Booger McFarland harps on key difference between Kalen DeBoer, Nick Saban after first College Football Playoff rankings

Alabama debuted at No. 11 in Tuesday’s College Football Playoff rankings, being the highest-ranked two-loss team. Sure, the Crimson Tide are currently in the CFP field but based on fan conversation in Tuscaloosa, a lot more focus is being put on the two losses. Kalen DeBoer faced criticism before the month of November in his first-year charge.

There was always going to be a massive difference between DeBoer and Nick Saban but ESPN’s Booger McFarland believes he has identified one area. McFarland has not yet seen Alabama play up to its full potential through seven games under Deboer, something Saban consistently got his team to do.

“Can Kalen DeBoer get his team to play to the optimal level, though?” McFarland asked. “I think the biggest difference between a Nick Saban team and a Kalen DeBoer team — Nick Saban’s team played to their maximum level more times than not. Kalen hasn’t quite got this team to do that yet.”

If there was a time when Alabama looked elite, most would point to the first half against Georgia. But ever since then, inconsistent football has plagued DeBoer.

Not just one side of the ball either, as both the offense and defense have had their moments. Kane Wommack‘s unit received a ton of heat following the Vanderbilt loss while Jalen Milroe could not get in a rhythm on the road against Tennessee, dropping the Third Saturday in October.

Even through all the issues, there is still a path ahead to success for Alabama in McFarland’s eyes. He likes how the defense has developed since Vanderbilt and will be looking for better quarterback play moving forward.

“Everything is in front of Alabama,” McFarland said. “They’ve got to get the quarterback, Jalen Milroe, to continue to play at a high level. In the games that he’s struggled, he’s thrown interceptions, hasn’t been able to read the field. But from a defensive standpoint, this defense is getting better and better. Their playmakers are beginning to work upfront.”

A big test certainly comes on Saturday, heading to Baton Rouge for a ranked showdown against LSU. Winning at night in Tiger Stadium would silence a lot of doubters and relieve some pressure currently on DeBoer’s shoulders.