Kalen DeBoer liked enough of what he saw from Keelon Russell to call out the places where Alabama’s young quarterback can still clean things up.
After Alabama’s 45-17 road win over Kentucky, DeBoer pointed directly to Russell’s decision-making on RPOs, saying the sophomore has the kind of aggressive mindset that can create plays - but also the kind that can get him into trouble when the safer answer is right there.
“On some of our RPO stuff, it’s okay just to hand it off,” DeBoer said. “He’s an aggressive kid, and we love the things that he can bring to the table on that, but when there’s guys in your face and kind of from the back side you got to throw through them and it gets knocked down, just hand it off.
I think there will be some running lanes that we’ll be able to see. I’ll have to watch the film.”
That issue showed up early. On the third play of Alabama’s opening drive, Russell kept the ball on an RPO and threw it straight to a Kentucky defensive lineman, who intercepted it and took it back for a touchdown.
The Alabama staff clearly saw opportunities on the ground that Russell passed up, and DeBoer’s comments suggested those choices were part of a bigger learning process rather than a one-play problem. He said Russell improved from last week to this week, but still has room to grow in how he handles those situations.
Russell’s final line reflected the highs and lows of the afternoon: 188 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, a pair of interceptions and a fumble.
In Other News...
Florida State's Latest Shakeup Comes Right Before Alabama
Florida State made a notable administrative change just as Alabama is preparing to see the Seminoles on the schedule, announcing that Michael Alford is out after four years as athletics director. Bruce Warwick will step in on an interim basis while the school searches for a permanent replacement, adding another layer of uncertainty around a program already under pressure.
The move comes with concerns growing around Florida State footballs recent results under Mike Norvell, and the timing only sharpens the focus on what the Seminoles look like heading into a high-profile matchup with Alabama. For a game that already carried plenty of attention, the off-field shakeup gives it an even more unsettled backdrop. [Read more 🡒]
Alabamas Top 10 Return Puts One Big FSU Question On Offense
Alabamas climb back into the AP top 10 came with the kind of finishing kick the program wanted to show after the opener. The Tide pulled away from Kentucky 45-17, and the second half offered a cleaner look at what is starting to take shape on both sides of the ball. Jackson Lloyd has settled in well at left tackle, not allowing a pressure through two games, while inside linebackers Luke Metz and Caleb Woodson have been active pieces in a defense that is settling into its identity.
The next test is less about ranking movement and more about the kind of roadblock Alabama needs to clear against Florida State. Keelon Russell has already said his own play has to improve, and that kind of self-assessment matters with a matchup like this looming. Alabama is also carrying the memory of a previous loss to the Seminoles, which adds a little extra edge to a game that already feels like an early measuring stick for where this offense really is. [Read more 🡒]
Keelon Russells Early Alabama Issue Is Harder To Ignore Now
Keelon Russells first major bump in an Alabama uniform came with a little extra visibility Saturday, when the quarterback was flagged multiple times for intentional grounding in the win over Kentucky. It was the kind of outing that can happen to a young passer still settling into the speed and pressure of SEC football, but it also put a spotlight on the parts of his game Alabama will need cleaned up quickly as the schedule keeps moving.
Kalen DeBoer pointed to execution and decision-making when addressing the penalties, a reminder that the Tide are still looking for more comfort and control from Russell in those moments when a play breaks down. Russell, for his part, said he got off to a slow start and said he is committed to improving in the games ahead, which is the right response even if the bigger question now is how fast that progress shows up. [Read more 🡒]