"Bama’s defense is in crisis mode" - Former Alabama RB Mark Ingram II raises concern over the Crimson Tide's defensive performance

Mark Ingram II has expressed his concern about Alabama's defense following the Vanderbilt outing. The Crimson Tide defense had a poor performance last Saturday in Nashville as the Commodores secured a 40-35 win to record one of the biggest upsets in college football.

In his appearance on the latest installment of the Triple Option podcast, Mark Ingram II hit out at Alabama's defense for their performance against Vanderbilt. Citing the second half performance against Georgia and the Vanderbilt game, he believes the defense is currently in a catastrophic state.

“Bama’s defense is in crisis mode right now,” Ingram said on ‘Triple Option.’. The last six quarters, 67 points, 784 yards, opponents are converting third downs at a 54% rate."

He added:

“They’ve allowed ten 20-yard plays. Like you thought that the second half of the Georgia thing might have just been Georgia, but no, that’s truly who the defense is right now.”

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Mark Ingram II has doubts about Alabama's defense

Alabama has, over the years, been known for its strong and resilient defense under Nick Saban. However, the difference is becoming evident with the change in the program’s coaching staff. The Crimson Tide defense has struggled significantly over the past two games.

Speaking on Triple Option, Mark Ingram II expressed doubt about the defense's ability. Vanderbilt's method of securing the win was shocking, given that the Commodores' offensive attack dismantled Alabama's traditionally strong defense in all four quarters.

“The defense is just completely unprepared for this. It’s a triple option, the defense, they weren’t sound in their assignments,” Ingram said. “You got to know who has the dive back, who has the quarterback, who has the pitch."

He continued:

“We had people that were stagnant, sitting there, kind of hesitant, and that’s what you want out of option offense. I ran it with the Ravens and that’s what you want. People who are standing still, kind of indecisive, that’s where you take advantage of a defense like that.”

Nick Saban mentioned Alabama’s defensive struggles in the game against Georgia in his appearance on College GameDay in Berkeley. He noted that the Bulldogs exposed the weakness of the Crimson Tide secondary, an area Vanderbilt went on to exploit later.

Without a doubt, there’s a huge responsibility on defensive coordinator Kane Wommack to find a quick fix to the defensive woes. Until the Vanderbilt upset, Kalen DeBoer’s era in Tuscaloosa had gotten off to a brilliant start, but the shocking loss now creates some doubts.