'Bama's McClain Named National Defensive Player of the Week

Alabama junior linebacker Rolando McClain was named the Bronko Nagurski Award National Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday afternoon, following his 12-tackle performance in the Tide’s 38-20 win at Kentucky Saturday in Lexington.
McClain, the Tide’s defensive leader, stepped up in the absence of the injured Dont’a Hightower and led the Tide with 12 tackles (8 solo) in the win. He also added one interception, one forced fumble and one pass break-up in the win.
His forced fumble led to a 45-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Courtney Upshaw that gave the Tide a 21-6 halftime lead. He added a 21-yard interception return in the third quarter that set up Mark Ingram’s second touchdown run of the game two plays later that pushed the lead to 28-6. He later tipped a pass to teammate Eryk Anders for an interception that resulted in a third quarter field goal and a 31-6 Crimson Tide lead.
The Alabama defense forced four turnovers (came into the game with four on the season) and McClain played a direct role in three of those turnovers. Alabama ranks 2nd nationally in total defense, 4th in scoring defense and 8th in rush defense.
The Kentucky game marked McClain’s 7th career double-digit tackle game for the Crimson Tide and his second this season. He also had 10 tackles in the Tide’s win over Florida International on Sept. 12. McClain leads team with 35 total tackles and is 2nd with 4.5 tackles for loss this season. The SEC Rocks!