In his second year as Alabama’s full-time defensive coordinator, the complaints continue against Pete Golding.
The Crimson Tide allowed 18.6 points and 324.4 yards per game last season. Despite finishing in the top-20 in college football for both scoring defense and total defense, it was not up to the Alabama standard. Part of the reason was injuries sustained at critical positions, including inside linebacker and defensive line. Golding did not have Dylan Moses or Joshua McMillon for the entire 2019 campaign, while LaBryan Ray missed 10 games (foot) and DJ Dale missed the final three games (knee) of the season.
This year, Alabama has surrendered 21.5 points per game through two matchups.
RELATED: WATCH: Time to get the Mac Jones for Heisman campaign started
If one was to look on Twitter, the #FirePeteGolding is back in full effect — even though the Tide has made some improvements.
After it had issues lining up on the field and getting calls out last year, both of those aspects look better now. Also, players are flying to the football, creating turnovers and the defensive line is winning its one-on-one battles.
Regardless of it giving up 19 points to Missouri and 24 points to Texas A&M, four blown plays in coverage are a result of where this defense is.
The Tide could easily be allowing just 9.5 points/game, if it handles opposing running backs out the backfield.
When it comes to communication and execution, the combination of both is one of two things Alabama needs to clean up as it faces Mississippi this weekend.
Players at inside linebacker and in the secondary need to be in constant communication during pre-snap and post-snap reads.
A firm understanding must be acknowledged across the board on coverage assignments.
Along with this, players have to finish tackles.
The Tide has a lot of hard hitters, but it needs to wrap up and complete plays. As it battles Ole Miss on Saturday and prepares for more challenges down the road, it is imperative for Alabama to lock in on tackling. Running backs, wide receivers and tight ends enjoy yards after contact. Even with the game of college football shifting more so to offense, there is still an opportunity for Golding and company to have an edge on teams defensively.
This is not a terrible Alabama defense.
RELATED: WATCH: Alabama’s defense work on limiting Ole Miss’ speed at Tuesday’s practice
The pieces are there for it to become an elite group, but everyone has to communicate with each other.
On Monday, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine broke down (via In My Own Words) the importance of communication, execution and tackling needed to help the Tide get better.
The YouTube show airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:00 p.m. CT.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
