There's a confidence emanating from Lexington heading into this weekend's matchup between Alabama and Kentucky at Kroger Field. You might find that confidence delusional, considering Kentucky has beaten Alabama two times ever and just once in the last 100 years. The Crimson Tide has dominated this series more than most others.
But that confidence is partially the fault of Kalen DeBoer and Alabama. They've looked vulnerable in this exact scenario too many times over his two seasons in Tuscaloosa. Road losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma in 2024 and then Florida State in 2025 have Kentucky and others looking for their pound of flesh after being merely scuff at the bottom of the Alabama boot for years.
Will Stein is a big part of that renewed confidence and energy, too. He's brash and bold. The former Oregon offensive coordinator has the fans believing the Wildcats can do the unthinkable this weekend. He sees the perceived chinks in the armor that Alabama fans hope DeBoer patched this offseason. But there's only one way to find out.
Stein is desperate to earn a signature win to really kickstart his tenure at Kentucky. Alabama can expect to face a desperate gameplan this weekend. Stein's desperation has been obvious in his pleas to Big Blue Nation:
"I want them in there 45-30 minutes before, standing up, screaming obscenities at our opponent, making them feel very unwanted at Kroger Field," Stein said. "Sneak a flask in, do whatever you have to do."
Will Stein's desperate pleas likely to be reflected in Kentucky's Alabma gameplan
DeBoer has proven he can go toe-to-toe with the best-of-the-best in the sport. But he's still got to prove that, week by week, he can handle the position that Alabama is always in. Rival fans can say that Alabama isn't what they were under Nick Saban all they want. But the truth of the matter is that Alabama is still everyone's Super Bowl. Alabama gets everyone's best shot every week. There are no exceptions. There are no weeks off.
If this were just a normal game for Kentucky this weekend, Stein wouldn't be begging fans to show up, get drunk, and be loud.
It's not just a normal game. Stein knows that. He knows how much a win over Alabama would boost his profile and get his Kentucky rebuild off to a lightning-quick start. You've got to crawl before you can walk, but Stein is hoping to hit a full sprint in just his second game as a head coach.
Kentucky's game plan will reflect that. DeBoer has to have Alabama ready for all the tricks, all the bells and whistles. The Wildcats will throw the kitchen sink at the Crimson Tide to try to steal this game on Saturday. They won't leave anything in the clip.
This is a character game for Alabama. And for DeBoer. It's time to put the issues as a road favorite in the past. Enough is enough. This is still Alabama, and Michael Carroll or not, Alabama simply doesn't lose games to Kentucky.
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