UPDATE: In a bold move following a string of missed field goals, Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer has made a significant change at kicker, opting for freshman Peter Notaro during Saturday’s game against Eastern Illinois. This decision comes after Conor Talty faced intense criticism from fans, culminating in boos after a missed 28-yard attempt earlier in the match.
As Alabama dominated the game, scoring their fourth touchdown late in the second quarter, Notaro successfully converted on the extra point, bringing the score to 28-0. Talty, who had previously missed two crucial kicks this season, including a pivotal field goal against Oklahoma, was visibly shaken as he exited the field, further heightening the tension among the Crimson Tide supporters.
The decision to bench Talty in favor of Notaro is a clear signal of the pressure mounting around the kicking game. Talty’s current statistics reveal he stands at just 11-for-18 on field goals this season, with a disappointing 2-for-4 from 20-29 yards. The switch comes just a week after Talty was caught in a heated moment with long-snapper David Bird, which raised eyebrows in the college football community.
In a statement addressing the situation, Coach DeBoer emphasized the competitive nature of the team. “We’re all competitive, and those guys are competitive,” he said. “They want to make that kick and have the execution be at a high level.” The tension in the locker room, however, was quickly resolved, as DeBoer noted the team’s commitment to working together.
Notaro, who has been a strong contender for the kicking job throughout preseason, made his mark earlier this season by successfully completing all four extra point attempts in a blowout victory over Louisiana-Monroe. Rated as a five-star recruit by Kohl’s Kicking, he is currently a preferred walk-on for Alabama.
As the Crimson Tide faces the rest of the season, all eyes will be on how this kicking change impacts their performance. With Alabama looking to maintain dominance in college football, the spotlight will remain on who takes the field in critical moments.
Stay tuned for more updates as Alabama football navigates this pivotal season.
