# Herbstreit changes tune on Alabama after Kentucky comeback

> The ESPN analyst was impressed by how the Crimson Tide rallied from a halftime deficit on the road.
- Title: Herbstreit changes tune on Alabama after Kentucky comeback
- Summary: The ESPN analyst was impressed by how the Crimson Tide rallied from a halftime deficit on the road. Alabama's ability to overcome adversity early in the…
- Keywords: kirk herbstreit, alabama crimson tide, kentucky wildcats, kalen deboer, keelon russell, daniel hill, nick saban, kroger field, sec football, college football, florida state seminoles, Herbstreit
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/kirk-herbstreit-changed-his-opinion-of-alabama-after-kentucky-win-12447396
- Author: Cameron Kiszla
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kirk herbstreit, alabama crimson tide, kentucky wildcats, kalen deboer, keelon russell, daniel hill, nick saban, kroger field, sec football, college football, florida state seminoles
## Alabama rallies past Kentucky
The Crimson Tide overcame a 17-13 halftime deficit to beat Kentucky 45-17 on the road at Kroger Field, scoring 32 straight points.
## Herbstreit impressed by the response
Kirk Herbstreit praised Alabama for handling adversity in the post-Saban era, especially after Kentucky kept the game competitive through halftime.

> I was really impressed with Alabama, honestly, because Alabama continues to show how challenging it is after the Nick Saban-era
## Young quarterback made mistakes
Keelon Russell threw multiple interceptions, including a pick-six inside Alabama's own 5-yard line, putting the team in a tough spot.
## Run game took over
Daniel Hill rushed for over 100 yards as Alabama dominated the second half, scoring 18 points in the third quarter alone to silence the hostile crowd.

> Daniel Hill over 100 yards rushing, they took the crowd out of the game.
## Early adversity builds character
Herbstreit believes overcoming this road test early in the season will help Alabama grow and develop as the year progresses.

> It's all about growing in the non-conference and these early conference games, and that's what Alabama did.
## Florida State rematch looms
Alabama hosts Florida State this weekend, seeking revenge for last year's season-opening loss to the Seminoles.
## Key takeaway

Alabama's ability to overcome adversity early in the season, rallying from a halftime deficit to win 45-17, suggests they're growing past the Nick Saban era.