Why DeBoer highlighted Alabama football’s special teams after win over LSU

Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama punter Blake Doud (38) punts the ball during the game with LSU at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer feels Alabama football’s special teams deserves to be highlighted for the group’s effort against LSU.

The Crimson Tide’s special teams unit was solid in Alabama’s win against LSU in multiple areas. Blake Doud punted three times and pinned the Tigers inside the 20 on each punt. Conor Talty nailed field goals from 44 and 45 yards out as he continued to look for consistency in his leg.

DeBoer felt Alabama also performed well while covering kickoffs by stopping LSU’s explosive returners from breaking free.

“One thing to highlight is I think our special teams did a nice job,” DeBoer said on Monday. “I know we missed the field goal, but pinning LSU deep three times inside the 20 and the play down on the one, those are plays you work on and you just get a couple times every year to really make it happen. Our guys did that, so, I’m really proud of that along with the kickoff coverage and just the coverage in general. Our guys knew they had a challenge ahead of them this last weekend. The way we looked at what their stats were with those returners is pretty impressive. Not just maybe this year, but over the course of their careers and hats off to our guys. So they really take a lot of ownership, not just in what they do on the field, offensively, defensively, and individually, but our guys making an impact on special teams.”

A dependable special teams unit will only benefit the Tide moving forward.