Kalen DeBoer addresses coaching in first Iron Bowl at Alabama: 'Big game for a lot of reasons'

One week from Saturday, Kalen DeBoer will be coaching in his first-ever Iron Bowl. Alabama has to get through Oklahoma first but will host Auburn on Nov. 30, hoping to extend its series winning streak to five games. Nick Saban was on the sideline for the previous four but now, DeBoer gets to experience what some consider college football’s top rivalry.

More than just an Iron Bowl will be at stake, at least according to DeBoer. He said Auburn will be a “big game for a lot of reasons,” hinting at a few bigger-picture goals for Alabama.

“That’s going to be a game that the whole state, us, Auburn, pours everything into,” DeBoer said. “Just such great history over the many years. It’s a big game. Big game for a lot of reasons. The focus for us is, hopefully, we’re playing for something… That’s really what I’ve tried to focus rivalry games on is where we’re at in the season and what it means for our team. But you certainly understand the atmosphere and the environment for the fans and everyone surrounding the game and how important it is for them in a rival game.”

DeBoer does get a home environment for his first Iron Bowl taste. Bryant-Denny Stadium will play host, a place Alabama has won the last six matchups against Auburn. Cam Newton‘s 2010 national championship-winning squad was the last to win in Tuscaloosa.

But before speaking on the Auburn game, DeBoer admitted all focus was on Oklahoma. If Alabama cannot go into Norman and come out with a win, there might not be much worth playing for. Finishing the season 2-0 is likely required to make the SEC Championship and from there, College Football Playoff discussions can begin.

Late-season rivalry games in high-leverage scenarios are nothing new, going back to last season at Washington. DeBoer closed out the regular season with in-state foe Washington State before playing Oregon for a second time in the Pac-12 Championship. The Huskies wound up winning both games and earning a spot in the CFP.

Take care of Oklahoma and DeBoer could find himself in another rivalry game with an opportunity to earn more than bragging rights.