DeBoer's winning pedigree and offensive innovation offer Michigan a chance to rebuild. But can he truly conquer Tuscaloosa's shadow?

It’s safe to say that Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Kalen DeBoer took the most high-pressure position available when he arrived in Tuscaloosa. Taking over for legendary head coach Nick Saban is a role that many coaches may want to run from.

Even so, No. 2 Ohio State is the only top-four seed without a title to its name. No. 1 Indiana, No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Texas Tech all won their respective conferences. That's a testament to how strong the Buckeyes, who will be defending their 2024 national title, were this season.

Joel Klatt warned coach Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide ahead of their rematch with the Oklahoma Sooners in the CFP.

Stephen A. Smith sends strong message to Kalen DeBoer and Alabama ahead of Playoff game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When Chris Creighton was named Eastern Michigan head coach, he took the advice of a coaching colleague and hired Kalen DeBoer.

Beyond the wins and losses, there is a narrative at stake here that's more than just wins and losses. A loss in the College Football Playoff opener can steer conventional wisdom -- right or wrong -- about a team, or in this year's case, whether half the sport even belongs in the format at all.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Kalen DeBoer has Alabama in the College Football Playoff in just his second season as the Crimson Tide's head coach. No. 9 Alabama (10-3) will travel to No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2) for the opening-round game on Friday.