The Crimson Tide actually ranked 118th of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision team in fumbles recovered. That ranking certainly doesn’t sit nicely with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
It’s also fueling the renewed emphasis on the art of stripping the pigskin in preseason practices.
“When you look at the turnover stats, it’s a little misleading because we had a lot of interceptions, but we did not force many fumbles,” Smart said. “That’s usually indicative of big contact and people ripping the ball out. We have to improve sacks and tackles for loss.”
In all, Alabama opponents dropped 20 fumbles — nine of which were forced — but Alabama recovered just four of the loose balls. One came on special teams, so the defense could be credited with three. North Carolina State led the nation with 20 fumbles recovered while only Utah State had fewer than Alabama with three.
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