Kalen DeBoer made a potential case for Alabama’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff (CFP) discussion…

Kalen DeBoer made a potential case for Alabama’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff (CFP) discussion…

Kalen DeBoer, head coach of the Washington Huskies, recently made a compelling case for Alabama’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff (CFP) discussion, highlighting the strength of the Crimson Tide’s program and their impressive resume. DeBoer, who has led Washington to a top-tier program in the Pac-12, argued that despite some setbacks, Alabama’s overall body of work and the level of competition they face in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) should warrant serious consideration.

### Strength of Schedule

One of the central points DeBoer made was Alabama’s strength of schedule. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and even in years where Alabama might not have a perfect record, the teams they face week in and week out are formidable. DeBoer emphasized that Alabama’s competitive battles against top-tier opponents—like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee—set them apart from teams in other conferences that might have fewer challenging matchups. With high-level games throughout the season, Alabama’s ability to stay competitive and come out on top against some of the best teams in the nation should weigh heavily in their CFP evaluation.

### Elite Talent

DeBoer also praised the level of talent on Alabama’s roster. Year after year, Alabama recruits some of the most talented players in the country, and that depth allows them to remain competitive, even when facing adversity. The Crimson Tide’s ability to reload rather than rebuild is a testament to the program’s sustained excellence. DeBoer noted that players like quarterback Jalen Milroe and a defense led by future NFL talent make Alabama a dangerous team capable of competing at the highest level. Even if their performance has been inconsistent, the raw talent and coaching at Alabama are reasons why they should not be counted out in the CFP conversation.

### The Nick Saban Factor

No conversation about Alabama football is complete without mentioning Nick Saban. DeBoer pointed to the legendary coach’s ability to elevate his teams, especially in high-pressure situations. Saban has a history of guiding Alabama to success in pivotal moments, making them a reliable contender in the playoff hunt. Even if the Crimson Tide have had some bumps along the way, DeBoer argued that Saban’s ability to get his team to peak form during the latter part of the season makes them a prime candidate for a CFP berth. DeBoer suggested that if Alabama were to finish the regular season strong and secure a spot in the SEC Championship game, their playoff resume would be compelling enough to merit inclusion.

### Alabama’s Playoff Pedigree

Finally, DeBoer touched on Alabama’s history in the College Football Playoff. Since the CFP’s inception in 2014, the Crimson Tide has consistently been a contender, winning multiple national championships and regularly making deep playoff runs. This pedigree, DeBoer argued, should not be overlooked when assessing their candidacy. Alabama has proven it can handle the pressure of the postseason, and their past success in the playoff system is a key reason why they deserve to be considered, even in a year with some uncertainty around their record.

### Conclusion

Kalen DeBoer’s perspective highlights the multifaceted nature of evaluating playoff teams. While Alabama may have faced challenges during the season, their elite talent, strength of schedule, coaching pedigree, and historical success in the postseason all combine to make a strong case for their inclusion in the College Football Playoff. If they continue to perform at a high level and finish the season with a strong record, DeBoer believes Alabama should be in the conversation for a spot in the final four.