Some Alabama fans have been waiting for Kalen DeBoer to not be as calm as he is, but was a defeat to Vanderbilt all that was needed to flip a switch in him?
It is starting to look that way.
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Tim Smith, a fifth-year senior, spoke to reporters on Tuesday during media availability for Alabama players. The defensive lineman credited miscommunication between linebackers and defensive backs as a reason for the loss to Vandy, but he stated the team got things corrected in practice. Smith also mentioned Coach DeBoer has changed his tune since last week.
“His demeanor definitely has changed,” Smith said. “You all have seen and spoken to DeBoer. He is a nice dude, but since everything that has happened he has buckled down in the last few days. I love it. I am here for it, and it is interesting to see him break in that shell. We are going to get everything we want accomplished.”
Is he using different words to convey his message to players? Probably not, but DeBoer at least knows the honeymoon stage for him is over with Alabama fans. He has to be about action now, especially in moving forward from a loss.
We will all see Saturday how he and the Crimson Tide attacks South Carolina at home.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
