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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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In his second season as Alabama head coach, Kalen DeBoer isn't treating his team's upcoming College Football Playoff game as uncharted territory. Still, he also won't rely too much on that previous game for feedback.
His team faces the Oklahoma Sooners in a rematch from mid-November, where the Crimson Tide fell 23-21. That previous performance may provide some clues on how to improve and defeat the No. 8 CFP seed, but DeBoer explained a different approach.
"Every game is its own game,” he said on "The Dynasty Podcast," adding, “The first game doesn’t mean anything other than what you take from it and learn. We’ll take the things two teams that know each other well can take—what we need to do better, the matchups—and put together a plan."
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That first game saw Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson throw for 326 yards and a touchdown, but also an interception. Running back Daniel Hill had 60 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the Tide leading 21-20 after three quarters, they were unable to add any points in the fourth, with Oklahoma’s field goal the difference.
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DeBoer became head coach of Alabama in 2024, and the team failed to reach the CFP in his first season. However, he guided them to an improved 2025 campaign with a 7-1 conference record and 10-3 overall record.
Despite losing to Georgia in the conference championship game, DeBoer's Crimson Tide earned one of this year's 12 CFP spots, potentially riling up coaches and fans from other programs who felt their teams got snubbed.
He led the Washington Huskies to the playoffs as head coach several seasons ago. In 2023's playoff, they defeated Texas but went on to lose to Michigan in the championship game. DeBoer, who has been part of coaching staffs for multiple programs, said he's been in many playoff situations before, but this is different.
“I think I counted this is the 13th time I’ve been a part of a playoff,” he said. “All but the one have been where you’ve got to go four rounds. That’s what this is.”
However, DeBoer said their season has been excellent preparation for the upcoming CFP game against the Sooners.
“We’ve kind of felt like we’ve played a playoff game all season,” he said. “I’m proud of the way these guys, in pressure moments and in different times throughout the season, find ways to go out there and leave it on the field.”
They defeated then-No. 5 Georgia earlier this season, along with other ranked SEC foes Vanderbilt and Tennessee.
They are treating the time between their conference game and the CFP like a bye week. The Alabama coach indicated that having time off until they meet the Sooners allows some of their banged-up players to rest and recover.
“This is a good time to get some guys back and get more guys healthier, fresh mentally and physically,” DeBoer said.
It all starts with one game, Saturday, Dec. 19, and possibly getting revenge on Oklahoma for the earlier-season loss. Should they win, DeBoer's team will face the No. 1 seed, Indiana, in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
“I told the guys I like the playoffs. Win or go home. The same amount of pressure is on every team right now," Alabama's head coach said.
Read more: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Sends Strong Message on Penn State, Bowl Game
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