Ahead of Alabama football’s Saturday matchup with Missouri at Bryant-Denny Stadium, head coach Kalen DeBoer made his weekly appearance on the “Hey Coach” radio show Wednesday. He’ll was joined during the show by one of the Crimson Tide’s most popular players, freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams.
The Tide is entering the Missouri game fresh off a loss at Tennessee, the first time UA has dropped two games before November since Nick Saban’s first season in charge, 2007. Saturday’s matchup with the Tigers will be crucial to build momentum entering a bye week, and to preserve any hope the team has of making the College Football Playoff.
Wednesday’s radio show took, as usual, from Baumhower’s Victory Grille in Tuscaloosa. Here are the highlights from DeBoer’s appearance.
Follow along here for live updates once DeBoer’s appearance begins.
-- DeBoer arrives on the show, hosted by Crimson Tide radio play-by-play announcer Chris Stewart.
-- DeBoer says Alabama players know they must raise the level of the team after loss to Tennessee.
-- Stewart asks what first time back with team in Tuscaloosa after game is like. DeBoer says it’s called “Tell the Truth Sunday” and goal is to give players answers and feedback after game. Says Alabama players want to know solutions going forward.
-- Stewart notes defense looked improved in Tennessee game, especially in first half. DeBoer agrees, and says takeaways were the big thing on Saturday. Says Alabama’s players were opportunistic. Says Tennessee’s run game got into rhythm in second half. Says every play won’t go UA’s way, but it’s important to turn page to next play.
-- DeBoer says Keon Sabb will be out for Saturday’s game. Says it’s “next man up” for Alabama and Sabb “won’t be on the field for a while.” Says UA’s unity council asked for Sabb to be added.
-- Stewart asks about Cole Adams contributions after returning from injury. DeBoer says Adams “willed himself back” from the injury. Says the comeback has been fun to see for Alabama’s staff. Says Adams wants to be coached hard and has been helpful back in the lineup.
-- Stewart asks what growth DeBoer saw after Tennessee loss versus after the first defeat against Vanderbilt. DeBoer says Alabama has done good job sticking together. Says Tide knows it put in the work, and locker room was more quiet after Tennessee game.
-- DeBoer says Missouri’s loss to Texas A&M is a good example of game changing on just a few plays. Notes how momentum swung early in that game.
-- Stewart notes that DeBoer’s 50th birthday is Thursday. DeBoer receives a cake while crowd at Baumhower’s sings.
-- Question is about who could replace Sabb in the lineup. DeBoer mentions Bray Hubbard, says he’ll keep some of the other options under wraps.
-- First caller question comes, as always, from Peewee in Grand Bay. Says he heard Tyler Booker has been vocal this week after loss. Asks how DeBoer has seen Alabama’s offensive line respond in practice. DeBoer mentions phrase “don’t sweat the small stuff” but says that’s not how Crimson Tide handles business. Says line has taken leadership role throughout week. Praises Booker’s response and how that has trickled down to offensive line and rest of team.
-- Question is what has made Missouri a tough matchup over past two seasons. DeBoer mentions continuity and defense. Praises Tiger head coach Eli Drinkwitz, and how he has instilled expectations on team.
-- Williams joins the show. Stewart notes Yeti cups featuring Williams’ image will be for sale on Saturday, says it must be surreal for Williams. Receiver agrees, but says he’s enjoyed the ride so far.
-- Stewart asks about Williams recommitting to Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement. Williams says it was the day after new head coach got to town when he met DeBoer. Said coach immediately impressed him, and system looked perfect for wide receivers.
-- Stewart asks Williams about his painted nails. Williams says his little sister wanted to paint them, and he let her. Says she still does them for him whenever he can. Says orange color was not related to Tennessee.
-- Stewart asks Williams about what college has been like so far. Says he’s enjoyed going to class, even with other students coming up to him to ask for picture. Says it’s “a blessing and honor to be in this position.”
-- Stewart asks DeBoer about Missouri’s offense. DeBoer notes that offense looks familiar from time to time, as he worked with Tiger OC Kirby Moore at Fresno State. Williams praises Missouri’s defense.
-- DeBoer says Alabama is excited to be back at Bryant-Denny Stadium for homecoming. Says Crimson Tide is putting in work and is determined to improve.
-- DeBoer’s appearance ends. Took just one caller question, none from fans in attendance at Baumhower’s.
