Alabama Fans Meltdown on Kalen DeBoer After Loss to Oklahoma

In hindsight, it might have been a bad weekend for Alabama to plan its homecoming.

The No. 4 Crimson Tide entered Saturday’s contest against No. 11 Oklahoma hearing all about last year’s 24-3 disappointment in Norman. The loss killed any chance of Alabama making the College Football Playoff in head coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season with the program.

Alabama won’t be out of the CFP chase after losing 23-21 to the Sooners on Saturday, but the team’s second defeat could hurt its chances of earning a bye in the first round.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables’ defense was ready on Saturday. While the Crimson Tide outgained the Sooners in total yards (406-212), Oklahoma forced three turnovers and made a crucial fourth-down stop on Alabama’s final possession to earn a victory in front of a stunned crowd of 100,077 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama fans on social media voiced frustration with DeBoer after Saturday’s upset. Per ESPN BET, the Crimson Tide were 7.5-point favorites to beat the Sooners.

“Does Kalen Deboer really think this kind of effort will keep him employed in Tuscaloosa?” asked a fan.

“Kalen DeBoer better figure out how to run the ball and have his offensive line impose their will on their opponents. This is the SEC not the Pac12,” posted another.

Alabama was held to 80 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries (2.4 yards per rush) against Oklahoma.

“Gonna be a long week for Kalen DeBoer. You can’t lose that game. Such an undisciplined football team,” wrote a fan.

“Kalen Deboer hot seat back on the board! Iron Bowl got a lot more interesting,” suggested a poster.

“Alabama should have nothing but the highest standards for their program. A guy like Kalen DeBoer just isn’t cutting it, should cut him loose,” posted another.

“Fire kalen deboer immediately,” argued a fan.

Alabama won’t likely consider firing DeBoer at this point. The Crimson Tide won eight games in a row after losing 31-17 to Florida State in Week 1. DeBoer earned an impressive 24-21 win at No. 5 Georgia on Sept. 27 and knocked off rival Tennessee 37-20 on Oct. 18.

However, the frustration of the fan base will continue to mount if the team doesn’t win out in the regular season. DeBoer is 17-6 overall and 11-4 in SEC play during his first two seasons with Alabama.

The Crimson Tide will host Eastern Illinois in Week 13 before traveling to play Auburn on Nov. 29 to finish the regular season.