Some things will get cleaned up in practice this week, but Alabama’s defense for the most part held to its standard against Louisville. Junior inside linebacker Mack Wilson received the torch passed down to him from former standouts at the position, and after being challenged all summer to be a leader, the Montgomery native led the Crimson Tide’s defense to victory on last week.
Although the play calling of Cardinals’ Bobby Petrino fooled him a couple of times, Wilson secured five tackles and one quarterback pressure in a 51-14 demolition of the institution from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Behind Wilson, the Tide rendered Louisville to 252 yards offensively — 16 yards rushing – and just four third down conversions on 14 attempts.
His lateral quickness was smooth, as Wilson took on running back and receivers on the edge while showing his strength in run support. His leadership led to three sacks of quarterback Jawon Pass and a pair of interceptions from Deionte Thompson and Shyheim Carter. Wilson’s performance in coverage also led Louisville barley completing 50 percent of its attempts.
Regardless of having success in the first half, Pass ended the game with 20 of his 39 throws completed – which equals 51.3 percent. Upon the conclusion of each defensive play, Wilson was around his teammates in celebrating, teaching and delivering constant encouragement.
In Tosh Lupoi’s debut as defensive coordinator, it is nice to have a coach on the field that everyone trusts. Wilson has an alpha male personality, and despite the Tide giving up some chunk plays here and there, rest assured the defense will get stronger as the season progresses.
The former five-star has his eyes on every individual award; however, he is more so focused on leading the defense back to the national title game. Wilson and the Tide will return to Bryant-Denny Stadium this week for its home opener with Arkansas State at 2:30 p.m. CT via ESPN2.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
