Alabama vs. Florida: Crimson Tide Defense Been Hustling Everyone?

Alabama's defense is raved about across America for being one of the best—if not the best—defenses in the country. 

They force three-and-outs and they don't let the other team put points on the board. 

But nothing changes the momentum of a game like taking a turnover deep in your opponents territory, and the Tide have been very lacking in the turnover department. 

In Week 4 against Arkansas, the game was close.  Then, 'Bama's DeQuan Menzie tipped a ball, intercepted it and ran it in for a touchdown.  The game wasn't even close after that; it just got worse and worse for the Razorbacks. 

Unfortunately, that interception was one of few.  Alabama sits around the middle in the nation, with four total.  DeQuan Menzie, DeMarcus Milliner, Mark Barron, and Phelon Jones all have one interception.  Menzie, Milliner and Jones are all cornerbacks, a position that gets limited interceptions compared to safeties. 

So where is Robert Lester?  He busted onto the scene in 2010 by snagging eight picks, good for second in the nation and first in the SEC.  He had a few close plays this year, especially against Penn State, that were nearly intercepted.  Those are basically dropped passes, so is he having some concentration problems? 

Will Lester revert to his quality 2010 season against the Gators?  Will Charlie Weis and John Brantley feel more comfortable throwing around Lester, only to find they were led into a trap?

Interceptions aren't the only concern for 'Bama against the Gators.  Alabama is ranked 83rd in the nation with a whopping two forced fumbles , and those came from the secondary.  Thank you Dre Kirkpatrick, but where has the defensive line been on this stat?

Speaking of defensive line, their main job during passing situations is to get to the quarterback.  Instead, Alabama is tied for 81st in the nation for sacks, with five. 

Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower, two of the best blitzing linebackers in the nation, each have a whopping .5 sacks each.  At this rate they will have a total of 1.5 each for the regular season.

Nick Gentry leads the team in sacks with 1.5.  He lines up at defensive tackle for Josh Chapman during passing downs.  Little Ol' Nick is 6-foot-1 and 284 lbs.  He has been getting to the quarterback the most, with the least playing time, and he has to run straight through the middle of the offensive line.  Not an easy feat, especially when you are as small as he is. 

Many fans agree with Nick Saban:  Sacks don't really matter if you get the pressure and force a bad throw.  Well, bad throws are nice, but you must capitalize off them, and the Tide haven't done that yet. 

Even though they haven't taken advantage with interceptions, holding opponents to 3.5 yards-per-attempt in passing (first in the nation), and an atrocious 43.9 completion percentage (also first), is good enough.

Overall, I think we have yet to see what the Alabama defense offers.  They have not been placed in the situation where they must make a stop or lose the game.  They have not needed to come away with a miracle turnover, like the three they needed in 2010 against Arkansas. 

As of right now, Alabama doesn't look very threatening in the turnover department.  It's likely due to Saban and his star players holding out a little bit. 

I'll boldly wager, however, the first time they actually stand a chance of losing, everything will change.  It's not like Arkansas gave them a run for their money in 2011.  But Florida just might. 

Guys like Courtney Upshaw and Robert Lester have been very quiet lately.  Too quiet.  But any moment, when the Tide needs them the most, they are going to go bonkers on the opponent. 

Until then, I think Nick Saban is hustlin' ya'll.