Three important members of Alabama’s defence against Michigan in the College Football Playoffs
Turner Dallas
It’s no secret what Alabama’s defence relies on. Following the conference championship game against Georgia, Turner was selected as the SEC’s defensive player of the year. He is a formidable presence off the edge.
With Will Anderson leaving for the NFL, Turner emerged as the top pass-rusher for the Tide this season. For the whole 2023 season, he, defensive end Justin Eboigbe, and fellow edge Chris Braswell have been terrorising quarterbacks.
As Alabama kicked up Rose Bowl practice, Turner remarked, “We just must bring our hard hats every time we play them, and we just need to be the more physical team.” “We need to practice in this manner all week long, focusing on every offensive inclination they have.”
Turner and company will need to pursue McCarthy if Alabama is to thwart Michigan’s well-balanced approach.
Downs, Caleb
In his first year at Tuscaloosa, the true freshman safety established himself as a vital component of Alabama’s secondary. In the first game of the season, against Middle Tennessee State, he assumed a starting position that he has maintained ever since.
He was selected as the SEC’s freshman of the year by the coaches in the league, and he is one of the finalists for the Shaun Alexander Award, which is given to the best freshman in college football. With 99 tackles this season, Downs leads the Tide in tackles and has two throw interceptions.
Downs is a player who already understands his responsibilities, according to Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. He’s a good player who prepares and executes everything correctly, so I would simply advise him to be authentic. All I would advise him to do is be yourself throughout any game or anytime he asks me a question. I’m sure we have faith in him and that he will carry out his duties.
As Alabama’s best punt returner, Downs just replaced McKinstry; against Chattanooga, he brought one all the way back for a touchdown. The young player will need to step up going forward versus Michigan in order to have a successful game.
Deontae Lawson
Deontae Lawson, an inside linebacker and defensive signal-caller, will be crucial to Michigan’s balanced attack. He will also have to pay attention because the Crimson Tide will be heavily focused on minimising Corum.
This season, Alabama’s linebackers have played well. Jihaad Campbell, in particular, has stood out as a starter, while Lawson and Trezmen Marshall recovered from injuries. But Lawson is the group leader, ensuring that the defence is properly positioned.
This season, he has 61 tackles, with 5.5 for loss. In addition, he has three sacks.
Lawson, one of the team’s leaders, will have to perform exceptionally well against Michigan.
