Alabama Crimson Tide football explained

Teamname:Alabama Crimson Tide football
Currentseason:2024 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
Firstyear:1892
Athleticdirector:Greg Byrne
Headcoach:Kalen DeBoer
Headcoachyear:1st
Stadium:Bryant–Denny Stadium
Stadcapacity:100,077
Stadiumbuilt:1929
Stadsurface:Natural grass
Location:Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ncaadivision:I FBS
Conference:Southeastern Conference
Confdivision:Western
Pastaffiliations:Southern Conference (1921–1932)
Atwins:965
Atlosses:337
Atties:43
Bowlwins:46
Bowllosses:28
Bowlties:3
Playoffapps:8 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023)
Playoffs:9–5
Natltitles:18 (1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020)
Unnatltitles:5 (1945, 1966, 1975, 1977, 2016)[1]
Natlfinalist:9 (1971,[2] 1973,[3] 1992, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)
Conftitles:34 (SEC: 30, SoCon: 4)
Divtitles:18 (SEC West: 18)
Rivalries:Auburn (rivalry)
Clemson (rivalry)
Florida (rivalry)
Georgia (rivalry)
LSU (rivalry)
Mississippi State (rivalry)
Ole Miss (rivalry)
Penn State (rivalry)
Tennessee (rivalry)
Heismans:Mark Ingram – 2009
Derrick Henry – 2015
DeVonta Smith – 2020
Bryce Young – 2021
Allamericans:84
Mascot:Big Al
Marchingband:Million Dollar Band
Pagfreelabel:Outfitter
Pagfreevalue:Nike
Websitename:Rolltide.com
Websiteurl:https://rolltide.com/sports/football
Fightsong:Yea Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program represents the University of Alabama (variously Alabama, UA, or Bama) in the sport of American football. The team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[4] The team is currently led by Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide is among the most storied and decorated football programs in NCAA history. Since beginning play in 1892, the program claims 18 national championships, including 13 wire-service (AP or Coaches') national titles in the poll-era, and five other titles before the poll-era.[5] [6] From 1958 to 1982, the team was led by Hall of Fame coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, who won six national titles with the program. Alabama then had a dominant run under head coach Nick Saban between 2007 and 2023, resulting in six further national titles.

It was not until 2009 that an Alabama player received a Heisman Trophy, when running back Mark Ingram II became the university's first winner. In 2015, Derrick Henry became the university's second Heisman winner.[7] The Crimson Tide won back to back Heisman trophies in 2020 and 2021, with DeVonta Smith and Bryce Young.

Alabama has 965 official victories in NCAA Division I (an additional 21 victories were vacated, and eight victories and one tie were forfeited). Alabama has won 34 conference championships (4 Southern Conference and 30 SEC championships), and has made an NCAA-record 77 postseason bowl appearances. The program has 36 seasons with ten wins or more (plus one vacated)[8] [9] and has 46[b] bowl victories, both NCAA records.[10] The Crimson Tide lead the SEC West Division with 18 division titles and 15 appearances in the SEC Championship Game. The Associated Press (AP) ranks Alabama fourth in all-time final AP Poll appearances, with 61 through the 2023 season.[11] [12]

Alabama plays its home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium, located on the campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. With a capacity of 100,077,[13] Bryant–Denny is the 10th largest non-racing stadium in the world and the eighth largest stadium in the United States.

History

See main article: History of Alabama Crimson Tide football.

See also: List of Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons.

Head coaching history

See main article: List of Alabama Crimson Tide head football coaches.

Alabama has had 28 head coaches since organized football began in 1892. Adopting the nickname "Crimson Tide" after the 1907 season, 12 coaches have led the Crimson Tide in postseason bowl games: Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Harold D. "Red" Drew, Bear Bryant, Ray Perkins, Bill Curry, Gene Stallings, Mike DuBose, Dennis Franchione, Mike Shula, Joe Kines, and Nick Saban.[14] Eight of those coaches also won conference championships: Wade, Thomas, Drew, Bryant, Curry, Stallings, DuBose, and Saban. During their tenures, Wade, Thomas, Bryant, Stallings, and Saban all won national championships with the Crimson Tide.

Of the 27 different head coaches who have led the Crimson Tide, Wade, Thomas, Bryant, and Stallings have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. The current head coach is Kalen DeBoer, who took over the position in 2024 following the retirement of long-time head coach Nick Saban following the 2023 season.[15] [16] [17]

National championships

National championships in NCAA FBS college football are debated as the NCAA does not officially award the championship. Despite not naming an official National Champion, the NCAA provides lists of championships awarded by "major selectors."[18] [19] According to the official NCAA 2009 Division I Football Records Book, "During the last 138 years, there have been more than 30 selectors of national champions using polls, historical research and mathematical rating systems. Beginning in 1936, the Associated Press began the best-known and most widely circulated poll of sportswriters and broadcasters. Before 1936, national champions were determined by historical research and retroactive ratings and polls. [...] The criteria for being included in this historical list of poll selectors is that the poll be national in scope, either through distribution in newspaper, television, radio and/or computer online."[20]

Since World War II, Alabama claims only national championships awarded by the final AP Poll or the final Coaches' Poll. This policy is consistent with other FBS football programs with numerous national title claims, including Notre Dame, USC, and Oklahoma, except that in the pre-1936 era, unlike Alabama, there are major selectors' titles that these schools do not claim. All national championships claimed by the University of Alabama were published in nationally syndicated newspapers and magazines, and each of the national championship selectors, and are cited in the Official 2010 NCAA FBS Record Book.[21] In addition to the championships claimed by the university, the NCAA has listed Alabama as receiving a championship for the 1945, 1966, 1975, and 1977 college football seasons.

In Alabama's 1982 media guide, the last for Coach Bryant, 1934 is listed as the only national championship before Coach Bryant in a footnote about the school's SEC history. In the 1980s, Alabama's Sports Information Director Wayne Atcheson started recognizing five pre-Bryant national championship teams (1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941) by adding them to the university's Football Media Guide. According to Atcheson, he made the effort in the context of disputed titles being claimed by other schools, and "to make Alabama football look the best it could look" to compete with the other claimants. Atcheson maintains that the titles are the school's rightful claims.[22] Four of the five championships claimed in the Media Guide come before the AP poll was introduced in 1936. Many schools claim national championships from pre-1936 because there was no contemporary or nationally recognized authoritative source before that year.

The University of Alabama 2009 Official Football Media Guide says Alabama had 12 national championships prior to winning the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.[23] The 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020 titles bring the total number of national championships claimed by Alabama to 18. Thirteen of Alabama's national championships were awarded by the wire-services (AP, Coaches' Poll) or by winning the BCS National Championship Game.

In January 2013, CNN suggested that Alabama might be college football's new dynasty,[24] and in May 2013, Athlon Sports ranked Alabama's ongoing dynasty as the fourth-best since 1934, behind Oklahoma (1948–58), Miami (1986–92), and Nebraska (1993–97).[25]

National championship seasons

Various[26] 10–0 W Rose Bowl
9–0–1 T Rose Bowl
10–0 W Rose Bowl
10–0 W Rose Bowl
9–2 W Cotton Bowl Classic
11–0 W Sugar Bowl
10–1 L Orange Bowl
AP 9–1–1 W Orange Bowl
Coaches 11–1 L Sugar Bowl
AP 11–1 W Sugar Bowl
AP, Coaches 12–0 W Sugar Bowl
13–0 W Sugar Bowl (Bowl Coalition National Championship Game)
14–0 W BCS National Championship Game
12–1 W BCS National Championship Game
13–1 W BCS National Championship Game
14–1 W Cotton Bowl Classic
W College Football Playoff National Championship
13–1 W Sugar Bowl
W College Football Playoff National Championship
13–0 W Rose Bowl
W College Football Playoff National Championship

Conference championships

Alabama has won a total of 34 conference championships; this includes four Southern Conference and 30 SEC Championships. Alabama captured its four Southern Conference titles in 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1930. Alabama captured the first SEC title in 1933 and has won a total of 30 SEC Championships (1933, 1934, 1937, 1945, 1953, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1989†, 1992, 1999, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023). The school has won more SEC football titles than any other school, including 11 since the conference split into separate divisions and added the Championship Game in 1992. Alabama is the only school to win an SEC Championship in every decade since the conference was founded in 1933.

Southern[48] 8–1 5–0
10–0 7–0
9–0–1 8–0
1930† 10–0 8–0
7–1–1 5–0–1
1934† 10–0 7–0
9–1 6–0
10–0 6–0
6–3–3 4–0–3
1961† 11–0 7–0
10–1 8–0
9–1–1 6–1–1
1966† 11–0 6–0
11–1 7–0
10–2 7–1
11–1 8–0
11–1 6–0
11–1 6–0
11–1 7–0
11–1 6–0
12–0 6–0
1981† 9–2–1 7–0
1989† 10–2 6–1
13–0 8–0
10–3 7–1
14–0 8–0
13–1 7–1
12–2 7–1
14–1 7–1
14–1 8–0
14–1 8–0
13–0 10–0
13–2 7–1
12–2 8–0
† Co-champions

Division championships

The SEC was split into two divisions beginning in the 1992 season. Alabama competed in the SEC West. Alabama won 18 division titles and posted an 11–4 record in the SEC Championship Game .

SEC West W 28–21
L 13–28
L 23–24
1996† L 30–45
W 34–7
L 20–31
W 32–13
W 32–28
2013† N/A lost tiebreaker to Auburn
W 42–13
W 29–15
W 54–16
2017† N/A lost tiebreaker to Auburn
W 35–28
W 52–46
W 41–24
2022† N/A lost tiebreaker to LSU
W 27–24
† Co-champions

Individual accomplishments

See main article: Alabama Crimson Tide football statistical leaders.

First team All-Americans

See main article: List of Alabama Crimson Tide football All-Americans.

Every year, several publications release lists of their ideal "team". The athletes on these lists are referred to as All-Americans. The NCAA recognizes five All-American lists. They are the Associated Press (AP), American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Sporting News (TSN), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF). Alabama has had 149 players honored 173 times as first team All-Americans (84 consensus)[49] [50] in its history, including 20 players honored twice and two players (Cornelius Bennett and Woodrow Lowe) who were honored three times as a First Team All-American.[51]

The most recent All-Americans from Alabama came after the 2022 season, when Will Anderson Jr. and Brian Branch were each named First Team All-America by various selectors.

College Football Hall of Fame inductees

See main article: List of Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Hall of Fame. In 1951, the College Football Hall of Fame opened in South Bend, Indiana. Since then, Alabama has had 22 players and four former coaches inducted into the Hall of Fame.[52] [53] Alabama had two members inducted into the inaugural 1951 class—Don Hutson and Frank Thomas.

1983–1986 2005
1923–1925 1957
1958–1982 Head coach 1986
1930–1932 1973
1972–1974 2022
1944–1947 1993
1970–1972 1999
Frank Howard1928–1930 OG 1989
1932–1934 HB 1970
1922–1925 QB 1964
1932–1934 E 1951
1960–1962 LB 1983
1977–1980 DE 2020
1990–1993 2024
1972–1975 LB 2009
1944–1947 1990
1969–1971 HB 2000
1959–1961 2003
1974–1977 1994
1928–1930 T 1955
1934–1935 QB 1985
1990–1996 Head coach 2010
1985–1988 LB 2014
1931–1946 Head coach 1951
1923–1930 Head coach 1955
1941–1942 T 1956
1975–1978 DT 2012

Award winners

Overall

Mark Ingram II (2009)

Derrick Henry (2015)

DeVonta Smith (2020)

Bryce Young (2021)

A. J. McCarron (2013)

Derrick Henry (2015)

Tua Tagovailoa (2018)

DeVonta Smith (2020)

Bryce Young (2021)

Derrick Henry (2015)

Tua Tagovailoa (2018)

DeVonta Smith (2020)

DeVonta Smith (2020)

Bryce Young (2021)

Mark Ingram (2009)

Tua Tagovailoa (2018)

DeVonta Smith (2020)

Bryce Young (2021)

Cornelius Bennett (1986)

Jonathan Allen (2016)

Will Anderson Jr. (2022)

Jonathan Allen (2016)

Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017)

Will Anderson Jr. (2022)

Jonathan Allen (2016)

Will Anderson Jr. (2021, 2022)

DeVonta Smith (2020)

Positional

Mac Jones (2020)

Bryce Young (2021)

Trent Richardson (2011)

Derrick Henry (2015)

Najee Harris (2020)

Amari Cooper (2014)

Jerry Jeudy (2018)

DeVonta Smith (2020)

Derrick Thomas (1988)

Rolando McClain (2009)

C. J. Mosley (2013)

Reuben Foster (2016)

Jay Barker (1994)

A. J. McCarron (2013)

Mac Jones (2020)

Antonio Langham (1993)

Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017)

Chris Samuels (1999)

Andre Smith (2008)

Barrett Jones (2011)

Cam Robinson (2016)

Quinnen Williams (2018)

Alex Leatherwood (2020)

Barrett Jones (2012)

Ryan Kelly (2015)

Landon Dickerson (2020)

Jonathan Allen (2016)

Mac Jones (2020)

Bryce Young (2021)

Offensive Line (2015, 2020)

Thomas Fletcher (2020)

Other

DeMeco Ryans (2005)

Will Anderson Jr. (2022)

Barrett Jones (2011)

Barrett Jones (2012)

Steve Sloan (1965)

David Palmer (1993)

Amari Cooper (2014)

Andre Smith (2008)

Barrett Jones (2011)

Jonah Williams (2018)

Rolando McClain (2009)

Antonio Langham (1993)

Quinnen Williams (2018)

A. J. McCarron (2013)

John Metchie III (2020, 2021)

Coaching

Gene Stallings (1992)

Nick Saban (2020)

Paul "Bear" Bryant (1961, 1971, 1973)

Gene Stallings (1992)

Gene Stallings (1992)

Nick Saban (2008)

Gene Stallings (1992)

Nick Saban (2008, 2018)

Gene Stallings (1992)

Nick Saban (2016)

Bill Curry (1989)

Nick Saban (2014)

Nick Saban (2008)

Nick Saban (2008)

Nick Saban (2008)

Nick Saban (2008)

Nick Saban (2009, 2011, 2012)

Kirby Smart (2009)

Mike Locksley (2018)

Steve Sarkisian (2020)

Kirby Smart (2012)

Heisman Trophy

On December 12, 2009, Mark Ingram II became Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner. In the closest race ever, he edged out Stanford running back Toby Gerhart by 28 points. Other notable finishes for an Alabama player occurred in 1993, when David Palmer finished third in the Heisman voting[54] [55] and when A. J. McCarron finished as runner-up for the 2013 season.[56] Derrick Henry became Alabama's second Heisman trophy winner on December 12, 2015.[57] Tua Tagovailoa finished runner-up for the 2018 season as well. For the 2020 season, Alabama became the second program in college football history to have three players finish in the top five. DeVonta Smith became Alabama's third Heisman winner with Mac Jones finishing third and Najee Harris fifth. In 2021, Bryce Young became the fourth winner with Will Anderson Jr. finishing fifth. With its fourth Heisman winner Alabama has produced the fifth most Heisman trophies of all time behind Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ohio State and USC.[58]

Top 5 finishes for Alabama players:

1937 Joe Kilgrow 5th
1945 RB 5th
1947 Harry Gilmer RB 5th
1961 5th
1962 4th
1971 RB 5th
1972 QB 5th
1993 3rd
1994 QB 5th
2009 Mark Ingram II RB 1st
2011 RB 3rd
2013 QB 2nd
2014 WR 3rd
2015 Derrick Henry RB 1st
2018 QB 2nd
2020 DeVonta Smith WR 1st
QB 3rd
RB 5th
2021 Bryce Young QB 1st
LB 5th

SEC Legends

See main article: SEC Football Legends.

Starting in 1994, the Southeastern Conference has annually honored one former football player from each of the SEC member schools as an "SEC Legend". The following former Crimson Tide football players have been honored as SEC Legends.

Rivalries

Auburn

See main article: Iron Bowl.

The main rivalry of the Crimson Tide is against its in-state rival, Auburn University; considered one of the top sporting rivalries in the US. The Alabama-Auburn game has come to be known as the Iron Bowl.[59] [60] The outcome of the game generally determines "bragging rights" in the state of Alabama until the following contest. The game may also have implications as to which team will represent the SEC Western Division in the SEC Championship Game.

On February 22, 1893, at Lakeview Park in Birmingham, Auburn was victorious in the first ever Iron Bowl, 32–22. The series was suspended after the 1907 contest, due to violence and financial complications.[61] In 1944, Auburn suggested to reopen the series, though the board of trustees at Alabama rejected. The series was resumed in 1948, with Alabama crushing the Tigers 55–0, which is still the largest margin of victory in the series.[62] [63] In the following contest, Auburn shocked Alabama with a 14–13 victory, which is credited with helping revive the series.[64]

For many years, the contest was held at Legion Field in Birmingham, before the teams began alternating between Bryant-Denny Stadium, in Tuscaloosa, and Jordan–Hare Stadium, in Auburn. Alabama won the most recent meeting 27–24 at Auburn, and leads the series at 50–37–1.[65]

Tennessee

See main article: Third Saturday in October.

Despite the heated in-state rivalry with Auburn, Bear Bryant was more adamant about defeating his rivals to the north, the Tennessee Volunteers.[66] The series is named the Third Saturday in October, the traditional calendar date on which the game was played. Despite the name, the game has been played on the third Saturday only five times between 1995 and 2007. The first game between the two sides was played in 1901 in Birmingham, ending in a 6–6 tie. From 1902 to 1913, Alabama dominated the series, losing only once, and never allowing a touchdown by the Volunteers. Beginning in 1928, the rivalry was first played on its traditional date and began to be a challenge for the Crimson Tide as Robert Neyland began challenging Alabama for their perennial spot on top of the conference standings.[67] In the 1950s, Jim Goostree, the head trainer for Alabama, began another tradition as he began handing out cigars following a victory over the Volunteers.[68]

Between 1971 and 1981, Alabama held an 11-game winning streak over the Volunteers and, between 1986 and 1994, a nine-game unbeaten streak. However, following Alabama's streak, Tennessee responded with a seven-game winning streak from 1995 to 2001. Alabama holds the longest winning streak at 15 from 2007 to 2021. Alabama won the most recent meeting 34–20 in Tuscaloosa and leads the series 59–38–8.[69]

LSU

See main article: Alabama–LSU football rivalry. A rivalry within the SEC Western Division occurs yearly between Alabama and the LSU Tigers. Starting in 1895, the Tigers were victorious 12–6 in the first meeting.[70] The teams did not regularly meet until the mid-1960s during Alabama's dominance of the SEC. Between 1971 and 1981, the Crimson Tide won 11 consecutive times. In the 1969 game, LSU defeated Alabama 20–15 in Baton Rouge. Alabama did not lose again in Baton Rouge until 2000.

In 2007, the meeting was more heated following Alabama's hiring of head coach Nick Saban, who previously coached at LSU. With the hiring, many media outlets dubbed the 2007 meeting as the "Saban Bowl".[71] [72] [73] The Crimson Tide lost the first "Saban Bowl" in 2007, won the 2008 and 2009 meetings only to lose in Baton Rouge in 2010.

In 2011, the teams played as the consensus No.1 and No.2 ranked teams in the polls with LSU winning 9–6 in overtime. They played each other again for the BCS National Championship with Alabama winning 21–0 to secure its 14th National Championship. Alabama won the most recent meeting 42–28 in Tuscaloosa, and leads the series 56–27–5.[74]

Ole Miss

See main article: Alabama–Ole Miss football rivalry. Alabama also maintains a rivalry with the Ole Miss Rebels. Alabama won the most recent meeting 24–10 in Tuscaloosa, and leads the series 55–9–2.[75]

Mississippi State

See main article: Alabama–Mississippi State football rivalry.

Alabama's most-played rival is Mississippi State. The rivalry has been called the "Battle for Highway 82", with the schools being only 90 miles apart. Many cite the 2014 meeting as the biggest game in the series where Alabama faced a #1 ranked, 9–0 Mississippi State team with Dak Prescott as its quarterback. Alabama won 25–20, which helped catapult them into the first College Football Playoff. Alabama won the most recent meeting 40–17 in Starkville and leads the series 86–18–3.[76]

Clemson

See main article: Alabama–Clemson football rivalry.

The series dates back to 1900 but the rivalry has intensified in recent years, with the last four meetings having national championship implications.[77] Alabama leads the series 14–5.[78]

Florida

See main article: Alabama–Florida football rivalry.

Alabama has a rivalry with the Florida Gators, which was largely developed with the start of the SEC Championship Game.[79] Alabama and Florida have met in 10 SEC Title Games (Alabama leads 6–4 in Title games), including the first 3 from 1992 to 1994. Alabama won the most recent meeting 31–29 in Gainesville, and leads the entire series 28–14 on the field (27–14 with the Alabama 2005 win vacated).[80]

Georgia

See main article: Alabama–Georgia football rivalry. Alabama has a rivalry with the Georgia Bulldogs. Alabama has 43 wins in the series while the Bulldogs have 26 wins. Alabama won the most recent meeting 27–24 in the 2023 SEC Championship Game and leads the series 43–26–4.[81]

Former rivalries

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets were at one time considered Alabama's arch rival. During the suspension of the Iron Bowl between 1907 and 1948, Georgia Tech (then a member of the SEC) emerged as the most intense game on Alabama's schedule. The teams played many significant games, especially in the late 1950s and early 1960s. A heated feud developed between Bear Bryant and Georgia Tech head coach Bobby Dodd following a controversial hit in the 1961 game, a 10–0 Alabama victory.[82] Dodd cited this feud as the primary impetus for Georgia Tech leaving the SEC three years later.[83] The two teams have met 52 times, making Georgia Tech Alabama's most played among current non-conference opponents. Alabama leads the series 28–21–3; Georgia Tech won the last meeting in 1984. Alabama's fight song, "Yea Alabama", mentions Georgia Tech with the line "Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave."[84]

There have been many historic games between Alabama and Penn State. The two teams met five times during the tenure of Bear Bryant, including in the 1979 Sugar Bowl, which determined the national championship for the 1978 season. The games usually have national implicationsseven of the 15 meetings between the two schools have featured both teams ranked in the top tenand eight of the meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less. The most recent game was in 2011, with Alabama winning 27–11. It was the final loss for long-time Penn State head coach Joe Paterno. Alabama leads the series 10–5.

All-time record vs. current SEC teams

Official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current SEC opponents as of the completion of the 2023 season.[85]

Opponent Won Lost Tied Pct. Streak First meeting
27 7 0 Won 17 1962
50 37 1 Won 4 1893
27 14 0 Won 8 1916
43 26 4 Won 1 1895
39 2 1 Won 8 1917
56 27 5 Won 1 1895
86 18 3 Won 16 1896
5 2 0 Won 5 1968
2 3 1 Won 1 1963
55 9 2 Won 8 1894
13 3 0 Won 1 1937
59 38 8 Won 1 1901
2 8 1 Lost 1 1902
13 3 0 Won 2 1942
63 18 4 Won 23 1903
Totals540 21530

Bowl games

See main article: List of Alabama Crimson Tide bowl games. This is a partial list of the ten most recent bowl seasons in which Alabama competed. Alabama has an overall bowl record of 46–28-3 (77 games) through the 2023 season.[86] [87]

2014Sugar BowlOhio StateL 35–42
2015Cotton BowlMichigan StateW 38–0
CFP National ChampionshipClemsonW 45–40
2016Peach BowlWashingtonW 24–7
CFP National ChampionshipClemsonL 31–35
2017Sugar BowlClemsonW 24–6
CFP National ChampionshipGeorgiaW 26–23 OT
2018Orange BowlOklahomaW 45–34
CFP National ChampionshipClemsonL 16–44
2019Citrus BowlMichiganW 35–16
2020Rose BowlNotre DameW 31–14
CFP National ChampionshipOhio StateW 52–24
2021Cotton BowlCincinnatiW 27–6
CFP National ChampionshipGeorgiaL 18–33
2022Sugar BowlKansas StateW 45–20
2023Rose BowlMichiganL 20–27 OT

Alabama and the NFL

See also: List of Alabama Crimson Tide in the NFL draft.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Eight former Alabama football players have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the fourth most among all colleges.[88]

1963 1932–1934 1935–1945
1977 1952–1955 1956–1971
1985 1962–1964 1965–1976
1977
1991 1970–1972 1973–1985
1998 1977–1979 1980–1987
1999 1974–1977 1978–1990
2009 1985–1988 1989–1999
2016 1964–1967 1970–1979
1980–1981
1982–1984

Players in the National Football League

Media

During the football season, the Crimson Tide Sports Network (CTSN) broadcasts multiple shows on gameday for most sports. The network includes more than 60 radio stations across the country. Radio stations WFFN-FM, WTSK-AM as a backup, broadcast all home games in the Tuscaloosa area.[89]

Football radio broadcasts begin three hours prior to the game's designated kickoff time with Chris Stewart and Tyler Watts in Around the SEC.[90] The radio broadcast then moves to the Crimson Tide Tailgate Party hosted by Tom Roberts. Immediately following the end of the game, the Fifth Quarter Show begins as host Eli Gold talks to coaches and players and gives game statistics. For the 2008 season, former Alabama players and personalities were brought on to provide guest commentary for each broadcast.[91]

Current radio staff:[92] [93]

Former radio staff:

Future opponents

Conference opponents

From 1992 to 2023, Alabama played in the West Division of the SEC and played each opponent in the division each year along with several teams from the East Division. The SEC will expand the conference to 16 teams and will eliminate its two divisions in 2024, causing a new scheduling format for the Crimson Tide to play against the other members of the conference.[96] Only the 2024 conference schedule was announced on June 14, 2023, while the conference still considers a new format for the future.[97]

2024 conference schedule

Non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of August 4, 2024.[98]

at Florida Stateat West VirginiaWest VirginiaOhio Stateat Notre Dameat Georgia TechGeorgia TechArizonaat Arizonaat Virginia TechVirginia Tech
Louisiana–MonroeSouth Floridaat Ohio StateUT MartinOklahoma StateNotre Dameat Boston Collegeat MinnesotaMinnesotaBoston College
WisconsinFlorida Stateat Oklahoma State
Eastern Illinois

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Colley-Matrix – 2016 rankings, week 16. Wesley N.. Colley. November 19, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211119063850/https://www.colleyrankings.com/foot2016/rankings/rank16.html. live .
  2. News: United Press International . December 7, 1971 . Award for top team delayed . The Times-News . New York . Twin Falls, Idaho . March 8, 2023 . "...it was decided not to award a championship by ballot but rather to let these teams meet on the field and play for the MacArthur Bowl.".
  3. News: Associated Press . December 3, 1973 . Title at Stake in Sugar Bowl . The Kansas City Times . New York . Kansas City, Missouri . March 8, 2023 . "A championship can only truly be settled on the playing field." Richard Kazmaier, chairman of the awards committee, said in announcing that this year the committee would not vote for the MacArthur Bowl winner..
  4. Web site: NCAA Sports Sponsorship . https://web.archive.org/web/20070210103938/http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir/exec/sponsorship?sortOrder=0&division=1A&sport=MFB . dead . February 10, 2007 . NCAA . October 2, 2008.
  5. Web site: Recognized National Championships by Year . NCAA Official Records . January 16, 2017.
  6. Web site: Football Bowl Subdivision Records . NCAA . September 15, 2022.
  7. News: Mark Ingram Wins Heisman Trophy in Close Race . . Armstrong, Kevin . December 12, 2009 . December 13, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131114003932/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/sports/ncaafootball/13heisman.html. November 14, 2013 . live.
  8. News: 2012 Football Record Book . rolltide.com . The University of Alabama . August 15, 2012 . October 30, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130717112227/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf . July 17, 2013.
  9. News: 2013 Week 12 College Football Power Rankings . ESPN.com . ESPN . November 18, 2013 . November 18, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091123225437/http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-no1-10win-seasons.html . November 23, 2009 . dead.
  10. Web site: Official 2011 NCAA Football Records Book: Football Bowl Subdivision Records . National Collegiate Athletic Association . July 14, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120719183250/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2011/FBS.pdf . July 19, 2012 . 128 . 2011 . live.
  11. Web site: Total Appearances in the Final AP Poll . Collegepollarchive.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20120708032723/http://collegepollarchive.com/football/ap/app_final.cfm . July 8, 2012 . live . February 1, 2013.
  12. Web site: The Greatest Program of all Time Is... . https://web.archive.org/web/20110920203815/http://cfn.scout.com/2/1097657.html . dead . September 20, 2011 . Scout with FoxSports.com . August 19, 2012 . August 22, 2012.
  13. Web site: Bryant-Denny Stadium. RollTide.com. June 10, 2016. June 29, 2020.
  14. Web site: National Championships . University of Alabama Athletics . July 14, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081022183419/http://www.rolltide.com/trads/national-championships.html . October 22, 2008 . dead.
  15. News: Pasquarelli . Len . After repeated denials, Saban takes Bama job . Associated Press . ESPN . January 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121013115712/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2718488 . October 13, 2012 . October 6, 2008 . live.
  16. Web site: January 12, 2024 . Kalen DeBoer Named Head Coach of Alabama Football . January 13, 2024 . University of Alabama Athletics . en.
  17. News: Low . Chris . March 6, 2024 . How Alabama moved from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer in 49 hours . ESPN . March 7, 2024 . Through conversations with the principals involved and other industry sources, ESPN retraced that head-spinning week, which ushered in a new era of Alabama football and, in some ways, reshaped the landscape of the entire sport..
  18. Web site: Past Division I-A Football National Champions . NCAA . December 29, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091124233545/http://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?key=%2Fncaa%2FNCAA%2FSports%20and%20Championship%2FGeneral%20Information%2Fia_football_past_champs.html . November 24, 2009.
  19. Web site: NCAA History . NCAA . October 7, 2008.
  20. Web site: Football Bowl Subdivision Records pp. 76–78 . NCAA . March 15, 2010.
  21. Web site: 2010 Football Bowl Subdivision Records . NCAA . September 15, 2022.
  22. Solomon, John (January 6, 2010) "Got 12? Here's how Alabama bumped up its claim to a dozen national titles". The Birmingham News.
  23. "http://www.rolltide.com/promotions/2009-m-footbl-guide.html"
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  25. Web site: College Football's Top 25 Greatest Dynasties of the AP Era . FoxSports.com . May 13, 2013 . July 19, 2013.
  26. Book: 2020 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records . The National Collegiate Athletic Association . July 2020 . Indianapolis . January 12, 2021 . November 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201101032438/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2020/FBS.pdf . live . documents these individual selectors as Richard Billingsley, William Boand, Parke Davis, Dick Dunkel, Deke Houlgate, Bill Schroeder, and Paul Williamson. Only the selections of Dunkel, Houlgate, and Williamson were contemporaneous.
  27. Web site: Bowl History . University of Alabama Athletics . October 26, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110523062558/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/history-bowlrecords.pdf . May 23, 2011.
  28. Web site: Alabama 2003 Media Guide: National Team Champions . 2003 . University of Alabama Athletics . https://web.archive.org/web/20120913160918/http://www.rolltide.com/fls/8000/files/files/14260.pdf . September 13, 2012 . October 2, 2008 . dead.
  29. Book: Spalding's Official Foot Ball Guide 1934 . Walter R. . Okeson . Walter R. Okeson . American Sports Publishing Co. . New York . 1934 . 206–208 .
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  32. Web site: 1941 Final Football Polls – College Poll Archive – Historical College Football and Basketball Polls and Rankings. collegepollarchive.com.
  33. News: Tiders to Return Home with Bowl Bacon Today . Staff Reporters . The Tuscaloosa News . 10 . January 4, 1942 . July 27, 2011.
  34. Web site: 1973 Final AP Football Poll – AP Poll Archive – Historical College Football and Basketball Polls and Rankings. December 2, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20091202185221/http://www.appollarchive.com/football/ap/seasons.cfm?seasonid=1973. December 2, 2009.
  35. Web site: 2010 USC Football Media Guide . University of Southern California Sports Department . November 22, 2013.
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  38. News: LSU kicks winning field goal in OT for defensive-minded win over Alabama . https://archive.today/20130103104301/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313090333 . dead . January 3, 2013 . Associated Press . ESPN.com . November 5, 2011 . July 4, 2014.
  39. News: LSU, Alabama to play for title . ESPN.com news services . ESPN.com . December 4, 2011 . July 4, 2014.
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  41. News: Alabama's D embarrasses LSU as five FGs, late TD seal national title . https://archive.today/20120718001628/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320090099 . dead . July 18, 2012 . Associated Press . ESPN.com . January 9, 2012 . July 4, 2014.
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  45. News: Irish-Bama 1–2; N. Illinois busts BCS . ESPN.com news services . ESPN.com . December 2, 2012 . July 4, 2014.
  46. News: Alabama routs Notre Dame, wins 3rd BCS title in past 4 years . ESPN.com news services . ESPN.com . January 7, 2013 . July 4, 2014.
  47. Web site: In honor of title game TD, Bama declares February 26 a holiday. Moriarty. Morgan. February 26, 2018. SBNation.com. en. February 27, 2020.
  48. Champ Pickens Cup — Foot Ball Champions — Southern Intercollegiate Conference . April 21, 2009 . Trophy . . April 7, 2023 . Cup To Become The Property Of Any Eleven Winning It Three Times — Donated By Champ Pickens.
  49. Web site: Awards compiled NCAA 2008 Record Book Division1 Football . DocStoc . NCAA . December 17, 2009 . dead . https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2010/http://www.docstoc.com/docs/4844195/Awards-compiled-NCAA-2008-Record-Book-Division-1-Football . July 2, 2016.
  50. Web site: Awards and the NFL . University of Alabama Athletics . October 8, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090320130602/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/history-allamericans.pdf . March 20, 2009.
  51. Web site: 2009 Football Media Guide . University of Alabama . https://web.archive.org/web/20230716204329/https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/rolltide.com/documents/2009/7/23/MediaGuide_09FB.pdf . July 16, 2023 . 156 . live.
  52. Web site: Alabama in the College Football Hall of Fame . University of Alabama Athletics . October 11, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080820145220/http://www.rolltide.com/fls/8000/files/football/records/College_Football_Hall_of_Fame.pdf . August 20, 2008.
  53. Web site: Hall of Fame: Select group by school. College Football Hall of Fame. Football Foundation. October 11, 2008.
  54. Web site: Ingram wins Alabama's 1st Heisman . ESPN. Associated Press . December 13, 2009 . January 12, 2012.
  55. News: 1993 – 59TH Award . Heisman Memorial Trophy . Heisman.com . December 13, 2009 . dead . https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2010/http://www.heisman.com/winners/c-ward93.php . July 2, 2016.
  56. News: Andrew . Gribble . Full breakdown of Heisman trophy voting: Behind Jameis Winston, a tight pack led by AJ McCarron . AL.com . December 14, 2013 . December 14, 2013.
  57. Web site: Alabama's Henry runs off with Heisman victory. December 12, 2015.
  58. Web site: College football teams with the most Heisman Trophy winners . ncaa.com . Wright . Katherine . December 11, 2021 . September 15, 2022.
  59. Web site: The 10 greatest rivalries . ESPN . January 3, 2007 . October 8, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080924064710/http://espn.go.com/endofcentury/s/other/bestrivalries.html . September 24, 2008 . live.
  60. Book: Rappoport, Ken . Football Feuds: The Greatest College Football Rivalries . Barry Wilner . Globe Pequot . 2007 . 978-1-59921-014-8 . The Iron Bowl: Auburn-Alabama . 77 . FootballFeuds.
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  63. Web site: This is Alabama Football: Iron Bowl . University of Alabama Athletics . 157 . October 8, 2008 . dead . https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2010/http://www.rolltide.com/archive_files/files/football/2007/mediaguide/176-181.pdf . May 4, 2017.
  64. [#FootballFeuds|Football Feuds]
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  66. [#FootballFeuds|Football Feuds]
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  70. Web site: The Record Book . University of Alabama Athletics . October 2, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090320130713/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/history-stats.pdf . March 20, 2009.
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  73. News: It's Saban Bowl for riled LSU fans . The Seattle Times . November 1, 2007 . October 8, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081205091837/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2003986699_grid01.html . December 5, 2008.
  74. Web site: Winsipedia - Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers football series history. Winsipedia.
  75. Web site: Winsipedia - Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Ole Miss Rebels football series history . Winsipedia.
  76. Web site: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs football series history . Winsipedia.
  77. Web site: Clemson-Alabama is the embodiment of the modern rivalry . January 7, 2019 .
  78. Web site: Winsipedia - Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Clemson Tigers football series history games list .
  79. Web site: Brooks . Trey . Alabama vs. Florida: A Rivalry Made by Champions . Tide 100.9 . January 22, 2021 . September 18, 2014 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027183540/https://tide1009.com/alabama-vs-florida-a-rivalry-made-by-champions/ . October 27, 2021 .
  80. Web site: Winsipedia - Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators football series history. Winsipedia.
  81. Web site: Winsipedia - Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs football series history. Winsipedia.
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  83. Web site: GEORGIA TECH LEAVES THE SEC. cecilbuffington.com. November 12, 2017. September 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120915011938/http://cecilbuffington.com/catalog_40.html. dead.
  84. Web site: Alabama Yea Lyrics - Alabama Yea Fight Song Lyrics. Lyrics On Demand.
  85. Web site: 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide Media Guide. University of Alabama. 160. July 6, 2021.
  86. Web site: Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record By Year. College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
  87. Web site: Bowl Game Index. College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
  88. Web site: Hall of Fame. Inductees by College . PFHOF . November 9, 2011.
  89. Web site: Radio/TV Information . University of Alabama Athletics . October 8, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080930090614/http://www.rolltide.com/multimedia/radio-tv.html. September 30, 2008 . live.
  90. Web site: CTSN Game Broadcasts . University of Alabama Athletics . October 8, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080914062559/http://www.rolltide.com/multimedia/footbl-gameday.html. September 14, 2008 . live.
  91. Web site: CTSN Ready for 2008 Football Season . August 12, 2008 . University of Alabama Athletics . October 8, 2008.
  92. Web site: The Crew . University of Alabama Athletics . October 17, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081003074905/http://www.rolltide.com/multimedia/crew.html. October 3, 2008 . live.
  93. Web site: Crimson Tide Radio and Television Information, Football . University of Alabama Athletics . October 15, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080408073937/http://www.rolltide.com/multimedia/radio-tv.html . April 8, 2008 . dead.
  94. Web site: Ex-Raiders star Stabler leaves radio gig . ESPN . Williamson . Bill . July 11, 2008 . October 8, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081009061830/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-8-150/Ex-Raiders-star-Stabler-leaves-radio-gig.html . October 9, 2008 . dead.
  95. Web site: Stabler leaves UA radio job . The Huntsville Times . July 12, 2008 . October 8, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110609071808/http://www.al.com/alabama/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fsports%2F1215854130308570.xml&coll=1 . June 9, 2011.
  96. Web site: Seth. Emerson. SEC approves 8-game football schedule for 2024, no decision yet on long-term format. The Athletic. June 1, 2023. June 20, 2023.
  97. Web site: Nick. Kelly. Alabama football schedule for 2024 is set: Here's who the Crimson Tide plays. The Tuscaloosa News. June 14, 2023. June 20, 2023.
  98. Web site: Alabama Crimson Tide Football Future Schedules . FBSchedules.com . August 4, 2024.

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