Alabama football made a significant change at kicker following a disappointing performance by Conor Talty during a matchup against Eastern Illinois on September 30, 2023. After Talty missed a crucial 28-yard field goal, head coach Kalen DeBoer decided to replace him with freshman Peter Notaro for the extra point attempt after the Crimson Tide scored their fourth touchdown in the second quarter.
The decision to switch kickers came after Talty faced boos from the home crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium. His earlier miss marked a troubling statistic, bringing his season total to just 11 successful kicks out of 18 attempts, including a mere 2-for-4 on field goals from 20 to 29 yards. Notaro successfully converted the extra point, extending Alabama’s lead to 28-0 as they dominated the game against the FCS opponent.
Talty’s struggles have been a topic of concern in recent weeks. Just a week prior, he missed a vital 36-yard field goal against Oklahoma, a failure that contributed to Alabama’s narrow loss. Following that game, Talty was seen arguing with long-snapper David Bird about the high snap on the missed attempt. DeBoer addressed these incidents on Monday, acknowledging the competitive nature of the players.
“We’re all competitive, and those guys want to make that kick,” DeBoer said. “Every single one of those guys takes ownership. In that moment, Conor’s a competitive guy, and he knows how important those points are.”
Despite the pressure, DeBoer emphasized the importance of camaraderie among the team, stating that they quickly resolved any tensions in the locker room and were prepared to continue executing their game plan.
Notaro had been in a competitive battle for the kicking position during preseason camp and had previously demonstrated his capabilities by making all four of his extra point attempts in a blowout victory against Louisiana-Monroe. Regarded as a five-star kicking recruit by Kohl’s Kicking, Notaro is currently a preferred walk-on for the Alabama program, showcasing the depth of talent available to the Crimson Tide.
As Alabama continues its season, the shift in the kicking role may impact both team morale and performance as they aim to maintain dominance in college football. The situation reflects the high stakes and pressures associated with being part of a top-tier program, where each player’s performance is scrutinized closely by fans and analysts alike.
