After facing FSU’s Tommy Castellanos, Kalen DeBoer once again faced a QB who wasn’t shy about talking big. But while FSU’s QB backed his confidence with an upset win in Week 1, the Vanderbilt QB couldn’t write the same story. Alabama shut down Diego Pavia with a statement win, reminding him that words don’t win in Tuscaloosa. Now, after four straight victories, the SEC buzz is getting louder about their next matchup against Missouri. But DeBoer is here to make sure his team stays focused.

On his September 6th appearance on Bussin’ With The Boys with Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, DeBoer didn’t dodge questions about handling pressure. Fresh off a 30-14 win over Vanderbilt and staring down undefeated Missouri, the Alabama HC kept it real. “Well, I think first of all, going back to what you said right away, the noise, that’s real,” he admitted. “We get it. You make your own bed, right? I mean, we didn’t play well.” But DeBoer didn’t buy into that and got candid about the outside chatter.

“I think the noise that people just want to make things up and aren’t real about what’s going on the night before, that are completely false and factual. Those are the things that just add to the chip on their shoulder,” he said. Now, while DeBoer’s not losing sleep over critics, he’s using the noise as fuel. “I know our team’s held on to it,” stated DeBoer. “That’s not who we are. It’s not the character of us. These guys are all in and doing the right things. So that’s what I reminded them of.” Then he shifted gears, making it clear where DeBoer’s squad’s focus lies.

“We can’t control what everyone else wants to run with, whatever storyline or how they feel,” he added. “We don’t want to take away the focus from what’s really important. That’s our preparation. When we step on that field tomorrow at practice, that’s what really matters.” Simply put, block out the noise, and let the work do the talking. Because the team had already proven it. Heading into the Vanderbilt game, Alabama faced doubts that history would repeat itself after last year’s loss as a favorite. But this season, as 12.5-point favorites via SportsLine, Alabama showed its potential. Now, while the team faces a 4th-ranked offense averaging 547.6 YPG, DeBoer kept the focus on belief.

“Do you believe in what we’ve got? Do you believe in the talent? Do you believe in the staff, and the staff believe in the players? The response has been that we do,” he added. Then the Bama HC urged his team to improve, stressing accountability. “We’re proving it to us, and that’s what it starts with. But I also know that there’s an edge where we’re proving it to everyone else, too,” he said, setting the tone of passion. And that’s the mindset that will guide Bama into their next challenge. Perhaps that clarifies his rejection of the Mizzou narrative.

Kalen DeBoer sets the tone for the Missouri game

Alabama is fired up, chasing a fifth straight win. This time, they hit the road to face Missouri. Although talk of a “trap game” ahead of their prime-time game with Tennessee is floating around. But Kalen DeBoer isn’t biting. “They’re 5-0,” he stated. “They’re a ranked team.” Now with Missouri standing as an undefeated SEC squad, DeBoer is making sure his team gives the Tigers the respect they’ve earned. Because Bama has the plan.

Alabama knows the key to slowing Missouri lies in stopping RB Ahmad Hardy. The engine behind an offense piling up 292 rushing YPG. Meanwhile, the Tide’s defense, allowing just 16 PPG. But don’t worry, as DeBoer’s squad has found its groove, bouncing back with strong wins over ranked opponents Vandy and Georgia. To cap it off, Ty Simpson has become the calm force at the center of Bama’s offense.

Against Vanderbilt, he went 23-of-31 for 340 yards. “We’re aggressive. Backed up in our own territory….When you trust your QB as a play-caller, there’s a lot of confidence there.” Kalen DeBoer said. In short, Alabama is geared up to shut down any chatter about the Missouri game.