Analysis: Alabama's non-offensive TD power surge

By now, you've probably seen the incredible statistics. Alabama's defensive and special teams units have accounted for more touchdowns than Stanford and South Carolina's offense.

Seven of the Tide's 11 defensive starters have scored a touchdown. Alabama has now scored a non-offensive touchdown in nine consecutive contests dating back to last season. That run is the longest such streak in the FBS in the last 10 seasons.

One last stat, I swear this will be it. Eddie Jackson, the Crimson Tide's version of Ed Reed, has more total yardage returning punts and interceptions (287) and more touchdowns (three) than LSU's Malachi Dupre has as the Tigers' top receiving target. Just as a reminder, Dupre was voted a second-team All-SEC wide receiver back in August.

This can no longer be considered a fluke. The old adage of the ball bouncing your way fails to explain how the Alabama defense has continued its parade of Pick-6s and Scoop-N-Scores. If you're hoping for Nick Saban to reveal his magical formula, dream on.

"If we tell everybody what we do, then what do we do when we play them?" Saban told the media on Monday. You can't really fault the living legend for playing this one close to the vest. What we do know, thanks to local beat writers and national reporters who have gone digging, is that Alabama begins every practice with turnover drills. Not only stressing the importance of ball security, but also instilling in their players that finding the end zone is paramount after securing the rock.

Alabama learned the hard way that returns can spring up out of the unlikeliest of scenarios. The "Kick Six" ended their dream of a three-peat back in 2013 and shone a light on the opportunity an opponent has when the field is filled with players not used to making open-field tackles. Ironically, if you watch this season's Alabama team, not only has it borrowed from its rival's special teams' playbook, the team also co-opted a portion of Gus Malzahn's offense as well. Just as Saban seems to be fully embracing the spread, he's also coaching up his non-offensive players to push the envelop every time they touch the football.

Minkah Fitzpatrick's 109-yard interception return for a touchdown against Arkansas is a great example of the Tide's new approach. In years past, up 18 points on the road, anything other than a simple kneel down in the end zone would have sent the calculating Saban into a fit of rage on the sideline. In 2016, Fitzpatrick's teammates mobilized into a Mad Max-esque convo in the blink of an eye. The sophomore defensive back made it all 109 yards untouched. That's not luck, that's design. Saban has found his answer to Beamer Ball without sacrificing any other element of his team.

The closest comparison to this Tide team has to be the 2004 Baltimore Ravens. With Jackson comprising the role of Ed Reed, the NFL's all-time interception return yardage leader, the Tide have their game-changer orchestrating things on the back end. Those Ravens also trotted out Deion Sanders, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs, giving them playmakers all over the field. According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., the Crimson Tide have four top 25 prospects on their defense, in addition to Jackson. The aggressive mentality bred into Alabama's defense is impressive, but the fact that it's being carried out by five players with first-round NFL Draft pick grades is what makes the team truly terrifying.

For what it's worth, the Ravens finished the '04 season with 34 takeaways and nine non-offensive touchdowns.

That's child's play for this year's team from T-Town.