Alabama’s 31-20 win over Texas A&M sent the Crimson Tide into its open week with a much-needed result, and Kalen DeBoer said the finish matched what he expected from the start.
The No. 13 Crimson Tide moved to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the SEC after beating the Aggies on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama had dropped its previous two games, but this one finally turned late, with 14 fourth-quarter points powering the comeback after a uneven stretch for much of the night.
DeBoer said the group handled the challenge over four quarters.
“Proud of the guys and the way they fought for four quarters.”
He also pointed to the bye week as a chance to keep sorting out the issues that showed up against Texas A&M.
“A lot of things we can continue to clean up. Good for us to have a bye week right now.” DeBoer said he’s optimistic about getting several guys back after the bye.
Even with the offense sputtering at times, DeBoer said the game played out the way he thought it would against the Aggies.
“Against these guys tonight, we really felt like it was going to be a fourth quarter game.”
One of the biggest bright spots came from Rico Scott, who drew praise from DeBoer after stepping up in key moments.
On Rico Scott: “It was huge. I thought Rico came up in a big way.”
DeBoer expanded on Scott’s growth and what he’s seen from the receiver throughout the year.
“The confidence and just the excitement and energy he brings each and every day, it’s been something we’ve seen all year long. It becomes more and more.
The way he carries himself ... The receiving corps as a complete whole, I’m really proud of them.”
There was also injury news to monitor. DeBoer said Will Sanders will be evaluated and suggested the timetable could stretch beyond the short term.
DeBoer said Will Sanders will get evaluated. “He’s probably the one guy who could be out for a little bit.” ... “Might be a couple more (than a week or two)” that Sanders is out.
He also mentioned Fatutoa Henry, who had worked through an injury earlier in the week.
DeBoer on Fatutoa Henry: “I’m really proud of him. He had just an injury earlier in the week I wasn’t sure what his production would be come today. I couldn’t be more proud of guys like him.”
At quarterback, DeBoer said he liked how Keelon Russell settled in as the game went along, especially late when Alabama needed him most.
DeBoer on Russell: “I thought he did a really good job of reeling himself back in ... He made some really nice throws on some conversions there at the end of the game.”
The run game, though, was a different story. DeBoer didn’t hide his frustration with that part of the offense.
DeBoer on run game: “Disappointed. The stats, that’s all you’ve got to really look at. We needed more out of the run game to open up some things for us.”
DeBoer also noted that the postgame birthday Gatorade bath came with a little extra chill.
DeBoer on birthday Gatorade bath postgame: “It was a cold one ... I said if you get a win you can do whatever you want.”
And after the final whistle, he made it clear the victory was exactly the present he wanted.
“This was really the only gift I was wanting.”
In Other News...
Nick Saban Just Shared A Side Of Himself Alabama Fans Know Well
Nick Saban spent part of ESPNs College GameDay broadcast in Salt Lake City sounding like a man who has found a new sport to study, and Alabama fans probably recognized the familiar edge of his curiosity right away. The former Crimson Tide coach, now a minority owner of the NHLs Nashville Predators, talked about how his appreciation for hockey has grown and why the sport has held his attention, especially when the conversation turns to how winning teams are built.
The setting made the moment stand out even more, with the crew on hand ahead of a college football game in a city that will host the 2034 Winter Olympics. Saban drew parallels between constructing successful football and hockey teams, a reminder that even in a different arena, he still sees the same themes of discipline, structure and team building, only now with skates instead of cleats. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Saban Still Has Rival Coaches Talking Like This
Utah coach Morgan Scalley used his Week 8 turn on College GameDay to spotlight something Alabama fans have long known: Nick Sabans football mind still carries enormous weight around the sport. Scalley said a conversation he had with Saban about cover 3 defenses left him humbled, a reminder that even among top coaches, Sabans grasp of the game continues to command respect.
The exchange also fit neatly into a larger conversation about Utahs strong start under Scalley, but the Saban anecdote was the part that lingered. For Alabama observers, it was another small sign that long after his sideline days, Saban still shapes the way rival coaches think, teach and talk about defense. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Fans Now Face A Bigger Ryan Grubb Debate
Ryan Grubbs first season as Alabamas offensive coordinator has drawn plenty of second-guessing, but the scrutiny has gotten louder after the Tides low-scoring losses to Georgia and Tennessee. A growing chorus of analysts, including Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Chase Daniel and Tim Tebow, has raised concerns about the rhythm and direction of the offense, with the criticism centering on how the game plans have translated when Alabama has needed answers most.
The debate has only intensified because of the way the offense approached Tennessee, where the passing game was leaned on heavily despite the quarterbacks inexperience. With Alabama now turning its attention to Texas A&M, the questions around Grubb are no longer just about one bad night or one tough matchup. They are becoming part of a larger conversation about whether the Tides offense is finding the right balance at all. [Read more 🡒]