Following a hard-fought game against USF, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer dismissed the idea that his team’s struggles were a wake-up call.
Despite penalties and missed opportunities, Alabama managed to secure a win. The Crimson Tide were in a one-possession game until late in the fourth quarter, reminiscent of last year’s clash when Alabama rebounded to reach the College Football Playoff.
DeBoer, however, emphasized that this year’s challenges are part of the growth process.
“There’s a lot to learn from,” he said after the game. “It’s not a wake-up call. It’s about raising the standards.”
Despite committing 13 penalties—two negating touchdowns—and three fumbles, DeBoer maintained a positive outlook, believing these tough moments would help the team improve.
In the locker room, DeBoer encouraged his players to stay resilient. “If we just stay in the fight and keep playing, it’s amazing what we can accomplish,” he noted. He praised their perseverance, even in a close game, stressing the importance of learning to win ugly if necessary.
