Kalen DeBoer addressed a number of topics during the weekly SEC head coaches teleconference on Wednesday, including the SEC’s field rushing policy.
Despite the fact that fans rushing the field is obviously not allowed and that it’s been well-reflected by the heavy fines some programs have had to pay because of it happening (including when Alabama was defeated by Vanderbilt in Nashville), it is still a regular occurrence. And, really, it’s practically a given any time there is a major upset pulled in the winning team’s home stadium.
DeBoer views safety as the primary concern when it comes to this happening:
“I know when it happens, the biggest thing that you’re concerned about is the safety,” DeBoer said. “You’re trying to get your players off the field. All it takes is one fan who’s a little over the top and gets connected with one of our players who is super emotional and had just laid it all on the field.”
DeBoer called it a “recipe for something that could go wrong.”
“(It) would be nothing but a negative,” DeBoer said. “For the most part, I think our guys have handled themselves well. When we’ve been in those situations unfortunately.”
No. 14 Alabama will face No. 16 LSU up next on the schedule at 7:30 p.m ET on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Baton Rouge. With Alabama not exactly the team it used to be, it will be curious to see if fans rush the field in the event of an LSU victory.
It’s still possible, given the Alabama is, after all, LSU’s arch rival. Fans rushed the field two seasons ago when the Crimson Tide fell in Tiger Stadium.
