Alabama · SECGrubb apologizes to Alabama fans after criticizing them
The apology followed a 50–36 comeback over Florida State after multiple lightning delays and a 21–6 deficit, with South Carolina next at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
SEP 22, 2026
Grubb apologized Monday after criticizing fans who appeared to give up during the Crimson Tide’s 50–36 comeback over Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 19, after Alabama fell behind 21–6.
“I told the guys, I said, shoot, guys, if you'd have quit as fast as some of your fans. S**t, we wouldn't have won that game,” Grubb said Monday. Some Alabama fans stayed through multiple lightning delays before watching the comeback at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama hosts 2–1 South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. ET.
“My passion for The University of Alabama football team runs deep...I should have worded my statement today more carefully. This is a special place with an incredible fanbase that all of us are thankful for. I have been spoiled by our great fans who are a sense of inspiration for our players. I let my loyalty and passion for my players affect my choice of words and offend some people that I certainly would have never intended to - the Crimson Tide faithful - and for that I apologize…” Grubb said.
01 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
Alabama has reached 3–0 by scoring 143 points and allowing 63, an 80-point margin that makes the friction with its own crowd more striking than the record alone suggests. The concern underneath Grubb’s remark is the direction of opponent scoring: East Carolina scored 10, Kentucky scored 17 and Florida State scored 36. The Seminoles scored nine more than the first two opponents combined.
The calendar gives Grubb one home date to settle the atmosphere before Georgia visits Oct. 10. South Carolina comes to Bryant-Denny on Sept. 26, followed by Alabama’s Oct. 3 trip to Mississippi State. Another slow start against a South Carolina team that has scored 57, 45 and 34 would carry the fan dispute into the stretch that also includes Tennessee on Oct. 17 and Texas A&M on Oct. 24.
02 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered
Can Alabama put together a faster start against South Carolina?
The material identifies slow starts as a season-long pattern, and Florida State turned the latest one into a 21–6 deficit. South Carolina has scored at least 34 points in each of its three games, so Alabama’s opening possessions and the early score on Sept. 26 will provide the next tell. Another early hole would keep Grubb’s criticism attached to the team’s performance before the Oct. 3 trip to Mississippi State and Georgia’s Oct. 10 visit.