Q&A with uab defensive coordinator Sione Ta’ufo’ou

By Steve Irvine

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - September 4, 2024

It’s only one week of work for the UAB defense and the challenges ahead will become more difficult. But there was still plenty of reason to be optimistic after the Blazers’ defense allowed 177 yards in a 41-3 victory over Alcorn State. The Blazers exit their first game ranked 15th nationally in total defense, third in passing yards allowed per game (60) and tied for 10th in sacks (5). Again, it will become more difficult for the UAB defense, beginning with Saturday’s visit to Louisiana-Monroe, but defensive coordinator Sione Ta’ufo’ou was encouraged after the first week. Ta’ufo’ou stopped by after Wednesday’s practice to look back at the win over Alcorn State and look ahead to Saturday’s game.

What did you like about the defense in week 1?

“First of all, it's (nearly a week ago), I wish I could rally off some stats and everything but I've kind of moved on already. But I think it goes back to reestablishing our identity and playing hard. That was probably the most important thing. I thought our communication, pre-snap went really well, I thought our eyes were solid, we got off blocks and we finished. We just played super hard, I think that's where it starts, if I had to go back to anything from last week.”

Have a large number of defensive guys earned the right to be on the field?

“I think we've got a lot of guys earning the right to play. We also got to know this is a long season, we've got to get a lot of guys ready to play in big moments. I do think, yes, we built some depth, we built some chemistry and then they execute a high level. You know, it’s a week later, we’ll move on to this game, but I was very happy about last week, just the execution. I thought the coaches did an amazing job of preparing them, especially (Alcorn State) has got a new OC and you don't know what's coming. And they have new some new players. You know, it's exciting times but this whole thing is about growth. It's not about Week Zero, it’s about can we make it to Week 13, can we make it to week 14.”

How much momentum is build off a good first week?

“I think it's confidence. I think it's confidence in what we do. I think it's confidence how we go about things. I think it's the process of continuing to find the edge, continuing to sharpen the blade. As Coach Dilfer says, continuing to find the white hot. It’s a process. And it's every day, can you find a way to intentionally get better at something?”

What challenges does the ULM offense bring?

“Oh, a lot of things. I mean, they do an amazing job (with formations). They do an amazing job creating matchups, how they attack the coverages. And then they run the ball. I mean, you win games running the ball. So, I think we have to be great up front, we have to get off blocks. They're going to do a lot of good things, shifting and motioning, so play with our rules and play with our eyes. And I think I said it about last week, but the main thing is can we execute pre-snap so we can execute and play fast during the snap and then can we reset when the play is over.”

What did you think about your defensive play up front?

“They were dominant. They were dominant in the first week. But, like I said, it's not about (one) week. Coach Patrick's done a great job getting them going. Desmond Little is a whole other person. Kendall (Johnson), the first third down, his get off and then there's attention to detail to match hands and get the ball on the ground. LD (Cox’s) physicality and motor up front. And then the rotation of guys that went deep. (Kevin) Penn played well. We had quite a few guys, including (Derrick Shepard Jr.) and (Emmanuel) Waller. I mean all the young guys that played last year, now, they're a little more alleviated with some of the guys. They don't have to win it all themselves. They can go and play hard for a couple of plays and then rotate them in and out.”

Did the length that you added defensively show up in the first week?

“It's twofold. We like the length but I also think the bigger thing is they’re older, they're mature, they've been through this fire. They've done this at different levels, they're not young guys still trying to find out who they are as people and how they operate. When you grab a couple older guys and, you know, we're lucky, we got the right group of older transfers. They've done this, they know who they are and they know how to operate. They know what it takes and they know when they're wrong and they're willing to talk about it. It's just a maturity piece and from here moving forward, it's just holding ourselves accountable to a standard and when we make mistakes, we've got to move forward.”