Kane Wommack isn’t just coaching defense-he’s coaching mindset. And when he talks about “takeaways” instead of “turnovers,” he’s not just being picky about terminology. He’s defining the identity of Alabama’s defense.
“Turnovers imply they gave us the ball,” Wommack said Tuesday. “Takeaways implies we took that thing from them.
We do. We want to create takeaways.”
That subtle shift in language says a lot about how Alabama approaches the game. It’s not about waiting for the ball to bounce your way-it’s about forcing the issue, dictating the terms, and making sure the opposing offense knows nothing comes easy.
And as the Crimson Tide gears up for a massive first-round showdown against No. 8 Oklahoma in the new 12-team College Football Playoff, that mindset is front and center.
This isn’t just any game. It’s a rematch.
The last time Alabama and Oklahoma met, the Sooners walked away with a 23-21 win-and a 3-0 edge in takeaways. That stat line still stings for Alabama, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
“We cannot walk out of that game minus-3 in the turnover margin again,” Wommack said bluntly.
It’s not just about protecting the football-it’s about flipping the field. In that previous matchup, Alabama’s giveaways gave Oklahoma short fields and easy opportunities.
Now, the Tide defense is looking to return the favor. And with Alabama’s offense hitting some bumps lately, the defense knows it might need to do more than just hold the line-it might need to set the tone.
“We’ve got to take the ball away,” said safety Bray Hubbard. “That’s what we’ve got to do every week. We’ve got to start taking the ball away more.”
That’s been the standard for Alabama all season. Before that Oklahoma game, the Tide had logged at least one takeaway in every SEC contest.
But against the Sooners? Zero.
And again in the SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia? Another goose egg.
Three takeaways over the last four games isn’t a disaster, but for a defense that prides itself on being aggressive and opportunistic, it’s not up to standard either. This group doesn’t just want the ball-they expect to take it.
And make no mistake: that expectation is the heartbeat of Wommack’s defense. It’s not about waiting for a mistake. It’s about creating chaos, forcing errors, and swinging momentum.
So as Alabama heads to Norman for a playoff clash with major stakes, don’t expect the Tide defense to sit back. They’re coming to take something. Not just a win-but the ball, too.