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Debate

Can Kalen DeBoer's drive keep Washington on top, or will complacency creep in after Georgia win?

Big wins do not always have to be about grand celebrations. That’s the philosophy Alabama Crimson Tide HC Kalen DeBoer follows. After all, self-satisfaction is the key. Already this season has been a lot challenging. Under such circumstances, DeBoer wants his program to channel its energy in the right amount and the right place. While post-game celebrations in the locker room have always been a big deal in college football, how could Tide just follow the trend blindly? As always they have to be special in whatever they do. This time DeBoer and his players got amped up for a charitable drive. 

When DeBoer took up Nick Saban’s place, he had been doubted on his ability to fill the shoes of someone as big as the GOAT. But to everyone’s surprise, the debut HC zipped up the haters, crushing Georgia in an iconic 41-34 feat. That’s indeed a big win in Tuscaloosa. But did DeBoer make it a big deal? No, not at all. Being a person who keeps it subtle, the Alabama HC kept the post-game festivities on the down-low. As they are yet to face Vanderbilt on October 6, during the press conference a fan had one question for DeBoer. It read, “Hey Coach- Coming off the big emotional win on Saturday night vs. Georgia, how do you keep the team motivated this week for the upcoming game at Vanderbilt? Thank you Roll Tide!”

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Well, DeBoer’s answer hinted at how he kept his players grounded reminding them, “It’s only four games into the season..you win this one, you gonna drop another one.” So, no feeling is actually final. That doesn’t mean that the players’ feelings did not find a place in his playbook. Rather he ensured to keep their emotions under check. “..Not have too much of a hype, over-celebration to where you know your energy and your emotion doesn’t carry over to the next week,” commented DeBoer. And he was actually right when he said so since the Tide is rolling in all good places.  

How Kalen DeBoer and Alabama are making a difference

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When it comes to Alabama, their social work games are quite strong. At the helm is their brainchild, the Crimson Tide Foundation. With DeBoer stepping in as Nick Saban’s successor, he had a lot of things on his plate. Surprisingly, it did not stop him from driving the program toward a good cause. Into week 6 with a 4-0 record, besides winning on the field, DeBoer also captured the fans’ hearts with his off-field antics.

Right before their face-off against Vanderbilt, Tide hosted two special guests, Sawyer and his sister Ellis, both of whom are specially-abled. The sibling duo got the invitation to join Alabama players on the practice field. Not just this, DeBoer further made them feel important through his introductory speech describing them as “really, really, really special guests.”   

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Can Kalen DeBoer's drive keep Washington on top, or will complacency creep in after Georgia win?

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Already the Alabama fans are on cloud nine with the big win that Kalen DeBoer and Co. gifted them with. This time the 49-year-old debut HC raised his standards by swooping the fans off their feet as one of them commented, “I’m not crying. You’re crying. I love this so much every week.” That’s how you keep it grand yet grounded!

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Meanwhile, if areas like NIL and NFL hold your interest, you can check on the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast.