Kalen DeBoer emphasizes LANK mentality after first marquee win at Alabama

Kalen DeBoer kicked off Georgia week hoping his team would embrace the LANK mentality. Quarterback Jalen Milroe has been behind the movement since its creation last season. But with the No. 2 Bulldogs in town, DeBoer knew a little extra motivation would be required.

The doubters did not have to be about Alabama as a whole for DeBoer to instill the mindset. Could be a whole unit, a position group, or even a specific player. Even though many expected the Crimson Tide to pull through in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer found a way to have his guys play with an edge.

“You have a matchup like this, there’s going to be some people that believe one thing or another,” DeBoer said during his postgame press conference. “‘Is this is mismatch at this position against that position?’ So, LANK is from a team aspect but also a position group or individual, side of the ball. Our guys do a great job of having that edge to them that comes with that mentality.”

The thought process worked and Alabama emerged with a touchdown victory against Georgia. One they might feel as if should have been dominant through four quarters, DeBoer is going to take the win any way he can. LANK was certainly on their mind throughout and showed during the postgame celebrations.

One thing DeBoer is proud of his team for is being confident in themselves without coming off as arrogant. The hard work has paid off in a big way through four games, with no result being bigger than taking down Georgia.

“I’m proud of them because they understand that edge but they keep the confidence and they don’t do it in an arrogant way,” DeBoer said. “I appreciate the way they come to work, that’s what you can really see what it translates to in wins like we had tonight.”

Alabama showed off some of its swagger in the first half, going up 28-0 in the blink of an eye. A halftime lead of 23 seemed almost insurmountable for Georgia, especially the way Carson Beck was playing. Everything was clicking in the right direction.

Some adversity was fought through, though, as Georgia took the lead with under three minutes to go. Milroe connected with Ryan Williams to re-take the lead before Zabien Brown caught the game-sealing interception on the next UGA drive.

During the entire game, DeBoer knew LANK was going through his team’s mind.