Fouls, penalties and failed execution put Alabama on the wrong side of the fine line between winning and losing in the SEC.
That’s the view of first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, who said Monday the team is responding as a team that “wants to be great” after the loss to Tennessee.
“We’ve lost two now and trying to get a perfect game as a team,” DeBoer said. “There have been times throughout the season where we’ve played really well together. When losses happen, those things escalate. You definitely look at that a lot. You have to play better as a team. That’s what great teams do.”
DeBoer said awareness and intensity outside of game day is part of his message to the Crimson Tide as Alabama prepares to host Missouri (6-1). He said workers are taking a collective approach to a “solution” this week. The coaches said they will emphasize to the players how important it is not to let the thoughts of others become their thoughts.
“Good behavior in every aspect,” DeBoer said.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe continues to be the target of public criticism. He has four interceptions, two at Tennessee and two in a tight win at South Carolina, and has been sacked seven times over the last two games. He threw six interceptions in 2023.
DeBoer said Milroe is “comfortable with everything we ask him” when asked about where the quarterback stands and the expected learning curve in the new offensive scheme.
“We have to come in and help him out a little bit,” DeBoer said.
Missouri is 17-3 since the start of the 2023 season but has never faced Milroe.
Alabama coordinator Nick Sheridan said concerns about Milroe’s performance and confidence are not being addressed internally.
“Jalen is an extremely confident player. I have no problem with that at all. His preparation gives him confidence,” Sheridan said.
DeBoer said almost everyone on the roster is dealing with some type of minor injury. He said Milroe is no different, but he will be on the field in Alabama this week.
In close games, one side of the ball or one area of ​​the team is weaker than the other. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said the Crimson Tide can get closer by building on mid-game and postgame struggles like the loss to Tennessee.
“That’s the secret sauce, isn’t it? How do we play team football?” Wommack said. “There are no excuses, of course. The standard is standard. These are some of the growing pains we will face and must overcome as a football club.”
–Field Level Media
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