Alabama football’s defense has been the team’s strength in 2023. The Crimson Tide hasn’t allowed more than 20 points during its 3 SEC games, and has given up just 50 total points in four games following a 34-24 loss to Texas.

The Tide ranks third in the SEC in total defense, as well as sacks and interceptions. This week, Alabama will face Arkansas, a team it beat 49-26 in Fayetteville last season.

During the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday, Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman was asked how this year’s Alabama defense stacks up with some of the Tide’s units of years past.

“I would say they match up with a lot of teams that coach (Nick Saban) has had,” Pittman said. “You’d have to ask him. I don’t want to speak for him, but I would say they match up, at least on tape, well with teams, defenses he’s had in the past.”

Pittman has coached against Saban in the SEC for years, even before his Arkansas tenure began in 2020. Prior to getting that job, he worked as an offensive line coach at Georgia, Arkansas and Tennessee, beginning in 2012.

He was full of praise for Alabama’s current defense, breaking down the threats the Tide present.

“They have, in my opinion, great defensive ends,” Pittman said. “They’re a problem. It’s a problem when somebody has one that can wreck your game plan, let alone three, maybe four. Very, very physical inside as well, I love their linebacker group.”

Arkansas’ offense has struggled throughout the 2023 season with new offensive coordinator, former Alabama assistant Dan Enos. However, the Razorbacks do have quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders, who can pose a threat to any defense.

Pittman went on to speak about Alabama’s secondary as well.

“Obviously, Kool-Aid (McKinstry) is one of the best players in the league,” Pittman said. “And Caleb Downs and you just keep going with (Trey) Amos and (Jaylen) Key and they are really talented. As well-coached on defense as anybody in the league, anybody in the country and they play with passion and very physical.”

Alabama and Arkansas are scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired on ESPN.

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