As Alabama gears up for its College Football Playoff clash with Oklahoma, head coach Kalen DeBoer made one thing clear: the Crimson Tide are right where they need to be.
With the distractions of finals and graduation in the rearview mirror, DeBoer says the team’s focus has sharpened. The preparation, he emphasized, has been rooted in three pillars-health, discipline, and attention to detail. And as the stakes rise, so does the intensity.
“This is what you work for,” DeBoer said. “You work to get to this moment, where you’ve got a chance to reach your goals.”
That moment feels even more attainable now that Alabama is getting healthier. After a long, bruising regular season, the Tide’s depth is finally starting to look like what DeBoer envisioned. Key players like wide receiver Germie Bernard and center Parker Brailsford-both of whom battled through injuries earlier in the year-are back in rhythm thanks to some much-needed recovery time.
“When each guy can be a little healthier, it makes a difference,” DeBoer explained. “It makes a difference in how you practice. You’ve got more depth, more reps, and better tempo.”
That uptick in tempo could be crucial as Alabama prepares for a fast-paced Oklahoma squad. The return of tight ends Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis adds another layer of versatility to the offense. Cuevas, in particular, has earned praise for his adaptability and football IQ.
“He can kind of do it all,” DeBoer said. “He’s comfortable in the box, on the line, flexed out. He knows his assignment, and he’s extremely consistent.”
Lewis, meanwhile, will be used more situationally, but his grasp of the playbook gives Alabama another reliable option when they need it.
On offense, the game plan is straightforward-but execution will be everything. DeBoer stressed the importance of staying ahead of the sticks, converting on third downs, and, above all, protecting the football.
“We can’t hurt ourselves,” he said. “Not being behind the sticks is huge. Staying on the football field matters.”
Defensively, Alabama’s first priority is containing Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, a dual-threat player who can stress a defense in multiple ways.
“He can do so many things,” DeBoer said. “Not just with his arm, but with his feet.”
That means tackling and assignment recognition will be at a premium. Alabama’s defense has shown growth throughout the season, but the challenge now is consistency against a quarterback who can extend plays and punish mistakes.
And then there’s special teams-a unit that had a rough moment in the SEC Championship Game when a blocked punt flipped momentum. DeBoer called it “a moment,” not a meltdown, and said the issue has been addressed with extra reps and refined technique.
As the Tide step into the playoff spotlight, DeBoer’s message to his team is simple and direct: this is the time to leave nothing in the tank.
“If you’re not giving everything you’ve got now,” he said, “you really don’t belong here.”
Alabama’s path to a national title won’t be easy, but they’re entering the postseason with clarity, confidence, and a roster that’s finally starting to feel whole again. That’s a dangerous combination.