re: If you're a DC facing Bama...

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Pretty much what I said, except you don't HAVE to keep the safeties over the top and can protect the middle of the field, stop the run better with 7 in the box, maybe let a safety cheat down lower on early downs.

I'd still play safeties over the top some, if Tua has lots of shots at man coverage, he is going to hit some deep ones. With a safety over the top maybe you can bait him into taking a shot and get a pick. Some man / zone combo coverage, hit some run blitzes to try and get negative plays on the early downs.

Then on third and medium to long, work with three down lineman, sometimes maybe two, lbs also standing up on the edge, but end up dropping some back to get into the throwing lanes and make him pause. Still only send 4 or 5 rushers most of the time though. Attack early, give him lots of looks, try and get a pick or something and rattle him - hopefully he starts playing slower, thinking too much to give you a chance.

This is all predicated on being able to keep bama's run game in check to some degree. Try not to get gashed in the run or pass, try and get a negative play in the run game, then when the opportunity comes on third and long, get creative with pressure to try and take advantage.

ETA: And all of that is a lot easier said than done, need a good DC and some smart players to avoid break downs.

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