Nick Saban made the University of Alabama, especially on defense, the gold standard of college football in 17 years.
Kalen DeBoer is prepared to get his first win over Kirby Smart and Georgia as the Crimson Tide’s new head coach; however, his defensive assistant is set to show everyone that ‘Bama is still the standard. Kane Wommack, 37, told reporters on Monday that games like Alabama versus Georgia were the reason why he left South Alabama to join DeBoer. He wants to compete against the best on the biggest stage and brightest atmospheres.
The matchup for Saturday will take on a Southeastern Conference title game preview feel and College Football Playoff feel.
People have talked up Georgia’s defense under Smart, but the Tide has something to show on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
A veteran defensive lineman for Alabama gave his thoughts on Tuesday.
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“They (Georgia) said is it a challenge, they say they are going to run the ball, but we are going to do what we do,” Tim Keenan III said. “If we do what we do, we will be good. That is all I have to say about that.”
Keenan said playing Georgia does not have Alabama change its preparation.
“It is SEC play, but Alabama is still the standard,” he said. “We are going to go out there and display it.”
The 6-foot-2, 326-pounder has picked up where he left off in 2023.
Keenan, a Birmingham (Ala.) native, came on the scene exceptionally well last season as a first-year starter. He has 15 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss (team-high), 1.5 sacks, and a quarterback hurry in three games. Keenan is the Tide’s anchor up front on the defensive line. He mentioned to the media that when Alabama plays together, it is a challenge for opposition.
“When we are on one accord, it is hard to beat us,” Keenan said. “When we are one band, one sound, we make some beautiful music.”
Georgia has won two of the last three national championships, but Alabama knocked it out of CFP contention in 2023 after earning a 27-24 victory over the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game. Keenan and the Tide’s defense looking forward to showing Alabama still holds the mantle in college football.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
