Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer hasn’t forgotten what Crimson Tide legend Mark Ingram said in the lead-up to the College Football Playoff-and he made sure to have a little fun with it.
Before Alabama’s postseason run began, Ingram-now an analyst on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff-voiced his doubts about the Tide’s Playoff chances. After Alabama’s 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, Ingram publicly questioned whether the Tide deserved a spot in the CFP, suggesting that teams like Miami or Notre Dame were more deserving.
But the CFP selection committee saw things differently. Despite the SEC title game loss, Alabama held firm at No. 9, made the Playoff, and went on to win its first-round matchup to advance to the quarterfinals. So when DeBoer joined Ingram on The Triple Option podcast ahead of the Rose Bowl, he came prepared-with a smile and a bit of friendly payback.
“When our producers reached out, they told me that, man, you have some requirements for me, man. What did you say I had to do, man, in order for you to get on the show?” Ingram joked to kick off the segment.
DeBoer, grinning, didn’t miss his moment: “Maybe apologize. Maybe apologize for questioning where I used to be in the Playoff,” he said, clearly enjoying the moment as Ingram broke into laughter.
Ingram, never one to shy away from owning his takes, offered a lighthearted defense, referencing Nick Saban’s famous “rat poison” line-a term used to describe outside noise and criticism that can distract a team.
“I go harder for Bama than anybody in the nation. I go harder for you than anybody in the nation,” Ingram told DeBoer.
“And did I feel like we left our destiny in the committee’s hands? Yes, I did.”
“But at the end of the day, I root for Bama. I want Bama in the Playoff.
I want Bama to win the natty,” he continued. “I want Bama to ball every single time we on the field.
So I do apologize. And you know, I’m the ultimate King Gump.”
For those unfamiliar with the term, “King Gump” is an affectionate way of saying Ingram bleeds Crimson Tide. It’s clear there’s no bad blood here-just two competitors who love the game and the program, sharing a moment of mutual respect and a few laughs.
And for Alabama fans who might’ve been worried about any tension between the current head coach and the program’s first Heisman Trophy winner? No need. DeBoer and Ingram are on the same page-focused on Alabama’s success and having a little fun along the way.
Sometimes, a little “rat poison” just adds to the flavor.