In the ever-intensifying rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs, head coach Kalen DeBoer finds himself at a pivotal crossroads. After a mixed debut season in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer is under pressure to prove that his victory over Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs wasn’t a one-time fluke. To truly bring down Georgia again and reestablish Alabama’s dominance, there’s one critical thing DeBoer must do: **evolve his strategy and outmaneuver Smart with innovation**.
Last season’s win over Georgia was a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent campaign for Alabama. DeBoer’s team showed flashes of brilliance, but also suffered from lapses in discipline, questionable play-calling, and a lack of identity on offense. Smart, widely regarded as the best coach in college football today, rarely loses the same way twice. That means DeBoer can’t rely on the same formula to beat Georgia again—he’ll need to think outside the box.
One of the biggest keys will be quarterback play. Both Alabama and Georgia are entering the season with new full-time starters under center. DeBoer must ensure his quarterback is not only prepared but also empowered to make quick decisions and adapt on the fly. That means simplifying reads, maximizing tempo, and designing plays that exploit Georgia’s aggressive defense. Creativity in the passing game, especially with pre-snap motion and misdirection, could be the difference-maker.
But it’s not just about offense. Alabama’s defense must be more disciplined and better conditioned to handle Georgia’s physical style. Last season, Alabama struggled with penalties and late defensive adjustments. DeBoer needs to tighten up communication on the sideline and ensure his players are mentally sharp. That starts with leadership—both from the coaching staff and veteran players.
Another area of focus is the trenches. Georgia has built its dynasty on dominating the line of scrimmage, and Alabama must respond in kind. DeBoer needs to prioritize physicality in the run game and shore up protection for his quarterback. That may require personnel changes, scheme tweaks, or even a more aggressive approach in the transfer portal to bring in experienced linemen.
Perhaps most importantly, DeBoer must instill a culture of accountability and resilience. Nick Saban’s legacy was built on “The Process”—a relentless commitment to excellence. DeBoer doesn’t need to replicate Saban, but he does need to establish his own standard. That means holding players to a high bar, demanding focus in practice, and fostering a mindset that embraces pressure rather than crumbles under it.
The September 27 showdown in Athens will be more than just a game—it’ll be a litmus test for DeBoer’s growth as a head coach. If he can adapt, innovate, and lead with conviction, Alabama has a real shot at toppling Georgia once again. But if he sticks to the same script, Smart and the Bulldogs will be ready. In this chess match of college football titans, it’s DeBoer’s move.
