September feels like much longer ago than a few weeks. Before Alabama opened the 2026 season, Kane Wommack and experts were confident that the Crimson Tide would improve. Wommack was confident that roster additions Devan Thompkins, Terrance Green, Caleb Woodson, and Des Umeozulu would give his defense considerable boosts. Wommack told On3's Chris Low that this season's defense would be "more fundamentally sound."
Wommack was not wrong about the new players. When Alabama is healthy, it has shown improvement over last season. Unfortunately, injuries will keep Green and Umeozulu out against Texas A&M. Zabien Brown and Fatutoa Henry are also questionable for the A&M game. Fortunately, the A&M offense is struggling, and the Crimson Tide can win without some of its best defensive players.
Alabama needs all the guys back for LSU. Almost as important, Kane Wommack must adjust to lessen the Crimson Tide's vulnerability to explosive plays. Alabama's 'new and improved' defense is worse than the 2025 defense in opponent plays of 20-plus and 30-plus yards.
Wommack's Swarm defense is vision-based. His 'keep everything in front of you' zone pass defense should limit explosive plays. Too often, the Swarn doesn't.
Alabama Football Explosive Plays Defensive Stats
Last season, Alabama ranked No. 38 among FBS teams in opponent plays of 20-plus yards, and No. 60 in 30-plus yard plays. This season, Alabama is No. 108 and No. 102. The slide isn't just on the Crimson Tide's secondary. Alabama has been good, but short of great at pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Yhonzae Pierre being gimpy for multiple games is a factor.
Not only did Wommack avoid match-up coverages against Tennessee, but the Tide's corners allowed even more cushion than normal. The Vols did not beat Alabama with a vertical passing game. They didn't have to. Taking what Alabama gave them was more than enough.
Credit Wommack and his defense for keeping the Crimson Tide in the game during the Tennessee game's first half. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed has regressed so much that the Swarm could work against the Aggies. Alabama's defensive scheme used in Knoxville is less likely to work in Baton Rouge.
If Wommack adapts his scheme, the bye week might be the best time. Why give LSU an advance look?
Note: Stats provided by cfbstats.com
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