What makes WKU QB TJ Finley dangerous to Alabama football?

[aubiefifty 18,296]

al.com

What makes WKU QB TJ Finley dangerous to Alabama football? ‘He’s a big son of a gun’

Updated: Aug. 26, 2024, 2:43 p.m.|Published: Aug. 26, 2024, 1:23 p.m.

3–4 minutes

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One of Alabama football’s first opponents of the Kalen DeBoer era answered an important question. On Monday, Western Kentucky named TJ Finley as its starting quarterback.

It’s a name Crimson Tide fans will be familiar with from his time playing at LSU and Auburn to begin his career. He’s also recognizable to Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, who faced Finley last season, when the quarterback was starting at Texas State.

Saturday’s game will be Finley’s third time facing Alabama.

“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.

“Quarterbacks are so much of, what progression does this quarterback go through? What is his pre-snap routine? What does his cadence look like? And so getting to see some of those things in real time certainly helps.”

Finley and Texas State beat Wommack’s South Alabama squad 52-44 in the finale to the Bobcats’ regular season. The Louisiana native threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns in that game.

He transferred to Western Kentucky during the offseason, competing with Famous Toastery Bowl hero Caden Veltkamp for the job.

“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.”

Helton’s offensive system has been kind to quarterbacks through the years, including current New England Patriots signal-caller Bailey Zappe.

“He’s got a skill set that you can utilize in a number of different ways,” DeBoer said. “And then, he’s a big son of a gun, so he’s a guy that can fall forward. And if he does, he’s going to go for three or four yards just getting downhill.”

Alabama and WKU are scheduled to kick off at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired on ESPN.

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[Mims44 2,027]

On 8/26/2024 at 5:17 PM, aubiefifty said:

al.com

What makes WKU QB TJ Finley dangerous to Alabama football? ‘He’s a big son of a gun’

Updated: Aug. 26, 2024, 2:43 p.m.|Published: Aug. 26, 2024, 1:23 p.m.

3–4 minutes

Eli Gold on Rocky Block, a shocking Penn State kiss, and other memorable Alabama football calls

One of Alabama football’s first opponents of the Kalen DeBoer era answered an important question. On Monday, Western Kentucky named TJ Finley as its starting quarterback.

It’s a name Crimson Tide fans will be familiar with from his time playing at LSU and Auburn to begin his career. He’s also recognizable to Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, who faced Finley last season, when the quarterback was starting at Texas State.

Saturday’s game will be Finley’s third time facing Alabama.

“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.

“Quarterbacks are so much of, what progression does this quarterback go through? What is his pre-snap routine? What does his cadence look like? And so getting to see some of those things in real time certainly helps.”

Finley and Texas State beat Wommack’s South Alabama squad 52-44 in the finale to the Bobcats’ regular season. The Louisiana native threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns in that game.

He transferred to Western Kentucky during the offseason, competing with Famous Toastery Bowl hero Caden Veltkamp for the job.

“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.”

Helton’s offensive system has been kind to quarterbacks through the years, including current New England Patriots signal-caller Bailey Zappe.

“He’s got a skill set that you can utilize in a number of different ways,” DeBoer said. “And then, he’s a big son of a gun, so he’s a guy that can fall forward. And if he does, he’s going to go for three or four yards just getting downhill.”

Alabama and WKU are scheduled to kick off at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired on ESPN.

What do Alabama’s coaches want to see from Jalen Milroe vs. WKU?

Which Alabama football coaches will be in the box for Kalen DeBoer’s debut?

Where Alabama football cornerback position stands heading into first game

This is Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer's superpower, according to Kane Wommack

Alabama football won’t name right tackle starter before game day

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

4 schools in 5 years.

Auburn is the only place he spent a second season in...

We're #1!  

[E'Town4Bama 177]

Hilarious post! Did anyone think WKU was going to beat Bama or even be close? 

[JuscAUse! 1,687]

That was a post from al.com. there's no bigger bama booster in the state that's not a judge, a lawyer, or a politician than they are. You're supposed to call or text them with your outrage. Fidy just posts their stuff. And no, no AU fan believed it. Or we would have kept him. Thinking is hard for you, I guess...

[ShocksMyBrain 9,776]

5 hours ago, E'Town4Bama said:

Hilarious post! Did anyone think WKU was going to beat Bama or even be close? 

No, you drip.