The Alabama Crimson Tide football team has made a significant change at kicker following a disappointing performance by Conor Talty. After fans expressed their frustration with Talty’s missed field goal during the game against Eastern Illinois, Head Coach Kalen DeBoer decided to give Peter Notaro a chance to take over kicking duties.
In the second quarter of the game, as Alabama scored its fourth touchdown, Notaro was called upon to kick the extra point. This decision came after Talty missed a 28-yard attempt early in the match. The crowd responded with boos as Talty exited the field, and the discontent continued when he returned to attempt an extra point later in the game. Notaro successfully converted the extra point, pushing Alabama’s lead to 28-0.
Despite the setback, Talty remained on the field for the subsequent kickoff. This move follows a tumultuous week for the kicker, who has faced intense criticism. His recent struggles include a missed 36-yard attempt against Oklahoma, which contributed to a narrow loss for the Crimson Tide. Following that miss, Talty was seen arguing with David Bird, the long-snapper, after a high snap led to the failed kick.
Coach DeBoer addressed the situation, emphasizing the competitive nature of the team. “We’re all competitive, and those guys are competitive. And they want to make that kick and have the execution be at a high level,” he said. DeBoer acknowledged the emotional reactions on the field but expressed confidence that the team could resolve their differences quickly.
Notaro, a freshman and a five-star kicking recruit according to Kohl’s Kicking, had previously shown promise during the season. He made all four of his extra point attempts in a blowout victory against Louisiana-Monroe. This season, Talty’s performance has been concerning, as he has converted only 11 of 18 field goals, with a less than stellar 2 for 4 from 20-29 yards.
As the Crimson Tide continues its campaign, the team will be looking for consistency in its kicking game. The transition from Talty to Notaro could serve as a pivotal moment in Alabama’s season, especially as they gear up for tougher matchups ahead. The coaching staff hopes that this change will not only improve the team’s performance on the field but also restore confidence within the squad as they aim for a successful season.
