No. 9 Alabama’s spot in the 2025 college playoffs bracket was a controversial one, as they were coming out of a massive 28-7 blowout loss against Georgia during the SEC championship this year, despite ending the season with a 10-2 record.
As Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide team took on Oklahoma for the first round of college football playoffs, 4 out of 5 analysts during College GameDay show picked the Sooners over Alabama, except their head coach, Nick Saban.
While the game started on a difficult note for Alabama with a 17-0 score during the second quarter, they were able to turn the tables around for a 34-24 win, drawing an ecstatic reaction from Saban, who was seen dancing during Saturday’s GameDay appearance.
Saban said that it was a great win for Alabama and that he is proud of the team because the atmosphere there was “something.”
“Notre Dame would have beaten Alabama or Oklahoma easily by more than 2 touchdowns…” one fan reacted.
“He couldn’t be more of a homer if he tried. Can’t blame him, but it’s getting nauseating at this point.” another fan wrote.
“Yeah he happy asf cause he vouched to the committee for Bama to stay in and got them a rematch just like he always does. If Bama would’ve kept getting blown out, his credibility would’ve sour to ESPN.” another fan conspired.
“It would be a huge relief to American if Coach Nick truly retired so we wouldn’t have to listen to his Alabama BS every week.” another fan bluntly expressed their frustration.
“Maybe y’all shouldn’t have a guy who remains on the Alabama payroll to push Bama propaganda.” another fan said.
“Showed lots of heart coming back to beat another over hyped SEC team. Damn good win for them though and the team gets to be together for another week.” another fan expressed excitement for DeBoer’s team.
“It was a great win for Alabama, great. I’m so proud of that team because that atmosphere was something.”
Nick Saban was feeling good after Alabama beat Oklahoma ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JEUffnJiub
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 20, 2025
Robert Griffin III Shares Thoughts on Kalen DeBoer’s Potential Alabama Exit
While analysts like Josh Pate and Joel Klatt refuse to dismiss the possibility of Kalen DeBoer leaving the Alabama job for the Michigan opening as the Wolverines look for their new head coach, Robert Griffin III bluntly shared his thoughts on the situation.
As some analysts also predicted a hot seat for DeBoer if he loses the Oklahoma game, Griffin said that Alabama would be out of their minds to let their head coach walk and go to Michigan.
“The guy is all about his players, not about himself and has done a masterful job getting his Alabama team to respond. Down 17-0 and won. No one wanted to replace Nick Saban and DeBoer said “I Will”. THAT’S a leader.” Griffin wrote.
Alabama will now go against Indiana for the Rose Bowl showdown on January 1st.
Read More:
“He Gone”: Fans Think Kalen DeBoer is Leaving Alabama After Latest Hint
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