Tide Takes: Alabama has fallen short of expectations. It’s time for DeBoer to hit the reset button

Every Monday, we present “Tide Takes”, where we’ll get into a different topic on the Crimson Tide, break down the previous game, preview the upcoming game, and everything in between.

The Alabama Crimson Tide was thoroughly dominated on Saturday night by the Oklahoma Sooners in what was a 24-3 beatdown by an inferior team and really a game that showcased every flaw the team has had all year.

A leaky defense that has been a problem at times all season allowed 257 rushing yards in what was a pathetic display of rush defense. But this wasn’t even the biggest issue.

Offensively, both the game plan and the execution was simply a nightmare. Jalen Milroe was not rushing the ball with any success, yet, quarterback runs kept being called. Of course, things didn’t get any better when they went to the air and Jalen Milroe threw three dreadful interceptions — one of them being brought back for an Oklahoma touchdown.

With playoff hopes now all but dead, Kalen DeBoer must hit the reset button this offseason. Of course, there’s a massive game this week that is needed to end the year on a high note before any sort of bowl game appearance with Auburn coming to town for the Iron Bowl, but it’s safe to say this team will look significantly different next season.

RELATED: Alabama has received $400,000 in field-storming fine payouts after repetitive upset losses

For all Milroe has done for the team over the last two years — he’s not the quarterback to run DeBoer’s offense. Milroe is what he is, which is a phenomenal athlete who struggles to play from behind and cannot get it done in obvious passing situations. DeBoer’s offense calls for a gunslinger who can pick apart a defense with accuracy and precision.

When called on to beat a team with his arm as Milroe was on Saturday night, he is not capable of doing it.

There’s no shame in admitting it, it’s simply the reality surrounding a quarterback that has always been flawed and pigeon-holed this offense into a place where it will struggle against good run defenses as the Sooners presented.

Whether it’s to the NFL or into the transfer portal, DeBoer needs to nudge Milroe out the door after this season and the program needs to move on from this era as a whole. He hasn’t been benched because he’s the leader of this team and would result in losing the locker room, but if both sides can move on then DeBoer can have a real quarterback competition this offseason to pick the true best option to run his offense.

Milroe will try to secure one more win this week over Auburn, but this offseason, DeBoer needs to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to get better results next season.