Live updates: Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer speaks on ‘Hey Coach’ before Oklahoma game

Alabama football has another must-win game on Saturday, when it travels to Norman to face Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide will be expected to prevail against the Sooners, who have only won one SEC game, but a slip-up would likely cost UA a chance at a College Football Playoff spot.

On Wednesday ahead of the game, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is scheduled to make his weekly appearance on the “Hey Coach” radio show, on the Crimson Tide Sports Network. He’ll be speaking live from Baumhower’s Victory Grille in Tuscaloosa.

Tim Keenan will be the player guest on Wednesday’s show.

DeBoer’s appearance is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. CT. Follow along here for live updates once he takes to the airwaves.

— DeBoer notes that the season has gone by fast. Says it was nice to get some of Alabama’s non-starters in during Saturday’s game against Mercer.

— Mentions Alabama’s one drive where it fell short of scoring against Mercer, but praises the offense and defense for doing their jobs against Mercer.

— Host Chris Stewart asks about Alabama visiting an unfamiliar venue. DeBoer says he shows a picture of the stadium during his Tuesday meeting. Notes that there’s not much room behind the bench.

— Stewart mentions that the weather could be cooler for Saturday’s game. DeBoer says it will be excellent football weather for those playing in the game.

— DeBoer praises Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables. Says the Sooners play hard, and find ways to win when they take care of the ball offensively.

— The first caller question comes from Peewee in Grand Bay, as is tradition. He asks about young offensive linemen who stuck out in the Mercer game. DeBoer says the group is doing well developing. Says Alabama is confident in its young offensive linemen if they have to play.

— Stewart asks DeBoer about Geno VanDeMark’s play. DeBoer says VanDeMark was excited about the Alabama offensive line’s work ethic when he first arrived from Michigan State.

— Caller asks about defensive linemen Tim Keenan, Tim Smith and Jah-Marien Latham. DeBoer says the group is “rock solid” and a large part of UA’s defensive success has been that group controlling its area on the field. Says they’ve grown as players and people throughout the season.

— DeBoer is asked about his coaching mentors. Says he learns from people across the industry, including competitors and people on his own staff. Specifically mentions the head coaches he worked for as an assistant.

— Stewart asks what the keys to victory are for the Oklahoma game. DeBoer first mentions creating turnovers, and Alabama playing its style of football throughout the game.

— DeBoer says Alabama has done a good job scoring touchdowns in the red zone lately. Says that’s an important thing to do well, notes that Graham Nicholson hasn’t taken many field goals this season.

— After Keenan joins the show, DeBoer is asked about DL coach Freddie Roach. DeBoer says that Roach does an excellent job, and his passion for the program made him a no-brainer to keep around.

— DeBoer says Keenan is a leader in every possible way. Says Keenan is consistent in giving his best every day. He says Keenan is a leader when it comes to community service, and impacting the community outside of the football program.