3 Alabama defenders to know ahead of Oklahoma's Week 12 matchup
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The Oklahoma Sooners‘ offense has been inconsistent this season, but it has shown some promising moments in their last three games against South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. They’ll need to put together a better effort this week against an Alabama defense that ranks third in the SEC in points per game.
Where Oklahoma may struggle the most is throwing the football. Alabama is second in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game and tied for first in passing touchdowns allowed per game. But where Oklahoma may be able to find some success is with their improved rushing attack. The Tide allows 139.1 rushing yards per game, No. 11 in the SEC.
Alabama has the best defense the Sooners have seen since the Texas game and have playmakers at every level. For Oklahoma to pull off the upset over the Crimson Tide for the second year in a row, they’ll have to put together a strong offensive performance against some talented players. Here are three Alabama defenders to know ahead of the top 15 matchup.
1. Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE
He’s listed as a linebacker, but Yhonzae Pierre is a pass-rushing machine. He leads the Crimson Tide with 6.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He’s fifth in the SEC in total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus and will be a challenge for Oklahoma’s true freshmen offensive tackles to handle.
2. Deontae Lawson, LB
Deontae Lawson is one of several Alabama linebackers who will be flying around the ball against the Sooners. He leads the Tide in stops per Pro Football Focus and is second on the team in tackles. He’s an athletic inside linebacker that can run sideline to sideline and make plays in both the run game and passing game.
3. Dijon Lee, Jr, CB
True freshman cornerback Dijon Lee, Jr. has had a phenomenal first season in Tuscaloosa. He has the fourth-highest coverage grade in the SEC among cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he’s a force on the outside and a difficult player to beat over the top.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma vs. Alabama: 3 Crimson Tide defenders to know
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