Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kane Wommack Previews a Familiar Foe

Alabama hasn't faced Western Kentucky in a game since 2016, but the Hilltoppers will still be a familiar foe for the Crimson Tide. On Monday, Western Kentucky announced it will start TJ Finley at quarterback on Saturday.

Crimson Tide fans will remember Finley from his time at LSU and Auburn—this is his third time facing Alabama. New defensive coordinator Kane Wommack also knows Finley—his South Alabama defense faced Finley's Texas State team to close out last season.

“When a player has had experience playing against a team, there’s a certain level of comfort, especially if you’ve been in a stadium, whatever that may be,” Wommack said Monday. “But then, when you face the guy, you see in real time how he responds to success, how he responds to adversity.

Finley torched the South Alabama defense last year, completing 19 of 28 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns in a 52-44 win for Texas State. Wommack will hope to corral Finley and hold him to a much more modest stat line this time.

“Really impressed with him a year ago,” Wommack said. “He’s got a really good release. He can make all throws. I thought he did a really good job of managing their offense really well. Took what was given early, but can work through a progression. And so, it’ll be interesting to see how Tyson (Helton) and their staff utilizes him.”

Western Kentucky head coach Tyson Helton has run a system that has maximized quarterback production in recent years, and Finley could be a great fit for the Hilltoppers offense. It will be up to Wommack and the Crimson Tide defense to ensure he doesn't get off to a strong start this season.

Alabama kicks off its season by hosting Western Kentucky on Saturday, August 31, at 6:00 PM CST on ESPN.

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