Kalen DeBoer understands the significance of the Alabama-Auburn rivalry
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kalen DeBoer will coach in his first Iron Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 30. But the first-year Alabama head coach has heard tell of the rivalry with Auburn since January.
“Ever since I’ve been here, I think I hear about it every day,” said DeBoer in his Monday press conference. “So I understand what it means, the excitement.”
DeBoer was hired to replace Nick Saban, who retired on Jan. 10, and his first season leading the Crimson Tide football program is nearing its end. Alabama (8-3, 4-3 SEC) limps into rivalry weekend after suffering its third road loss of the year at Oklahoma, which knocked it out of the SEC Championship Game and, most likely, College Football Playoff picture.
But hearing from his players in Sunday’s team meeting, there will be no lack of motivation as Alabama looks to bounce back against its in-state rival, who is playing for bowl eligibility.
“You can already feel leadership stepping up and really talking about what this game means to them, what this means to us, what it means to everyone on both sides, the state, 365 days of the year,” DeBoer said.
“… We have to learn from last week and be better because of it and turn the page and get ready to practice tomorrow and do everything we can to be successful on Saturday, find a way to win.”
None of Alabama’s players have ever lost to Auburn. The Crimson Tide has won four straight matchups with the Tigers, so even the oldest players on the roster are undefeated in Iron Bowls, including last year’s comeback win on the road. Alabama owns an all-time 50-37-1 advantage in the series and has won six consecutive meetings at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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The Tide hasn’t lost on its home field this fall and will try to extend its streak against its rival, in a game that Alabama’s new coach knows is significant to everyone in the state.
“It’s going to be an awesome environment, we know that,” DeBoer said. “We love playing the game at home. You get a chance to be undefeated – that’s a sidebar, but to be undefeated at home is a big deal. That’s always been a big deal to me. That’s where we’re at as a team.
“But this game, what it means to those that come from each side. What it means to the state to talk about, not just told to me, but talked about amongst everyone in their homes.
“It’s Thanksgiving weekend so if you’re not at the game, you’re watching it with your friends and your family. I’ve heard stories of families being divided because of it, many different ways. That’s what rivalry games are all about and this is a rivalry that’s on another level.”
The 89th Alabama-Auburn game is set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday and air on ABC.
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