BREAKING: In a dramatic shift following a disappointing performance, Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer has made an immediate change at kicker after Conor Talty faced heavy criticism from fans during Saturday’s game against Eastern Illinois.
With the Crimson Tide leading 28-0 late in the second quarter, DeBoer turned to freshman kicker Peter Notaro for the extra point after Alabama’s fourth touchdown. This decision followed Talty’s earlier miss of a 28-yard field goal, leading to audible boos from the home crowd.
Talty, who had been struggling this season with a 11-for-18 record on field goals and only 2-for-4 on attempts from 20-29 yards, faced intense scrutiny after his performance against Oklahoma the previous week. In that game, a missed 36-yarder resulted in a crucial loss for the Crimson Tide, and an emotional outburst towards the long-snapper drew additional attention.
In response to the mounting pressure, DeBoer stated, “We’re all competitive, and those guys are competitive. They want to make that kick… Conor’s a competitive guy, and he knows how important those points are.” He added that the team quickly resolved their differences and was prepared to execute effectively moving forward.
Notaro, who had previously shown promise by making all four of his extra point attempts against Louisiana-Monroe, was a five-star recruit from high school and is currently a preferred walk-on at Alabama. His successful extra point kick against Eastern Illinois not only solidified his position but also showcased the potential for a rejuvenated kicking game.
Alabama’s decision comes at a critical point in their season, as they aim to maintain momentum and improve their overall performance. As the Crimson Tide continues its campaign, fans will be watching closely to see if this change will lead to more consistent scoring and a stronger showing in upcoming games.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Alabama football team looks to bounce back after a rocky start to their kicking situation.
