Kalen DeBoer didn’t hide the challenge Alabama was facing at halftime against Tennessee: the Crimson Tide had to clean up the offense and keep trusting the defense.
No. 14 Tennessee went to the break with a 12-10 lead over No.
6 Alabama on Rocky Top, and all 12 of the Volunteers’ points came from four field goals by kicker Cooper Ranvier. Alabama’s defense has done enough to keep Tennessee out of the end zone, but the Tide offense has spent the first half fighting itself.
Before heading into the locker room, DeBoer spoke to the Crimson Tide Sports Network, and Mike Rodak of 247Sports shared his comments.
Kalen DeBoer at halftime to @UA_CTSN on offense: "Just staying within yourself, not trying to do too much. It starts with Keelon and just helping us stay ahead of the chains, making good decisions.
The turnovers definitely hurt us, but we got them back. We know it’s gonna be a four-quarter game, and that’s what this is going to be about.
We got to continue to be physical and be great in the big moments. "Offensively, we know against the front that they have, it’s a slugfest.
You just got to keep playing."
Keelon Russell has been at the center of Alabama’s first-half problems. He has accounted for two of the Tide’s three turnovers, and he’s 6-of-12 passing for 40 yards with an interception. He also has Alabama’s only touchdown, a rushing score.
Even with the mistakes on offense, Alabama’s defense has kept the game within reach. Tennessee has outgained the Tide 163-95 in total offense, but the Vols have had to settle for field goals every time they’ve threatened.
DeBoer also addressed that side of the ball before the teams came back out.
DeBoer on defense: "That’s what we have to do when we’re in those spots: keep putting pressure on them as a defense. Make them earn it, make them snap the ball again.
Sooner or later, like we saw, the ball will end up in our lap. Keep making those plays."
The game is on ESPN.
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