How Kane Wommack Shows He Got It Right at DC for Alabama – Touchdown Alabama

Gary Cosby Jr. -USA Today Sports

Some took issue with Kane Wommack’s defense after Alabama allowed 34 points to Georgia, 40 points to Vanderbilt, and committed fouls 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 didn’t help the defense by not cashing in on the takeaways. The Tide looked better against Missouri, earning a 34-0 homecoming victory.

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Alabama forced three takeaways and its offense was able to run the football. Wommack’s group forced 10 takeaways against South Carolina, Tennessee and Missouri. His “Swarm Defense” allows 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 against 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 against Missouri. Wommack, the Tide’s defensive coordinator, knew it would take some time for the young players to flow into his defense. His teachings on vision coverage, keeping an eye 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 every player does their job, the 4-2-5 defense excels and plays happen.

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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 allowed 18.6 points per game. The players enjoy playing under Wommack and he ensures that this group gets stronger at the right time. He was the right person for the job, and we’re starting to see that now. Wommack will lead this defense this week against an explosive LSU offense in hopes of shutting it down.

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

Stephen Smith graduated from the University of Alabama in 2015. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide program has made him one of the most respected journalists in his field. Smith has been featured as an analyst on ESPN and several other major outlets.