Creating a winning culture is a never-ending process, one that legendary coach Nick Saban mastered throughout his career. Saban’s relentless pursuit of perfection set the tone for Alabama football, and new head coach Kalen DeBoer is proving he’s cut from the same cloth.
In their season opener, Alabama delivered a 63-0 thrashing of Western Kentucky, with quarterback Jalen Milroe putting up jaw-dropping stats. By the time Milroe completed his fourth pass, he had already accounted for four touchdowns. He finished the game with 200 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air, along with 79 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.
Despite Milroe’s standout performance, DeBoer was quick to identify areas for improvement, showing his commitment to continuous growth. One particular moment that caught DeBoer’s attention was a fumbled shotgun exchange between Milroe and his center.
In his postgame comments, DeBoer acknowledged the team’s dominant win but didn’t shy away from addressing the mishap. “We had a communication issue,” DeBoer explained. “I think there was a moment where Parker [the center] was trying to signal something to get the line set, and Jalen was ready to snap the ball. It’s just about getting the quarterback and center on the same page. These are the details we need to fine-tune.”
Milroe, reflecting on the incident, attributed it to first-game jitters, noting that it was a minor error born out of the excitement and nerves that come with the season’s first game. “It was just jitters,” Milroe said. “First game of the season, and you’re getting acclimated to the game. Mistakes happen, but it’s something we can both learn from and improve on. It’s all about building from this experience.”
Milroe’s understanding of the emotional dynamics in play during the opener was evident, especially given the significance of the game. Unlike a typical season starter for the Crimson Tide, this game marked a new era with DeBoer at the helm, following Nick Saban’s retirement announcement on January 10. Saban’s absence on the sideline, where he would usually be seen with his headset, added extra weight to the occasion.
With DeBoer now leading the charge, the expectations remain sky-high for Alabama football. The spotlight on Milroe and the team is brighter than ever, and DeBoer’s focus on continuous improvement suggests that the Crimson Tide are in capable hands as they navigate this new chapter.