Kalen DeBoer says Alabama needs killer instinct, but ‘it’s not like they’re not trying’

Alabama trainer Kalen DeBoer said he won’t question his team’s performance after the Tide suffered its second loss of the season Saturday night in Knoxville and against Tennessee two weeks after the loss to Vanderbilt.

“I don’t question the fight,” DeBoer said after the 24-17 loss in Knoxville. “I mean, I don’t question the preparation. I don’t question the work that went into it. These guys were ready and Tuesday’s practice was great energy-wise and we really felt like we were on the right track through and through. “But we’re just not able to get the offense and defense together at the moment and playing great team football. There are times when we need to be able to disconnect and have that killer instinct.

“And right now we’re not doing that. And it’s not that they don’t try. It’s just the execution that needs to be better.”

Wide receiver Germie Bernard was asked about the team’s reaction after the loss Vanderbiltwhich included a 27-25 win last week South Carolina before Saturday’s loss to Tennessee.

“I think we did a good job of getting back on our feet and continuing this fight every week,” Bernard said. “Every day anew – that’s something that’s not easy. The game of football is not easy. The process is not easy. But we have a great group of guys who are resilient. We’re going to continue to put everyone on display. And we have to do our best every day, whatever the coaches – and the game plan – and execute it to the best of our ability.”

Bernard also defended his teammates’ determination in an October that has resulted in a 1-2 record so far and pushed the Tide to the brink of the College Football Playoff race.

“I think we play with courage,” Bernard said. “It’s definitely a tough defeat. I wouldn’t want to go to war with any other team.”