Kalen DeBoer didn’t want to describe the Alabama football team’s performance against South Florida as a cliché.
After the Crimson Tide had major problems at times against the Bulls with penalties, turnovers and just plain ugly football, DeBoer – unlike many coaches – did not want to classify the game.
“This is not a wake-up call or anything like that,” DeBoer said. “It’s just about continuing to raise the standard.”
No. 4 Alabama beat South Florida 42-16 on Saturday at Saban Field in Bryant-Denny Stadium, but the final score is not indicative of the chaos that reigned for three and a half quarters.
After USF kicked a 22-yard field goal with 6:45 minutes left in the game, Alabama was only leading 21-16.
Then the Crimson Tide scored three touchdowns in the final six minutes.
Alabama had three turnovers and 13 penalties in the second half. Nine of those were committed by the offensive line. Two holding calls resulted in touchdowns.
DeBoer said he talked in the locker room about learning from things that didn’t go right, but he also wanted to impress upon his players that good things will happen if they keep fighting.
“If we avoid the penalties and turnovers in the fourth quarter,” DeBoer said, “it’s incredible what can happen.”
Alabama takes a 42-16 lead. That’s just how it is. The defense stayed strong enough while the offense stumbled. And the Crimson Tide held on.
“We’ve got a lot of things to fix,” DeBoer said. “Guys have to work harder when they make a big shot to sink the ball. Those are all things we’re working on. Those are all things we’re talking about. There’s going to be a lot to learn. I’m excited for the challenge. The opportunity. That’s it.”
Not a wake-up call.
DeBoer said he believed a game like this was needed.
“I think that game last year was important and pushed them forward,” DeBoer said. “It will probably be the same this year. At least that’s what I hope.”
Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X And Instagram.
