The stakes are sky-high as Alabama gears up to face Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff - and while both head coaches are under the spotlight, Kalen DeBoer is carrying a heavier weight on his shoulders.
Let’s start with the obvious: Alabama’s spot in the playoff wasn’t exactly met with universal applause. Critics questioned whether the Crimson Tide deserved to be here, and now, every snap under DeBoer’s leadership becomes a referendum on that decision. A win over Oklahoma wouldn’t just punch a ticket to the national title game - it would serve as a loud, emphatic rebuttal to anyone who thought Alabama got in on reputation alone.
But there’s another layer of pressure, and it’s a big one: the health of quarterback Ty Simpson. The Alabama signal-caller is dealing with a back injury that’s been closely monitored by the coaching staff.
While the word out of Tuscaloosa is that Simpson is trending in the right direction and likely to play, back injuries are tricky. Even if he suits up, the question isn’t just if he can play - it’s how well he can move, throw, and lead the offense against a fast, aggressive Oklahoma defense.
That’s where Alabama legend Shaun Alexander chimed in with some timely wisdom. His message to DeBoer?
Lean on the defense. “If you play a game where your defense has to win, Bama is going to win those majority of times,” Alexander said.
That’s not just nostalgia talking - it’s a nod to the program’s DNA. Alabama has long been built on defensive dominance, and if Simpson isn’t 100%, that identity becomes even more important. This game may very well come down to whether the Crimson Tide can control the line of scrimmage, force turnovers, and make life miserable for Oklahoma’s offense.
For DeBoer, this isn’t just a playoff game - it’s a proving ground. And it’s personal.
Alabama’s last meeting with Oklahoma ended in a blowout loss that left fans stunned and critics loud. That defeat wasn’t just a blemish; it was a gut punch to a program used to being the SEC’s standard-bearer.
Another loss to Oklahoma - especially in a playoff setting - would be more than just disappointing. It could turn up the heat on DeBoer’s tenure in a hurry.
So here we are: Alabama vs. Oklahoma.
A playoff clash loaded with storylines, legacy implications, and job security questions. Brent Venables has a chance to repeat history.
Kalen DeBoer has a shot at rewriting it. And somewhere in the middle of it all, a banged-up quarterback and a proud defense may hold the key to Alabama’s postseason fate.