re: Bama hasn't had a top 5 scoring defense since 2017

I don't know how to take overall defensive stats. Maybe SoG can relate then via data but to me there are so many variables. You have a Tua led offense with those weapons... Your defense stats are going to suffer ( but you gut points). You run a ball control offense, and have a viable offense you can limit the opponent to 6 .7 possessions- is your defense great? . You play west coast big 12 ..or do you play Big10 snow
I think this was Lanes problem. You need a 69 TD? Lanes gotbthat. But also 6 3 outs or is 51-50 and 1000 yds of offense. Sark seemed to have a balance but to me McElwain has the most defensive friendly offense. Chain moving clock eating scoring. It gave defense rest, few opportunities for the opponents and made the opponents predictable (benefitting Bama defense). There were studs on Bamas defense ...now doubt but if 2010 era D has an OC of Lane Kiffen, then their stats would have put them much higher ( not necessarily losing games...just worse stats)