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By Matthew Schmidt
Contributing Sports Writer
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Remember earlier this season when there was speculation that the Alabama Crimson Tide could look for a way out of Kalen DeBoer's contract? That feels like eons ago, as Alabama has won eight games in a row to surge to No. 4 in the top-25 rankings, and the Crimson Tide has a pivotal meeting with the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners coming up this Saturday.
So, what exactly changed in Tuscaloosa? What has been the driving force behind all of the winning?
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Could it be DeBoer's choice of fashion?
That's what the Alabama players seem to believe, as they noticed the team is undefeated in regular-season games (16-0, to be exact) when DeBoer dons his Nike Dri-FIT black hoodie.
“It got brought up this year with our players. They were like, ‘Coach, you got to wear it, man,’” DeBoer said, via Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.
Apparently, at least one player flat-out demanded that DeBoer wear the hoodie. Can't argue with results, right?
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The "black hoodie of death," as it's called, has become such a craze that the shirt is now a popular choice for resellers on eBay, with the bidding on one auction in particular starting at $120.
But in all seriousness, Alabama's turnaround this season has certainly been remarkable. The Crimson Tide were absolutely hammered by Florida State, 31-17, in their season opener. They have been dominant ever since and have gone undefeated in SEC play, owning victories over four ranked opponents thus far.
DeBoer obviously has big shoes to fill at Bama, as he replaced Nick Saban, who led the program to six national championships throughout his illustrious tenure at Tuscaloosa.
DeBoer went 9-4 during his debut campaign with the Crimson Tide, falling to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. That was bad enough. Things then looked like they were spiraling out of control to begin 2025, but he has righted the ship.
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It's also important to note that DeBoer led Washington to a National Championship Game appearance the year before arriving at Alabama, so it's not like he has not experienced success before.
If the Crimson Tide keeps rolling against Oklahoma. Bet that DeBoer will be sporting the black hoodie for this one.
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