Some had issues with Kane Wommack’s defense after Alabama allowed 34 points to Georgia, 40 points to Vanderbilt, and had mistakes against South Carolina that kept the game close.
Since then, the 4-2-5 defense has been much better. The Crimson Tide played well enough to beat Tennessee, forcing three takeaways and limiting running back Dylan Sampson to 35 rushing yards in the first half. Alabama’s offense failed to help its defense by not cashing in on the takeaways. The Tide looked better against Missouri, pitching a 34-0 victory on homecoming.
Upset-filled weekend gives more life to Alabama College Football Playoff hopes
Alabama forced three takeaways and its offense was able to run the football. Wommack’s group forced 10 takeaways combined versus South Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri. His “Swarm Defense” is allowing players to execute with more confidence, especially Qua Russaw, Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard, Que Robinson, Jihaad Campbell, and Malachi Moore. Brown, a freshman, recorded his first career interception versus Georgia. Jaylen Mbakwe, a freshman, earned his first career pick against Tennessee.
Hubbard, a second-year player, replaced an injured Keon Sabb at safety. The native Mississippian played well in back-to-back games, including his first career interception versus Missouri. Wommack, the Tide’s defensive coordinator, knew it would take time for the young players to flow in his defense. His teachings of vision coverage, keeping eyes on the quarterback, swarming to the football, and creating takeaways have taken root. Moore, a fifth-year senior, told the media after the Missouri game that defensive players are starting to do their job well. When each player does its job, the 4-2-5 defense excels and makes plays.
Wommack has coached the defense to 11 interceptions, nine forced fumbles, 26 quarterback hurries, 38 pass breakups, 18 sacks, and 45 tackles for loss. Alabama has produced two shutouts and has allowed 18.6 points per game. The players enjoy playing under Wommack and he’s got this group getting stronger at the right time. He was the right person for the job, and we are starting to see it now. Wommack will lead this defense against an explosive LSU offense this week in hopes to shut it down.
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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.
