TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Kalen DeBoer’s first Iron Bowl was far from the back-and-forth of some shootouts of the past and lacked the theatrics of Nick Saban’s final act in the legendary rivalry last season. Even so, the first-year Alabama coach did something Saban could not: taste victory in his inaugural Alabama-Auburn showdown.

Despite its implications, the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn transcends the College Football Playoff or any other postseason game to those within the state of Alabama. In what will be Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer’s first time coaching in one,

Opposing coaches question the intensity of Alabama's weekly approach, while Auburn boosters have grown frustrated with Freeze's golf habit