Alabama football’s 2024 struggles were attributed to missed opportunities, defensive lapses, and inconsistencies, according to defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

In college football, expectations are always high, especially for a program like Alabama. Over the years, the Crimson Tide have set the standard for excellence in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage, often emerging as one of the favorites for the College Football Playoff (CFP) and national championships. However, the 2024 season proved to be a challenging one for Nick Saban’s program. After a strong start to the season, Alabama fell short of its usual dominant performance, and for many, it felt like the Tide weren’t quite the powerhouse they had been in previous years.

Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, recently opened up about the reasons behind Alabama’s struggles in 2024, citing a series of issues that held the team back. These issues, he stated, were primarily rooted in missed opportunities, defensive lapses, and inconsistencies—three critical elements that contributed to the team’s inability to reach the lofty heights it has set for itself.

This article will break down Wommack’s comments and analyze how these three areas played out in Alabama’s season. It will also take a closer look at how each of these factors not only impacted the defense but the team as a whole, and how they could affect the future trajectory of Alabama football under Nick Saban’s leadership.

1. Missed Opportunities: A Common Theme for Alabama in 2024

The phrase “missed opportunities” is one that gets tossed around often in football, but when Kane Wommack reflected on the 2024 season, it seemed like a particularly apt description of Alabama’s struggles. Throughout the season, the Tide had numerous chances to seize control of games but failed to capitalize on critical moments. Whether it was in the red zone, missed field goals, or failing to convert on third downs, Alabama couldn’t find the consistency and execution that have traditionally defined their success under Nick Saban.

Wommack highlighted that the missed opportunities were not just limited to offensive struggles, but also on the defensive side of the ball. There were numerous occasions where the defense had chances to get off the field on third downs but couldn’t finish the play. A missed interception or a poorly timed penalty could often change the complexion of a game, especially in close contests. Alabama’s inability to take advantage of those opportunities ultimately led to their downfall in several key games throughout the season.

A specific example of missed opportunities can be seen in Alabama’s matchup against one of their toughest SEC rivals. Against a high-powered offense, Alabama’s defense had several chances to force a turnover or get a crucial stop. Instead, lapses in coverage and missed tackles allowed the opponent to keep drives alive, which ultimately contributed to a loss. The inability to close out these opportunities when they were presented became a pattern throughout the season.

Moreover, offensively, missed opportunities to convert in critical situations, like red zone inefficiencies or underperforming in the running game, plagued Alabama’s chances to dominate. The Tide’s offense, though still potent at times, struggled in key moments to execute under pressure. This inability to capitalize when the game was on the line often allowed opponents to hang around or even take the lead, contributing to Alabama’s disappointing record.

2. Defensive Lapses: A Key Factor in Alabama’s Struggles

Kane Wommack’s primary area of focus was the defense, and it was clear that defensive lapses were one of the primary reasons why Alabama fell short in 2024. The defense that had long been a hallmark of Alabama football—dominating the line of scrimmage, suffocating offenses, and creating turnovers—had shown vulnerabilities in 2024 that were uncharacteristic of past seasons.

There were multiple instances throughout the season where Alabama’s defense simply couldn’t stop the bleeding. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and inconsistent pass-rush efforts made it hard for the defense to maintain control of games. The Tide defense, which had been one of the most feared in college football in previous years, failed to impose its will against high-powered offenses. The lack of consistency in the defensive front seven was particularly noticeable. The defensive line, once a dominant force, struggled to generate pressure on quarterbacks and couldn’t consistently disrupt the opposing offenses.

A glaring example of Alabama’s defensive lapses occurred during their matchup against an elite quarterback. Despite having a talented secondary and a strong defensive front, Alabama’s defense failed to adjust to the opposing offense’s tempo and schemes. The quarterback was able to exploit mismatches, both in coverage and on the ground, leading to sustained drives and points. The inability to contain mobile quarterbacks or to stop the run when it mattered most was a fatal flaw for the defense, and it ultimately contributed to Alabama’s inability to close out critical games.

The secondary, too, which has long been a strength for Alabama, faced its share of challenges in 2024. There were breakdowns in coverage, leading to explosive plays, something that was far from typical for a Nick Saban defense. While individual players, like standout cornerbacks and safeties, had strong performances, the unit as a whole could not put it all together consistently.

The defensive lapses were especially problematic when combined with the missed opportunities on offense. In games where the offense couldn’t score enough or sustain drives, the defense was often left in difficult situations and couldn’t deliver the game-changing plays that Alabama fans had come to expect.

3. Inconsistencies Across the Board: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams

Inconsistency was perhaps the most pervasive issue Alabama faced in 2024. Both sides of the ball had their moments of brilliance, but more often than not, they couldn’t put together a complete game. This inconsistency became evident in key matchups, especially against high-ranked opponents, where Alabama would show flashes of the dominant team that fans are accustomed to seeing but could not maintain that level of execution throughout the game.

Offensively, Alabama showed signs of growth in their passing attack, with young quarterbacks stepping up and making big plays. However, the offense was still bogged down by inconsistency. While the running game was supposed to be a key strength for the Tide, they struggled to establish the run in several games, often getting stuck in long third-down situations. The offensive line, despite being loaded with talent, couldn’t always get the push needed to allow the running backs to be effective. When combined with inaccurate throws and lackluster route running at times, the offense became far more one-dimensional than expected, making it easier for opponents to key in on the passing game.

On the other hand, the defense could be exceptional at times but would let up big plays at the worst possible moments. While the defense was able to create turnovers and generate sacks, they could not do so consistently, leading to opposing offenses driving down the field with ease. There were moments of brilliance, such as holding some teams to minimal points, but they were overshadowed by games where the defense allowed explosive plays and couldn’t finish out stops.

Special teams also added to the inconsistencies. A missed field goal here, a poor punt there, and penalties on kickoffs all compounded the issues. Special teams is often overlooked in the grand scheme of a team’s success, but Alabama learned the hard way in 2024 that every phase of the game must be on point to achieve success. Whether it was a missed opportunity to flip field position or a failure to capitalize on a special teams’ turnover, Alabama couldn’t rely on this phase of the game to shift momentum as they had in years past.

4. The Bigger Picture: Saban’s Leadership and the Path Forward

While Kane Wommack’s comments offer insight into Alabama’s struggles in 2024, it’s important to remember that the program as a whole is not defined by one season. Nick Saban has built Alabama into a perennial powerhouse, and while 2024 may have been a down year, it’s unlikely to cause any significant long-term damage. In fact, Alabama is already setting its sights on the future, with a focus on recruiting and improving the areas that were exposed in 2024.

Saban’s ability to adapt to challenges will be crucial in the coming years. In his tenure, Saban has overcome countless obstacles, reshaping his program when necessary. He is no stranger to rebuilding and retooling his roster, and this will be a critical period of reflection for both him and his coaching staff. The goal will be to re-establish the dominance that Alabama is known for, and with top-tier recruits continuing to flock to Tuscaloosa, the foundation for future success is still in place.

Wommack himself will likely continue to play a major role in the defense’s revival. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Wommack has a track record of success and will be instrumental in addressing the defensive lapses that plagued Alabama in 2024. With a focus on tackling fundamentals, coverage schemes, and defensive line play, Wommack will look to get Alabama’s defense back to its usual standard of excellence.

 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Alabama’s struggles in 2024 were multifaceted, stemming from missed opportunities, defensive lapses, and overall inconsistencies. Kane Wommack’s reflections on these issues shed light on where the team faltered, but they also provide valuable lessons moving forward. For Alabama, the focus will be on addressing these weaknesses, refining their execution, and building upon the lessons learned from this challenging season.

Despite the setbacks, the culture and standard at Alabama remain high, and as Nick Saban continues to lead the program, the Tide will undoubtedly return to national prominence.