DeBoer's winning pedigree and offensive innovation offer Michigan a chance to rebuild. But can he truly conquer Tuscaloosa's shadow?

Even so, No. 2 Ohio State is the only top-four seed without a title to its name. No. 1 Indiana, No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Texas Tech all won their respective conferences. That's a testament to how strong the Buckeyes, who will be defending their 2024 national title, were this season.

There is at least one ESPN college football analyst that isn’t ready to close this chapter of the coaching book.

No. 9 Alabama and No. 8 Oklahoma will kick off the College Football Playoff Friday night in Norman. The Sooners have won both of the previous two meetings between the SEC foes and look to win their third in 13 months Friday night.

Beyond the wins and losses, there is a narrative at stake here that's more than just wins and losses. A loss in the College Football Playoff opener can steer conventional wisdom -- right or wrong -- about a team, or in this year's case, whether half the sport even belongs in the format at all.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/michigan as Coaches Michigan should target if it can’t land Kalen DeBoer, Kenny Dillingham.

It's no secret that Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer is the Michigan Wolverines' top target to replace Sherrone Moore as the program's head coach. DeBoer, however, recently released a statement stating that he's not interested in talking to other schools.

Shaun Alexander offers key advice to Kalen DeBoer as Alabama’s playoff push gets tougher after Ty Simpson’s injury.