Following Alabama's dramatic victory in the first round of the College Football Playoff, head coach Kalen DeBoer appeared on SportsCenter to emphasize themes of resilience, growth, and belief. Despite an early deficit, Alabama achieved one of the most significant comebacks in CFP history to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Against Oklahoma, Alabama trailed 17–0 early in the second quarter before storming back to earn a 34–24 road victory in Norman. The Crimson Tide scored 27 unanswered points, completely changing the game's momentum and taking control down the stretch. The comeback tied for the largest rally in College Football Playoff history. Teams that have held a 17-point lead in CFP games are now 28–2 overall, with Oklahoma responsible for both losses.
In his postgame interview on SportsCenter, DeBoer highlighted the aspects of his team's performance that were most notable to him.
“I’m just really proud of these guys,” DeBoer said. “Even when things aren’t going well, if we continue to apply pressure and stay the course, good things will happen. The team kept fighting until the very end.”
DeBoer emphasized the importance of staying calm and continuing to compete, especially in high-pressure playoff situations. He credited his players for trusting the process and not letting the early deficit define the outcome of the game.
Earlier this season, Alabama had given up a 17-point lead in the Iron Bowl, which DeBoer described as a major learning moment for the team. That experience reinforced the importance of playing all four quarters. Against Oklahoma, Alabama adjusted its approach at the line of scrimmage and became more aggressive defensively, forcing turnovers and disrupting Oklahoma’s rhythm.
While DeBoer addressed the game on SportsCenter, legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke about DeBoer earlier in the day on College GameDay. Saban addressed recent speculation surrounding DeBoer’s future and his standing within the program.
“Kalen DeBoer has total and complete control of the University of Alabama,” Saban said. “They want him to be the coach at Alabama. Maybe they can get him at Michigan, I don’t know.”
Rumors about DeBoer potentially leaving Alabama have circulated following developments in Michigan’s head coaching situation. Some critics believe DeBoer must win immediately to secure his future in Tuscaloosa, even in his first season. Alabama’s playoff victory, however, helped quiet much of that noise.
With the win, Alabama advances to face No. 1 Indiana in the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl, presented by Prudential. The Crimson Tide will look to carry its momentum forward after one of the most memorable wins of the playoff era.
More college football news:
- SN's expert College Football Playoff bracket predictions
- Predictions for all 41 college football bowl games in 2025-26
- Notre Dame leads biggest snubs from College Football Playoff
- Ranking the 2025 College Football Playoff teams 1-12
- Full list of locations for 2025 College Football Playoff games