The Kalen DeBoer era finally begins for No. 5 Alabama, as they face Western Kentucky
The Kalen DeBoer era has finally moved from the headlines to the sidelines.
No. 5 Alabama’s new coach, Nick Saban’s replacement, takes the defending Southeastern Conference champion Crimson Tide on the field for the first time on Saturday night against Western Kentucky. It’s the first glimpse at DeBoer’s new club, even though far more important games are ahead. The Tide is favored by 30 1/2 points.
Much of the summer focus has been on replacing a coach who led Alabama to six national championships and won another at LSU. This week’s focus is on the squad and how they perform on the field under a coach.
“When you’re prepared well, you’re going to be confident,” DeBoer told the crowd. “That’s the entire key, and it doesn’t start this week. It’s been going on since the crew arrived, beginning with the first day of winter exercises.
“It’s just a mindset that’s been happening. We talk about developing an attitude, not installing particular plays to improve your attitude. “You shape your attitude all year.”
Jalen Milroe returns after starting the season on the bench and finishing sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Milroe is the undisputed captain of Alabama’s attack this season, a powerful quarterback who scored 35 total touchdowns last season (23 passing, 12 running).
There is no shortage of options to replace Alabama’s departing best receivers and running backs.
Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are expected to carry the most of the rushing burden, but there are other former top prospects behind them.
The Tide must also replace its top three receivers from last season. The big names to watch are Washington transfer Germie Bernard and freshman Ryan Williams, one of the nation’s best prospects. Returning players such as Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law might play larger roles.
“We have six solid guys for sure and there’s a couple of others that are pushing really hard, too,” DeBoer told the crowd.
DeBoer is 8-1 in openers as a head coach, with his one defeat coming at Fresno State, 34-19 against Hawaii in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. The game was played on October 24.
Alabama’s kicking game should be excellent again. Graham Nicholson, the Lou Groza Award winner for Miami of Ohio past season, has been named the new placekicker. He will succeed Will Reichard, the FBS’ all-time top scorer.
Punter James Burnip is also back after averaging 47.6 yards per punt, the Tide’s second highest average in a season (minimum of 50 attempts).
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