Kane Wommack has been steadily sharpening the edge of Alabama’s defense over the past two seasons, and now, with a Rose Bowl showdown against No. 1 Indiana on deck, his growth as a play-caller is about to face its biggest test yet.
Wommack’s defensive philosophy has long leaned toward patience - zone coverages that keep everything in front, force offenses into long, mistake-prone drives, and rely on his unit to clamp down in the red zone. But in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Oklahoma, that approach hit a wall early. The Sooners came out swinging, putting up 17 points on their first four possessions and forcing Wommack to pivot.
And pivot he did. Wommack dialed up the pressure, bringing heat from multiple angles.
The result? Oklahoma managed just seven points the rest of the way, while Alabama flipped the script and stormed back from a 17-0 deficit to win 34-24.
That in-game adjustment wasn’t just a tactical shift - it was a clear sign of Wommack’s evolution as a coordinator. He’s more willing now to leave his comfort zone when the moment demands it, and it paid off in a big way.
Now, he’s preparing for an Indiana team that thrives on discipline and ball control. The Hoosiers don’t beat themselves.
They’re surgical in their approach, content to take what the defense gives them and bleed the clock with long, methodical drives. Wommack knows that trying to sit back and wait for a mistake probably won’t cut it.
“They can bleed you down the field if you allow them to do that,” Wommack said this week.
Translation: expect Alabama’s defense to come out swinging in Pasadena. Wommack understands that this game - like so many in the postseason - will likely hinge on explosive plays and turnovers. And while Indiana has been elite at protecting the football, Alabama’s defense has a knack for flipping the field at the right time.
Statistically, Indiana leads the nation in turnover margin, giving the ball away just 0.7 times per game while forcing two turnovers on average. Alabama isn’t far behind, ranking 13th nationally in turnover margin, with just 0.8 giveaways per game and 1.5 takeaways. On paper, it’s a narrow edge for the Hoosiers, but in a game this tight, even the smallest margin can tip the scales.
Wommack knows the formula - and it starts up front. Pressure on Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be key.
Alabama has to make him uncomfortable, force him into off-platform throws, and disrupt the timing that Indiana’s offense relies on. That means bringing pressure creatively, mixing up looks, and being ready to adjust on the fly - just like they did against Oklahoma.
That kind of flexibility has become a hallmark of Wommack’s 2025 campaign. A year ago, he might’ve stuck with his base calls longer.
This year, there’s more trust - in his players, in his staff, and in his own instincts. That trust helped spark the comeback in the semifinal, and it could be the difference again in the Rose Bowl.
If Alabama can rattle Mendoza and steal a possession or two, it won’t just shift momentum - it could be the blueprint for a Rose Bowl upset. And with Wommack pulling the strings, don’t be surprised if the Crimson Tide defense comes out with something Indiana hasn’t seen on tape.