After having success against the lackluster offenses of the Southeastern Conference, Alabama’s defense was challenged by Florida’s vertical passing attack in the SEC Championship Game and allowed 46 points.
Regardless of a 52-46 victory, fans of the Crimson Tide returned to being unsettled on Pete Golding as defensive coordinator.
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Even with it allowing 40-plus points in just two games, supporters of Alabama football want more of a stifling defense and it desires to see more confidence in what the play caller is doing.
Prior to facing a tremendous roster for the Gators, the Tide had allowed 77 total points (11 ppg) in matchups with Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Auburn, LSU and Arkansas. In order to calm the noise down, Golding needs a dominant showing in the Rose Bowl versus Notre Dame.
He faces an offense in one of two College Football Playoff semifinal games that looks to run the football. Brian Kelly, head coach of the Fighting Irish, has talked about taking shots in the passing game and controlling the pace of the matchup.
Notre Dame enters the game with a ton of confidence, and Kelly said his team ‘will play with an edge to it.’
The Irish expect to come at Alabama with physicality and Golding must have the Tide’s front ready.
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Not only does it need to stuff Kyren Williams, Notre Dame’s running back, but this is also a huge opportunity for Christian Barmore, William Anderson and Christopher Allen to get consistent pressure to Ian Book.
The trio of pass rushers combine for 19 sacks, and Anderson leads the group (seven).
If it wants to set a tone in potentially facing the winner of Clemson-Ohio State, Golding and the Alabama defense has to make a statement at AT&T Stadium for national media to see.
He has had both good and rough moments, but if Golding can hold the Fighting Irish under 20 points (maybe even under 17) … it goes a long way into giving that side of the ball confidence to conclude with a national championship.
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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
