What Alabama football’s defense is emphasizing ahead of LSU

Alabama football’s defense is gearing up to face an LSU offense with a new offensive coordinator after Joe Sloan was fired quickly after Brian Kelly was relieved of his duties.

Alex Atkins has taken over play-calling duties in Baton Rouge, and he has a variety of weapons at his disposal. The Crimson Tide’s players are well aware of the weaponry Atkins will walk into Bryant-Denny Stadium with on Saturday night, and they know they must limit the Tigers’ explosive arsenal.

“That’s what they pride themselves on, their explosive offense,” Alabama linebacker, Deontae Lawson told reporters. “They got guys that can run, so one… misfit and it could be out the gate. So, that’s definitely the emphasis for the week.”

Lawson describes the LSU skill players are some of the best the Tide has seen this season.

“It’s probably the best skill guys that we played all year,” Lawson said. “I mean, they fast, they explosive, they can turn a drag route into a touchdown. We got to be very detailed and fundamental on how we swarm to the ball and make sure we leverage the ball inside out and things like that.”

Alabama’s defensive staff plans to put their players in the best position to have success against the Tigers. Kane Wommack revealed the Tide’s defense is working on things this week they anticipate the Tigers will do, but he is aware there is likely going to be things he will have to make adjustments to.

“When you look at it, you’re trying to anticipate what we might see slightly different from what they’re doing,” Wommack said. “Everybody has an identity, and everybody really shapes that identity around what their players are doing well in that given point in the season. But, you know, most certainly you have to anticipate and expect for there to be some wrinkles and some of them will try to anticipate and work, others will see what shows up on Saturday, and we’ll adjust. That’s what good defensive staffs do.”

The game within the game in this one could very well be Wommack’s defense versus Atkins’ offense.