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

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.

With the unexpected job opening at Michigan, Kalen DeBoer’s name is once again surfacing in coaching carousel conversations, even as he prepares to lead Alabama in the College Football Playoff.Michigan fired Sherrone Moore Wednesday after “credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member,

Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide managed to punch their ticker to the College Football Playoff in spite of having three losses on the year thanks to their strong resume. But there are some who feel that Alabama does not quite belong in the field.

DeBoer is in his second season with the Crimson Tide after stepping in for the retired Nick Saban and Venables is in his fourth year leading the Sooners following Lincoln Riley's departure. Both had impeccable credentials.

Just more than a month after meeting in the regular season, Oklahoma and Alabama square off again in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has made a strong start in Tuscaloosa.