolina 49-18, where they allowed 419 yards. Out of the 137 total defensive snaps, that's 890 yards total in the past two games, which is 6.5 yards per play. Alabama's schedule is only going to get harder from here, and head coach Kalen DeBoer said Monday that depth and health will decide whether the 4-0 start holds up.

Florida State finished with 471 yards, 36 points and double-digit plays of 15 or more yards. They allowed 377 passing yards on 17 catches. South Carolina ran 40 times for 216 yards, with the longest rushing play going for 56 yards, and was able to catch a 41-yard touchdown pass.

Alabama's defense had three interceptions on the Seminoles, plus a pick-six and fumble recovery against the Gamecocks. So they do a good job at creating turnovers. They also do a good job at getting off the field on 3rd downs. In total, they got stops on 11 of the 29 third downs in the last two games. But they've also allowed 81 points in four games so far, which is 20.3 points allowed per game. Last year they ranked 20th nationally in 2025 at 19.2 points allowed per game.

Alabama's defensive problems may be exposed against Mississippi State

The major problem is that both edge-rushers, Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu, were hurt in the Florida State game and missed South Carolina. Both remain out for the game against Mississippi State this week, as of Wednesday. Hill is expected to miss a few weeks, while Umeozulu is dealing with turf toe. Right now, the lack of depth due to injury is the biggest concern. Alabama's front is also short elsewhere; defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman and linebacker Cayden Jones are both out for the season. 

We can see that these players are missed. In the first game without them, the front was only able to get two hits on the quarterback with one sack. This defense, with no depth and prone to allowing explosive plays, is not set up well for the rest of the season.

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is completing 69.2% of his passes for 1,192 yards, with being tied for the most touchdowns in the nation at 14 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He also has 185 rushing yards on 37 carries. Against Missouri, he went for 27 of 38 for 360 yards and three touchdowns for a win. Running back Fluff Bothwell has rushed for 103 yards (Minnesota), 116 yards (South Carolina) and 122 yards on 25 carries (Missouri), three straight 100-yard games. 

This game does seem like it could be setting up to be a trap game for the Crimson Tide. With the combination of a lack of depth and letting up big plays, this Mississippi State offense, and other ranked opponents, are primed to have a great day on offense. Though this could negatively impact Alabama's record, once they get their injured pieces back, they should be good for the playoffs.