TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Kalen DeBoer’s first Iron Bowl was far from the back-and-forth of some shootouts of the past and lacked the theatrics of Nick Saban’s final act in the legendary rivalry last season. Even so, the first-year Alabama coach did something Saban could not: taste victory in his inaugural Alabama-Auburn showdown.

The Iron Bowl has arrived. Alabama football and Auburn are set to face off in the regular season finale as always, with Tigers coach Hugh Freeze taking part in his second Iron Bowl and Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer set to take part in his first Iron Bowl.

This is Jalen Milroe and Alabama football in 2024. Fully capable of big plays and dominant stretches with just enough mistakes to keep things interesting -- or frustrating. Flawed, but perfect at Bryant-Denny Stadium nonetheless.