Alabama LB says Tide using doubters to keep their edge: “They can’t wait till we fall”

Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) is sacked for a loss by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

As the Crimson Tide returns to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, it will be coming off a much-needed bye week. But Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson says there are a few things that the Tide needs to do in order to keep its edge.

Prior to the bye week, Alabama dealt with a tough task, having to face four-straight ranked teams before finishing up its five-week stretch with a matchup against the Gamecocks in Columbia, a contest that the Tide had to find a way to win late.

The wins were major for Alabama, as it was uncertain just how well it would perform over the stretch after it suffered an ugly loss to Florida State to start the season. However, the Crimson Tide ultimately proved that it took the loss seriously, bouncing back in a big way and keeping its postseason hopes alive.

But now that the Tide is out of its bye and preparing to face LSU, it has to make sure that it doesn’t lose its momentum. While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Lawson was asked about what his message was to the team down the final stretch.

“To keep our edge,” Lawson said. “Don’t forget they can’t wait to say something bad about you. So, you’ve got to have that edge every day as you come in here to practice or to meetings. You’ve got to keep that edge, move with purpose. We always talk about that, and the rest will take care of itself. And we know at the end of the day that it’s all about us and what we do and how we prepare and things like that. So, we’ll be fine for sure.”

Moving with a purpose is a major component of success, but Lawson says it’s deeper than that.

“They can’t wait till we fall,” Lawson said. “You’ve got to have that mindset, no matter what stretch you’re on. They can’t wait to say something bad, they can’t wait to see Alabama fall, so that’s really the main message, and that’s how you keep your edge.”

Lawson and the Tide will hope to keep their edge as they prepare to face the Tigers on Saturday.