Alabama’s ground game proved too much for Wisconsin’s defense, which had been nearly untouchable all season. Opposing RBs had barely moved the needle through 2 games, totaling just 67 yards and zero TDs. But against the Badgers, Tide RBs Dre Washington, Kevin Riley, AK Dear, and Richard Young couldn’t break the streak, combining for only 45 yards on 15 carries. Jamarion Miller is still out. The only rushing score came from Germie Bernard on a short 2-yard handoff – the first rushing touchdown allowed by Wisconsin all season. Now in Week 4, Alabama faces Georgia, known for a simple yet adaptable defense that thrives on smart execution. This is where the worry starts.
In the Week 3 game, momentum never favored Wisconsin. And the reason is very simple. Early penalties, turnovers, and mental errors allowed Alabama to dominate before halftime. Well, a 98-yard drive in eight plays pushed the Crimson Tide up three scores, and Ryan Williams added two more TDs in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. So, the question is: Can Alabama maintain RB production and consistency before their showdown with Georgia? Here, Alabama’s QB coach delivered a message addressing Bama’s locker room.
On his September 15 appearance on YEA Alabama, Coach Nick Sheridan praised the team’s spirit. “They’re super competitive,” he said. “I don’t want that to be misconstrued. All of those guys — they love playing, they love to compete.” Then Sheridan also highlighted the locker room chemistry. “They support one another because they know the better the room is, the better our team will be,” he added. So, it’s that mix of fierce competitiveness and team-first mentality that sets Alabama apart. And why not?
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Under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s 2025 Crimson Tide are firing on all cylinders. The coach has brought a “No Mercy” mindset, pushing for relentless play and sharp execution. And fresh talent is making waves: at QB, Ty Simpson leads the offense with poise and experience. Then Daniel Hill anchors the rushing attack with power and versatility, while Ryan Williams adds speed and playmaking ability at WR. And on defense, Domani Jackson brings veteran savvy to the secondary, and LB Deontae Lawson commands the front with precise tackling and instincts. So, DeBoer’s simple, adaptable system lets players play fast and confidently. Now, with skill, depth, and discipline, Alabama looks ready to dominate the SEC and chase a playoff run. But what about the rivalry?
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Back in 2024, respect defined the Alabama–Georgia rivalry. After Alabama’s 41–34 win, Coach DeBoer tipped his hat to the Bulldogs. “Tip of the cap to Georgia, they’re a heck of a football team. We pushed each other to the very end,” he said. Moreover, he also praised his team’s grind, stating, “We talk about, you get what you deserve, and these guys come to practice every single day… and they’re doing it to an extremely high level.”
Meanwhile, Kirby Smart showed admiration for Alabama’s program. “I think they got really good players. They got a great program. I got immense amount of respect for them,” he noted. But that was last year. Heading into 2025, the tone has sharpened. Respect remains, but both sides are primed to prove who’s truly in control in the SEC.
Alabama HC sets the tone for Georgia showdown
The Crimson Tide is riding high. Momentum is on their side, but Alabama knows it can’t take a break. Now, after an open week, they’ll need to bring the same fire when they hit the road. “I think our team as a whole, they’ve really been forced to stick together on another level,” said Kalen DeBoer. “I hope that edge it has created the last couple weeks… It needs to. I’m going to keep reminding them of that. It’s led to a lot of positive things in our football team.” Although Alabama bounced back strongly after a Week 1 loss to Florida State, the real test is yet to come.
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Now, Alabama (2‑1) faces No. 5 Georgia (3‑0) on Saturday at Sanford Stadium in Athens. And DeBoer knows this matchup is a different beast. Tougher teams, sharper challenges, and a hostile environment await. But through it all, DeBoer is proud of his team’s focus.
“I’m just really proud of our guys and the way they’ve handled any outside noise,” he said. “They’ve understood it doesn’t mean anything. It really matters what we think and what we do. They’ve really channeled their focus and their energy into the right things. That’s their preparation. It’s probably added a little fuel to the fire in some cases for individuals.” So, Alabama is ready, mentally and physically, to turn preparation into domination.