Mistakes, penalties and poor execution have 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 Karen DeBoer, who said Monday that the team is responding like a group that “wants to be great” following the loss to Tennessee.
“We have two losses now, but as a team we are aiming for a complete game,” DeBoer said. “There were times throughout the season where we played very complementary. When you lose, that’s amplified. We certainly need to think about that more. We have to play better as a team. That’s what great teams do.”
DeBoer said awareness and intensity outside of game days are part of his message to the Crimson Tide as Alabama prepares to take on Missouri (6-1). He said staff have collectively taken a “solutions-oriented” approach this week. Coaches said they stress to their players how important it is to not let what others think become your thoughts.
“I’m more emotionally disciplined in every way,” DeBoer said.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe continues to be the subject of public criticism. He has four interceptions, two against Tennessee and one in the close win over South Carolina, and has been sacked seven times in the last two games combined. In 2023, he threw a total of six interceptions.
In response to a question about where the quarterback stands in the expected learning curve with the new offensive scheme, DeBoer said Milroe is “comfortable with everything we ask.” .
“We need to work together to help him a little bit more,” DeBoer said.
Missouri State is 17-3 since the start of the 2023 season but has not played Milroe.
Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said concerns about Milroe’s performance or confidence were not discussed internally.
“Jaylen is a very confident player. I’m not worried about that at all. His preparation creates that confidence,” Coach Sheridan said.
DeBoer said nearly everyone on the roster is working through some sort of minor dents or bruises. He said Milroe is no different, but will definitely be on the field at Alabama this week.
In a close game or loss, one side or some areas of the team’s ball are weaker than others. Defensive coordinator Kane Womack said the Crimson Tide can use adversity during and after games, such as the loss to Tennessee, to get even closer.
“That’s the secret sauce, right? How do you play team soccer?” Womack said. “There’s no excuses, you know. Standards are standards. These are some of the growing pains we have to deal with and overcome as a football team.”
–Field level media
