TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - This Alabama defense is one-upping last year's dominant group in at least one regard: forcing turnovers.
The top-ranked Crimson Tide (2-0) recovered three fumbles and intercepted four passes in its first two games. Raising those numbers was a big goal for a defense that led the nation in just about every major stat category en route to a national championship last season, but was 77th in turnovers forced.
The Tide recovered seven fumbles in 14 games in 2011.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley says defensive coordinator Kirby Smart harps on that number "all the time."
Alabama is hoping that opportunism will help in a road test against Arkansas Saturday. Razorbacks quarterback Tyler Wilson's status is still uncertain after he sustained a head injury in last weekend's loss to Louisiana-Monroe.
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