Alabama's second-half defense since the season-opening loss to Florida State has been elite. After shutting out Vanderbilt in the second half on Saturday, the Crimson Tide has allowed just 14 total second-half points in the last four games.
Alabama shut out UL Monroe, allowed only a garbage-time touchdown against Wisconsin, held Georgia to just seven points last week, and then shut out Vanderbilt. Say what you want about Wommack, but his adjustments have been critical to the Crimson Tide winning games the last two weeks.
Like any good coach, Wommack is far from satisfied. He knows Alabama has to play better early in games and not rely solely on in-game adjustments after getting punched in the mouth.
"We have got to start the game faster on a more consistent level," Wommack told reporters on Monday. "When you play in the SEC, you can't let teams take the momentum early."
Kane Wommack calls for Alabama's defense to start faster
Wommack wasn't happy with the physicality Alabama brought in the first couple of drives against Vanderbilt. That changed as the game went on, and the Tide became the aggressor. After allowing 113 yards on the game's first five rushing attempts, Alabama settled in and allowed only 23 yards on 13 attempts the rest of the way.
How Alabama defends the run from the opening whistle this week against Missouri will likely determine how much success they have. The Tigers are No. 1 in the country in rushing yards per game at an obscene 310. ULM transfer Ahmad Hardy is the nation's leading rusher. He'll give Alabama fits if they don't bring the fight from the first snap.
Hardy and his backup, Jamal Roberts, are both averaging over seven yards per carry. Penn State transfer QB Beau Pribula adds a dual-threat dynamic to the ground attack that will make life difficult for Wommack as a playcaller.
Regardless of any talk about the scheme, this game is going to come down to which team wins the line of scrimmage when Missouri has the ball. Alabama's defensive line needs to dig in, and linebackers Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson have to make plays.
Alabama will also have to avoid the busts on the back-end against the run that have allowed so many runs to spring for big gains against them this season. The safeties and corners have to be aggressive and physical, and avoid playing on their heels.
Alabama's defense took a nice step forward against Vanderbilt. But Missouri will provide an even steeper challenge, and they'll make the Crimson Tide pay for every mistake.