"We're big and we're physical, and I think stopping the run is really important in controlling the line of scrimmage. We've done a pretty good job of that to this point and I think it's important that we do that so we can create the right down-and-distance situations"
-Coach Nick Saban
With five returning starters to the front seven, it looks like we will have another stingy year in the run defense category.The Tide ranks #5 in the Nation in run defense this year, yielding 32.5 yards per game and 1.14 yards per carry. With such a dominant performance against the Hokies, FIU barely tempted our front lineman with rushing attempts.
It's not clear yet, if Coach Saban plans on bringing back Julio Jones and Roy Upchurch for this weekend's game. Although it would a perfect opportunity to pad their individual stats (with all due respect to North Texas), I think it would be important to have them at 100 % for the Arkansas game. I guess we run a fine line in being too cocky for North Texas.
Al.com has done an excellent job in giving us a view from the opposing side. They have a wonderful Q&A segment with the "leading authority of UNT sports", Brett Vito ( a blogger for the Denton (Texas) Record-Chronicle). He answers questions ranging from if the their coach is on the hot seat to the weaknesses and strengths of the current team.
