Alabama coach wants to keep focus on football

Kalen DeBoer would like the opportunity to focus on making No. 21 Alabama the best it can be.

The Crimson Tide (0-1) lost at Florida State and dropped from a preseason ranking of No. 8, but DeBoer said he's reminding players the sky isn't falling in Tuscaloosa, even if boosters might be suggesting the contrary.

In 14 games as Alabama coach, DeBoer has four losses to unranked opponents. That's the same number legendary coach Nick Saban had in 235 games with the Crimson Tide.

Asked Wednesday what he'd like to say to the financial supporters of the program riled up over the two-touchdown defeat at Tallahassee, DeBoer said Alabama isn't done yet.

"My message is that our team ... we've got a good football team that can do some big things still this year," DeBoer said. "We've got to prove it ... To this point, it's just been me being able to focus on football. I appreciate that."

Wide receiver Ryan Williams might be critical to a Crimson Tide rebound. The second-team All-American in 2024 as a freshman was called out by DeBoer last week as one player he needs more from as the focal point of the offense.

After catching five passes for 30 yards at FSU, Williams has been on the practice field but remains in concussion protocol, DeBoer said. He's officially considered day-to-day and no determination on his availability for Saturday's game against Louisiana-Monroe.

--Field Level Media