Alabama's Kalen DeBoer 'Proud' After Close South Carolina Win: You Find a Way to Win
Oct 12, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 12: Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on prior to facing the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide narrowly escaped what would have been back-to-back losses as they squeaked by the South Carolina Gamecocks in a 27-25 victory on Saturday.
Crimson Tide starting quarterback Jalen Milroe completed 16 of 23 passes for 209 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, while also rushing for two touchdowns.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed relief that the team managed to "find a way to win" after the game.
"There just so many times when we talk about finding a way to win," DeBoer said in a post-game press conference. "The ball wasn't bouncing our way. But when you find a way to win when your backs against the wall like it was on the last drive there, I'm proud of these guys."
The Gamecocks (3-3) showed up to Tuscaloosa, Alabama off of a blowout loss against No. 9 Ole Miss, while Alabama (5-1) came off of a devastating loss against unranked Vanderbilt.
Both teams were seeking redemption this weekend and Alabama found theirs, regardless of how it looked.
Alabama trailed 19-14 entering the fourth quarter before outscoring the Gamecocks 13-6 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Next Saturday, the Crimson Tide will face No. 8 ranked Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama Survive South Carolina Upset Bid as Fans Debate CFP Title Hopes
Oct 12, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 12: Tonka Hemingway #91 of the South Carolina Gamecocks sacks al4oduring the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
For a second, it looked like the Alabama Crimson Tide would fall to an unranked conference opponent for a second straight week.
South Carolina took a 19-14 lead early in the third and held onto it into the final quarter. However, Alabama secured two touchdowns in the final frame and stopped a two-point attempt in the final minute to earn a 27-25 win and avoid the upset bid.
Alabama looked in control at halftime, holding 14-0 lead with less than two minutes remaining. However, a disastrous display that included a fourth-down touchdown conversion for South Carolina, a safety against Alabama and an interception from quarterback Jalen Milroe allowed the Gamecocks to make it 14-12 at the break.
Milroe would toss another interception in the fourth, but added a rushing and passing touchdown in the final quarter to retake the lead.
Milroe finished 16-of-23 for 209 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions while also adding 36 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Jam Miller led the ground game with 42 yards on 12 carries while Germie Bernard had four catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the victory, fans, including former Heisman winner Mark Ingram, took to social media to rip Milroe and the Tide for the lackluster performance and question the team's potential for a playoff bid.
There’s an entire generation of Alabama fans that have never seen this type of Alabama football and can’t comprehend it used to occur in standard definition with three guys named Dave.
If Alabama had lost, it would have been the first time since 2007 that the program had lost back-to-back games.
However, the Crimson Tide avoided that fate and will now look to get back to playing the elite level of play that allowed them to secure the earlier victory over Georgia.
They will have to figure it out fast, as Alabama will head to Knoxville to face No. 8 Tennessee next week for a chance to earn a big push in the SEC standings.
Nick Saban: Alabama's Complacency, Arrogance After Georgia Win Led to Vanderbilt Loss
Oct 12, 2024
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 5: Head Coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the press after losing 40-35 to the Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium on October 5, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban offered an assessment of what he saw from the Crimson Tide in their 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt on Oct. 5.
During Saturday's episode of College Gameday, Saban explained that Alabama showed "a little complacency, almost even arrogance" in the wake of the Georgia victory that it cost the team against Vandy.
The Oct. 5 victory marked Vanderbilt's first win over a team ranked in the top five of the Associated Press poll. Alabama entered the game ranked No. 1 overall coming off its dramatic 41-34 victory against Georgia on Sept. 28.
Vandy's 40 points scored were equal to its total in the previous seven games combined against Alabama dating back to 2001.
Alabama had won 23 straight games against the Commodores since 1985. The Crimson Tide won the previous three games in the battle between SEC teams with Saban as head coach by a combined score of 148-3.
Saban has been complimentary Vanderbilt's effort in the game, and there were some indications that this version of the Commodores could at least cause Alabama problems.
In its previous game on Sept. 21, Vandy had a strong showing against then-No. 7 Missouri before falling 30-27 in double overtime.
While no one would confuse the amount of offensive talent on Georgia's roster for Vanderbilt's, the Bulldogs did at least offer a blueprint to opposing teams for how to score against Alabama.
The Bulldogs scored 27 points in the second half after falling behind 30-7 at halftime. The comeback included four touchdown drives of at least 67 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown reception by Dillon Bell that briefly gave Georgia 34-33 lead with 2:31 remaining.
Vanderbilt's approach was more methodical by controlling the clock. It held the ball for more than 42 minutes and turned both of Alabama's turnovers into touchdowns. Diego Pavia was able to create big plays through the air when he was asked to throw, averaging 12.6 yards per attempt with two touchdown passes on 20 attempts.
It's not unusual for a talented team to have a let down coming off a big win against a marquee opponent. It didn't happen a lot to Alabama under Saban, but this is a new era with Kalen DeBoer still trying to establish his own culture and identity with the program.
Alabama will look to get back on track when it hosts South Carolina on Saturday.
Tyler Booker NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Alabama Iol
Oct 9, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Tyler Booker #52 of the Alabama Crimson Tide lines up to block against Nazir Stackhouse #78 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'5"
WEIGHT: 321
HAND: 11⅛"
ARM: 34½"
WINGSPAN: 84¼"
40-YARD DASH: 5.38
3-CONE: 7.96
SHUTTLE: 4.65
VERTICAL: 27"
BROAD: 7'10"
POSITIVES
— Massive, dense build with good arm length and very good play strength.
— Comes off the ball square in the run game with low pads and excellent square power.
— Excels on down, pin and angle-drive blocks using his frame, power and core strength to displace and secure rush lanes.
— Has enough burst to get out on pulls, lead and blot out smaller targets.
— Regularly stifles the bull-rush with a stout, firm anchor.
— Punishing, heavy-handed demeanor to deliver body blows when uncovered in pass protection and knockdown finishes in the run game.
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NEGATIVES
— Mediocre foot quickness and redirect skills can create soft edges against counter moves.
NOTES
— Born on April 12, 2004
— 4-star recruit from the 2022 class, per 247Sports
— 2023: AP First-Team All-SEC
— 2024: AP Second-Team All-American, Team Captain
— 27 career starts at left guard (26) and left tackle (one)
— Trained under Duke Manyweather at OL Masterminds in preparation for the combine
OVERALL
Tyler Booker is a two-year starter at left guard inside Alabama's run-first (60-40 run-pass split), shotgun, RPO-heavy, multiple-run scheme. Booker has a massive, dense build with good arm length, very good play strength and adequate athletic ability.
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Booker is a stout run blocker with excellent square power to deliver jolt at the point of attack with his best work coming as the drive man on double-teams, down, pin and base blocks. Booker generates quick displacement off the ball before bracing and clamping defenders up with churning feet and a nasty demeanor to finish at a high level. He has enough initial burst and movement skills to intersect and blot out smaller targets on pulls and short climbs but will lose steam and tracking ability as space expands on longer developing runs and screens.
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In pass protection Booker does a nice job playing square to limit rushers' options and box them into his frame where his stifling stopping power and grip strength clamps, anchors down and ends the rep quickly. He will also deliver jarring blows on adjacent rushers when uncovered to clear the pocket. Booker shows mediocre foot quickness and lateral agility that results in soft edges against adept counter moves, signaling some limitations against higher-end, widely aligned rushers and sub-package looks.
Overall, Booker is a powerfully built guard with commanding play strength, power, and a tone-setting demeanor who can get manipulated out of position when isolated against high-end rushers but will solidify the pocket against the bull-rush and dish out body blows as a finisher.
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Malachi Moore NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Alabama S
Oct 9, 2024
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 14: Malachi Moore #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide before the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'
WEIGHT: 198
POSITIVES
— Ballhawk with very good range as a deep safety. Drives and attacks the ball in the air. Displays very good instincts and awareness of his threats in zone coverage.
— Has the versatility to play deep, as well as drop down and play man coverage over the slot receiver. Does a very good job of keeping his leverage, as well as showing the change of direction necessary to stick with most receivers.
— Secure tackler in the open field. Takes good angles to the ball and wraps up ball-carriers, getting them to the ground with little extra yardage.
NEGATIVES
— Lacks ideal physicality when playing in the box. He doesn't show hand usage to shock, control, or to be able to quickly disengage from blockers.
— Not a big banger. More of a wrap tackler who will ankle bite at times.
— Suffered head injury in Week 3 of 2024 season, but returned to lineup in Alabama's next game
OVERALL
Malachi Moore is a versatile safety prospect from Alabama known for his ball-hawking abilities and range as a deep safety. Standing at 6', 198 pounds, Moore combines his athleticism with sharp instincts, making him a valuable asset in both deep coverage and man-to-man situations. His experience in Alabama's elite defense, along with his ability to contribute in various roles, positions him as a potential early-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Moore excels in coverage, particularly as a deep safety where his range and ball skills are on full display. He is a true ball hawk, showing the ability to drive on and attack the ball in the air. In zone coverage, Moore plays with excellent instincts, consistently aware of the threats in his area and positions himself to make plays on the ball. His versatility allows him to drop down and cover slot receivers in man coverage, where he demonstrates good leverage and the change of direction needed to stay with most receivers. His ability to mirror routes and make secure plays on the ball in the open field adds to his value as a versatile defensive back.
While Moore is reliable in coverage, his effectiveness in run support is more limited. He lacks the ideal physicality required to consistently play in the box, often struggling to engage and disengage from blockers due to insufficient hand usage. Moore is more of a wrap tackler than a heavy hitter, and at times resorts to ankle-biting tackles, which can lead to missed opportunities against stronger or more elusive ball carriers. Despite these limitations, Moore is a secure tackler in the open field, taking good angles and ensuring that ball carriers are brought down with minimal extra yardage.
Malachi Moore projects as a second-round pick with the potential to become an impact player in an NFL secondary. His strengths in deep coverage and man-to-man versatility make him a valuable asset, particularly in schemes emphasizing zone coverage or requiring safeties to cover slot receivers. While he may need to develop more physicality and improve his ability to disengage from blockers, Moore's ball skills and instincts give him a solid foundation upon which to build. With further development, Moore could emerge as a reliable starter, particularly in a free safety role or as a slot defender in sub-packages.
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Jalen Milroe NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Alabama QB
Oct 9, 2024
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 14: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the football during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'2"
WEIGHT: 217
HAND: 9 ⅜"
ARM: 30⅝"
WINGSPAN: 76⅝"
POSITIVES
— Explosive dual-threat quarterback capable of making big-play with his running ability.
— Dynamic arm talent to push the football vertically and outside the numbers.
— Well-built and proportionate frame with tremendous play strength.
— Young and developing talent with a high ceiling.
NEGATIVES
— Can be too eager to pull the ball down and bail out of clean pockets.
— Consistency in trusting his eyes against defensive coverages.
— Anticipating throwing windows, will wait for the wide receiver to complete their route breaks before throwing.
— Feeling and sensing pressure while in the pocket.
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NOTES
— Born Dec. 13, 2002
— 4-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class per 247Sports
— 2024 Named team captain
— 2023 Finalist for the Manning Award for the nation's top QB; team captain
— Named a semifinalist for the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien Award
OVERALL
Jalen Milroe is the most physically gifted quarterback prospect in the draft class. He is one of the most explosive athletes at any position in college football.
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Milroe epitomizes the term "dual-threat quarterback." He brings outstanding speed and acceleration to defeat pursuit angles. His dynamic athleticism opens the offensive playbook and play-calling. Milroe thrives with a variety of designed QB run calls like, QB veer, zone read, QB Power, etc. He creates explosive plays on the ground and is a threat at any moment. His athleticism will force teams to play 11-on-11 and account for him in the game plan.
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Milroe is still developing as a pocket passer. He has a dynamic and live arm to push the ball down the field creating explosive passing plays. He thrives as a vertical shot-making QB—attacking the defense in the deeper areas of the field. Milroe is showed flashes of getting through his progressions quicker and taking what the defense gives him, earlier in the season. He has beaten the blitz effectively, at times, with his arm and legs.
Being consistent with anticipating throwing windows will remain a storyline within Milroe's development as a passer. He tends to wait for the receiver to get open before pulling the trigger to throw. Granted, he has a lively arm, but Milroe must begin throwing with more anticipation. It appears he does not fully trust his eyes and what he is witnessing between the defense and route concepts in the short and intermediate areas of the defense. By becoming a more anticipatory thrower, he will present more of a complete challenge for defenses to gameplan for.
Milroe tends to become antsy and bail clean pockets, being over-reliant on his elite athleticism. His eyes will drop to the rush and force him out of the pocket instead of navigating inside it to throw. Footwork inside the pocket is one of his biggest issues—he needs to find better rhythm with his drop and the reciever's routes. Milroe can be toesy and heel-clicky in the pocket, and this negatively impacts accuracy and ball placement. His pocket presence is a work in progress, as his feel for pressure not directly in front of him is less than ideal. He would benefit from moving up into the pocket and avoiding unnecessary hits while processing information and getting through his progressions.
Overall Milroe's outstanding blend of elite speed/athleticism, physically dense build, and a live arm fits the trend of today's quarterback archetypes. As he has shown this season, there are encouraging flashes of development as a pocket passer. If this continues, NFL decision-makers will be more than intrigued about placing him in their offense and building around his skillset. Milroe projects as a quarterback prospect that should sit instead of being a Day 1 starter in the NFL.
Malachi Moore: Alabama Defense Has Dealt with Some 'Anxiety' Over Late Play Calls
Oct 8, 2024
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 05: Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) runs in for a touchdown in front of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore (13) during a game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Alabama Crimson Tide, October 5, 2024 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After a massive upset loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday, Alabama safety Malachi Moore admitted that play calls coming in late have led to added stress for the Crimson Tide defense this year.
"I just think sometimes we get the call in a little late, so it gives us a little anxiety of not knowing what the offense is gonna run or adjusting to their formations," Moore said, per 247Sports' Mike Rodak.
"But (defensive coordinator Kane Wommack), that's kind of was his style of calling—wanting to put us in a perfect position. He knows we're at Bama now, and he has a lot of pieces. He doesn't have to compensate for anything and as long as he gives us the call and allows us to get our feet in the dirt, we're gonna be great."
According to Rodak, Moore also said players "from the D-line all the way back to the secondary" have also expressed a desire to get play calls earlier.
As Moore alluded to, Wommack, who joined Alabama's staff ahead of the 2024 season, isn't used to coaching a defense full of 5-star talent that can make adjustments on the fly. He was the defensive coordinator at Indiana from 2019 to 2020 and spent the last three seasons as the head coach at South Alabama.
Now with a defense made up of players used to competing against SEC talent, Moore believes Wommack could get away with calling plays earlier rather than waiting to see what formation the offense comes out in.
Alabama's defensive struggles were evident Saturday as it allowed Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia to throw for 252 passing yards and two touchdowns while adding another 56 yards on the ground. The Commodores' 40 points were the most the Crimson Tide have allowed since their loss to Tennessee in 2022.
After the loss, Moore said Alabama's roster and staff have committed to learning from their mistakes, including Wommack.
"Coach Wo, he's been doing a great job of coming in and taking accountability on his part," Moore said. "And the coaches and on the players, too, showing us how we didn't fit stuff right or what we messed up at. Also telling us the good we did do in the game. I think everybody, like I said, is being very accountable of what happened Saturday and definitely working very hard to never let it happen again."
With the historic upset behind them, the Crimson Tide are preparing to face South Carolina, a game Alabama can't afford to lose if it is to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. Moore and the defense have expressed what quicker play calls can do from the Crimson Tide's defense, now it's a matter of making those adjustments.
Alabama DT Jeheim Oatis to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal over Lack of Playing Time
Oct 7, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Jehiem Oatis #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after his team's victory against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Alabama junior defensive tackle Jeheim Oatis plans to redshirt for the remainder of the 2024 campaign before hitting the transfer portal in the offseason, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Oatis cited a lack of playing time as the basis for his decision, with Thamel noting that the defensive tackle only played 25 snaps between the Georgia and Wisconsin games and didn't play against Vanderbilt due to a minor knee injury. Because he's only appeared in four games, he's still eligible for a redshirt.
The motivation for Oatis' departure is his professional future—with more playing time, he can put more on film for NFL teams to evaluate:
Considering his pedigree, traits and position, he’ll be a coveted player in the portal. Oatis will be represented by Adie von Gontard and Noah Reisenfeld of Young Money APAA Sports.
"He's been battling some injuries, has not been able to perform or produce the way that any of us would like, but my focus is really on the players that are going to do everything they can to help us win football games," he told reporters.
Former Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix seemingly reacted to Oatis' exit in posts on his X account, criticizing the state of college football and the transfer portal:
Players are opting out to redshirt a year because they didn’t get playing time? What about creating good habits and working on your craft? Just quit. No more reps at practice no more routines? Just go into the portal rusty? Got it. 📝
It’s not that it’s ruining college football but it’s hurting our youth who need these times to face adversity, develop good habits and character as young men so success carries over into the next chapter of life.
The 21-year-old started 10 games for Alabama during his freshman year in 2022 and earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors after posting 29 tackles and a sack, though injuries limited him to three starts last season. He did appear in 13 total games during the 2023 season, however, notching 26 tackles (one for loss) and 0.5 sacks.
After Nick Saban retired, Oatis chose to remain with Alabama following the hiring of Kalen DeBoer, but missed spring practice due to more injury issues. Nonetheless, Oatis was expecting big things for the Crimson Tide's defensive line.
"This D-Line man, with more work we're finna go crazy this year," he told reporters in August. "Putting the work in just on and off the field, just making each other better."
The defensive line may still have a good campaign, even in the wake of a shocking upset loss against Vanderbilt on Saturday. But it will be doing so without Oatis.
Alabama's Malachi Moore Apologizes for Actions in Vanderbilt Upset After Viral Videos
Oct 7, 2024
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Defensive back Malachi Moore #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defends in coverage during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game against the Michigan Wolverines at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore apologized for his behavior toward the end of the Crimson Tide's 40-35 upset at the hands of Vanderbilt.
"I was completely out of line," he said in a statement posted to social media. "I let the emotions of the game get the best of me and put myself before the team. As a two-time captain and a fifth-year player, I understand the standard that we are expected to live up to at Alabama, and I failed to do so by acting in a selfish and unacceptable manner."
AL.com's Nick Kelly listed off the graduate student's transgressions from the game: "He gave Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia a shove late, Moore chucked his mouthguard, Moore kicked the football (drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty) and Moore looked like he refused to come off the field when the coaching staff tried to substitute Bray Hubbard for him."
Former Alabama running back Damien Harris was withering with his comments toward Moore in The Athletic's Until Saturday podcast. He called Moore's actions "complete and utter bulls--t."
📺Our co-host, former Alabama RB Damien Harris (@DHx34), rips Alabama DB Malachi Moore for his tantrum against Vanderbilt.
"What you did on that field was complete and utter bull****. You are a two-time captain."
Harris, a two-time national champion, also took issue with how Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the situation after the game.
DeBoer adopted a diplomatic tone and limited his criticism of Moore.
"The guy pours everything into what he does," he told reporters. "Doesn't make it OK. We want to be first class in everything we do. There's a lot of guys that are very frustrated. The key is we turn that frustration into positive moving forward and make sure that we remember what we feel here tonight and remember that when we show up tomorrow and Tuesday and Wednesday, all season long. Malachi, I'm 100 percent confident he will do that."
DeBoer told reporters on Monday that Moore would not be suspended.
Saturday was a day for all of Alabama's players to forget.
Vanderbilt pushed the Tide around from start to finish, finishing with 418 total yards and possessing the ball for 42:08. The Commodores never trailed and remained unflappable as Alabama mounted its second-half comeback attempt.
Moore's frustration probably built steadily as he and his fellow defenders couldn't get Vandy off the field. Things may have reached a breaking point with Junior Sherrill's 36-yard touchdown grab. He beat Moore deep on a 4th-and-1, a moment that could've swung the momentum in Bama's direction if it forced a turnover on downs.
Considering what lies ahead on the schedule, Alabama can ill afford for Moore to lose his composure like that again. The Tide host South Carolina on Saturday and then play No. 8 Tennessee, No. 21 Missouri and No. 13 LSU over the next month.
Kalen DeBoer: Alabama's Response to Vanderbilt Loss Will Be 'Different Type of Test'
Oct 6, 2024
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 05: Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer during a game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Alabama Crimson Tide, October 5, 2024 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kalen DeBoer was focused on the road ahead after No. 1 Alabama suffered a shocking 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday night.
"We're going to find out really how much we care about each other and what it looks like moving forward," the Crimson Tide head coach said, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "We've been tested in different ways, really, a lot of the games here this season, and this is a different type of test now in our response."
The victory represented Vanderbilt's first-ever win over an AP top-five team as well as the Commodores first defeat of Alabama since 1984.
It was a sloppy performance from a Crimson Tide squad that was coming off an impressive win over No. 5 Georgia.
Vanderbilt was able to control the clock and keep Alabama's offense off the field, possessing the ball for over 42 minutes of game time. DeBoer's team committed two turnovers and converted just three of seven third-down attempts.
The Tide were also called for six penalties compared to just three for the Commodores. This included an illegal numbering violation after two players wearing No. 2 were both on the field during a Vanderbilt punt.
"Those are the things that really hurt you, because they kept the drive alive and then ended up scoring a touchdown," DeBoer said, via Colin Gay of the Tuscaloosa News. "Just that hump that we couldn't get over with a lot of the game. And that was the early one."
The Commodores jumped out to an early 23-7 lead in the second quarter. Alabama was able to climb back and pull to within one score several times after the first half, but Vanderbilt ultimately ran out the clock on the final possession of the game.
After leading Washington to an appearance in the national championship game last season, DeBoer joined Alabama on an eight-year contract worth $87 million to succeed legendary former head coach Nick Saban.
The Crimson Tide will attempt to bounce back on Oct. 12 as they host South Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
