Mistakes, penalties, and failed execution have been the thorns in Alabama's side in recent games, putting the team on the wrong side of the fine line between winning and losing in the challenging Southeastern Conference (SEC).
According to first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, the team is struggling to respond under pressure, which has led to disappointing results on the field.
"It's all about emotional discipline," DeBoer said during a press conference on Monday. "When the stakes are high, and the intensity is up, that's when we need to be at our best. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case lately."
DeBoer, who took over as head coach earlier this year, has been working tirelessly to instill a sense of discipline and focus in his players. Despite the team's struggles, he remains optimistic about their potential.
"We have all the talent and ingredients to be a top-notch team," DeBoer continued. "However, it's not just about physical skill; it's about mental toughness and the ability to stay composed under pressure. That's what we're working on every day in practice."
The team's next opponent, Missouri (Mizzou), will provide a stern test of their emotional discipline. With a strong offense and a stingy defense, Mizzou is capable of causing an upset if Alabama is not on their game.
"We can't afford to make the same mistakes we made in our previous games," DeBoer said, looking ahead to the matchup. "Mizzou is a well-coached team that will capitalize on any errors we make. We need to be sharp, focused, and ready to go from the opening whistle."
As the team prepares to face Mizzou, they know that it's not just about winning; it's about developing the mental toughness and emotional discipline necessary to succeed in the competitive world of college football.