"He inherited a Mercedes": Alabama sportscaster stands by Kalen DeBoer by calling out Nick Saban and Bear Bryant

Kalen DeBoer hasn't gotten out to the start he'd hoped for in his first season coaching the Alabama Crimson Tide. After claiming the top spot in the AP Top 25, the Tide has lost two of their last three games, enduring a historic upset versus Vanderbilt in Week 6 and losing to then-No. 11 Tennessee in Week 8. Their lone win came versus the lowly South Carolina Gamecocks 27-25.

DeBoer has faced his share of criticism since the Tide fell to No. 15 after their loss to Tennesee, their lowest ranking since 2010. Alabama football sportscaster Chris Stewart offered his support for the Tide coach on Wednesday's episode of "Cover Crimson."

"(Bear Bryant) struggled in his first year back in Tuscaloosa, inheriting a tough situation," DeBoer said. "Obviously, (Nick Saban) struggled in his first year, inheriting a less-than-ideal situation.

"DeBoer inherited a really good job. He inherited a Mercedes, but if there's not a full tank of gas, it's hard to get all the way where you're wanting to go. There was a couple of tires with tread on them, and it didn't have a full tank of gas. So, it doesn't mean you can't drive it, doesn't mean you can't get it into victory lane, but you're gonna have to make a couple of pit stops that you may not have anticipated."

Legendary coaches Bryant and Saban recorded a combined record of 12-10-1 in their first seasons. Stewart called for fans to have patience with Kalen DeBoer as he begins his run leading the Tide.

Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide favored vs. Missouri

The Crimson Tide (5-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) will have the opportunity to bounce back with a Top 25 matchup versus the No. 21 Missouri Tigers (6-1, 2-1) in Week 9. Alabama opens the week as an eye-popping 16.5-point favorite over Missouri, as they're back at home in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama can get its playoff hopes back on track with their second Top 25 win of the season entering a crucial week off. Coming off their open week, the Tide will travel to Baton Rouge to take on the No. 8 LSU Tigers, where their playoff hopes could hang in the balance, assuming they beat Missouri.

The Crimson Tide aren't out of the race yet, playing in a loaded SEC, but Alabama can ill afford to suffer another loss to an SEC opponent with four conference opponents left on its schedule.