Kalen DeBoer Reacts to the CFP Selection Committee’s “Not Rewarded” Alabama’s Robust Schedule

Kalen DeBoer Reacts to the CFP Selection Committee’s “Not Rewarded” Alabama’s Robust Schedule

Kalen DeBoer, head coach of the University of Washington football team, recently responded to criticisms surrounding Alabama’s strong schedule and its lack of a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) despite finishing with an impressive resume. Speaking on the matter, DeBoer expressed his views on the fairness of the selection process, particularly in regard to teams like Alabama that faced tough competition but were ultimately left out of the CFP.

DeBoer acknowledged the difficulty of navigating a high-caliber schedule and the potential challenges it presents for teams vying for playoff spots. “Alabama has always played a tough schedule,” DeBoer said. “When you face the best of the best in college football week in and week out, it does take a toll, but it also should be something that’s recognized and rewarded, not penalized.”

Alabama, which finished the season with only two losses, had a challenging slate of games, including matchups against top-tier SEC teams. Despite these strong opponents, the Crimson Tide’s lack of a conference championship — due to their loss in the SEC title game — hurt their chances in the eyes of the CFP selection committee. This situation raised questions about how much weight should be given to the strength of schedule versus actual results on the field.

DeBoer continued, expressing his support for teams that face formidable competition throughout the year. “I don’t think a tough schedule should be punished,” he said. “Alabama played some great teams and competed at a high level. It’s frustrating when teams like that aren’t given the recognition they deserve because of one or two games that don’t go their way.”

The discussion has reignited debate over the CFP’s selection process, with some analysts questioning the consistency in how criteria are applied. Alabama’s case, while unique, underscores the broader tension between the subjective nature of the rankings and the objective performance metrics that are used to determine playoff spots.

DeBoer’s comments also highlighted the importance of the overall body of work for teams seeking a playoff berth. “A lot of people point to specific games or specific losses,” he explained. “But when you look at the entire season, teams like Alabama have shown they can compete with anyone in the country. They just didn’t get the result they were hoping for in that one game, but that doesn’t diminish what they’ve accomplished.”

While DeBoer’s comments were supportive of Alabama, he also reiterated his focus on his own program at Washington. With the Huskies securing their spot in the playoff, DeBoer emphasized his belief in the strength of his own team’s performance and the value of winning a conference championship as an important criteria for the playoff.

As the College Football Playoff expands in the coming years, DeBoer expressed hope that the new format would provide greater clarity and fairness in how teams are evaluated. Until then, discussions surrounding the balance between strength of schedule and playoff success are likely to continue, with DeBoer’s remarks adding fuel to an ongoing conversation about the integrity and transparency of the selection process.