‘It Really Got Us Going’: Delgatty Details Alabama’s Halftime Message

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After Alabama’s thrilling comeback win over Florida State on Saturday, Crimson Tide transfer center Racin Delgatty credited a halftime mindset shift and a fiery message from the coaching staff for Alabama’s dominant second-half rushing performance.

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Alabama’s ground game transformed dramatically after halftime. The Crimson Tide managed just 27 rushing yards in the first half but erupted for 220 yards after the break, fueling their 50-36 victory. The turnaround was even more impressive considering Florida State once held a commanding 21-6 lead early in the second quarter.

"I think it was just the mindset going into the second half. I don't know, there was something off in the first half. I mean, the coaches really got us hyped for the second half, and we really came and put it together," Delgatty told reporters following the Tide's comeback win. 

The Crimson Tide’s offense looked unstoppable after halftime, scoring on every one of its four drives, excluding the final possession when they simply knelt to run out the clock. Alabama averaged an eye-popping ten yards per carry in the second half and found the end zone three times on the ground.

Delgatty detailed how the coaches’ passionate words lit a fire under the offensive line. He credited Director of Sports Performance David Ballou and offensive line coach Adrian Klemm for “hyping” the group and fueling their dominant second half. Delgatty also described the energy in the huddle during Alabama’s game-clinching drive, a 90-yard, nine-play march that chewed over five minutes off the clock and ended with a 20-yard touchdown run from freshman running back Tre'Shawn Brown, putting the Tide up 50-36 with just 2:15 left.

"Man, Coach [David] Ballou, every time, man, he'll get you going, and Coach [Adrian] Klemm came in and said a few words, and we shouldn't really need it, but for some reason we needed it, and it really got us going," Delgatty added. "We gotta win the game, we gotta do whatever we gotta do. Drive the ball, I mean it was definitely like a switch in mindset going into that last drive."

Alabama aims to extend its three-game winning streak as it returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium to face South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.