Alabama football is getting close to the Iron Bowl, but it isn’t quite there yet.
Before Kalen DeBoer and his team can direct their emphasis totally to Auburn, the Crimson Tide must first travel to Oklahoma.
However, at the final SEC football coaches teleconference of the season, DeBoer provided a glimpse of how Alabama will approach its first Iron Bowl of the new era.
“That’s going to be a game that the whole state, us, Auburn, pour everything into,” DeBoer told the audience. “Such a rich history spanning many years. It’s a huge game. Big game for a variety of reasons. The main objective for us will be, hopefully, to win something.
This weekend will undoubtedly have an impact on it. That’s what I’ve always tried to focus rivalry games on: where we are in the season and what it means for our squad. But you surely understand the atmosphere and environment for the spectators and everyone involved in the game, as well as the importance of a rivalry game to them.”
Alabama has won four consecutive Iron Bowls versus Auburn, two of which were decided by three or fewer points.
Alabama’s most recent setback to Auburn was on the road in 2019, when the Tigers defeated the Tide 48-45.
The Crimson Tide have not lost an Iron Bowl game in Tuscaloosa since 2010.
DeBoer understands what rivalries are like, describing the one between Washington and Oregon as “heated.” He’s had previous rivalries at Alabama, having battled Tennessee and LSU.
But this one, DeBoer believes, will be different.
“The in-state ones always do mean a little bit more in its own way,” DeBoer said. “That’s what makes it fun for everyone.”
Alabama vs Auburn will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT Nov. 30 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on ABC.
Alabama will play Oklahoma at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Norman on ABC.
