Six-Time Pro Bowler Says Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama Never Belonged in CFP & Rose Bowl Loss Proves It
A former six-time Pro Bowler has sparked debate by claiming that Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama team never deserved a spot in the College Football Playoff, arguing that the Crimson Tide’s Rose Bowl defeat exposed deeper issues.
Speaking after Alabama’s season-ending loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl, the former NFL star criticized Alabama’s consistency and overall résumé. He suggested that the Tide benefited from brand reputation rather than week-to-week dominance, pointing to execution errors and offensive struggles in the semifinal as proof.
The comments quickly gained traction, as Alabama Crimson Tide entered the CFP amid heavy controversy over selection criteria. While DeBoer is still early in his tenure, the Pro Bowler argued that elite playoff teams “don’t look overwhelmed on the biggest stage.”
Though Alabama remains one of college football’s premier programs, the criticism highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding CFP selections — and raises questions about whether reputation still carries too much weight when championships are on the line.