In the somber aftermath of Alabama’s historic 38-3 defeat to No. 1 Indiana in the 2026 Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal, head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the media with visible emotion, shedding light on the challenges his team faced on the field.
“They gave their all on the field tonight,” DeBoer said, his voice choked as he fought back tears. “Please understand what they’ve been through. I beg everyone to show our team some empathy right now…”
The plea came after a game in which starting quarterback Ty Simpson suffered a cracked rib late in the first half on a hard hit that forced a fumble, significantly hampering his ability to lead the offense effectively.
Simpson, who had been battling through a demanding season, tried to return in the second half after halftime treatment and an X-ray confirming the injury, but after one series, he and the coaches determined he couldn’t continue at full capacity.
DeBoer praised Simpson’s toughness, noting he “really wanted to try to go out there” but ultimately stepped aside for backup Austin Mack to give the team its best chance, a decision rooted in protecting the player’s health amid the blowout.
This revelation shifted the narrative from outright frustration to sympathy among many fans, who had initially vented anger over one of the most lopsided postseason losses in Crimson Tide history, recognizing the physical toll that limited the squad’s performance.
As Alabama closes a 11-4 season with roster questions looming in the transfer portal era, DeBoer’s emotional appeal humanized the defeat, reminding supporters that behind the scoreboard lies a group of young athletes who battled through adversity until the end.
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