Kane Wommack's Alabama defense delivered when it mattered the most vs. Georgia

Perhaps no coach on Alabama's staff could breathe a bigger sigh of relief in the aftermath of the Crimson Tide's 24-21 win over Georgia than Kane Wommack. The much-maligned defensive coordinator was facing a ton of criticism again on Saturday night as Alabama's defense frequently looked out of position. His scheme looked overmatched against another power-running team.

Georgia racked up 227 yards on the ground on Saturday night. Alabama was frequently gashed for big runs, and the defense was frequently put in poor positions with questionable play-calling. Perhaps there was no more stark example of that than Georgia's first touchdown of the evening.

Leading 14-0, Alabama gave up a quick touchdown to Georgia, allowing the Bulldogs to go 75 yards on just three plays to gain some momentum. Wommack sent an all-out pressure, blitzing both safeties, leaving Domani Jackson on an island. A slant and go allowed Colbie Young to break wide open for an easy pitch and catch touchdown.

Kalen DeBoer was clearly less than pleased:

Alabama led 24-14 at the half. The offense was humming along - Ty Simpson was dissecting Kirby Smart's defense, and a late touchdown before the end of the second quarter carried a ton of momentum into the locker room in what looked to be a shootout.

But Wommack and his defense had to deliver in the second half. That Simpson touchdown run before the break was the last time Alabama would get into the endzone. The defense was put in difficult positions with an offense that couldn't sustain drives in the second half.

And to his - and the players' credit - they delivered. Multiple times.

Two key defensive stops allowed Alabama to escape with a win over Georgia

Georgia scored a touchdown on their first drive of the second half to cut Alabama's lead to 24-21. But then Wommack's defense forced a three-and-out before coming up with a couple of massive plays.

After Alabama's offense answered Georgia's three-and-out with one of its own, Georgia drove the ball down the field and got into the redzone early in the fourth quarter with a chance to grab the lead. Instead, Alabama kept Gunner Stockton short on a 3rd-and-3 to force a 4th-and-1. Georgia went fast, handing the ball to Cash Jones, but LT Overton blew the play up in the backfield, knocking Jones off balance for a three-yard loss and a crucial turnover-on-downs.

Alabama's offense moved the ball a little from there, but was still forced to punt, pinning Georgia at its own five-yard line with under eight minutes to go. Stockton converted one critical third-down on a laser throw on 3rd-and-11, but on a 3rd-and-9 near midfield, Alabama freshman Dijon Lee blew up a screen pass to Jones, forcing a four-yard loss that forced Georgia to punt.

Simpson and the Alabama offense made sure Georgia didn't get another chance, ending the game with the ball in their hands thanks to a beautiful play-call to seal the deal with Simpson finding Jam Miller out of the backfield for a first down that allowed the Tide to run out the clock.

Wommack has received a lot of deserved criticism as Alabama's defensive coordinator. It's still fair to question whether he's the guy moving forward. The box score doesn't look pretty - especially against the run, especially knowing what's ahead for this team.

But one night, you have to tip your cap for how he and his defense responded with their backs against the wall. Because Alabama doesn't win that game without it.