Kalen DeBoer’s honeymoon phase at Alabama ends with disastrous loss at unranked Vanderbilt

Kalen DeBoer just did the unthinkable. And it’s not the good kind of unthinkable that last week featured with the thrilling win over Georgia.

No, this kind of unthinkable includes a road loss to Vanderbilt. Yes, that Vanderbilt.

Prior to Saturday’s game, the Commodores were 0-10 all-time in games against No. 1 teams. Now, Clark Lea can claim the first such victory in program history after Diego Pavia and the rest of the Commodores secured a 40-35 upset of epic proportions.

In the loss, Alabama was held under 100 yards rushing and Jalen Milroe threw a pick-6, but this game was more about the defense — or lack of defense — from DeBoer’s team. Vanderbilt racked up over 400 yards of offense and was borderline unstoppable on 3rd down.

The Commodores were 12-for-18 on 3rd downs in the win and held the ball for nearly 40 minutes while Alabama had just under 18 minutes time of possession. It serves as a reminder of what can happen on any given Saturday, but the fact it came one week removed from the Game of the Year is wildly unfathomable.

As for DeBoer, he’s experiencing a swift turnaround from most of the fanbase. After delivering the massive home run against Georgia, he’ll brace for the reaction from fans accustomed to winning every game — and especially not losing to Vandy.

Here’s how fans have turned on DeBoer after the way Week 6 went down:

Nick Saban: "The only place you're going to play in the SEC that's not hard to play, Vanderbilt"

Kalen DeBoer: pic.twitter.com/36vPVFw7cI

— Big Homie DMak (@Crip_Jesus) October 5, 2024

@KalenDeBoer may want to ask @KirbySmartUGA about halftime adjustments and how to keep @AlabamaFTBL focused regardless of the team. #justmeansmore

— Patrick Gtone (@JGtone) October 5, 2024

@KalenDeBoer Tough to give you and your staff the benefit of the doubt with such uninspired play. Are we content to ride on a moniker? No passion on the sidelines, no passion on the field. Getting them ready is on you.

— Martin Shakespeare (@QuentinCompson7) October 5, 2024

@KalenDeBoer you’re about to find out about expectations at Alabama. The hard way..

— Bama59 (@Bama591) October 5, 2024

@AlabamaFTBL Kalen DeBoer needs fired EXPEDITIOUSLY!!
Saban would NEVER

— Fonse_Of_All_Trades (@The_Fonse_717) October 5, 2024

The greatness of Saban was not winning the huge games. It was making sure his supremely talented team was focused and ready every week. Even against the lesser teams.

Something both Hugh Freeze and Kalen Deboer have a lot to learn about.

— John Ringer (@jkringer) October 5, 2024

Outside of getting worked in the Natty by Jim Harbaugh, I don’t recall the last time I saw Kalen DeBoer get outcoached for an entire 60

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) October 5, 2024

Kalen DeBoer about to learn about SEC road games.

— Mitchell Shiver (@MitchellShiver) October 5, 2024

Kalen DeBoer is 5 minutes away from his last two regular season losses being to Vanderbilt and ASU. The opposite ends of the academic spectrum.

— Curtis Rogers (@AKidFromKent) October 5, 2024

Well all the positive momentum and good will you built up Kalen DeBoer is gone. You about to witness how this BAMA fanbase will turn on you in a heartbeat.

— QD (@QDizzyFBaby) October 5, 2024

Kalen DeBoer will go from Hero to Zero if they lose this game

— Blain Crain (@Blain_Crain) October 5, 2024

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.