By now, all Alabama fans have seen the viral clip of Bray Hubbard loafing across the field on a Florida State reverse that went for a touchdown. Hubbard clearly didn't think he would be part of the play, never hustled, and the Seminoles scored on a play he probably could have stopped had he given good - not even great - effort.
Alabama players received a lot of heat and criticism for their performance in Tallahassee in Week 1. No single player received more of it than Hubbard, a guy who entered the season as a fan-favorite and one of the leaders of the team.
With Tim Keenan injured and unable to play the first two games, Hubbard has served as one of the team captains in his stead. He's obviously an important locker room voice. Hearing him talk on Tuesday, discussing the viral clip and his performance from the first game, shows you exactly why.
Hubbard didn't shy away from it. He owned his performance and is now using the criticism as motivation to get better every week.
“I took it personally,” Hubbard said. “I mean, it’s on me. Coaches see it, I saw it. It’s obvious. I gotta take it on myself.
"That wasn't us. We knew that wasn’t us, and we know we had to go out there and fight. That’s not the standard around here. Week 1’s not the standard around here. So, we know what we gotta do, and we’re working on that every day to get better.”
Hubbard and the Alabama defense responded in a big way against ULM
The effort level and the intensity were much better for Alabama in Week 2's 73-0 drubbing of UL Monroe. Everyone brought it from the opening snap. The Warhawks never stood a chance.
Hubbard and his teammates flew to the ball, holding ULM to just 148 total yards of offense and keeping them off the scoreboard. It wasn't until a drive in the fourth quarter - aided by Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.'s targeting penalty - that the Warhawks even crossed midfield.
Obviously, the competition is a major caveat. But all Alabama fans wanted to see last week was effort and pride. They wanted to see the team play up to the standard, no matter the opponent. That's what they got.
If Alabama turned the corner fully, then it's possible we look back on the FSU loss in Week 1 as a blessing in disguise. It might have been just the wake-up call that this team needed.