Clark Lea sees similarities between this year's Alabama team and Kalen DeBoer's Playoff Washington team

The biggest game in modern Vanderbilt football history will take place this weekend in Tuscaloosa. At least, for the time being.

Riding a 5-0 record for the first time since 2008, No. 16 Vanderbilt travels to No. 10 Alabama for a monstrous clash in the Southeastern Conference. The ‘Dores are outscoring opponents 245-86 through five games, while the Crimson Tide have enjoyed wins over Louisiana-Monroe, Wisconsin and No. 5 Georgia after suffering a loss to Florida State in their season opener.

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea revealed that he sees similarities between Alabama‘s team this season and the 2023 Washington team (also coached by DeBoer) that made a run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. There, it fell to Michigan 34-13.

“Both sides are better (than last year),” Lea said. “I think for Kalen and his group, it’s their second year and you can see the identity of the program taking shape. I think the offense resembles that group that they took to the Championship game at Washington. It’s got that fuel to it. They’re throwing the ball really well and have a creative run game.”

Comparing 2023 Washington to 2025 Alabama

“You can see the influence of the coordinator in that and they present challenges,” Lea continued. “Sometimes this team reminds me of the 2020 Alabama team we (Notre Dame) defended in the Playoffs because they have the talent to where they can line up and play traditional football, but they make it hard with shifts, motions and formations.”

“I’ve got a ton of respect for how they operate. The quarterback makes it go. I think he’s developed chemistry in the system. He’s a coach’s son and he seems to have grown comfortable and grown in leadership. They’re gonna be challenging and on our side, we feel like we’re better. We’re operating at a high level offensively and playing complementary defensively.”

Through four games in 2023, DeBoer’s Washington team outscored opponents 199-68 thanks to an offense that was averaging 593 yards per game. Through four games this season, DeBoer’s second Alabama team is outscoring opponents 152-66 while averaging 443 yards per game. While the numbers aren’t quite the same, there’s no doubt that the Crimson Tide look much better than they did in their season opener.

Kickoff between No. 10 Alabama and No. 16 Vanderbilt this Saturday is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on ABC.