DeBoer Debut: Western Kentucky at Alabama Kickoff Time Announced

Kalen Deboer Has Big Shoes to Fill

This will be the first game for Alabama coached by someone other than Nick Saban since the 2006 season. Under Saban, Alabama experienced unprecedented success over the past 17 years and while most fans understand there could be a drop-off under the new coach, they still expect to win. Kalen will need to have his team ready for a good WKU team because unlike Saban he can't afford a first-year slip-up like Saban had in 2007 against Louisiana-Monroe.

The difference between Alabama now and when Saban first started is that the fans are used to an almost unachievable standard of winning. If Deboer wants to keep the fans happy he'll have to continue Saban's success to a certain degree and that starts on August 31 against Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers beat a University of South Florida team that Alabama struggled with last year, escaping with a 17-3 road victory.

The fact that this game is in primetime accentuates that the whole country will be watching the changing of the guard at Alabama. Kalen Deboer has said he embraces the challenge of replacing legendary coach Nick Saban and we'll get our first look at his effort come August 31.

Alabama vs. WKU History

The Crimson Tide and Hilltoppers haven't faced each other since 2016 when Alabama defeated WKU 38-10. The Tide currently hold a record of 3-0 against the Hilltoppers who look to take advantage of Alabama's coaching transition and sneak out of Tuscaloosa with an upset win.

Can Western Kentucky pull the upset to make the series a little less lopsided or will Alabama continue to roll under new coach Kalen DeBoer and the staff he's assembled? Tune in on August 31 at 7 pm EST to find out.