Kalen DeBoer, Alabama crushed by fans after close call vs. South Carolina
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Kalen DeBoer and Alabama barely survived against South Carolina on Saturday afternoon, winning 27-25.
The Gamecocks stormed down the field in the final minutes and scored a touchdown to make it 27-25 with just 43 seconds remaining in the game. However, LaNorris Sellers’ 2-point conversion attempt for a potential game-tying touchdown drive sailed too far out of the back of the end zone.
Even still, South Carolina had another opportunity to potentially take the lead after recovering the onside kick. However, the Gamecocks were unable to get into field goal range and a Sellers interception on the final play of the game ultimately ended the game.
Although it’s a win for Alabama, it’s a somewhat-disappointing performance overall for the Crimson Tide — particularly coming off of last week’s loss to Vanderbilt. Alabama was favored by more than 3 touchdowns in the betting markets but nearly dropped a second straight contest.
Turnovers were the main issue for Alabama offensively. The Tide had 2 on the day — plus a safety. But even without the giveaways, this was arguably Alabama’s worst offensive performance of the year. Alabama averaged just 5.1 yards per play.
Alabama’s defense wasn’t perfect, either. South Carolina averaged 5.3 yards per play — slightly above its average in SEC games this season — but the Tide did redeem themselves a bit by forcing 4 turnovers.
Here’s some of the reaction to Alabama’s lackluster performance:
This is the worst Alabama defense I’ve ever seen not even close
— Barstool Bama (@BarstoolAlabama) October 12, 2024
Most talented team in the country and you can’t dominate teams like Vanderbilt and South Carolina.. If DeBoer doesn’t get this turned around quick then we may be talking about one of the worst coaching jobs in history.
— Alabama Football Stats (@AlabamaFBStats) October 12, 2024
Kalen DeBoer better put on a three-piece suit at halftime.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) October 12, 2024
https://twitter.com/ADavidHaleJoint/status/1845167232139120696
So Kalen DeBoer may not be the guy at Alabama.
— SEC Unfiltered (@SECUnfiltered) October 12, 2024
Maybe one of the worst coached Alabama defenses I’ve seen in my life. You can’t have that many studs and not get off the field against two of the worst teams in the SEC on 3rd down. Pathetic no matter what the outcome.
— Judd Davis (@BamaJD) October 12, 2024
#Alabama is still down 5 late in the third quarter. DeBoer is just coaching for his buyout at this point. #MeltdownAlert pic.twitter.com/zjRthomKdt
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) October 12, 2024
I’m not even trying to be funny here. If DeBoer loses to Vandy and South Carolina in back to back weeks, it might be time for him to consider an exit strategy https://t.co/2rYXtHcjUs
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 12, 2024
You know what, Bama fans? You were right. I was wrong. You’re not gonna miss Saban that much. DeBoer is just as good.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) October 12, 2024
In all seriousness, if Alabama loses to South Carolina, I don’t know if Kalen DeBoer will ever be able to win over the fanbase. It’s Alabama, the expectation is Nick Saban.
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) October 12, 2024
Kalen DeBoer is taking a top 3 talented team and lost to vandy and now losing to South Carolina. He is not cut out for this league.
— Steven Muse (@StevenKnowzBall) October 12, 2024
https://twitter.com/SteadyE69/status/1845158817572556993
Ok, maybe DeBoer should put on a polo
— Cruz Oxenreider (@TheRealCruzOx) October 12, 2024
I honestly thought Bama would channel joyless murder ball today after last week…
but it’s clear that DeBoer won his Super Bowl in the first quarter of the Georgia game.
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) October 12, 2024
https://twitter.com/TkachukFanAcc/status/1845164885065253374
Alabama will play at Tennessee in Week 8.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
