UPDATE: The Alabama Crimson Tide have made an urgent change at kicker following Conor Talty‘s disappointing performance during Saturday’s game against Eastern Illinois. Fans booed Talty after he missed a 28-yard field goal, prompting head coach Kalen DeBoer to switch to freshman Peter Notaro for extra point attempts.
During the game on September 30, 2023, Talty’s early miss drew immediate backlash from the crowd, impacting the atmosphere as Alabama led 28-0 in a dominant performance. Just before halftime, Notaro was called to kick an extra point after the Crimson Tide scored their fourth touchdown, successfully converting and solidifying Alabama’s commanding lead.
Talty’s missed field goal marks his 11-for-18 record this season and highlights his ongoing struggles, particularly with attempts from 20-29 yards, where he is just 2-for-4. This follows a tumultuous week for Talty, who faced intense scrutiny after missing a critical 36-yard attempt against Oklahoma, a miss that many believe contributed to Alabama’s loss.
In a statement, Coach DeBoer acknowledged the pressures faced by kickers, saying, “We’re all competitive, and those guys want to make that kick. The execution is crucial, and Conor knows how important those points are.” He added that the team resolved any issues quickly, emphasizing their bond and collaborative effort during practice.
Notaro, who won the kicking job after a competitive preseason, had previously shown promise, successfully completing all four extra point attempts in a blowout win over Louisiana-Monroe. Ranked as a five-star recruit by Kohl’s Kicking, he is currently a preferred walk-on for Alabama.
As Alabama continues its season, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if this change will provide the spark needed for the team’s kicking game. The Crimson Tide’s next matchup will be crucial as they look to maintain momentum and improve their performance ahead of tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Alabama football navigates this pivotal moment.
