Stephen A. Smith sends strong message to Kalen DeBoer and Alabama ahead of Playoff game

Christian Standal

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Stephen A. Smith sends strong message to Kalen DeBoer and Alabama ahead of Playoff game image

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith did not hold back when discussing Alabama’s upcoming College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma. Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up on Thursday morning, Smith said he does not have much confidence in the Crimson Tide and made it clear that this game is extremely important for head coach Kalen DeBoer.

“I don’t have much faith in Alabama,” Smith said. “But I will say this—they better win this damn game.”

Smith pointed to Alabama’s recent struggles against Oklahoma as a major concern. The Sooners have beaten Alabama twice since the start of the 2024 season, including a 24–3 loss in Norman last year and a 23–21 loss earlier this season in Tuscaloosa. A third loss in a short span, according to Smith, would be unacceptable for a program with Alabama’s history.

 

“You can’t lose to Oklahoma scoring three points last year and then turn around and let them come to Tuscaloosa and lose again,” Smith said. “And then in a span of 13 months you’re going to lose to them three times? That is absolutely unacceptable.”

While Smith acknowledged that no coach can fully replace legendary former head coach Nick Saban, he said Alabama fans still expect a high level of success.

“I understand everyone can’t be Nick Saban,” Smith said. “But you can try. You can try!”

Smith also compared DeBoer’s early record at Alabama to Saban’s standards. DeBoer has lost seven games over the past two seasons, which Smith noted is something rarely seen during Saban’s tenure.

“Kalen DeBoer is a damn good coach,” Smith said. “But the man has lost seven games in two years. Nick Saban didn’t lose seven games in his last four years combined at Alabama.”

Alabama is now trying to avoid a third loss to Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables since 2024. The Sooners have shown they can match up well with the Crimson Tide, making this game a major test for DeBoer and his team.

As of Thursday, Oklahoma is a slight favorite in the matchup. Betting lines list the Sooners as 1.5-point favorites at home. The game is scheduled for Friday night, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET.

With a College Football Playoff run on the line and pressure building around the program, Alabama will need a strong performance. For DeBoer, this game could be a key moment in proving he is the right coach to lead Alabama in the post–Nick Saban era.

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Contributing Writer