Kalen DeBoer Praises Alabama’s “Resiliency” After Surviving South Carolina Scare in 29-22 Thriller
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer credited his team’s toughness and belief following their nail-biting 29–22 victory over South Carolina on Saturday night. Speaking after the game, DeBoer emphasized that winning on the road in the SEC “ain’t gonna be pretty all the time,” but said he was proud of how his team battled to the finish.
“The story of the game is resiliency,” DeBoer said. “It doesn’t matter how you win — it’s about finding a way. Coach Shane Beamer’s group is tough, and this is a hard place to play. I’m proud of the way our guys hung in there for four quarters.”
Despite multiple missed opportunities — including a punt that bounced off an Alabama player and gave South Carolina prime field position — the Crimson Tide defense held strong early, forcing field goals and generating a key turnover late in the game.
Calm Under Pressure: Ty Simpson’s Poise
DeBoer praised quarterback Ty Simpson for his composure during the game-tying drive and the clutch two-point conversion, which was a designed run-pass option that the Tide have practiced “for years.”
“It’s one of those plays you work on every week for moments like that,” DeBoer said. “Ty showed calmness. Everyone just stacked plays, stayed patient, and did their jobs. No penalties, no negative plays — just execution.”
Defensive Heroes Step Up
DeBoer also singled out linebacker Deontae Lawson for his critical fumble recovery that turned the tide late.
“I’m so proud of that guy,” he said. “He’s battled back from injury and continues to improve. His leadership, along with TK’s, really elevated our team tonight.”
The coach also highlighted DaShawn Jones’ interception, crediting the defense for staying aggressive despite South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers making big plays.
“We knew Sellers could hurt us with his legs and Nyck Harbor was a matchup problem downfield,” DeBoer explained. “But our defense accepted the challenge and delivered when it mattered most.”
Lessons and Belief
Reflecting on the win, DeBoer said the game was another reminder that this Alabama team is learning to thrive under adversity.
“It’s not fun when you’re in the middle of it,” he admitted, “but it builds belief. You’ve got to dig in, lock in, and make it happen. These moments stack up — and that’s what makes teams special.”
DeBoer acknowledged that Alabama’s offense and defense both had to “trust each other” through key fourth-down calls and critical plays, saying he intentionally keeps the team aggressive even when things don’t go perfectly.
“We practice those situations all the time,” he said. “It’s team football. I’ve got confidence in both sides of the ball to respond no matter what.”
As the Crimson Tide enter their bye week, DeBoer said the team will use the momentum and energy from the victory to reset and prepare for the next stretch of SEC play.
“It’s been an intense five weeks,” DeBoer concluded. “But we’ll take this momentum, get some rest, and come back ready. I’m proud of the way we fought tonight.”
