Jeremy Pruitt, Jonathan Allen Meet the Media at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

In a program that has become accustomed to having one of the nation's best defenses year in and year out, it takes a lot to stand out at Alabama. But this year's team has done that through 13 games.

Ranked first nationally in total defense, scoring defense, and rushing defense, the 2016 Crimson Tide has joined the conversation as the best-ever in Tuscaloosa. Nagurski winner Jonathan Allen believes this unit can live up to that title if everyone is performing to best of their ability.

"I feel like this group can be as good as they want to be. When we're focused doing our job, executing, communicating, running to the ball, having fun, we feel like we can be the best ever," Allen said.

"But if we're not doing our job, guys aren't communicating, not doing -- just not doing our job, I mean, anybody can win the ball game. So I feel like it's in our hands. We're excited for the challenge, the opportunity."

Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt says he sees a group of guys that believe in each other and enjoy going to work everyday and that's made this defense one of his favorite to work with.

"The big thing for me is it's about the kids, and this group of guys that we've got this year is as fun a group as I've ever been around," Pruitt said. "It's exciting to see these guys. Being gone from them for three days and kind of seeing them when they come back in the room, it's kind of a joy to be around these guys."

The Alabama defense will face its toughest test of the season against a talented Washington offense that's averaged nearly 45 points and 477 yards each game.