"Only softens character": Kalen DeBoer sends clear message to Alabama players after loss to Tennessee

The Alabama Crimson Tide have had some issues during the SEC portion of their schedule. However, coach Kalen DeBoer understands that things could be difficult. The program is currently ranked 15th, with a 5-2 (2-2 SEC) record and having dropped two of its previous three games.

During the introductory portion of his press conference on Monday, Alabama Crimson Tide coach DeBoer discussed that there are no excuses for the team's loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 8.

"The message has been over the weeks, not only this week or not just after Vanderbilt, but the weeks all season long," DeBoer said. "The message is going to be 'There is never going to be excuses'. It only softens character, it lowers the standard and that will never happen."

The standard for the Roll Tide has been very similar over the years, but they are in a tough stretch and things could be more difficult. Their next two games are against the Missouri Tigers (at home) and on the road against the LSU Tigers. These are two formidable opponents who could hand Alabama another loss.

Can Kalen DeBoer's Alabama Crimson Tide make the College Football Playoff?

The College Football Playoff has been more of an expectation rather than a goal for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as they have made it in eight of the ten years that the CFP has been instituted. With the CFP expanding to 12 teams, it should be more of a lock that the Alabama Crimson Tide will make it once again.

However, they are in a difficult spot as they have already lost two games against conference opponents. Kalen DeBoer has the Crimson Tide eighth in the SEC, meaning they would have to jump a handful of teams to make the SEC Championship Game.

The 12-team format will give an automatic bid to the SEC Champion, but it looks like the Alabama Crimson Tide will not be able to make that game. There are seven at-large bids, and it is difficult to argue for the Roll Tide to make the CFP right now.

There are still five regular season games remaining for Kalen DeBoer to lead his team back into the discussion. Still, if the season ended today, there are seven at-large bids that make more sense than giving one to the Alabama Crimson Tide.