Defense was one of the best in Tide history

Published 10:57 pm Monday, January 2, 2006

Alabama’s 2005 defense proved whacky, trendy, or supposed high-powered offenses were no match for its speed, strength and smarts.

While everyone expected the senior-laden defensive unit to shine this season, no one could have predicted the stellar results that came forth.

Led by seniors DeMeco Ryans, Freddie Roach and Mark Anderson the Crimson Tide ‘D’ embarrassed notable offenses such as Florida, Tennessee and Texas Tech on Monday afternoon.

The return of Steve Spurrier to the Southeastern Conference struck fear in many defenses across the nation. But Alabama’s defense proved the Cock-and-Fire offense hadn’t taken off just yet and needed a few more years of practice in Columbia, SC.

The second tough task for Joe Kines’ bunch came early in the season as Alabama met Urban Meyer’s innovative offense for the first time.

Meyer’s option/pass offense ran wild at Utah and Bowling Green, but proved no problem for the Crimson Tide.

Star quarterback Chris Leak was flustered all afternoon and rushed into many bad decisions while the secondary limited big plays and always kept the ball in front of them.

While Urban-ball gained some steam late in the season, Roman Harper and Co. proved what a solidly coached defense can do to smoke-and-mirrors offense.

SEC powers Tennessee and LSU appeared to be stiff challenges for the Tide with the Vols possessing a power-running game and LSU one of the most diverse offenses in the nation.

Alabama shut down every aspect of the Vols’ offense and Roman Harper’s forced fumble to set up the winning field goal was a perfect example of what defense was all about.

While the Tide did lose to LSU in overtime, none of the blame could be placed on Alabama’s defense.

Forced on the field for nearly all of the game, because of a poor offense, Alabama’s ‘D’ stood tall and constantly kept the Bengal Tigers from scoring despite having their backs against the wall.

Luckily for Alabama, the only team to find a cure for the strong defense came in the last game of the regular season. Auburn’s offense did more in the first quarter than almost all teams did in entire games.

Alabama fans like to claim its defense shut the Tigers down for the next three quarters, but I truly believe Tommy Tuberville called off the dogs and played to win and not take a chance of giving up a big play.

With one final mission for the Alabama defense, it stood higher than it had all season. Facing the ‘legendary’ Mike Leach and Texas Tech offense, the Crimson Tide made them look like a high school team.

Red Raider quarterback Cody Hodges was constantly running for his life, while the secondary played tight and physical coverage.

Texas Tech’s only points came on a second field goal attempt following a penalty and a touchdown following great field position on a poor punt.

The 1992 Alabama defense can claim to be the greatest because it has a national championship ring on everyone of their fingers, but the 2005 version will go down as one of my favorites to ever watch.

Now, I can’t wait to see where Ryans goes in the NFL Draft and his new team can become my favorite.

Is it too much to wish for that he lands with whatever team Shaun Alexander is playing for next season?