The Nick Saban era at Alabama is gone, but every now and then, you get a glimpse of the former coach’s imprint on the program. We didn’t see that in Kalen DeBoer’s GameDay fit. While Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant used to sport extravagant suits at the sidelines, Nick Saban came with his khakis and a collared t-shirt, a formal attire nonetheless. Kalen DeBoer adopted a more laid-back approach, wearing a simple black Nike hoodie. The head coach had to face criticism about his attire last year. But lately, fans have realized the same hoodie is a lucky charm for the team, since DeBoer is 10-2 wearing the hoodie. Now, going into the Week 6 game against Vanderbilt, DeBoer is maintaining that superstition.

Last year, Alabama ended with 9 wins. It wasn’t the best start for Kalen DeBoer, but many still found it acceptable. The loss to Vanderbilt, however, was tough to swallow. In that game, Alabama’s offense and defense showed some clear weaknesses. Vanderbilt, led by Diego Pavia, controlled the game most of the time. They forced two turnovers and held Alabama’s rushing game to under 100 yards. To avoid a repeat in Week 6 against Vanderbilt at Tuscaloosa, Kalen DeBoer is preparing hard, including wearing his favorite hoodie.

“Kalen DeBoer told ESPN’s @PeteThamel that he’ll wear his black hoodie today against Vanderbilt,” reported Mike Rodak of CBS Sports on X. While Kalen DeBoer mostly wears his black hoodie in home games. And the Vandy game is also a home game, which explains the decision. However, DeBoer wasn’t planning to be plainly dressed on the sidelines; instead, he was going with something Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant-yish.

A few days before the Vandy matchup was slated, DeBoer’s new Tuscaloosa tailor, Ramesh Kripalani, told the Tuscaloosa News that the head coach was planning to be dressed “better than Nick Saban.” Kripalani had planned an outfit consisting of a linen-blend jacket, which he customised and shipped the fabric from Hong Kong on an urgent basis. The coat DeBoer was planning to wear had crimson colors, signaling the Bama tradition, and was embroidered with “Roll Tide” script. However, now, it seems Kalen DeBoer has played it safe for now.

After a win against Georgia in Week 5, Kalen DeBoer was asked if he would be going to wear the hoodie against Vanderbilt. The head coach at the time didn’t pay much heed to the question but acknowledged the fan sentiment. “I think we all know that you don’t win because of that, and you don’t lose because of that, but I get it,” said DeBoer.

Apart from the hoodie’s 10-2 record, Kalen DeBoer is now 11-1, wearing all black, as the head coach sported his lucky hoodie with ‘ALABAMA’ written boldly on the front against the dawgs, along with Nike’s swoosh logo. Coming to business, though, defeating Vanderbilt will require more than a hoodie.

Nick Saban lays out expectations for Kalen DeBoer against Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt so far has been exceptional in the season, notching up 5 wins and defeating teams like Virginia Tech and South Carolina. This will also be the first time in almost a century that the two teams will be facing each other as ranked opponents. Currently, Vanderbilt is ranked 16th in the AP poll, with 640 points, while Alabama is 10th nationally, jumping up 7 spots after a win in Athens. All said, Vanderbilt would be a tough opponent in Week 6 for Alabama, and DeBoer has to be ready; moreover, even Nick Saban has already laid out expectations.

“Let me say one thing: Revenge is not supposed to be a factor, but it is a factor today,” said Nick Saban on the ESPN College GameDay today. Herbstreit, however, countered Saban by laying out the quality the Vandy team has this season. “They’re better. They’re more mature. They’re more experienced than they were a year ago. They are not intimidated.” Nick Saban’s response? “Let me speak up for Alabama now. We’re better, too,” announced Saban.

Nick Saban is hosting the College Football GameDay today at Tuscaloosa with other co-hosts like Pat McAfee and Penn State legend LaVar Arrington joining in as the guest picker. The Vandy vs Bama game, on the other hand, will air at 3:30 PM ET with ABC carrying the national broadcast. This time, Kalen DeBoer needs to win to ease some tension in Tuscaloosa regarding his long-term prospects. Because a loss against Vandy (even though they are a very good team this season) can dampen the playoff chances, along with DeBoer’s job security.