Alabama Football: Elite Defense Will Lead Crimson Tide to National Championship

The Alabama Crimson Tide have become synonymous with smash-mouth, blue-collar football. That's due in part to defensive mastermind Nick Saban and a plethora of talent on that side of the football.

Every year the Tide seem to bring the best defensive prospects to the NFL draft, and each year Saban's group is at, or near, the top of the major defensive categories. It's been this way since Saban's arrival in 2007, and that isn't going to change this season.

The Crimson Tide, once again, have an elite group of ball-stoppers. Playmakers lurk at all three levels, and offenses better beware.

Last year's defense led the Tide to a BCS National Championship, and this year's group isn't any less able.

Let's take a look at this defense, level by level.

Defensive Line

The Tide's front three is rugged. They don't possess any down lineman with blinding speed, but these are men with SEC-caliber talent.

Damion Square and Quinton Dial are two experienced bookends. Together they push 600 pounds. They clog up running lanes with their bulk and hold the edge when a ball-carrier tries to find the outside. Each player is solid—not great, but consistent.

Jesse Williams' 320-pound frame takes up space in the middle. He's the anchor of Alabama's 3-4 attack, and he does his job well. He must work on his balance, but he will be a valuable part of the Tide's stout run defense. His play will determine how may tackles Alabama's star linebackers can make.

Like any three-man front, their job is to hold the point. Eating up blockers is the name of the game, and these three are very good at what they do.

Linebackers

Alabama always has a lethal combination of speed, ferocity and precise tackling ability at linebacker. The pulse of their pressure can be found within whichever four players happen to be lined up at the time.

Nico Johnson and C.J. Mosley are the two most experienced linebackers in Bama's group. They are both potential first-round picks in next year's NFL draft because of their sound tackling and instincts.

After losing Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw to the NFL, the Crimson Tide will be looking for younger players to step up. Keep an eye on Xzavier Dickson's speedy presence and Tana Patrick as a pass-rush specialist.

Saban knows how to coach this unit, and he puts a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Like usual, this group can handle it.

Secondary

Saban's secondary is littered with star-caliber players again this year. Losing players like Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick would decimate most defensive backfields, but not in Tuscaloosa.

Dee Milliner is an elite corner with excellent ball skills. He plays strong at the line of scrimmage, but his coverage abilities eliminate one side of the field. Deion Belue isn't as strong on the other side, but they can give him help over the top or underneath.

The group of safeties may be even better. Robert Lester is the leader, in terms of experience, of the entire defense. His solid two-way play gives Bama a consistent presence on the back end.

Vinnie Sunseri isn't an elite talent, but he knows how to play. Lester will cover him up, and freshman Hasean Clinton-Dix may be the most talented defensive back on the Tide's roster.

None of this should surprise anyone. Alabama wins games with their dominant, ball-control offense and a frightening collection of defenders.

They are No. 2 in the first USA Today poll, and don't expect them to leave that spot. Their offense still has its structure, and their defense will swarm offenses as per usual.