Live Updates: Alabama Coaches Press Conferences Ahead of Missouri

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Alabama football is back where it started at No. 8 in the AP Poll following its 30-14 win over Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide now has another matchup with an undefeated team as it heads to the Show-Me State to take on No. 14 Missouri.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer will speak to the media Monday around noon, recapping the Vanderbilt win and looking ahead to the Tigers. He will be preceded by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

Be sure to refresh your browser for the latest updates. Full transcripts and press conference videos will be published on BamaCentral after the conclusion of the media availability.

Live Updates:

(latest at the top)

Kalen DeBoer

DeBoer said its cool to have Formby, Kevin Riley, and William Sanders all playing big reps as Tuscaloosa natives. He said Sanders did a very good job of keeping a good mentality even when not having playing time and that he has been impressive thus far.

DeBoer said Alabama will not get caught in a trap game against Missouri, as the team recognizes that the Tigers are 5-0 and a ranked football team. Alabama needs to "shut up and do the work." He said there is a lot to work on in practice and the Crimson Tide has hit the ground running. Alabama has done a good job of avoiding outside noise and the team has recognized its ceiling and is trying to reach it.

DeBoer said that Simpson has a great relationship with the receivers and that he has been proactive in practice.

DeBoer said Connor Talty's response after missing his first field goal was good, as he made his next two kicks.

"It's competitive right now at those positions. It's more than just his." DeBoer says that Roberts is not injured currently and has been working to earn back the starting left guard job. He praised the competitiveness of the other guards and essentially said it is an open competition.

DeBoer says negative plays have been a problem for the offense, especially as it moves into opposing territory. Alabama needs to establish better down and distances.

DeBoer said Alabama's four-game stretch against ranked teams has been big for the team's growth, and feels good about the next two weeks. "If you've got the talent, got the people, catch a break here and there, you usually end up on the right side of it."

Said Alabama can not afford to be complacent because the team is still developing in many ways. Simpson has been a big part of keeping guys from growing complacent.

DeBoer praised Drinkwitz and said it will be a challenging game knowing that Alabama will have limited possesions due to Missouri's long drives and proficiency running the ball.

DeBoer said Alabama did a good job recovering after a slow start and that the Crimson Tide needs to address the problems that allowed Vanderbilt to take an early lead.

Ryan Grubb:

"We can't put ourselves in those positions to rely on another position group." Grubb was disappointed in Alabama needing to kick field goals on drives that he believed should have finished in the end zone.

Praised Jam Miller's pass blocking and physicality as a "tone-setter." Grubb challenged the running backs this past week and Miller embraced the challenge.

Grubb praised Simpson's desire to grow as a player. Talked about how SImpson comes into meetings always ready to improve on mistakes and says his ability to improvise when plays break down is impressive. "The sky is the limit for Ty."

He praised Missouri offensive coordinator Kirby Moore. The two worked together as position coaches at Fresno State. Said Moore is one of the best assistants in the country.

Grubb praised Ty Simpson's growth throughout the season. He said Simpson needs to be more careful with putting the ball in jeopardy, while

Kane Wommack:

Wommack said he's seen great improvement from Keon Sabb and Deontae Lawson as they return from injury and that he is "very excited" about those two guys.

Said that Alabama was not playing aggressively on the first drive. He said the physicality and violence that the Crimson Tide brought down the stretch was impressive and needs to continue going forward.

Wommack said the shovel pass has been one of Alabama's Achilles heels defensively. He recognizes that teams will continue to use it against Alabama until they are able to stop it, but he also said that it is something that may inevitably happen as long as Alabama continues to blitz the quarterback. He wants to see improvement in stopping the shovel, but is willing to live with it if it means getting pressure. He said that the pass rush is what won Alabama the game against Vanderbilt.

"Justin has a great feel for instinctive tracking; he can track the ball very well." Wommack says Justin Jefferson has been leading by example in practice, and he is proud of the way it has translated into games. He brings a unique energy to the defensive unit.

Players have done a good job of executing Wommack's in-game adjustments. Praised players' understanding and communication, and said that halftime adjustments are one of the biggest parts of Alabama's defensive identity.

Wommack said London Simmons has earned more playing time and will likely be out on the field more. He talked about Eli Drinkwitz's outside zone scheme and how it will provide a unique challenge. He is also emphasizing tackling this week, recognizing that Hardy and Jamal Roberts usually break the first tackle.

He said Ahmad Hardy is as good as any running back Alabama has faced in his time here. Praised Pribula's decision-making and says it will be a "great challenge" to stop Missouri's air and ground attack.

Wommack praised the defense's response after struggling in the first quarter. He said starting games faster will be a point of emphasis, and that Alabama "can't make a habit" out of giving opponents early momentum.

Wommack praised the team's composure on the sidelines. He said Tim Keenan did a really good job keeping teammates composed and praised his leadership.