The Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a 26-10 loss on the road against Tennessee this past weekend.
The Tide’s offense was underwhelming throughout all four quarters of Saturday’s contest. Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell recorded just 147 yards through the air in addition to turning the ball over three times, and the star will undoubtedly have to play much better football against Texas A&M this weekend in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama’s offense was shorthanded against Tennessee as well, as center Racin Delgatty was sidelined in addition to superstar route runner Ryan Coleman-Williams. Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer took a moment to comment on the offensive unit’s performance as a whole following Saturday’s loss, as DeBoer claims the team needs to put Russell in better situations moving forward.
“You’re trying to have a balance, trying to take what the defense gives you.” DeBoer said. “I felt like, and this goes back to play calling, opportunities that were really simple, things that he’s run a lot this year now that he’s comfortable with. There’s certain run-pass options that have been successful, and ones that haven’t. And I think we’re doing a good job of understanding what he likes. Quick game, getting it out of his hands, are things that he does well. He also has the opportunity and the knack for creating things with his legs, and I thought he did that at times. He’s just got to try and not do too much, we aren’t going to let him think of himself as a young quarterback either. He’s our quarterback, and that expectation at Alabama comes with getting the job done. He’s more than capable, he’s done a great job in so many ways for our football team. Every moment is a learning moment, the good and the times that are rough. He’s got a great head on his shoulders.”
Alabama has scored just 13 total points across their last 6 quarters of action against both Georgia and Tennessee. Coleman-Williams could make his return from injury as soon as this weekend, but Alabama’s offense as a whole will undoubtedly need to put Russell in much better situations moving forward.
