Coach Kalen DeBoer to make debut with No. 5 Alabama hosting Western Kentucky

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer talks with the media following NCAA college football practice, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Kalen DeBoer is set to make his debut as Alabama’s coach and Nick Saban’s successor. DeBoer’s fifth-ranked Crimson Tide host Western Kentucky at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The defending Southeastern Conference champions are aiming to make it back to the College Football Playoffs.

Alabama is a heavy favorite over the Hilltoppers, who are picked to finish second in Conference USA. Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe returns with a largely new group of wide receivers and runners. But much of the focus will be on the 49-year-old DeBoer.

First impressions matter. This is the nation’s first look at Alabama post-Nick Saban. Kalen DeBoer’s debut game in Tuscaloosa shapes up as a pretty big mismatch, but a solid, well-executed performance would be a good initial sign for Crimson Tide fans. Western Kentucky is trying to contend in Conference USA, where the Hilltoppers are predicted to finish second after an eight-win season.

KEY MATCHUP

Alabama’s new offense against Western Kentucky’s defense. DeBoer is known for his offensive acumen, much like Saban was regarded as a defensive guru. With QB Jalen Milroe back with largely new playmakers, it will be a first glimpse at how much has changed. The Tide have to replace much of their running back and receiver production either with returnees or newcomers. The Hilltoppers’ nine defensive touchdowns over the last two seasons tops the nation.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Western Kentucky: QB TJ Finley is on his fourth stop after a breakthrough season at Texas State. The first two were at LSU and Auburn. The 6-foot-7, 238-pound Finley passed for 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns against eight interceptions last season.

Alabama: QB Jalen Milroe finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting despite a shaky start last season. He went on to account for 35 touchdowns, 23 passing and 12 rushing.

FACTS & FIGURES

Alabama has won 22 straight season openers. The last opening loss came 20-17 to UCLA on Sept. 1, 2001. … Coaches are 21-7 all-time in their first games leading the Tide program, going back to E.B. Beaumont in 1892. … DeBoer has an 8-1 record in openers as a head coach, with the only loss coming while at Fresno State, 34-19 to Hawaii in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. … The Hilltoppers have 53 new players on the roster, including 33 transfers. … Western Kentucky ended last season by rallying from a 28-point deficit to beat Old Dominion 38-35 in the Famous Toastery Bowl.

Kickoff for Western Kentucky at No. 5 Alabama is Saturday at 6PM CDT on ESPN.