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Kalen DeBoer and Nick Saban only faced one another on opposite sidelines once, as DeBoer’s career did not include programs that traditionally overlapped with Alabama’s footprint or schedule.
But as he’s expected to become the next coach at Alabama, DeBoer can recall one time he faced Alabama and Saban. It was in 2017 when Fresno State traveled to Tuscaloosa. The result was an Alabama win, 41-10, as Jalen Hurts ran for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns and passed for a 3rd score as the top-ranked Crimson Tide were fueled by Hurts’ 55-yard touchdown run 2 plays into the game.
It was Hurts, who earlier that week said Alabama needed a better effort than it produced against Florida State.
DeBoer, as the offensive coordinator for Fresno State, saw his offense put up 273 yards of offense, including 18 first downs. QB Chason Virgil threw a touchdown and an interception. From DeBoer’s point of view, Fresno moved the ball at times against Alabama’s defense, but couldn’t reach the end zone until late. Virgil was solid, and completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards with an interception.
Saban noted an improvement from the last week, and also applauded Tua Tagovailoa for his contributions.
Interestingly enough, the next week, Fresno State played a second straight 2016 Playoff team, visiting Washington for the first time since 2006.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
