Mistakes, penalties and failed execution are putting Alabama on the wrong side of the fine line between winning and losing the SEC.
That is the view of first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, who said Monday the team is responding like a group that “wants to be great” on the heels of a loss to Tennessee.
“Two losses now and trying to find the complete game as a team,” DeBoer said. “There’s been times throughout the season we’ve played very complementary. When the losses happen, those things get amplified. You certainly look into that more. You’ve got to play better as a team. That’s what great teams do.”
DeBoer said awareness and intensity outside of game day are part of his message to the Crimson Tide as Alabama readies to host Missouri (6-1). He said the staff is taking a collective “solution oriented” approach this week. Coaches said they will also stress to players how critical it is not to let the thoughts of others become their thoughts.
“More emotionally disciplined in every facet,” DeBoer said.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe continues to be a target of public criticism. He has four interceptions, two at Tennessee and a pair in the tight win at South Carolina, and he was sacked seven times the past two games combined. He threw six total interceptions in 2023.
DeBoer said Milroe is “comfortable with everything we ask him” when questioned about where the quarterback stands with the learning curve expected in a new offensive scheme.
“We need to come through to help him out a little bit more,” DeBoer said.
Missouri is 17-3 since the start of the 2023 season but hasn’t faced Milroe.
Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said concern about Milroe’s performance and confidence are not being discussed internally.
“Jalen is an extremely confident player. I have no concerns about that at all. His preparation creates that confidence for him,” Sheridan said.
DeBoer said almost everyone on the roster are working through some sort of minor dings and bruises. He said Milroe is no different, but will definitely be on the field for Alabama this week.
In close games and losses, one side of the ball or one area of the team has been weaker than others. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said the Crimson Tide can grow closer by building on in-game and postgame adversity such as the Tennessee loss.
“That’s the secret sauce, right? How do we team football?” Wommack said. “There are no excuses, right. The standard is the standard. These are some of the growing pains that we’re going to deal with and have to overcome as a football team.”
–Field Level Media
