Over the years, there have been a number of classic Alabama football games during Nick Saban’s tenure. The direction of the Crimson Tide soccer program has been shaped by the phenomenal talent on both sides of the ball.
Coaches and players have come a long way with the program since Nick Saban became the team’s head coach in 2007. There have been numerous instances where Alabama football has been on top and others not. However, that hasn’t been a problem under Coach Saban’s leadership.
The Crimson Tide has shown efficiency both at home and on the road. There have been several memorable wins for Alabama over the years. Today, the Roll Tide Wire will rank the 10 most memorable wins in Alabama football history with Coach Saban as the head coach.
10 Alabama vs. Mississippi State – November 16, 2014
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In 2014, the No. 1 ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs traveled to Bryant-Denny Stadium to take on the No. 5 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs were led by head coach Dan Mullen and quarterback double threat Dak Prescott. Ultimately, Alabama was able to make timely stops on the defensive side of the ball.
Final Score: Alabama – 25 Mississippi State – 20
9 Alabama vs. Florida – December 5, 2009
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Both Alabama and Florida came into this game undefeated. In the end, one would emerge victorious. In the end, two-time national champion and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow couldn’t bring the Gators forward. Alabama’s offense proved to be too much on the first Saturday in December.
Final Score: Alabama – 32 Florida – 13
8 Alabama vs. Georgia – December 1, 2018
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No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on the No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs. After a lackluster first half and an injury to starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the coaching staff had to turn to quarterback previous year’s starter, Jalen Hurts. It turned out to be enough in the end.
Final Score: Alabama – 35 Georgia – 28
7 Alabama vs. LSU – November 3, 2012
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Alabama came into Baton Rouge ranked No. 1 while the Tigers were ranked No. 5. There wasn’t much separation between the two programs throughout the game, because both teams’ defenses stayed high. That was the case until AJ McCarron passed it to TJ Yeldon on a screen pass that proved to be the deciding factor in a closely contested matchup.
Final Score: Alabama – 21 LSU – 17
6 Alabama vs. LSU – January 9, 2012
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After the Crimson Tide suffered a loss at the hands of LSU earlier in the season at home, the players made sure it didn’t happen again. The Tigers crossed midfield only once. Alabama avenged its loss by throwing a perfect shutout into the heart and soul of Louisiana.
Final Score: Alabama – 21 LSU – 0
5 Alabama vs. Tennessee – October 23, 2009
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Alabama fans never would have expected the Tennessee Volunteers to walk into Bryant-Denny Stadium and defeat the Crimson Tide in 2009. That was almost the case. Terrence “Mount” Cody blocked Daniel Lincoln’s game-winning kick with his foot to win the game for Alabama. It’s one of the most memorable Alabama wins of all time.
Final Score: Alabama – 12 Tennessee – 10
4 Alabama vs. Auburn – November 27, 2021
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This is another game that crawled into the Crimson Tide. Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young was able to take out Alabama last with several defining moments. He led the offense down the field with ease and delivered a back shoulder pass to real freshman Ja’Corey Brooks on fourth down. Not to mention, he delivered the game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver John Metchie III. Alabama fans will always appreciate this win over the Auburn Tigers.
Final Score: Alabama – 24 Auburn – 22
3 Alabama vs. Clemson – January 11, 2016
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Alabama has had several run-ins with Clemson over the years. However, one stands out in particular. That is the 2016 National Championship that was played in Glendale, Arizona. The Alabama defense couldn’t stop Deshaun Watson, but the Tigers defense couldn’t stop Jake Coker. Several key plays like OJHoward’s 53-yard touchdown pass, Marlon Humphrey’s pivotal onside kick recovery, and Kenyan Drake’s call-out on the kick return. They were all memorable moments on the way to Alabama’s victory in the end.
Final score: Alabama – 45 Clemson – 40
2 Alabama vs. Texas – January 7, 2010
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Alabama couldn’t do anything in the first quarter against Texas. A switch clicked when Marcell Dareus caught an interception by Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy. That same play, McCoy suffered a broken collarbone that caused him to miss the rest of the game. After that, the Crimson Tide never looked back. They played strong defense and ultimately got the win over a well-coached Texas team in the Rose Bowl.
Final Score: Alabama – 37 Texas – 21
1 Alabama vs. Georgia – January 8, 2018
Alabama fans can probably remember the play against Georgia in the first half. It was very disappointing, to say the least. However, that quickly changed when coach Saban decided to start true rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the second half. He turned out in Alabama’s favor when he gave up a 41-yard touchdown pass on 2nd and 26 to go to DeVonta Smith in stride. That is the most memorable win in Alabama football history under Coach Saban.
Final Score: Alabama – 26 Georgia – 23
