Kalen DeBoer, head coach of the Washington Huskies, spoke candidly about the exclusion of Alabama from the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) and his team’s upcoming matchup against Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
DeBoer, whose Huskies earned a spot in the CFP, was asked for his thoughts on the controversial decision to leave Alabama out of the playoff despite the Crimson Tide’s strong finish to the season. DeBoer acknowledged the complexity of the selection process but emphasized that the committee’s decision ultimately reflects the season’s full body of work. “Alabama is a great team with a storied program, and I have a lot of respect for them,” DeBoer said. “But the committee had to make tough choices. At the end of the day, it’s about consistency and what teams did over the entire season.”
DeBoer also stressed that every team in the playoff earned their spot based on their performance, and his focus remained on Washington’s own journey to the top. “We’ve earned our place in the playoff by taking care of business week in and week out. We’re focused on that,” he added.
Looking ahead to the Rose Bowl, where Washington will face Michigan, DeBoer expressed excitement and respect for the Wolverines, who come into the game as one of the most dominant teams in the country. “Michigan is a fantastic football team,” DeBoer said. “They’re physical, they’re disciplined, and they’ve got talent at every position. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, but we’re ready. We know that we need to execute our game plan and play with confidence.”
DeBoer concluded by emphasizing that his team’s preparation and mindset would be key to success. “We’re going to treat this game like the opportunity it is—an opportunity to prove ourselves on the biggest stage.”
