Kalen DeBoer is a strong coach. Everyone knows that. However, he has not been treated as fairly as some of his coaching contemporaries who have done less than him over the same time span. While the likes of Dan Lanning and Steve Sarkisian continue to garner praise, DeBoer is still not a top-10 head coach in the eyes of everyone. He can change all that by winning prolifically at Alabama this fall.
As far as what DeBoer needs to navigate, here is what Alabama will be up against during this season.
Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Sept. 5 | East Carolina Pirates | Tuscaloosa, AL | 11:00 a.m. CT |
Sept. 12 | at Kentucky Wildcats | Lexington, KY | 2:30 p.m. CT |
Sept. 19 | Florida State Seminoles | Tuscaloosa, AL | 2:30 p.m. CT |
Sept. 26 | South Carolina Gamecocks | Tuscaloosa, AL | 5:00-7:00 p.m. CT |
Oct. 3 | at Mississippi State Bulldogs | Starkville, MS | 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CT |
Oct. 10 | Georgia Bulldogs | Tuscaloosa, AL | 5:00-7:00 p.m. CT |
Oct. 17 | at Tennessee Volunteers | Knoxville, TN | 2:30-7:00 p.m. CT |
Oct. 24 | Texas A&M Aggies | Tuscaloosa, AL | 2:30-7:00 p.m. CT |
Oct. 31 | BYE | ||
Nov. 7 | at LSU Tigers | Baton Rouge, LA | 2:30-7:00 p.m. CT |
Nov. 14 | at Vanderbilt Commodores | Nashville, TN | 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CT |
Nov. 21 | Chattanooga Mocs | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1:00 p.m. CT |
Nov. 28 | Auburn Tigers | Tuscaloosa, AL | 2:30-7:00 p.m. CT |
Dec. 5 | SEC Championship | Atlanta, GA | 3:00 p.m. CT |
In the event that Alabama wins between 10 and 12 of their games, a return trip to the College Football Playoff is certainly coming. However, the road to Las Vegas will not be without its potholes. That is why every signature win DeBoer and the Crimson Tide could pick up is so precious. By winning the following five games, they could play a part in Alabama having its best season since arguably 2020.
For DeBoer to get all the critics off his back, no victories will do that more so for him than these five.
5. Texas A&M Aggies (Oct. 24: Tuscaloosa, AL)
So much has already been made about the Texas A&M game coming in the heart of Alabama's SEC schedule. The Aggies are potentially one of the two toughest opponents Alabama will face this season, along with Georgia. Both will be at home. Assuming Alabama splits the pair, the chances of the Crimson Tide qualifying for the playoffs should skyrocket. Of course, SEC wins never come easily.
The reason we cannot put the Texas A&M game any higher is it just does not carry the same clout as the other four. Beating the Aggies would be such a tremendous pelt on the wall for the Crimson Tide's playoff resume, but a loss to Texas A&M would also not be that punishing. Even if they do fall at home, Alabama would have lost to a probable playoff team, one that made the postseason field a year ago.
Until we see how Texas A&M looks, it will be hard to elevate or knock the game any more than this.
4. Florida State Seminoles (Sept. 19: Tuscaloosa, AL)
Almost shockingly, the Florida State Seminoles made the top five! This has nothing to do with how good Mike Norvell's team may be this season. It is about righting a tremendous wrong from a season ago for DeBoer's program. In time, Florida State may bounce back to being a traditional power in the ACC. However, that is probably not happening under their current administration with Norvell around.
The reason why this game comes in at No. 4 is Alabama needs to go out and make a statement. The Crimson Tide were embarrassed in Week 1 a season ago down in Tallahassee. Returning the favor and wiping the floor with the Seminoles could be exactly what DeBoer needs to get people off his case. No, this does not need to be a blowout, but a convincing win over Florida State will do wonders.
Simply put, a win over Florida State will illustrate that this year's Alabama team is more buttoned-up.
3. Georgia Bulldogs (Oct. 10: Tuscaloosa, AL)
There is an argument to be made for any of the top three to be at No. 1. However, Georgia comes in at No. 3 for a few reasons. One, there have been seasons where Alabama has beaten Georgia, only for the Crimson Tide to not get it done later on. Two, Alabama has had Georgia's number for the better part of two decades, so a win may not carry as much gravitas. And three, they may meet them again.
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And that right there is the big wrinkle in all this. The chances of Alabama playing Georgia two or more times this season are somewhat decent. These two emerging rivals met in Atlanta only a season ago. It was the second win Georgia had over Alabama since 2008. Of course, both teams would go on to make the playoffs anyway. It should be noted that Alabama won a playoff game, while Georgia did not.
While wins over Georgia are always great for Alabama, defeating two other opponents do mean more.
2. Tennessee Volunteers (Oct. 17: Knoxville, TN)
Even though the Tennessee Volunteers appear to be a playoff pretender if there ever was one, a win over them in Knoxville would be so massive for DeBoer's team. While Alabama has largely dominated in Third Saturday in October in recent decades, Tennessee has started to become a little feistier at home. Simply put, another road loss at Neyland could be problematic for Alabama's playoff chances.
This year, it should be all about beating the teams you should beat. Anything else should be seen as gravy. This is how Alabama can elevate its floor, while simultaneously raising its ceiling in some respects. Yes, wins over Georgia and Texas A&M would be tremendous resume boosters, but a road loss to Tennessee may not look as good as it did a few years ago. Do not let these Vols hang around.
DeBoer should want to take all the pressure he is facing and put it on Josh Heupel's plate this season.
1. LSU Tigers (Nov. 7: Baton Rouge, LA)
If Alabama strives to be a championship-caliber team, this is the game the Crimson Tide need to win. The LSU road date comes at the tail end of a brutal four-game stretch with Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and the Tigers. Alabama will have a bye ahead of this game. Even though so much will be made about the Lane Kiffin of it all, DeBoer will have a great shot to end LSU's playoff bid with a road victory.
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Essentially, if the SEC is going to get four teams into the playoffs, only one of them will be either Alabama or LSU. While both could make it in, that would probably require for Texas A&M to miss out. Alabama and LSU are duking it out for the same bid. With it likely being a night game in Death Valley, the stakes could not be any higher. This is not the final game of the season, but it might feel like that.
If Alabama is going to make the playoffs and win the SEC, an LSU road victory is beyond paramount.
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