UPDATE: In a decisive move following player performance issues, Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer has made an urgent change at kicker during today’s game against Eastern Illinois. After a series of missed opportunities, including a 28-yard miss by Conor Talty, DeBoer turned to freshman Peter Notaro to kick the extra point after Alabama’s fourth touchdown, marking a significant shift in strategy.
Fans expressed their frustration with Talty, booing him as he left the field after his missed field goal. Notaro successfully converted the extra point, extending Alabama’s lead to 28-0 in the second quarter. Talty, who returned for the kickoff, has struggled this season, going 11-for-18 on field goals and just 2-for-4 from 20-29 yards.
This incident follows a controversial moment last week when Talty was criticized for a crucial miss against Oklahoma, which contributed to Alabama’s loss. The kicker was seen in a heated exchange with long-snapper David Bird after that game, highlighting the intense pressure surrounding his performance.
DeBoer commented on the competitive nature of the team, stating, “We’re all competitive, and those guys are competitive. They want to make that kick and have the execution be at a high level.” He emphasized that while Talty’s reaction was not ideal, it reflects the importance of the game to the players.
Notaro, who battled for the kicker position throughout preseason, had previously shown promise by making all four extra points in a blowout win against Louisiana-Monroe. The five-star recruit has now stepped into a crucial role for the Crimson Tide as the season progresses.
As the game unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if this change can reinvigorate Alabama’s kicking game and regain their momentum in the season. Keep following for live updates and further developments on this change in Alabama football strategy.
