Alabama’s defense was not exceptional versus Tennessee, but it did enough to win last week.
Kane Wommack’s group forced three takeaways, created three sacks, allowed one third down conversion on five attempts, and limited Volunteers’ running back Dylan Sampson to 35 yards rushing in the first half. The Crimson Tide’s offense failed to help its defense, which caused Wommack’s side of the ball to wear down in the second half. Alabama dropped its second game of the year to the Vols, but its defense has shifted its mentality to Missouri. The hope of making the College Football Playoff remains alive for the Tide, but it cannot lose another game. Alabama has to win convincingly and prove it is one of the best 12 teams in the nation.
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Coach Wommack said all the players should be focused on is what needs to be done to beat Missouri.
“Anything outside of that is a distraction and does not keep focus on the main thing,” he said Monday.
“During adverse times, you have to keep the main thing the main thing.”
Wommack said Alabama’s defensive players have done a good job at doing it. Missouri has a lot of offensive weapons under Eli Drinkwitz, including wide receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. The Tigers come into Tuscaloosa (Ala.) at 6-1 with its sights on competing for a Southeastern Conference Championship, hosting a CFP game, and spoiling the Tide’s homecoming.
Alabama’s defense wants to be locked in to have its best performance.
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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.
