Alabama most to blame for ugly loss to Tennessee

October 18, 2026

Alabama’s 26–10 loss to Tennessee on Saturday marked the Crimson Tide’s second consecutive defeat under head coach Kalen DeBoer, dropping them out of the top 10 rankings. The game exposed deep systemic issues, with Tennessee’s defense dominating and Alabama’s offense struggling to find rhythm.

Quarterback Keelon Russell, a key figure, publicly questioned his own performance, underscoring the team’s broader offensive woes. The loss follows a 10–9 defeat to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, where Alabama’s offense again faltered, producing just 209 yards under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb—a trend that extends to four of the program’s six lowest-scoring games since 2015, all under DeBoer’s tenure and three with Grubb calling plays.

The data paints a clear picture: Alabama’s offense has underperformed in high-stakes matchups, with Grubb’s play-calling scheme failing to adapt, raising serious questions about his future with the program. DeBoer, who boasts a combined 37–9 record at Fresno State and Washington, has yet to replicate that success in Tuscaloosa, where Alabama has not won a national title or SEC championship under his leadership.

Fans and analysts alike are now demanding answers, with speculation mounting that DeBoer may need to either reclaim play-calling duties or allow Grubb to pursue other opportunities elsewhere.