One month of football has made a big difference.
Pete Golding was in a difficult spot on Oct. 10, following Alabama’s 63-48 win over Ole Miss.
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No matter if it was Crimson Tide fans on social media, national reporters or the local pundits, everyone was disappointed at the points and total yards Alabama surrendered to Mississippi.
Even when people brought up the idea of Lane Kiffin upgrading the Tide’s offense and how he knew its defense well, supporters of Alabama football still hold the program to a high standard.
Through the first three games, Golding’s defense allowed 91 points (30.3 ppg), 1,419 total yards (473 ypg), 452 rushing yards (150.7 ypg) and a 54 percent rate on third down (27-of-50).
Despite the Tide creating four turnovers, the masses were ready to move off him and a #FirePeteGolding was started.
Since the Georgia matchup, a sense of urgency has grown on defense. Something was said during a team meeting after the Ole Miss game, and it worked.
In the last five contests, fans have seen a much better group. Whether it has been disciplined play up front, a more consistent pass rush, better gap control against the run or a combination of things, Golding has simplified the game plan and the unit looks more like the Tide defenses in the past under Nick Saban. The Tide has allowed just 57 points in last five matchups, to a tune of 11.4 points per game. It has pitched 12 shutout quarters of football, including a complete game shutout of Mississippi State (41-0).
As his confidence is growing, Golding has improved Alabama’s numbers for total defense.
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It’s allowed 288.4 yards per game, while getting off the field on third down. Dating back to the second half versus Georgia, opponents have converted 30.4 percent (24 of 79) in these situations against the Tide. Alabama has given up 500 yards rushing (100 yards/game), but it’s also forced 10 turnovers. Three of the takeaways were returned for touchdowns, including a pair of pick-sixes for Patrick Surtain II and Jordan Battle. Malachi Moore, a freshman, returned a fumble for a 28-yard score.
With its recent surge, Alabama leads the Southeastern Conference for scoring defense (18.5 ppg) and is second for total defense (357.6 ypg). The improvement in performance has caused for fans to wonder on if Golding has earned their trust to continue as defensive coordinator. He has cut the numbers in half from the first three games with what he has done lately.
The group has been more active on the front line.
Golding has the linebackers not thinking as much, and the secondary is beginning to thrive.
He’s gotten Moore and Brian Branch to pop, while Battle, Josh Jobe and Daniel Wright are playing better.
Maybe there was some overreacting, but Golding has found his groove. For now, Tide fans should trust what he is doing — especially with him finding more playmakers to shine.
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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.
