Mouse traps placed around the Alabama football complex this week serve as a clever reminder, whether intended to signify a potential trap game against Vanderbilt or to emphasize the need to ignore distractions. As always, opposing teams bring their best effort to challenge the Crimson Tide.
Parker Brailsford, a transfer from Washington, downplayed the idea of Saturday’s matchup being a trap game. “We’re going to get everyone’s best, just like always. The standard is the standard. We’re just going to play ball.” Alabama fans appreciate Brailsford’s understanding of the team’s culture. His transition from Seattle to Tuscaloosa wasn’t easy, but following his offensive line coach, Scott Huff, made the decision simpler. Huff, who had recruited Brailsford from Arizona, was a close mentor. When Huff left for the NFL, Brailsford was understandably upset, as noted by his parents. His choice to stay in Tuscaloosa is underscored by his father’s remark that his NIL package was only about “30% of what he could’ve received” from other programs trying to lure him away.
Brailsford quickly found acceptance among his Alabama teammates and has made a significant impact at center while helping others learn DeBoer’s offense.
**Alabama Crimson Tide Focused**
The Crimson Tide will be focused this Saturday afternoon. Team leader Malachi Moore emphasized the importance of staying engaged: “We need to keep everyone locked in and remind them that we’re not satisfied. We haven’t done anything special this year that we didn’t expect to achieve.” The mindset under Kalen DeBoer mirrors that of Nick Saban: a win is just a win unless it leads to a championship.
Many in the college football world are already looking ahead to an Alabama game two weeks after the Vanderbilt matchup. While the “Third Saturday” promises to be significant, the Crimson Tide is determined not to get ahead of themselves.
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