Pat McAfee has said that Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide are using a new method to benefit themselves in the upcoming 2024 college football season. This new strategy involves the much-celebrated EA Sports College Football 25 game.
Speaking with football analyst and former Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk on the "Pat McAfee Show," McAfee said:
"Alabama, allegedly utilizing college football 2K NCAA 25 to learn a new playbook. You get extra reps and now people say get mental reps, watch film, but what happens if I actually go through a simulation."
DeBoer revealed the same thing a few days back while talking to TV host Mike Golic. The Alabama HC stated:
"Some of them know the read progression, and you’re like, how do they know that?"
The EA College Football 25 made its comeback in July 2024 after a 10-year wait, and it was an instant hit in the college football landscape. DeBoer acknowledged this, saying:
"I guess there’s a positive element too, right? The things they do away from the facility. Especially at the end of the summer when it first came out, I know they were all in. I’m sure it’s being played more than I realize."
It's safe to say the Crimson Tide can use all the help before the 2024 season starts. This will be Alabama's first season without Nick Saban on the sidelines.
Also read: 5 Nick Saban football records Kalen DeBoer will struggle to break at Alabama
Alabama's Kalen DeBoer feeling the heat of matching Nick Saban
Kalen DeBoer has a mountain to climb as Alabama's new head coach, stepping into the massive shoes of the legendary Nick Saban. With Saban's legacy casting a large shadow over DeBoer, who has yet to start his era with Alabama, the coach already feels the weight of expectations.
On the "GoJo and Golic" podcast, DeBoer said:
"I hear it, I feel it. I knew that coming in, knew that was an expectation."
Despite the pressure, DeBoer embraces the challenge, eager to continue Alabama's winning tradition.
"That's the reason why I came here... to be a part of something like that," he added, recognizing the importance of maintaining the championship culture Saban cultivated.
Under Saban, Alabama achieved a 201–29 record, claiming 10 SEC West titles, nine SEC championships and six national titles. DeBoer, who has a record of 104-12, knows the bar is set high, but he's ready to keep the Tide rolling.
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