Kalen DeBoer Sends Message to Alabama Fans Amid Kicking Struggles

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama kicker Conor Talty has struggled this season, making 64.7% of his kicks on the season. Those struggles carried over to Alabama's 56-0 victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday, with Talty missing a 28-yard field goal during the first half for the Crimson Tide.

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The Alabama student section made its frustration known, starting a chorus of boos that echoed throughout the stadium after Talty's kick banged off the upright. Talty taunted the fanbase, encouraging the fans to keep them coming after the missed kick, before Talty had a conversation with head coach Kalen DeBoer on the sideline.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer didn't like hearing the fans rain boos down on the Tide's kicker, and chastised the fans after the game, saying he wished they had Talty's back the same way the team does.

"Yeah, I wish they'd have their back like I know our locker room has his back. You know, and he's trying to -  he's working hard, and he had a great week of practice. I don't think he missed one all week and put them all over the place. So, you know, it's easy to keep plugging away and just want everyone support him. He's just like every other player on our football team, giving everything he has."

Talty has made 11 field goals this season, with two coming from the 20-29-yard range, four coming from the 30-39-yard range, and five coming from the 40-49-yard range. He's made multiple field goals in three games this season for Alabama, making three against Vanderbilt, two against Missouri, and two against LSU.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.