Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer expressed frustration after the No. 1 Crimson Tide lost to Vanderbilt on Saturday, a result which 'Bama faithful will no doubt classify as inexcusable. The 40-35 loss against the Commodores was the first defeat against Vandy since 1984 and the program's first-ever win over an opponent ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25.
"Obviously extremely disappointed, frustrated, you name what it is, that's what everyone is in the locker room right now," DeBoer said. "There are some things that we're going to look back on tomorrow and be really frustrated about. We don't like talking 'what ifs' and that's the situation we're going to be in tomorrow."
One week prior, Alabama beat then-No. 2 Georgia 41-34 to rise to No. 1. Right from the jump, Vanderbilt punched 'Bama in the mouth as the Commodores scored a quick touchdown and nabbed a pick six off quarterback Jalen Milroe to jump out to a quick 14-0 lead. However, Vandy QB Diego Pavia saved his best play for the second half, completing 11 of 12 passes with two touchdowns in the win. Vanderbilt's 40 points against Alabama were the most in the series since 1906.
Perhaps the most visibly frustrated player on the Alabama sideline was defensive back Malachi Moore, a key leader in the program. The fifth-year senior was one of the biggest retentions by the coaching staff when they transitioned in, especially with youth in the secondary.
As time ticked off the clock and Vanderbilt kneeled the ball out, Moore was visibly yelling and later called for a penalty after kicking the ball after the referee laid it down. Moore allegedly then refused to be substituted out of the game, though DeBoer said he was unclear of that situation at the press conference.
"There's a lot of guys that are really frustrated," DeBoer said. "I think the key is we turn that frustration into positives moving forward and make sure we remember what we feel here tonight. Remember that tomorrow, when we show up on Tuesday, Wednesday, all season long. Malachi, I'm 100 percent confident he will do that … we are gonna continue to believe in him and he leaves it all out on the football field."
Alabama's pathway to SEC and College Football Playoff contention suddenly becomes much more complicated after dropping an unnecessary game. The Tide still have three opponents remaining in the top 15 and a fickle matchup against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.