Retired running back and former Heisman winner Mark Ingram wants to see his alma mater, Alabama, win big just like he did with the 2009 Crimson Tide. But he’s worried about the Crimson Tide’s lack of discipline under Kalen DeBoer in Week 2 against USF – specifically, the 120 penalty yards and three fumbles.
During the FOX Sports halftime show of Arizona and Kansas State’s September 13 clash, Ingram called out that the “Bama Standard” was not met during the Crimson Tide’s 42-16 win over the Bulls at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“Clean it up,” Ingram said (h/t On3). “They’ve got to clean it up, man. Thirteen penalties for 120 yards, took three touchdowns off the board. Before you learn how to win, you must learn what keeps you from getting beat.
“And turning the ball over, having penalties will get you beat – especially in this rugged schedule that they have. So they had three turnovers lost. Talked to Coach DeBoer this week and that’s been the point of emphasis all week long. Take care of the football on offense and turn the ball over on defense. That will be a challenge for Alabama tomorrow.”
Kalen DeBoer under unprecedented microscope at Alabama
No coach has ever walked into a landmine like DeBoer has in Tuscaloosa. He has to follow up a six-time winner and had de-commits naturally leave after Saban’s retirement. Meanwhile, he’s been labeled “Husky Harsin” as another offensive-minded coach with Pacific Northwest roots coming to a new frontier in the Deep South.
Having a similar run to Bryan Harsin would be devastating for Alabama. Auburn is still recovering from his presence.
DeBoer has to be perfect for Tide fans not to miss Saban. He did well in Week 1 against Western Kentucky in a 63-0 rout but it was too close for comfort against USF.
Hence the microscope from a proud alum after a sloppy Week 2 showing.
