Jordan Rodgers on Alabama critics: 'The perception is not the reality'

Despite what college football fans might say, Alabama‘s season isn’t over after Week 1. During an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers explained how the Crimson Tide can bounce back from their season-opening loss.

“The perception is not the reality, at least behind closed doors,” Rodgers said. “I just got off the phone with Kalen [DeBoer] and Ryan Grubb and Kane Wommack and a couple players. They are a group that still feels really confident, that feels like maybe the intensity wasn’t what it should have been Week 1, but it’s a correctable issue.

“We all look at it and go, ‘Man, the effort sucked, and they got pushed around.’ Yeah, they did at times, right? Some of that was schemes. Some of that was guys that you just wish would have been playing with a little more intensity, which is correctable because the talent’s there. The scheme is still good, and I think they’re going to correct those things.”

Alabama fans haven’t shied away from calling out the Crimson Tide’s effort in their 31-17 loss to Florida State. In the loss, Florida State’s offense marched over Alabama, finishing the day with 382 total yards of offense.

The Seminoles were especially dominant in the ground game, racking up 280 rushing yards. Fans couldn’t help but compare the scene to when Nick Saban was the head coach at Alabama. Jordan Rodgers confirmed Alabama has heard the noise and is ready to redeem itself.

“You’re going to see a more inspired team against Louisiana Monroe,” Rodgers said. “You would hope that it’s going to be a game that they can handle. But, again, this is not a ‘the sky is falling’ situation. Now, I will say there will be some new pieces.

“The offensive line, all five starters from last week didn’t rotate out of the game. You’re going to see a few more guys rotate into that lineup to help out. You’re going to see a few more guys rotate into positions on the outside and other spots. There’s going to be some new faces.”

Alabama’s hunger isn’t solely driven by the team’s coaches. Earlier this week, tight end Josh Cuevas revealed the team held a players-only meeting to discuss what needs to change. Rodgers believes those changes will be made.

“What I took away from that call with Kalen DeBoer was competition is going to breed and bring out the best in this team,” Rodgers said. “They’re going to be more competitive, the intensity is going to be there, the passion is going to be ramped up.”