When it comes to this year’s Iron Bowl, it is not only significant through the fact that it is the first without Nick Saban since 2006, but also that is the first for Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Yes, DeBoer is now set to face the Auburn Tigers, not only for the first time as head coach at Alabama, but also for the first time in his coaching career.
DeBoer also previewed Alabama’s upcoming matchup as part of his weekly press conference as well. Here is everything that DeBoer said about Auburn, as well as the Iron Bowl.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer comments on importance of Iron Bowl
“Just talking about it yesterday in the team meeting, you can already feel leadership stepping up, and really talk about what this game means to them, what this means to us, and what it means to everyone on both sides of the state 365 days of the year,” DeBoer said. “Ever since I’ve been here, I think I hear about it every day, and understand what it means and the excitement, and we have to learn from last week, and be better because of it, turn the page, get ready to practice tomorrow, and do everything we can to be successful on Saturday. Find a way to win.”
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer comments on legacy of Iron Bowl
“It’s going to be an awesome environment, we know that,” DeBoer said. “Love playing the game at home. We get a chance to be undefeated, that’s a sidebar note, but to be undefeated at home, it’s a big deal. It’s always been a big deal to me, and that’s where we’re at as a team. Just this game, what it means to those that come from each side, and what it means to the state, it’s talked about, and not just told to me, but talked about amongst everyone in their homes, and it’s Thanksgiving weekend, so if you’re not at the game, you’re home watching it with your friends and family. Heard stories of families being divided because of it in many different ways, so that’s what rivalry games are all about, and I know this is a rivalry that’s on another level.”
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer on past story of Iron Bowl
“Not that there is a particular story or something that’s just off-the-wall, I know those all exist, but I understand what took place a year ago, and what it took to win that game,” DeBoer said. “That’s probably pretty reminiscent of what both sides are looking at as far as the effort it’s going to take, and playing for four quarters. Playing every second and every play like it’s your last. That’s the intensity of it.”
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer comments on Cam Coleman, Auburn offense
“They have multiple threats that I would consider very difficult,” DeBoer said. “Certainly high-profile guys who have really produced for both teams as young athletes here at the college level. He’s extremely impressive, and he’s made a lot of plays for them this year. You’ve got to focus not just on him, but the others guys that have had big games, and it’s not just in the pass game, but in the run game. Their quarterback now, Thorne, has done a nice job adding to that too with his legs. A lot of threats, and that’s what you want to be, an offense that has a lot of threats, and they have that.”