Kalen DeBoer liked a lot about Alabama’s 49-18 win over South Carolina, but the biggest takeaway from his postgame comments was how complete it felt.
No. 8 Alabama stayed unbeaten on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, rolling out a strong first half and then protecting the lead the rest of the way. Afterward, DeBoer pointed to the kind of performance coaches always want to see when a team is settling into the stretch run: clean execution, composure, and balance.
“Good complementary football tonight.”
That was DeBoer’s first big message to reporters, and it fit the way the Crimson Tide handled the game. He said, “Execution I thought was better tonight,” and credited his players for “putting the team first” when the game started to get chippy.
The start mattered, too. DeBoer said, “The way we started was promising, and the way we finished.”
He added on the improved opening, “Guys settling in. It’s just execution.”
He also said, “I thought the guys just cut it loose. Had a good week of practice.”
There were specific plays he wanted to highlight. On Josh Ford’s touchdown, DeBoer said, “Great to see.” He also called the throw to Marshall Pritchett and the 38-yard catch “impressive.”
Quarterback Keelon Russell drew praise as well. DeBoer said, “I feel like the last few, he’s learned a lot from the first game, protecting himself ...
Keeping a cool head when something breaks down.” He continued, “Not trying to do too much, live to see another down, throwing it away, running.
We’re going to make those plays.”
Pass protection was another point DeBoer touched on, especially with South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart on the field. “When you’ve got a guy like 6 (Dylan Stewart) on the other side, you’re very conscious about that ...
I thought we had a good plan that the right opportunities were at a good time ... Our guys got it done.”
DeBoer also called Alabama’s offense “A real well-rounded offense right now.”
There was one injury note from the game, too. Jayvin James had to leave with an injury, and DeBoer said it was “unfortunate” before adding, “Kind of see what that looks like the next couple days.” In James’ place, Tyrell Miller stepped in, and DeBoer praised that move as well: “Getting Tyrell out there getting some valuable snaps at the end.”
He also had a positive note for Noah Rogers, saying, “Good to see Noah Rogers out there, get a catch, and get involved.”
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