He is not treating Saturday bigger than any other matchup on Alabama’s schedule, but Kalen DeBoer knows the importance of it.
Alabama goes toe-to-toe with Georgia on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT via ABC with ESPN’s College GameDay now in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Some feel there is more pressure on the Crimson Tide to win because DeBoer needs to show he was indeed the right hire to go into the post Nick Saban era. In his interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith, the 49-year-old went inside his mindset for this weekend. DeBoer was pleased with how the team practiced, but he is ready to see dominance.
Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer previews Georgia-Alabama this weekend with @MartySmithESPN 😤 pic.twitter.com/5duoq2PdNX
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 26, 2024
“To me it is all about us,” DeBoer said to Smith about his message to Alabama.
“It always needs to be that way and focus on what we do best, who we are, and the work that goes into it. I love the way our guys carry the mantras, how they carry the messaging, I think they believe in it, so again we attack every day. We just have to be us.”
DeBoer said the turnover battle and which offense gets into a rhythm better will determine the game.
“We have a strong defense here,” he said.
“We know they (Georgia) have not allowed a touchdown in their season here, and that’s impressive. You know you are going to have to put plays on top of each other, but a lot of it starts out with taking care of the football.”
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DeBoer said the most important thing about Saturday is getting off to a fast start.
“We have a lot of things important to us,” he said. “Protecting our home, Bryant-Denny Stadium. This is a game that will set the direction for what’s to come for our season and getting momentum going. Getting a win under our belt would be huge.”
Fans will be rocking and players will be ready to go this weekend.
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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.
