The buildup to the Orange Bowl is real.
Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson was live and ready for interviews on Monday, as he intends to captain the Crimson Tide’s defense to victory against Oklahoma next week. He has not had the season that he envisioned for himself; however, Wilson looks at the College Football Playoff semifinal as a chance to show he’s grown.
The junior will battle this year’s Heisman Trophy winner in Kyler Murray and someone that accounts for 51 total touchdowns. Despite him respecting Murray’s latest achievement, Wilson said everyone in Alabama’s program knows who should have won the Heisman.
Video comes from Simone Eli of CBS 42
“Our defense knows that we’re going up against the Heisman winner. We want to try to be as sharp as we can. Everybody in this building felt like Tua should have won the Heisman…”
– #Alabama LB Mack Wilson (@iam__mw3o) on defense motivation vs. Oklahoma, Kyler Murray #RollTide pic.twitter.com/zdboIZjKdX
— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_TV) December 17, 2018
“Our defense knows that we are going against the Heisman Trophy winner,” Wilson said.
“We want to make sure we want to be as sharp as we can. Everyone in this building feels like Tua should have won the Heisman, but you can’t knock Kyler Murray. As a defense, it is going to be exciting. You can’t wait to play and may the best team win.”
RELATED: Kyler Murray wins Heisman Trophy; Tagovailoa finishes second
With the challenge Murray brings as a dual threat player, it will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi chooses to attack him. During his first game against Murray, Lupoi was an outside linebackers’ coach at Alabama and the explosive athlete was the backup quarterback at Texas A&M in 2015.
The Tide roughed up Murray at Kyle Field and forced two interceptions in a 41-23 win.
Listed at 5-foot-10, the Associated Press’ Player of the Year has not faced a Nick Saban-like defense in the Big 12. Wilson stands at 63 total tackles in 13 games and tallies 4.5 tackles for loss, six quarterback pressures and five pass breakups.
Next week can’t get here fast enough. Hard Rock Stadium will be rocking.
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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.
