Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama Football Defense: Kirby or Jeremy?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the Alabama football season well underway, how does last year’s defense under Kirby Smart compare to this year’s group lead by Jeremy Pruitt?

ICYMI: VIDEO: 2015 Titles Being Added To Walk of ChampionsThe days of “Third and Kirby” are long gone, but the Alabama football defense is chugging along quite nicely under the leadership of new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. It’s only a small “sample size” to go by with only three games under Pruitt’s belt, but comparisons of the Crimson Tide’s current performance can still be made to the 2015 national championship winning defense.When numbers are pulled together, its interesting to see how the two match up.

2015 – Kirby Smart

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart looks on during the against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Enter 2016 – and Jeremy Pruitt.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

So…Is Alabama football actually better without Kirby?

One could say that it’s not the X’s and O’s but the “Jimmy’s and Joes”  that are making the difference. In other words, it’s not the play calling but the players themselves keeping the Alabama football defense on top week after week.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) and LB Tim Williams (56) and DB Marlon Humphrey (26) react during the first half against the USC Trojans. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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