Alabama Football: Which Crimson Tide Defensive Records Could Fall in 2011?

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Let's look at some defensive records that this defensive team could possibly break this year and rate the chances of them doing just that.

FEWEST 100-YARD RUSHERS ALLOWED (SINCE 2005)

Right now Alabama is one behind Boston College in allowing the fewest teams to have a one hundred yard rusher. Boston College has allowed just eight teams to have a running back make the century mark. Alabama sits second with nine and is tied with Ohio State for second.

Odds that Alabama will take over first place this year are 75 percent.

TEAM INTERCEPTIONS

Last season, the Tide led the SEC in interceptions and was tied for third nationally with 21 INTS.

Odds that Alabama can move into first place this year? I see a 50/50 shot.

INTERCEPTIONS RETURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN

Last season, only Prentiss Wagner of  Tennessee took more passes back to the house than C.J. Mosely, linebacker of Alabama. Tennessee's Wagner had three and Mosely was tied for second with five other people with two.

Odds that an Alabama player can take over the top spot? Given the fact that Bama plays several schools with either new or shaky quarterbacks, those odds are 60/40 that it will happen.

TOTAL DEFENSE

Last year, Alabama ranked as the number two team in total defense in major defensive categories and that was a defense that replaced nine starters.

With most of that team returning and the substitutes being of a higher caliber, there is an 85 percent chance that this team could end the season with number one ranking.

THIRD DOWN DEFENSE

This was a problem for the Tide last year and they only ranked 11th in that category.

Since the Tide traditionally are not a league leader in this category, I only see a 15 percent chance that they could lead the nation in this ranking, but I do think they'll improve significantly.

THREE AND OUTS

In 2009 during the championship year, Alabama led the nation in three and outs with an average of 5.61 per game. Last year they dropped to second behind TCU.

This is the year they will return to the top. Alabama has an 80 percent shot to lead all teams once again this coming year.

That's it for the defensive categories that can be broken. If you missed the offensive categories, you can catch them HERE.