History is an interesting subject, but history in college football is incredible.
Kalen DeBoer finds himself in a situation at Alabama that started Nick Saban’s success as a legendary head football coach for the Crimson Tide. Saban and the Tide were underdogs against Georgia in 2008, per bettings odds. The Bulldogs had Matthew Stafford and AJ Green among other playmakers in Athens (Ga.), but Alabama shocked everyone with 41-30 victory.
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Saban’s marquee win on the road in his second year had Tide fans believing he was the right hire.
Florida, who had Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow in 2009, were 5-point favorites over Alabama in the 2009 Southeastern Conference Championship Game. Saban played up the underdog role, and the Tide brought sadness to Tebow in a 32-13 demolition of the Gators to play for a BCS National Championship. Alabama was a one-point dog to Georgia in 2015 (38-10) and a 6.5-point underdog in 2021 (41-24), but it handled the ‘Dawgs in both games. The Crimson Tide as an underdog gets fans excited, motivates players, and has coaches ready to own the moment. Coach DeBoer opens as a 2.5-point underdog to Kirby Smart and Georgia, according to oddsmakers in Las Vegas.
Alabama has been incredibly successful when it has been doubted in matchups.
It has a chance to defend Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium next week.
Alabama is excited to take down Georgia and the oddsmakers under the lights.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
