Sigh.

I think we’re going to do this. Some impressions:

Kalen DeBoer is going to take some serious heat, and it’s deserved

The most damning thing about that game is that every facet struggled, which could indicate the team didn’t approach the game with the right mindset. We saw the same thing happen earlier this season against South Florida. On the plus side, the team played two of its best halves of the season after losing byes to LSU and Georgia, so the staff knows how to plan their play. On the other hand, they have played poorly in SEC road games, except for the one in Baton Rouge.

What we saw last night was more execution than anything, and there were mistakes in every position group, except maybe running back. When the entire team fails to execute, one person bears the blame. By no means am I getting rid of the Kalen DeBoer wagon. This is his first year and we knew this year could be anything from national title to 7-5. Oklahoma is a better team than its record, but this effort with everything on the line is simply unacceptable. There will be a loud chorus of fans questioning the head coach this week, and rightly so. It’s been a long time since Alabama scored just three points, and even longer since they lost by 21 to a five-loss opponent.

Strong fronts that could trap Jalen Milroe continue to confuse him

Jalen’s passing appears to go sideways if the opponent can prevent him from getting loose, which is somewhat counterintuitive. He never looked comfortable in the game and managed to play even worse than the Tennessee game that served as his previous low water mark. Other than Anthony Richardson, it’s hard to believe any NFL team will grade him anywhere near the first round this year. It will be interesting to see what he does this offseason.

As bad as the overall effort was, Alabama is in that game without the interceptions.

The running attacks were terrible even before Deontae Lawson went down

Alabama’s linebackers were downright awful against the run in this game, including the “Wolf” position occupied by Qua Russaw and others. Lawson was blown out of holes a few times before going out with his injury. Kane Wommack was stubborn in sticking to his plan even as Oklahoma showed no appetite to throw the ball downfield. One-dimensional offenses would be easier to defend, but the Tide managed to make Jackson Arnold look like Tim Tebow circa 2008. To the defense’s credit, they managed to limit points per possession with some help from the Sooners, but they also allowed a lot of that. a lot on the ground.

The SEC official is embarrassing

Alabama had much bigger problems in the game, but Oklahoma’s first touchdown came on an explosive run by QB Jackson Arnold that should have been flagged because Domani Jackson was clearly held at the point of attack, and Ryan Wiliams’ call was simply mind-boggling. Nothing about it makes any sense. If it was covered, the flag should have come out as soon as the ball was released, and the call should have been an ineligible man downfield. Instead, the guy waited for Ryan to make a spectacular touchdown catch and call it illegal touching.

I’d like to believe that Alabama fans wouldn’t have joined the “throw trash on the field” club if the same flag had been thrown in Tuscaloosa, but I can’t say I’m confident in that assessment.

So here we are. Alabama still has an outside shot at the playoffs. I find it hard to believe that Greg Sankey will see his league get just three bids after cannibalizing himself. Oklahoma is a team that should have dealt with Alabama, but they would very likely be 11-1 against schedules played by Indiana or SMU. All five of their losses came against teams ranked higher than all the teams those two teams have defeated. The Sooners handled a Tulane team that ranks 20th in the CFP rankings and about the same per Sagarin and FPI, making that a better win than any compiled by SMU or Indiana.

Alabama woefully underestimated a decent opponent looking for a signature win on their Senior Night to salvage a disappointing season. The Sooners took advantage of their bye week and put together an excellent game plan. There’s still a chance Alabama could make the playoffs, but a trip to Columbus or Eugene or Austin or Athens doesn’t sound very appetizing right now.

Don’t lose next week, Kalen.

Roll tide.