re: 2009, 2010 Iron Bowls: How Big a Factor Was Sloppy Play by the Alabama Defense?

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So let me try to understand what you're saying here... Malzahn offenses tend to make big plays on Saban's defenses? Is that about right?

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That is what I got out of it.

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So let me try to understand what you're saying here...

Malzahn offenses tend to make big plays on Saban's defenses?

Is that about right?

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That isn't the whole story. In 2009, Alabama played a little sloppy for whatever reason. Perhaps they were looking forward to their SEC Championship game rematch with Florida and lacked the mentality and focus they should have had during practice. Alabama wanted the win more and got their act together to prevent a loss.

In 2010, Alabama's most experienced defender and leader of the secondary suffered a significant injury that impaired his ability to play to his potential. A healthy Mark Barron would have made the stops. Alabama showed their true potential in the Capital One Bowl versus Michigan State. Auburn would not have fared the same way versus a healthy Alabama with a month to prepare.