Alabama and Colorado faced significant setbacks in their quest for the College Football Playoff this past Saturday, as both teams suffered tough losses on the road. Alabama was overwhelmed by the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, while Colorado struggled against Kansas, ultimately falling 37-21. These defeats not only hurt their playoff hopes but also raised questions about their performance and coaching strategies.
Alabama’s Offensive Struggles
The Crimson Tide’s offensive performance was nothing short of dismal. They managed to score a mere 3 points, a shocking statistic for a team with national championship aspirations. Alabama finished the game with only 234 total yards and committed three turnovers. This kind of output is unacceptable for a program of Alabama’s stature, and it has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had a particularly rough outing. He completed just 11 of 26 passes for 164 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions. On the ground, he struggled even more, gaining only 7 yards on 15 carries. With such a lackluster performance, it’s no wonder that the blame is being directed at him.
Coaching Concerns
ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum weighed in on the situation during a recent episode of First Take. He expressed that the blame for Alabama’s loss lies squarely on the shoulders of first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. Finebaum stated, “There’s no one to blame other than at the top. Kalen DeBoer looked completely outmatched and unprepared. It’s inexcusable to lay an egg like that.”
Finebaum’s criticism didn’t stop there. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, “I’ve covered Alabama football for more than 40 years, and I can’t remember a critical game where they just completely no-showed.” With a bid to the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Milroe’s Moment of Weakness
One of the most troubling moments of the game came after Milroe threw an interception that led to a pick-six. Finebaum pointed out that Milroe made little effort to stop the defender, which raised questions about the character and commitment of the entire team. “What really bugged me about Milroe was that on the pick-six that he threw, he barely attempted to stop the guy,” Finebaum remarked. This lack of effort reflects poorly not just on Milroe, but on the team as a whole.
Colorado’s Disappointment
While Alabama’s loss was shocking, Colorado’s defeat was also disappointing. The Buffaloes were unable to contain Kansas, and their defense struggled throughout the game. Colorado’s story this season has been one of resilience and excitement, but this loss puts a damper on their aspirations. They entered the season with high hopes, and now they must regroup and refocus.
Despite the loss, Colorado remains a compelling narrative in college football. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. They will need to address their defensive shortcomings if they hope to bounce back in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
Both Alabama and Colorado have tough roads ahead. For Alabama, the focus will be on regaining their form and making a push for the SEC Championship. They have the talent to turn things around, but they must learn from this loss. The coaching staff needs to ensure that the players are prepared and mentally ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
As for Colorado, the team must find a way to harness the energy and excitement that has surrounded them this season. They need to tighten up their defense and find a way to finish games strong. The season is far from over, and there’s still time to make an impact.
Final Thoughts
In the world of college football, every game matters, and both Alabama and Colorado learned that lesson the hard way this past weekend. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, it will be interesting to see how these teams respond to adversity. Will Alabama bounce back and reclaim their spot among the elite? Can Colorado find the consistency they need to compete at a high level? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion and excitement of college football are alive and well, and fans will be eagerly watching as these teams strive to turn their seasons around.
