How Kane Wommack Shows He Was Right to Hire DC on Team Alabama – Touchdown Alabama

Gary Cosby Jr. – USA Today Sports

Some had issues with Kane Wommack’s defense after Alabama allowed 34 points to Georgia, 40 points to Vanderbilt, and also made mistakes against South Carolina that kept the score in the game.

Since then, the 4-2-5 defense has been much better. The Crimson Tide played well enough to outplay Tennessee, forcing three takeaways and limiting running back Dylan Sampson to 35 rushing yards in the first half. Alabama’s offense didn’t help its defense because it didn’t capitalize on takeaways. The Tide looked better against Missouri, returning home with a 34-0 win.

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Alabama forced three takeaways and its offense was able to run the football. Wommack’s group forced a total of 10 takeaways versus South Carolina, Tennessee and Missouri. His “Swarm Defense” allows players to execute with greater confidence, especially Qua Russaw, Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard, Que Robinson, Jihaad Campbell, and Malachi Moore. Brown, a freshman, recorded his first career interception against Georgia. Jaylen Mbakwe, a freshman, earned his first career pick against Tennessee.

Hubbard, a second-year player, replaced the injured Keon Sabb. The Mississippi native performed well in the following games, including his first career interception against Missouri. Wommack, the Tide’s defensive coordinator, knew it would take some time before the young players could get started in his defense. His teachings on coverage, watching the quarterback, swarming the football and creating takeaways took root. Moore, a fifth-year senior, told the media after the Missouri game that the linebackers were starting to do their jobs well. With each player doing their job, the 4-2-5 defense excels and makes plays.

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Wommack coached a defense that recorded 11 interceptions, nine forced fumbles, 26 quarterback hurries, 38 pass breakups, 18 sacks and 45 tackles for loss. Alabama twice recorded 18.6 points per game. Players enjoy playing under Wommack and he has made this group stronger at the right time. He was the right person for the job and now we’re starting to see that. Wommack will lead this defense against LSU’s explosive offense this week, hoping to shut it down.

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Stephen M. Smith is a senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” it. Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama magazine. He has been covering Alabama football for 15 years, and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide have made him one of the most respected journalists in his industry. Smith has appeared as an analyst on ESPN and several other media outlets.