While their offense would struggle at times, it was always steadied by Jay Barker, with a dose of playmaking from David “The Deuce is Loose” Palmer.

True story: It took me several episodes to be okay with 24 because I so disliked the fact that the President of the United States shared "The Deuce’s" name.

While the offense was putting it together, the defense was impenetrable from day one. Entering the showdown with Heath Shuler and the Top 10 Vols on the third Saturday in October 1992, what was considered to be a relatively untested Alabama defense had given up 36 points in six games. The Vols broke the bank and scored 10...but a late turnover sealed a 17-10 Bama win. 

None of the games on their schedule really stand out, because the defense dominated them all. They shut out Auburn in the Iron Bowl to clinch 11-0, then got torched by Shane Matthews for 21 points and 317 total yards in the SEC Championship. Bama still won 28-21. 

It was the second time all season the Tide had allowed more than 20 points (Miss. State also got 21) and the first time they’d given up more than 300 yards. Insane.    

Then, when a team thought to have no offense and a defense that was still somehow underrated by the nation at large went to play fast and loose No. 1 Miami in the Sugar Bowl, this team sealed their place with a 34-13 woodshed job to win it all, with George Teague making a name for himself.

More insane stats? Most rushing yards allowed all season: 138 (to Vanderbilt, of all people). Most passing yards allowed all season: Matthews' 287. They forced seven fumbles against South Carolina and shut out three opponents.

They were simply the best...and in today’s ever-faster game, I may live to be 100 and never see a better defense. Accept no substitutes. 

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