Kalen DeBoer tells how this Alabama team compares to his 2023 Washington squad

Sep 7, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer talks to wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Ahead of the highly anticipated rematch between Alabama and Vanderbilt, Clark Lea talked about Alabama’s offense in 2025 and made a comparison that should be taken as a compliment.

Lea mentioned to reporters the Crimson Tide offense resembles “that group they took to the championship game at Washington,” highlighting Alabama’s ability to run and pass the ball and how influential offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has been in Alabama’s offensive success.

During the SEC Coaches Teleconference, Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer commented on if he sees the comparison to his 2023 Washington squad himself.

“Probably a style of play in some cases, especially offensively that might apply,” DeBoer said. Coach Lee’s a defensive mind, even as the head coach, probably watch a little bit more of that, but I think the other piece is just you continue to take steps and improve on what you were, and that should happen from year to year. That should happen from game to game. So that might be what he’s seeing.”

Washington concluded the 2023 season by competing in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Michigan.

Alabama will kick off against Vanderbilt at 2:30 p.m. CT this Saturday, and the game will be on ABC.