Alabama’s defense got embarrassed two weeks ago against Tennessee.
It allowed five touchdown passes from Hendon Hooker, five touchdown receptions to Jaylin Hyatt, 567 yards, and 52 points in a loss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Crimson Tide fans were disappointed in the performance, and many directed the blame at defensive coordinator Pete Golding. Alabama sacked Hooker once as he had a clean pocket for much of the game.
Coach Nick Saban and Will Anderson said ‘anxiety’ played a role in the loss to the Volunteers, but the defense responded versus Mississippi State on homecoming. The Tide earned a 30-6 victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and it collected four sacks, six tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, and seven quarterback hurries.