We've reached a point that opposing teams are talking about Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen as if he's an offensive skill player. Usually talk about slowing down or limiting an opposing player is reserved for the playmakers on offense, but this season Bama's Jonathan Allen has been just as dangerous and just as big a threat to score as anyone on Alabama's team.
Heading into Alabama's massive showdown with LSU Saturday, Allen has been on the lips of many LSU players and coaches.
Regarding Allen's incredible "Superman" sack,
"That's a heckuva play," LSU quarterback Danny Etling told nola.com. "You can't game plan or scheme for that."
Said LSU center Ethan Pocic: "That was a real explosive play."
Speaking on Allen's ability LSU interim head coach Ed Orgeron ran out of superlatives,
"Great effort," Orgeron said. "Tremendous athlete. Good hip flexibility. Great hands. Very well-coached. Plays with a motor."
The greatest challenge of all lies at the feet of LSU offensive lineman K.J. Malone, who will line up against Allen most of the game.
"I'm going to have to get low on him," Malone said to nola.com. "If I get low and my hand placement is right I'll be OK. He's a tremendous athlete. I'm like 'I didn't know a big man could move like that.' Seeing that it's like, 'We're in the SEC.' You expect that."
"I have all the respect for (Allen)," Malone said. "But I go against Godchaux every day. Him and Godchaux are similar, both big and physical. I'll go against him in practice and get a feel for it.
"I've got to trust myself. I can't go out there freaking out."
LSU clearly understands they have a huge task in front of them slowing down Allen, but the real kicker is the Bama defense is more than Allen, that has to be the real fear for the Tigers. You could stop Allen cold, but get beat by Tim Williams or Reuben Foster or Ryan Anderson or insert Alabama defender here.
It's a deep, scary defense and LSU has a tall task ahead of them.
