Story byJeff HauserSat, January 3, 2026 at 5:42 PM UTC·1 min readAlabama star defends Kalen DeBoer after Rose Bowl defeat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson came to the defense of coach Kalen DeBoer following the Crimson Tide’s 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl, pushing back against criticism that intensified after the program’s worst postseason defeat in decades and overall since 1998. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAlabama was routed by the Indiana Hoosiers in Pasadena, a loss that followed nearly three weeks off and quickly fueled debate about DeBoer’s future. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 14-of-16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns as the Hoosiers dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Crimson Tide surrendered 215 rushing yards and managed just 23 yards on 17 carries, leaving quarterback Ty Simpson under constant pressure.
