### Alabama's Triumph Over Georgia Highlights Kalen DeBoer's Dominance

Alabama celebrated a significant milestone in the 2024 college football season by securing a dramatic 41-34 victory over Georgia. This win extends Alabama's impressive record to 9-1 against the Bulldogs since 2008. The game underscored the Crimson Tide's enduring dominance, even in the absence of legendary coach Nick Saban.

The spotlight shines brightly on Kalen DeBoer, who has stepped into Saban's shoes and continued the storied program's success trajectory. DeBoer, now 29-3 in less than three seasons as a top-tier coach, boasts an impeccable 6-0 record against some of the game's most revered coaches: Kirby Smart of Georgia, Steve Sarkisian of Texas, and Dan Lanning of Oregon. This achievement places DeBoer at the pinnacle of college football's coaching elite.

DeBoer’s coaching acumen was on full display in the previous season when he led a talent-strapped Washington team to the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they triumphed over Texas. Now, as Alabama’s head coach, he is tasked with maximizing a highly talented roster—a gift from Saban—and he's proving to be the perfect fit.

While Alabama soars, Ole Miss grapples with its setbacks. Entering the season with high hopes, the Rebels' disappointing 20-17 loss to a 2-2 Kentucky team reveals their ongoing struggles against superior competition. High expectations fueled by a robust transfer portal haul have not translated into on-field success, highlighting coach Lane Kiffin's apparent ceiling.

On the other side of the college football landscape, BYU has emerged as a formidable force in the Big 12 conference. Following a narrow 34-28 win against Baylor and a dominant performance against Kansas State, BYU's path to the conference title game looks promising despite a challenging schedule ahead. With notable victories and a relatively easy closing schedule, BYU could afford a loss or two and still remain in the title hunt.

Tulane's coach, Jon Sumrall, is another standout story. At just 42, Sumrall has established himself as a brilliant offensive mind, leading Tulane to a strong 3-2 record despite challenges. His team’s 45-10 victory over South Florida marked a promising start to their conference play. Sumrall’s previous success at Troy, where he transformed the program and won consecutive Sun Belt Conference titles, adds to his burgeoning reputation.

UNLV also makes a compelling case as a Group of Five contender, highlighted by their 59-14 victory over Fresno State. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams' impressive performance has propelled UNLV to a 4-0 record, including two notable Power Four wins. Up next, a crucial game against Syracuse could further bolster their credentials, making them strong favorites for the Mountain West Conference title.