Georgia outscored Alabama, 27-11, in the second half over the weekend to make a once blowout an instant classic, but there is something Crimson Tide fans can take from Kane Wommack’s performance.
Wommack had Carson Beck and Georgia in check for an entire half.
RELATED: Alabama football rises in AP Top 25 Poll after defeating Georgia
His swarm defense held the Bulldogs to seven points, no third down conversions on five attempts, and had Georgia losing the turnover battle. Beck was affected a lot in the first half to the tune of two interceptions. Wommack’s defensive pressure got to Beck when the ‘Dawgs were backed up on its own goal line, and he got called for intentional grounding that produced a safety.
Alabama held a 30-7 lead at halftime and also had a 33-15 lead in the fourth quarter. Wommack did his part, but the Crimson Tide’s offense failed to sustain drives and keep the pressure on Georgia. After having two conversions on third down in the first quarter, the Tide’s offense went one for nine on 3rd downs for the rest of the game. The offense failed to stay on the field more and it caused the defense to wear down. Alabama did not go to its run game and try to take the clock to limit Georgia’s chances.
Beck was able to settle in, attack Alabama’s secondary, and get the Bulldogs back into the game.
Wommack’s defense stood up in the most pivotal part of the game. Zabien Brown, a true freshman cornerback, sealed a 41-34 victory for the Tide with a game-clinching interception in the end zone. It was the fourth takeaway created by the defense.
RELATED: What happened to Nick Sheridan’s play-calling in the second half versus UGA?
In the post game celebration, Wommack came on the field and embraced Brown.
He stated how proud he was of the freshman for stepping up in a crucial moment. Brown trusted the technique he’s developing under Wommack and Maurice Linguist and made the play. Domani Jackson recorded an interception, Jihaad Campbell had an interception, and the Tide forced and recovered a fumble. Alabama’s defense created three sacks, six tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Wommack is getting the young defensive backs to believe in their technique and training and players are emerging. He has a way of getting the best out his players, and Alabama needs to keep him on staff for a while.
The Tide could have blown Georgia out with the way Wommack’s defense played in the first half.
He is going to have Alabama’s defense playing at an elite level consistently very soon.
*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 senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
