Credit Kalen DeBoer for dialed-in Alabama Crimson Tide to finish strong

If the latest CFP rankings hold (they won't of course) the Alabama Crimson Tide will take on Notre Dame next month in South Bend. Where and against whom Alabama plays its first Playoff game is of great interest to Alabama football fans, and no current interest to Crimson Tide players.

Alabama has two and likely three games to play before a Playoff game. The Tide does not have the luxury of getting ahead of itself. The next two are must-wins. This week all that matters is continued improvement and a win over Oklahoma.

All indications are the mindset of Alabama players is exactly where it must be. Credit Kalen DeBoer for the dialed-in Crimson Tide. Talking about his players this week, DeBoer said, "I think they really honed in on trying to make themselves the best they can be and continue to get better, and that will put us in a position to now play Oklahoma, we give ourselves a better chance to win."

The Mercer game provided proof of DeBoer's statement. Not an ounce of complacency was evident in the Tide's performance against Mercer. Instead, Alabama was a focused football team, striving to become its best self.

November Success continues with the Alabama Crimson Tide

Kalen DeBoer has a history of having his teams focused in November. As a head coach, DeBoer is 14-1 in November games. Maintaining that success, while following Nick Saban is impressive. It speaks volumes about DeBoer's leadership. As he explained this week, the Alabama Crimson Tide is right where it needs to be, "We don’t really talk about the outside. We just focus on what we’re doing right now. Because we know that if we don’t take care of our business, the rest of it doesn’t matter... We’ve really honed in and the guys have really understood the significance of really just focusing on where we’re at now. We talk about the next play is the most important play. The next game is the most important game. We haven’t thought anything beyond Oklahoma... We're really, I think, locked in on the right things right now."

One distraction it will be impossible to block out, is Alabama needs some help to make it to Atlanta. Based on recent player comments winning an SEC Championship Game is an important goal. To get the opportunity, Alabama must get its two wins and one more win from the Missouri Tigers.