This is going to be, as always at Alabama, a referendum on the defensive coordinator. Grab a cup o’ joe, and let’s chat.
Thus, while it is somewhat unfair to criticize Pete solely for the defense’s woes, he must get docked on his ability to adjust to the game in real time. Alabama has done a fantastic job adjusting at the halftime (one quarter against A&M aside). That cannot be denied. Alabama has surrendered 117 points on the season — just 34 have occurred after halftime. The fact that the Tide is adjusting so well means that, like the 9 new starters on the field, Pete is also learning as he goes: the coach can be coached.