Nick Saban’s shadow casts a daunting presence over Alabama’s football future, and now it is haunting Kalen DeBoer as well. As Alabama grapples with its biggest setback in years, ESPN analysts are not holding back. They have taken aim at the Crimson Tide’s fall from grace, offering a brutal take on how the once untouchable dynasty could be on the brink of collapse. However, this is not just about Alabama’s troubles; it is also about the immense pressure facing coaches who follow legends like Saban. Can DeBoer escape the ghosts of those who came before him, or will he become a victim of an impossible standard? The clock is ticking, and the college football world is watching. The question remains—who will rise to the occasion, and who will crumble under the weight?

Despite Kalen DeBoer’s hard work to improve the team, Nick Saban’s dominance in Alabama might remain unchallenged forever. Well, he led the team through six national championships, and that will always remain a benchmark for any other head coach taking over the program. Even on the Matt Barrie show, he discusses the same thing, saying, “I think Kalen DeBoer is a great football coach, yes, but this is why you don’t do it. Everything you do from the time you step on campus until you reach the heights of the previous guy is going to be judged, ridiculed, and criticized to the point where you may not even have a chance to follow up and build the program the way you want.” 

That’s a straight fact. It’s not like Kalen DeBoer doesn’t have the talent to build a strong team or pose a strong track record—well, as a matter of fact, he does. The way he guided the Washington Huskies to the College Football Playoff national championship game during his second-year tenure is something we can’t ignore. Moreover, the team was standing on a 4-8 record before DeBoer’s entry, and after him, the team saw new highs of success. Plus, coach Kalen also won the NAIA championship with Sioux Falls, but all this means nothing in terms of Saban’s achievements, and as expected, every loss brings a new challenge for DeBoer.

Uncertainty building on Kalen DeBoer’s Bama playoff hopes

Alabama’s loss against the Oklahoma Sooners acted as the last nail in their playoff hopes. No one can make peace with the fact that the team that has so many national championship titles will actually lose to an unranked team. As far as their performance is concerned, their inconsistency looks like they want to make it to the college football playoffs or even fight for the championship title anymore. Losing against Tennessee is still arguable to some extent that the team is probably a CFB-worthy team. But losing to five-loss teams like the Vanderbilt Commodores and Oklahoma Sooners doesn’t look good for Kalen DeBoer’s team.

However, despite all of Bama’s efforts to hamper their playoff standing, there is still a last ray of hope left for the team. Their two big wins against the Georgia Bulldogs and LSU Tigers have still kept their playoff hopes alive. Also, the Vols will face Vanderbilt next week, and if they lose against them, there is a chance that Bama might have a strong standing in the ongoing season. But now there is also another factor that might also affect their chances, as Bama is going to face Auburn last week, and if by any chance they lose against them, even Almighty can’t help them with their chances to make it to the CFP. So, for the team, it’s now or never!