The Alabama Crimson Tide and its coaching staff have been the subject of criticism from across the country following the dreadful start to year two of the Kalen DeBoer era when they were smoked at Florida State last weekend.

Moving forward, DeBoer’s team turns their focus to ULM this week in the home opener for what on paper should be a very easy victory. What’s even more critical than the result — an assumed victory — is how much passion and fire the team comes out with after looking like there was next to none in Tallahassee.

This has been the biggest — and most valid — critique of those who are already prepared to move on from DeBoer. Playing poorly is one thing, but playing with a lack of effort and any semblance of passion is another.

During his weekly appearance on Hey Coach on Wednesday night, DeBoer was candid about the feeling within the locker room after the ugly effort and did not hide behind it:

“We’re all pissed off about what happened on Saturday, we are. Just flat out, that’s what it is,” DeBoer said. “Starting with me and through our staff and to our team, there’s only one thing you can do and that’s learn from it and you have to respond. These guys have responded in a great way and it’s one that I expected and one I’m proud of.”

Chances are, we won’t find out how accurate this is until the Tide hit the road again in a few weeks to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. As for DeBoer, it does not seem like his faith both in his team and his ability to do this is shaken, which should at least inspire some level of confidence within the fanbase.