Kalen DeBoer Discusses Team's Struggles with Penalties and Turnovers

On the night Nick Saban was celebrated and the field was officially dedicated as 'Saban Field,' Alabama faltered through the first three quarters against South Florida.

Saban could be seen on the sideline stressing this game out along with the rest of the Crimson Tide faithful.

Three late touchdowns showed a fight and resiliency from this team but Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer knows his squad wasn't perfect.

"There are many things that we look at that are things we get to definitely get cleaned up," DeBoer said. "Talked in the locker room about, you know, learning the lessons about things that didn't go right, but also understand that if we just keep fighting good things can happen."

Alabama was nailed for 13 penalties for 120 yards that negated multiple plays including a few touchdowns.

"It's hard to overcome, you know, second and long, third and long situations. And so, you know, we had to learn some lessons the hard way tonight," DeBoer said. "Two touchdowns that are called back, you know, because of holding calls, and obviously the turnover inside the five-yard line."

But DeBoer knows what can happen when his team is consistent and sustains drives.

"In the fourth quarter, staying away from the penalties and turnovers, it's amazing what can happen," DeBoer said.

"I think you need games like this," DeBoer said. "This game last year was an important one, you know, that propelled them last year, so try to be the same thing this year."

Related: Alabama's Three Standouts From USF Game