Kalen DeBoer explains why Alabama’s offense has seen early success behind Keelon Russell
By Mark Kern
Published:
Keelon Russell is off to an incredible start for Alabama, having thrown for 1,414 yards, 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions while helping the Crimson Tide leap to an undefeated start.
The Crimson Tide host Georgia in what will be their toughest test to date, but before that, coach Kalen DeBoer explained to reporters why Alama’s offense has been able to find so much success under Russell.
“It just opens up more and more of the playbook,” DeBoer said. “You trust him in the moments that maybe sometimes people wouldn’t with younger quarterbacks, and it’s just been a process and growth. There’s been a growth process for him week after week. And the best thing is, is the things that don’t go perfect, he learned from them. And really, you don’t see those things show up the next game or in games down the road.”
“So, him giving us what we want, making decisions when things do break down; he doesn’t panic or anything like that. And so, he keeps the chains moving and putting points on the board. So, he’s done a nice job.”
In his first start at Kentucky in Week 2, things couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start for Russell and the Crimson Tide. He threw a pick-six on the first drive, and then they fumbled the ball on the second drive as they were down by four points at the half. However, he showed tremendous poise and helped the team outscore the Wildcats 32-0 in the second half to pull away for the big win.
There figures to be adversity on Saturday against Georgia, as the Bulldogs’ defense is as good as there is in college football. However, he has shown throughout the season that he is able to overcome some bad moments and do the things necessary to get things back on track for the Crimson Tide.
