Key stat shows where Kalen DeBoer is coming up short in comparison to Nick Saban
By Mark Kern
Published:
Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide could not have had a worse start in 2025, as they lost to Florida State, 31-17, in a game that the Seminoles controlled after the first drive.
Expectations were high in Year 2 for DeBoer, as the talk all off-season was about the team taking the next step. However, that wasn’t the case on Saturday, despite being a 2-touchdown favorite entering the game.
One of the most glaring differences about Alabama under Kalen DeBoer compared to Nick Saban is when it comes to taking care of business as a big favorite.
According to Brett McMurphy, since 2007, the Crimson Tide went 131-2 under Saban in games where they were favored by at least 14 points. DeBoer has been in that exact same scenario eight times since becoming the coach, and the Crimson Tide are now 4-4.
This was supposed to be the game where Alabama sent a reminder that it is still among the very best teams in college football. Instead, fans are beginning to wonder how much it would cost to buyout DeBoer’s contract after losing to a team that went 2-10 last season.
The seat has gotten a lot hotter for DeBoer, and the team will look to get a win next when as the Crimson Tide hosts Lousiana-Monroe.
