BOL Round Table

The simplest answer is not have to substitute your players for different personnel packages. We've seen situations where there have been mismatches created because what we expected to see formation and play wise given the offensive package didn't happen. Bottom line the transitions I believe you will see is our LB's will be a bit larger than CJ but still possess excellent abilities to cover TE's and backs. I think the DL transitions will be towards quicker, more allusive types that can more easily contain the middle and force things outside to yet more guys with the speed to keep the offensive folks in front of them and force the plays into the sideline or back into the middle where tackles can be made. I also believe we need a big athletic safety that's great in run support and can handle a shifty slot receiver, could be a corner.
Everything in Saban's defense revolves around taking away the run; I don't see that philosophy ever changing, but personnel with a wider skill set that can effectively be run stoppers and pass defenders will be your transition.
Long story short I think we want to get away from having to substitute or havering offensive substitutions dictate our personnel. Doesn't mean we won't sub, we'll just sub a guy with the same skill set vs a CJ coming in for Nico on obvious passing downs....my two cents FWIW.

The issue against A&M was that CJ was our only LB who could play in space at that point and we really didnt have an extra corner/star we could send in until Geno stepped up late.

The truth is that we have a few guys in the secondary who are great against LSU, but aren't made to play in space and it took us a bit to figure that out. Once we did and had a few people step up we were fine, but it was a struggle getting there.

Moving forward I'm excited to see what guys like Ragland and Lee can do in the Nickle/Dime look we seem to have to spend most of our time in. They have the size and speed to stay in the game regardless of situation, they just need to pick up the mental aspects of the game required to start for Saban.

Contain and pressure the QB.
Couldn't do either well with Manziel until the second half. By then the D was gassed.
Wallace put together some nice drives and ran the clock down which is the only reason it was closer than other SEC foes. Kid can actually throw the ball and run pretty well.
AU needs to find a QB who is an athlete, not an athlete who plays QB to make their O work. Don't see that kid on their roster.
Mizzou - They don't have the OL or Skill Depth to matter for a long time IMO.

Good choice of words, ED. They were oblivious that 1st quarter! +1

Why do you think he made a major push for elite DL this recruiting season?

There lies the answer. He feels that we have the LBers.

Study what Stanford did against Oregon. I think the idea is not to commit your LB's until you know where the play is going. But I'm no expert so for you guys that are I think the Stanford OU game is the blue print. They were the only ones that stopped the duck. And they stopped them cold.

I think it's pretty clear the changes that he wants to make in his defenses against this. And it isn't all that much. What you said, is very true. The substitution and personnel packaging will definitely play a bigger role in the future. The only change that I feel and see and hear that he wants to make is to target the guys who have the Ability and knack of affecting the quarterback, or getting to the quarterback. I don't think he's very pleased with not being able to get to the quarterback as much as what we should be. Can't argue with him there. Good post BM. Always insightful.

If a team runs anything fast paced with no huddle, then what makes this a bad comparison? Are u talking about style or scheme? All the same, it's still fast no huddle.

I like all the comments here. But I think that safety is key. With mark Barron and folks like him, we don't lose those games.

I think Sunseri could put on a few pounds and be a really guy outside of the base. He's undersized but very intelligent and athletic enough to cover TEs and backs from the backfield. Putting him on a receiver is a little much to ask of him but he's an over achieving type who would be up for the challenge.

I agree with BAMAMANAGER. Last season, we were disadvantaged by our need to substitute on D depending on down & distance. Next season, when we line up against Johnny Football, we'll have a defensive unit that is designed to respond to any situation. The only platooning we'll employ will be to facilitate the need for keeping fresh bodies on the field.