2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football
Consensus National Champions
SEC Champions
SEC West Division Champions
Conference Southeastern Conference
Division Western Division
Ranking
Coaches No. 1
AP No. 1
2009 record 14–0 (8–0 SEC)
Head coach Nick Saban (3rd year)
Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain (2nd year)
Offensive scheme Multiple
Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart (2nd as coordinator, 3rd overall year)
Base defense 3–4
MVP Rolando McClain
Mark Ingram
Captain Rolando McClain
Javier Arenas
Mike Johnson
Home stadium Bryant–Denny Stadium
(Capacity: 92,012)
2009 SEC football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
Eastern Division
#3 Florida x%   8 0         13 1  
Georgia   4 4         8 5  
Tennessee   4 4         7 6  
Kentucky   3 5         7 6  
South Carolina   3 5         7 6  
Vanderbilt   0 8         2 10  
Western Division
#1 Alabama x$#   8 0         14 0  
#17 LSU   5 3         9 4  
#20 Ole Miss   4 4         9 4  
Arkansas   3 5         8 5  
Auburn   3 5         8 5  
Mississippi State   3 5         5 7  
Championship: Alabama 32, Florida 13
  • # BCS National Champion
  • $ BCS representative as conference champion
  • % BCS at-large representative
  • x Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA", "Bama" or "The Tide") represented the University of Alabama in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 115th overall season, 76th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and its 18th within the SEC Western Division. The team was led by head coach Nick Saban, in his third year, and played their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They finished the season undefeated with a record of 14–0 (8–0 in the SEC) and as national champions.

Looking to build on the successes of the 2008 campaign, Alabama entered the 2009 season as the favorite to win the Western Division and meet the Florida Gators in the 2009 SEC Championship Game. Alabama closed the regular season with a 12–0 record including four wins against Top 25-ranked teams—and met the Gators for the SEC Championship in a rematch of the 2008 contest. Alabama was victorious by a final score of 32–13. The following day, final Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings were unveiled. No. 1 ranked Alabama would meet No. 2 ranked Texas for the BCS National Championship. In the BCS National Championship Game, the Crimson Tide defeated the Longhorns 37–21 to capture their first-ever BCS Championship.

Alabama earned their third SEC championship since the inception of the SEC Championship Game in 1992, and their 22nd SEC title. The victory over Texas gave Alabama their 13th national championship in football (their eighth wire service title since the AP Poll began in 1936) and their ninth perfect season since 1925. The season included victories over the previous three national champions: Florida, Louisiana State University (LSU), and Texas.

The season marked the first time a player for Alabama won the Heisman Trophy: Mark Ingram won the award over Stanford running back Toby Gerhart. Other award winners included Rolando McClain, who won the Butkus Award and the Jack Lambert Award, and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach. Also, six players were named to various All-America Teams with Terrence Cody, Mike Johnson, and Javier Arenas being consensus selections and Ingram and McClain each being unanimous selections.

Before the season

During the 2008–2009 campaign, the Crimson Tide completed a perfect 12–0 regular season record with wins over No. 9 Clemson, No. 3 Georgia, longtime rival Tennessee, No. 16 LSU, and in-state rival Auburn to end a six-game losing streak in the Iron Bowl.[1][2] The Tide went on to lose their final two games in the postseason to end the season 12–2. They lost to the Florida Gators (31–20) in the SEC Championship Game, and to the Utah Utes (31–17) in the Sugar Bowl.[2] Alabama reached No. 1 in the AP and Coaches' Polls for the first time since the final polls in 1992 and during the regular season for the first time since 1980 between weeks ten and fourteen.[3][4] The Tide reached No. 1 in the BCS rankings for the first time in school history between weeks ten and fourteen.[4] The team finished the 2008 season with a final ranking of No. 6 in both the AP and Coaches' Polls.[5]

In February 2009, Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 2 recruiting class according to Scout.[6][7] Spring practice began on March 13 and concluded with the annual A-Day game on April 18.[8][9] Televised live by ESPN, the Crimson team defeated the White team by a score of 14–7 before 84,050 fans in Bryant–Denny Stadium. Greg McElroy and Marquis Maze were named co-MVPs of the game.[10]

On June 11, 2009, the NCAA Committee on Infractions sanctioned Alabama for "major violations" of NCAA policies as a result of athletes who received improper benefits in 16 of 19 NCAA sports, including football.[11] As a penalty, the football program was forced to vacate 21 victories from the 2005, 2006, and 2007 seasons in addition to being placed on three years probation, ending in June 2012.[11] The university stated that none of the textbooks or materials identified in the investigation were used for profit, and that the athletes involved who still had eligibility remaining were to pay restitution for the additional materials identified as part of the inquiry.[11] Alabama appealed the ruling to the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee in late June, but was unsuccessful; the Committee upheld the sanctions in March 2010.[12][13]

During SEC Media Days in July, voters selected Alabama and Florida to again win their divisions, with 63 of 64 ballots choosing Florida to win the SEC Championship Game.[14] Voters selected Julio Jones, Mike Johnson, Terrence Cody, Rolando McClain, Javier Arenas (as a defensive back), and Leigh Tiffin to the Preseason All-SEC First Team and selected Mark Ingram and Arenas (as a return specialist) to the Preseason All-SEC Second Team.[14]

By August, Alabama had 19 players on 11 different preseason award watch lists.[15] These included Cody and McClain for the Chuck Bednarik Award; Jones for the Fred Biletnikoff Award; Dont’a Hightower and McClain for the Butkus Award; Leigh Tiffin for the Lou Groza Award; Cody, Hightower, Mike Johnson, and McClain for the Lombardi Award; Cody and McClain for the Lott Trophy; Jones for the Maxwell Award; Javier Arenas, Cody, and McClain for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy; Cody and Johnson for the Outland Trophy; Arenas for the Jim Thorpe Award; and Mark Ingram for the Doak Walker Award.[15]

Returning starters

Alabama had 16 returning starters from the previous season,[16] including eight on defense, four on offense, and all of the special teams.[16] The most notable departures from the previous year were Andre Smith, Antoine Caldwell, and Marlon Davis on the offensive line; John Parker Wilson at quarterback; Glen Coffee at running back; and Rashad Johnson at safety.[16]

Defense

Player Class Position
Brandon Deaderick Senior Defensive end
Terrence Cody Senior Nose tackle
Cory Reamer Senior Linebacker
Rolando McClain Junior Linebacker
Dont'a Hightower Sophomore Linebacker
Javier Arenas Senior Cornerback
Kareem Jackson Junior Cornerback
Justin Woodall Senior Safety

Offense

Player Class Position
Julio Jones Sophomore Wide receiver
Mike McCoy Senior Wide receiver
Drew Davis Senior Offensive tackle
Mike Johnson Senior Offensive guard

Special teams

Player Class Position
P. J. Fitzgerald Senior Punter
Leigh Tiffin Senior Placekicker
Javier Arenas Senior Return specialist
Brian Selman Senior Long snapper

Recruiting class

Alabama's recruiting class was highlighted by seven players from the "ESPN 150": No. 4 Dre Kirkpatrick (CB); No. 6 Trent Richardson (RB); No. 12 D.J. Fluker (OT); No. 20 Nico Johnson (ILB); No. 36 A. J. McCarron (QB); No. 65 Kendall Kelly (WR); No. 110 Tana Patrick (OLB); No. 142 Petey Smith (ILB); and No. 143 Eddie Lacy (RB).[17] Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 2 recruiting class according to Scout.[6][7] The football program received 29 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 4, 2009.[18]

Schedule

The Sagarin computer ratings calculated Alabama's strength of schedule to be the most difficult out of the 245 Division I teams.[19] The Congrove Computer Rankings also calculated it as the most difficult out of the 120 Division I FBS teams in its rankings.[20] Alabama's 2009 schedule was officially released on December 19, 2008.[21] In accordance with conference rules, Alabama faced all five Western Division opponents: Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. They also faced three Eastern Division opponents: official SEC rival Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina.[22] Alabama did not play SEC opponents Georgia and Vanderbilt.[22] Although not on the regular season schedule, Bama met Florida in the SEC Championship Game.[23]

Alabama also played five non-conference games. For the season opener, the Tide played in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.[24] The non-conference schedule also included games against Florida International and North Texas of the Sun Belt Conference and UT-Chattanooga of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).[21] For the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, Alabama played Texas for the first time since the 1982 Cotton Bowl Classic.[25]

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 5 7:10 p.m. vs. No. 7 Virginia Tech* No. 5 Georgia DomeAtlanta, GA (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game) ABC W 34–24   74,954
September 12 6:07 p.m. Florida International* No. 4 Bryant–Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL CTSN PPV W 40–14   92,012
September 19 11:21 a.m. North Texas* No. 4 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL SECN W 53–7   92,012
September 26 2:30 p.m. Arkansas No. 3 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL CBS W 35–7   92,012
October 3 11:21 a.m. at Kentucky No. 3 Commonwealth StadiumLexington, KY SECN W 38–20   70,967
October 10 2:30 p.m. at No. 20 Ole Miss No. 3 Vaught–Hemingway StadiumOxford, MS (Rivalry) CBS W 22–3   62,657
October 17 6:45 p.m. No. 22 South Carolinadagger No. 2 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL ESPN W 20–6   92,012
October 24 2:30 p.m. Tennessee No. 1 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Third Saturday in October) CBS W 12–10   92,012
November 7 2:30 p.m. No. 9 LSU No. 3 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Rivalry) CBS W 24–15   92,012
November 14 6:00 p.m. at Mississippi State No. 3 Davis Wade StadiumStarkville, MS (Rivalry) ESPN W 31–3   58,103
November 21 11:21 a.m. Chattanooga* No. 2 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL SECN W 45–0   92,012
November 27 1:30 p.m. at Auburn No. 2 Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, AL (Iron Bowl) CBS W 26–21   87,451
December 5 3:00 p.m. vs. No. 1 Florida No. 2 Georgia Dome • Atlanta, GA (SEC Championship Game) CBS W 32–13   75,514
January 7, 2010 7:39 p.m. vs. No. 2 Texas* No. 1 Rose BowlPasadena, CA (BCS National Championship Game) ABC W 37–21   94,906
*Non-conference game. daggerHomecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll. All times are in Central Time.
Source: Rolltide.com All-time Football Results: 2009 Season[26]

Depth chart

Starters and backups.[27]

Defense
FS
Justin Woodall
Robby Green
Tyrone King
WLB ILB ILB SLB
Cory Reamer Rolando McClain Dont'a Hightower Eryk Anders
Alex Watkins Chris Jordan Jerrell Harris Courtney Upshaw
Chavis Williams Nico Johnson Tana Patrick Damion Square
SS
Mark Barron
Ali Sharrief
Rod Woodson
CB
Kareem Jackson
Chris Rogers
Dre Kirkpatrick
DE NT DE
Brandon Deaderick Terrence Cody Lorenzo Washington
Luther Davis Josh Chapman Marcell Dareus
Darrington Sentimore Kerry Murphy Milton Talbert
CB
Javier Arenas
Marquis Johnson
B. J. Scott
Offense
WR
Julio Jones
Mike McCoy
Brandon Gibson
LT LG C RG RT
James Carpenter Mike Johnson William Vlachos Barrett Jones Drew Davis
Alfred McCullough Brian Motley David Ross John Michael Boswell Tyler Love
Taylor Pharr Anthony Steen Chance Warmack D. J. Fluker
TE
Colin Peek
Michael Williams
Undra Billingsley
WR
Marquis Maze
Darius Hanks
Earl Alexander
QB
Greg McElroy
Star Jackson
Thomas Darrah
RB
Mark Ingram
Trent Richardson
Roy Upchurch
FB
Brad Smelley
Preston Dial
Baron Huber
Special Teams
PK Leigh Tiffin
P P. J. Fitzgerald
KR Javier Arenas
PR Javier Arenas
LS Brian Selman

Coaching staff

Prior to the 2009 season, Alabama made several changes to its coaching staff. Alabama lost their defensive head coach, Kevin Steele, on January 10, 2009, when he was hired as defensive coordinator for Clemson, and their linebacker coach Lance Thompson on January 16, when he was hired as linebacker coach by Tennessee.[28][29][30] The following week, Saban named Sal Sunseri from the NFL's Carolina Panthers as his team's new assistant head and linebacker coach, and James Willis from Auburn as the new associate head and linebacker coach.[31]

Coach Saban smiles at practice in a gray vest and hat.
Nick Saban entered his third year as Bama's head coach for the 2009 season.
Name Position Seasons at
Alabama
Alma Mater
Nick Saban Head coach 3 Kent State (1973)
Burton Burns Associate Head Coach, Running Backs 3 Nebraska (1976)
Curt Cignetti Receivers, Recruiting Coordinator 3 West Virginia (1983)
Bo Davis Defensive Line 3 LSU (1993)
Jim McElwain Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks 2 Eastern Washington (1984)
Joe Pendry Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Line 3 West Virginia (1969)
Kirby Smart Defensive Coordinator, Secondary 3 Georgia (1999)
Sal Sunseri Assistant Head Coach, Linebackers 1 Pittsburgh (1982)
Bobby Williams Tight Ends, Special Teams 2 Purdue (1982)
James Willis Associate Head Coach, Outside Linebackers 1 Auburn (1992)
Reference:[32]

Game notes

Virginia Tech

Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
1 234Total
#5 Alabama 9 7018 34
#7 Virginia Tech 7 1007 24
  • Location: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Game start: 8:10 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:38
  • Game attendance: 74,954
  • Game weather: Indoors
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (ABC): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Lisa Salters (sideline)

Sources:[33][34]

After defeating Clemson in the inaugural Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Alabama announced in December 2008 they would return for the 2009 edition against the Virginia Tech Hokies.[24] The Tide dominated play for most of the game, outgaining Tech in total offense by 498 yards to 155, but mistakes, penalties, and poor play by the special teams allowed the Hokies to hang on until 18 fourth-quarter points sealed the 34–24 Alabama victory.[35][36]

Bama scored first with field goals of 49 and 34 yards from Leigh Tiffin to take an early 6–0 lead.[34] The Hokies responded with a 98-yard Dyrell Roberts kickoff return for a touchdown to give Tech a 7–6 lead.[34] Following the recovery of a Ryan Williams fumble by Brian Selman deep in Hokie territory, the Tide retook the lead 9–7 on a 32-yard Tiffin field goal.[34] Early in the second quarter, Antoine Hopkins intercepted a Greg McElroy pass. On the ensuing possession, Tech led 10–9 after a successful 28-yard Matt Waldron field goal.[34] Alabama responded by driving 76 yards for a touchdown and a 16–10 lead, with the big plays coming on a 14-yard run by Mark Ingram, passes of 16 and 10 yards from McElroy to Julio Jones and the score coming on a 19-yard Roy Upchurch run.[37] On the next Virginia Tech possession, three personal fouls and a pass interference penalty carried the Hokies downfield with Williams scoring on a one-yard touchdown run.[37] The score remained 17–16 at the half after Tiffin missed a 36-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter.[37]

In the third quarter Roy Upchurch fumbled the ball at the Tech nine after a long run, negating the lone scoring opportunity for either team in the third quarter.[37] Still down by a point in the fourth quarter, McElroy hit Marquis Maze for a 48-yard completion to the Virginia Tech six-yard line, and Ingram scored a touchdown on the next play.[37] A successful two-point conversion pass from McElroy to Colin Peek gave Alabama a 24–17 lead.[34] On the ensuing kickoff, Davon Morgan fumbled and Chris Rogers recovered for the Tide at the Tech 21.[37] The following Alabama drive stalled at the 3, but Tiffin's fourth field goal made the score 27–17.[34] Poor kickoff coverage and penalties set up a 32-yard Williams that run cut the lead to 27–24 late in the fourth quarter.[37] Alabama quickly struck back as Ingram rushed for 39 yards, McElroy completed a 19-yard pass to Peek, and then threw to Ingram for an 18-yard touchdown and a 34–24 lead.[37] The Hokies never threatened to score again and Alabama won its opener, 34–24.[35][36][38] Ingram led the Tide with 150 yards rushing on 26 carries and a pair of touchdowns, and he was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.[39] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Hokies to 11–1.[40]

Florida International

1 234Total
FIU 7 700 14
#4 Alabama 10 10614 40
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 6:07 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:10
  • Game attendance: 92,012
  • Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 78, Wind: 5mph from ENE
  • Referee: Penn Wagers
  • TV announcers (CTSN PPV/ESPN360.com): Chris Stewart (play-by-play), Tyler Watts (color), Barry Krauss (sideline)

Sources:[41][42]

American football stadium prior to opening kickoff.
The two teams getting ready for the opening kickoff

The Golden Panthers of Florida International proved a tougher opponent than Alabama expected in the first half. However, the Tide pulled away with a 40–14 victory in the 2009 home opener.[43][44][45] Alabama opened the scoring with a 23-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal followed by a 24-yard Greg McElroy touchdown pass to Mike McCoy, which gave Bama a 10–0 lead.[42] FIU followed the McElroy touchdown with T.Y. Hilton returning the ensuing kickoff 96 yards, bringing the score to 10–7.[42] Bama responded with a 29-yard Tiffin field goal to extend the lead to 13–7 early in the second quarter; the following kickoff was booted out of bounds, which set up the Golden Panthers at the 40.[46] The ensuing 60-yard drive resulted in a 9-yard Paul McCall touchdown pass to Greg Ellingson that gave FIU a 14–13 lead.[42][43] Bama responded with a 64-yard drive culminating with a two-yard Mark Ingram touchdown run to put Bama up 20–14 at the half.[42]

Trent Richardson continued the Alabama scoring in the third quarter with a nine-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 26–14.[42][47] A 46-yard punt return by Javier Arenas set up Richardson's second score on a 35-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Alabama led 33–14.[46][47] Terry Grant scored the Tide's final points with a 42-yard touchdown run to bring the final score to 40–14.[42] Alabama outgained FIU 516–214 in total offense and 275–1 in rushing offense.[48] Greg McElroy set an all-time Alabama record by completing 14 consecutive pass attempts and was 18–24 for 241 yards and a touchdown.[49] For his 113-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance, Richardson was named the SEC Freshman of the Week.[50] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Golden Panthers to 2–0.[49]

North Texas

1 234Total
North Texas 0 070 7
#4 Alabama 14 16149 53
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 11:21 a.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:52
  • Game attendance: 92,012
  • Game weather: Cloudy with rain, 77, Wind: 8mph from SE
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Andre Ware (color), Cara Capuano (sideline)

Sources:[51][52]

Alabama's second consecutive matchup with a Sun Belt opponent on the season resulted in its second consecutive victory, as the Tide defeated the North Texas Mean Green 53–7.[53][54][55] Greg McElroy opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run followed by a 34-yard touchdown pass to Marquis Maze to take a 14–0 first quarter lead.[52] The Tide continued the scoring in the second quarter, with touchdowns on a one-yard Trent Richardson run and a 29-yard McElroy pass to Mark Ingram followed with a 35-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal. This gave Alabama a 30–0 lead at the half.[52] In the third quarter, Bama extended their lead to 44–0 following touchdown runs of five and one yard respectively from Ingram and Terry Grant.[52] After North Texas reached the end zone on a 34-yard Nathan Tune touchdown pass to Lance Dunbar, Alabama closed the game with ten fourth-quarter points on a 20-yard Tiffin field goal and 9-yard Grant touchdown run.[52]

Alabama outgained the Mean Green 523–187 in yards of total offense.[56] It was the most points for Alabama in a game since beating Texas-El Paso 56–7 in 2001 and the most scored at Bryant–Denny since defeating Tulane 62–0 in 1991.[53][57] By completing of 13 of 15 passes, McElroy tied a school record with an overall completion percentage of 86.7.[57] The game was notable for McElroy as the North Texas head coach, Todd Dodge, was his high school head coach when McElroy led Southlake Carroll to the 2005 Texas Class 5A high school football championship.[58] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Mean Green to 3–0.[57]

Arkansas

1 234Total
Arkansas 0 070 7
#3 Alabama 0 14147 35
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 2:30 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:23
  • Game attendance: 92,012
  • Game weather: Cloudy with rain, 79, Wind: 6mph from NNW
  • Referee: Tom Ritter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

Sources:[59][60]

In Bobby Petrino's first visit to Tuscaloosa as a head coach, Alabama opened conference play by defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks 35–7.[61][62][63] After a scoreless first quarter, two big touchdown plays, a 52-yard run by Trent Richardson and a 50-yard pass from Greg McElroy to Julio Jones, had the Tide up 14–0 at the half.[60] Arkansas responded early in the third quarter and cut the lead to 14–7 after Ryan Mallett hit Greg Childs for an 18-yard touchdown reception; the Hogs would not reach the end zone again as the Tide responded with three unanswered touchdowns.[60] Bama scored first on an 80-yard touchdown pass from McElroy to Marquis Maze followed with two touchdowns by Mark Ingram, one on a 14-yard pass from McElroy and one on a 2-yard run, bringing the final score to 35–7.[60]

Alabama outgained the Razorbacks 425–254 in yards of total offense.[64] McElroy threw for career highs of 291 yards and three touchdowns.[61][65] For his 65-yard, nine-carry, one-touchdown performance, Richardson was named the SEC Freshman of the Week.[66] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Razorbacks to 10–8 (13–7 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).[65]

Kentucky

1 234Total
#3 Alabama 7 14170 38
Kentucky 6 077 20
  • Location: Lexington, Kentucky
  • Game start: 12:21 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:08
  • Game attendance: 70,967
  • Game weather: Sunny, 65, Winds: 15 to 25 mph
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Andre Ware (color), Cara Capuano (sideline)

Sources:[67][68]

In Alabama's first trip to Lexington since 2004, and their first road game of the 2009 season, the Tide defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 38–20.[69][70] Alabama scored on their opening drive after Javier Arenas returned the opening kickoff 60 yards, which set up an 11-yard Mark Ingram touchdown for an early 7–0 lead.[71][72] Kentucky responded with a pair of 49-yard Lones Seiber field goals. The score was 7–6 at the end of the first quarter.[71] The Tide extended their lead late in the second quarter following a nearly seven-minute, 13-play, 97-yard touchdown drive. Greg McElroy passes of 27 and 21 yards and a 13-yard run by Ingram moved Bama down the field, culminating with a three-yard touchdown pass from McElroy to Colin Peek to put the Tide up 14–6.[71] With only 40 seconds remaining in the half, Kentucky tailback Derrick Locke fumbled the ball after catching a short pass. Courtney Upshaw returned 45 yards for an Alabama touchdown that put the Tide ahead 21–6 at halftime.[71][73]

On the second play of the third quarter, Rolando McClain intercepted a Mike Hartline pass, giving Alabama possession at the Wildcat 38.[71][74] Two plays later Ingram scored on a 32-yard run, making the score 28–6.[71] Following an Eryk Anders interception that set up a 36-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal, the Wildcats reached the end zone for the first time on the ensuing drive. Hartline connected with Randall Cobb for a 45-yard touchdown reception in bringing the score to 31–13.[70][71] The Tide responded with a 7-yard Darius Hanks touchdown reception to complete a 13-play, 76-yard drive.[71] Kentucky scored the afternoon's final points in the fourth quarter on a two-yard Alfonso Smith touchdown run. The final score was 38–20.[70][71] Kentucky's four turnovers sabotaged an effort that was better than any other of Alabama's previous opponents, as the Wildcats gained 301 yards in total offense and held Alabama to 352.[72] McElroy threw for two touchdowns, giving him nine on the season against only one interception, and Ingram rushed for 140 yards on 22 carries.[72] For his 12 tackles (8 solo), one interception, one forced fumble and one pass break-up, McClain was named both the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and the Bronko Nagurski Award National Defensive Player of the Week.[75][76] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Wildcats to 35–2–1.[72]

Ole Miss

1 234Total
#3 Alabama 3 1333 22
#20 Ole Miss 0 030 3
  • Location: Oxford, Mississippi
  • Game start: 2:30 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:27
  • Game attendance: 62,657
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 54 Degrees
  • Referee: Tom Ritter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Craig Bolerjack (play-by-play), Steve Beuerlein (color)

Sources:[77][78]

Before the largest crowd to ever witness a game in Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, Alabama defeated their long-time rival, the Ole Miss Rebels, 22–3.[79][80] Alabama struggled to put the ball in the end zone all afternoon with drives stalled at the Mississippi 8, 4, 4, 4, and 13.[81] Each of those drives resulted in a field goal by Leigh Tiffin, who was 5 for 5 on the day.[81][82] Other special teams contributions included a blocked punt in the second quarter and a recovered Dexter McCluster fumble on a punt return in the third quarter, both by Cory Reamer.[81][83] McElroy struggled, completing only 15 of 34 passes for 147 yards, but Mark Ingram ran for a then career-high 172 yards and accounted for Alabama's only touchdown on a 36-yard run in the second quarter.[81][82]

The Alabama defense had an excellent day, with Javier Arenas, Kareem Jackson, Rolando McClain, and Cory Reamer each intercepting a Jevan Snead pass.[81][84] Overall, the Tide held the Rebels to 212 yards of total offense and a single Joshua Shene field goal in the third quarter.[81][82] center William Vlachos was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week and Tiffin was named the Lou Groza Award "Star of Stars" for his five field goal performance.[85] The victory was the team's sixth in a row over the Rebels and improved Alabama's all-time record against Ole Miss to 43–9–2 (47–8–2 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).[82]

South Carolina

1 234Total
#22 South Carolina 0 600 6
#2 Alabama 10 307 20
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 6:45 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:19
  • Game attendance: 92,012
  • Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 48, Wind: 6 to 12 mph from NW
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Erin Andrews (sideline)

Sources:[86][87]

In South Carolina's first trip to Bryant–Denny since 2004, the Tide defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 20–6 on homecoming in Tuscaloosa.[88][89] On the second play from the start of the game, Mark Barron intercepted a Stephen Garcia pass and returned it 77 yards for a touchdown and a 7–0 Alabama lead.[90][91] Greg McElroy struggled; he threw a pair of first-quarter interceptions on Bama's first two offensive possessions.[90] South Carolina's C.C. Whitlock fumbled the ball on the return of the second interception and possession was recovered by Darius Hanks.[90] The Tide continued its drive to the Gamecock 8, and Leigh Tiffin kicked a field goal to put Alabama ahead 10–0.[90]

Following a failed 49-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal attempt in the second quarter, South Carolina answered by driving to the Alabama five-yard line. However, the Bama defense held the Gamecock offense to three consecutive incompletions; the result was a 22-yard Spencer Lanning field goal to make the score 10–3.[90] On the following possession, Mark Ingram ran 54 yards to the South Carolina 28. The drive stalled at the 17 and Tiffin's field goal made it 13–3.[90] South Carolina responded with a quick drive that ended with a 31-yard Lanning field goal as time expired in the first half with the score 13–6.[90]

After a scoreless third quarter, with 8:08 to go, Alabama took possession at its own 32 following a Gamecock punt.[90] Taking direct snaps out of the wildcat formation, Ingram rushed for 64 yards on five carries, then took a pitch from Greg McElroy for the last four yards and the touchdown, sealing Alabama's 20–6 victory.[88][91] The Alabama offense turned the ball over four times in this game after committing only two turnovers in the first six games. Mark Ingram's 246 yards rushing marked his third consecutive career-high effort and the third highest single game total in Alabama history.[88][91][92] For their performances, Ingram was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week and Rolando McClain was named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.[93][94] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Gamecocks to 10–3 (12–2 before NCAA vacations and forfeits).[92]

Tennessee

Third Saturday in October
1 234Total
Tennessee 0 307 10
#1 Alabama 3 603 12
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 2:30 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:17
  • Game attendance: 92,012
  • Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 61; Wind: 7 WNW
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

Sources:[95][96]

American football players in formation on a green field.
Alabama won the game, despite not getting a touchdown.

This edition of the Third Saturday in October was a defensive struggle with a surprise finish as the Crimson Tide defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 12–10.[97][98] In a defensive struggle for both teams, Leigh Tiffin was 4 for 4 on field goals and accounted for all of Alabama's scoring.[99]

With the Tennessee defense stopping the Tide on consecutive drives, Alabama's defense responded with Mark Barron intercepting a Jonathan Crompton pass at the Bama 19 in the first quarter.[99] The ensuing drive resulted in a 38-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal and a 3–0 lead.[99] The Vols responded with a 24-yard Daniel Lincoln field goal that tied the game 3–3.[99] Tiffin hit field goals of 50 and 22 yards before Lincoln missed a 47-yard attempt at the end of the first half, leaving the score 9–3 at halftime.[99] After a scoreless third, in the fourth Tennessee drove to the Alabama 27, but Terrence Cody blocked Lincoln's field goal.[100][101] On the ensuing possession, Tiffin hit a 49-yard field goal to bring the score to 12–3.[99]

Late in the fourth, Mark Ingram lost a fumble for the first time in his collegiate career, giving Tennessee possession at the Alabama 43 with 3:29 remaining in the game.[99][102] The Vols drove the ball 43 yards in 2:10, culminating with an 11-yard Crompton touchdown pass to Gerald Jones to cut the gap to 12–10.[99] The Vols followed with a successful onside kick attempt and regained possession of the ball at their own 41-yard line.[99] After Tennessee was penalized five yards for a false start, Crompton completed a pass to Luke Stocker for 23 yards, to the Bama 27-yard line.[99] With the clock ticking off the final seconds and Tennessee out of time outs, Crompton spiked the ball to stop the clock with four seconds left. This set up Lincoln for a 45-yard field goal attempt to win the game.[99] However, Terrence Cody knocked his blocker over and broke through the line. He blocked Lincoln's field goal as time expired, preserving Alabama's 12–10 victory and perfect season.[100][101] For their performances, Cody was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week and Tiffin was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.[103]

LSU

1 234Total
#9 LSU 0 780 15
#3 Alabama 0 3714 24
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 2:30 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:32
  • Game attendance: 92,012
  • Game weather: Sunny, 73 degrees
  • Referee: Tom Ritter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

Sources:[104][105]

American football players in formation on a green field with the end zone visible.
Alabama's offense failed to score a touchdown in the red zone.

With the SEC West divisional championship on the line, Alabama defeated their long-time rival the LSU Tigers 24–15 to secure a spot in the SEC Championship Game.[106][107] Following a scoreless first quarter, LSU took possession on its own 9 on the last play of the first quarter and embarked on a 13-play, 91-yard drive that ended in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Jefferson to Deangelo Peterson and a 7–0 lead.[108] Javier Arenas returned the ensuing punt 40 yards to the Alabama 49, and the Tide drove to the LSU 11 before settling for a 28-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal that made the score 7–3.[108] Neither team could mount a sustained drive for the rest of the half.[108]

At the start of the second half Alabama received the kickoff, took possession at its own 19, and started getting the ball to Mark Ingram.[108] On the drive, Ingram was responsible for a 12-yard reception from Greg McElroy and rushes of 4, 12, 12, and 18 yards that advanced the ball to the Tiger 23.[108] Two plays later, McElroy hit Darius Hanks for his first touchdown pass since the Kentucky game, and Alabama was up 10–7.[108][109] The ensuing LSU drive stalled at the Tide 46. The LSU punt was downed at the Alabama 1-yard line.[108] Two plays later McElroy was sacked for a safety, making the score 10–9.[108] LSU returned the free kick to its own 41 and drove 59 yards for the touchdown, the big play coming on a 34-yard run by Charles Scott.[108] The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score 15–10 in favor of LSU.[108]

Alabama received the kickoff and again relied on Ingram: seven Ingram rushes for 48 yards accounted for most of the offense on a drive that ended with a 20-yard Tiffin field goal, making the score 15–13.[108] Following a LSU three and out, Alabama took possession on its own 27-yard line.[108] On first down, McElroy completed a screen pass to Julio Jones which Jones turned into a 73-yard touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, Alabama led 21–15.[108][110] LSU went three and out again. A methodical 11-play, 31-yard Alabama drive consumed 6:14 of game time and ended in a 40-yard Tiffin field goal with 3:04 left to seal a 24–15 Alabama victory.[108] Alabama won the SEC Western Division championship and clinched a berth in the SEC Championship Game against Florida, which clinched the East that same day with a 27–3 victory over Vanderbilt.[107][111] Ingram rushed for 144 yards and Jones had 102 receiving yards.[112] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 45–23–5.[112]

Mississippi State

1 234Total
#3 Alabama 0 14314 31
Mississippi State 0 003 3
  • Location: Starkville, Mississippi
  • Game start: 6:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:05
  • Game attendance: 58,103
  • Game weather: Clear Skies, 60 degrees
  • Referee: Matt Moore
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Erin Andrews (sideline)

Sources:[113][114]

Playing in front of the largest crowd to ever witness a game in Davis Wade Stadium, and with the Bulldogs wearing black jerseys for the first time in their history, Alabama cruised to a 31–3 victory over long-time rival Mississippi State.[115][116] After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama scored a pair of touchdowns in the second to take a 14–0 lead.[117][118] The first touchdown came on a 45-yard Darius Hanks reception from Greg McElroy and the second on a 1-yard Mark Ingram run.[117]

After a 39-yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin extended the lead to 17–0 in the third, the Bulldogs scored their only points of the night on a 34-yard Derek DePasquale field goal.[118] On the ensuing kickoff, Javier Arenas returned the ball 46 yards and on the next play, McElroy hit Julio Jones for a 48-yard touchdown reception. The score was 24–3.[118][119] Mark Barron intercepted a Tyson Lee pass at the Alabama 30 on the next Bulldog offensive series.[118][120] On the following play, Ingram scored a touchdown on a 70-yard run to bring the final score to 31–3.[118][119]

For the game, McElroy threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns on 13 of 18 passing, and Mark Ingram rushed for 149 yards two touchdowns.[121] Mississippi State was held to 213 total yards, with Barron intercepting two Tyson Lee and Marquis Johnson intercepting one Chris Relf pass.[118][121] For his performance, left guard Mike Johnson was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.[122] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Bulldogs to 73–18–3 (72–19–3 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).[123]

Chattanooga

1 234Total
Chattanooga 0 000 0
#2 Alabama 21 1437 45
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 11:21 a.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:53
  • Game attendance: 92,012
  • Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 59 degrees
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Doug Bell (play-by-play), Chris Doering (color)

Sources:[124][125]

American football player waiting to field a punt on a green field.
Javier Arenas returned a kickoff for touchdown in the second quarter.

On senior day in Tuscaloosa, Alabama dipped down to college football's Football Championship Subdivision and defeated the Mocs of UT-Chattanooga 45–0.[126][127][128] After being stopped on their first possession, Alabama reached the end zone on the next five consecutive possessions in running up a 35–0 lead in the first half.[129] First-quarter touchdowns included a 2-yard Trent Richardson run, a 25-yard Mark Ingram run, and a 19-yard Julio Jones reception from Greg McElroy.[129] In the second quarter, touchdowns were scored by Javier Arenas on a 66-yard punt return and on a 40-yard Ingram run.[129] With the only third quarter points coming on a 41-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal, Bama's final points of the afternoon came on a 21-yard Roy Upchurch touchdown run in the fourth.[129]

Javier Arenas set the all-time SEC record with his seventh punt return for a touchdown and was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.[130][131] Mark Ingram led the offense with 102 yards and two touchdowns before being pulled early in the second quarter.[132] Alabama outgained Chattanooga in total offense 422–84 and recorded their first defensive shutout since defeating Auburn 36–0 in 2008.[129][133] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Mocs to 11–0.[134]

Auburn

Iron Bowl
1 234Total
#2 Alabama 0 1466 26
Auburn 14 070 21
  • Location: Auburn, Alabama
  • Game start: 1:30 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:19
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Game weather: Sunny, 57 degrees
  • Referee: Penn Wagers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Craig Bolerjack (play-by-play), Steve Beuerlein (color)

Sources:[135][136]

One year after Alabama's 36–0 victory in Tuscaloosa, the 2009 Iron Bowl contest against the Auburn Tigers ended with a 26–21 Tide victory and a 12–0 regular season.[137] The Tigers, who entered the game 7–4 and unranked, took the ball after Alabama's initial three and out and struck quickly. On Auburn's fourth play from scrimmage, Terrell Zachery raced 67 yards on a reverse for a touchdown and a 7–0 Auburn lead.[138] The run was the longest allowed by the Tide since a 70-yard run by Arkansas' Darren McFadden in 2005.[139] Auburn then successfully executed an onside kick and retained possession of the ball.[138] After the onside kick, Auburn drove 58 yards in 12 plays, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Chris Todd to Eric Smith.[138] The Crimson Tide, which had never trailed in a game by more than seven points all season, found itself down 14–0 before the first quarter was over.[140]

Early in the second quarter Alabama completed a 10-play, 58-yard drive by scoring on a two-yard run by backup tailback Trent Richardson. The key plays were a 15-yard pass from McElroy to Darius Hanks and a 13-yard pass from McElroy to Richardson.[138] After an exchange of punts gave Alabama good starting position at the Auburn 45, the Tide quickly struck again with McElroy hitting tight end Colin Peek on a 33-yard touchdown pass that left the game tied 14–14 at halftime.[138]

In the third quarter, Auburn scored on another quick strike. The Tigers took possession on their 24 after a Bama punt; Kodi Burns rushed for four yards, and then Todd hit Darvin Adams on a 72-yard completion that put Auburn back in front 21–14.[138] The completion marked the longest play from scrimmage allowed by the Bama defense all season and the longest pass play since 1999.[139] Javier Arenas gave Alabama an opportunity by returning the ensuing kickoff 46 yards to the Auburn 45, but Mark Ingram, who struggled the entire game, rushed for 7 yards and 2 yards and then was held for no gain on both third and one and fourth and one, and Alabama turned the ball over on downs.[138] Auburn went three and out and punted, and Arenas set the Tide up again, returning the punt 56 yards to the Auburn 33-yard line.[141] Alabama drove to the Auburn 10 before settling for a Leigh Tiffin field goal that cut the deficit to 21–17.[138] Alabama kicked off and two plays later, Auburn quarterback Todd threw an interception that gave Alabama possession at the Auburn 43. The Tide drove to the Tigers' 13 before this drive also stalled, forcing another Leigh Tiffin field goal that made the score 21–20.[138] As the third quarter ended, Auburn continued to hang on to a one-point lead.

Neither team could make progress with possessions early in the fourth quarter, and after an exchange of punts, Alabama got the ball on its own 21 with 8:27 to go, and began what would soon be known as "The Drive".[142][143] Richardson opened with a 7-yard rush, and on third and three, McElroy completed a nine-yard pass to Julio Jones for a first down.[138] Three plays later, on third and five, McElroy completed a six-yard pass to Jones for another first down and advancing the ball to the Tide 48.[138] Two plays later, on second and eight, a third pass from McElroy to Jones for 11 yards led to a third first down.[138] Two plays after that, a fourth pass from McElroy to Jones and a fourth first down at the Auburn 28-yard line.[138] On second and nine at the Auburn 27, McElroy chose a different target, hitting Richardson for a first down to the Auburn 11-yard line. After a four-yard run by Richardson to the Auburn 7, the Tigers called time out with 1:34 left.[138] Richardson took the ball three more yards to the Auburn 4, leaving the Tide at third and three. Each team called a time out in succession with 1:29 left.[138] Alabama's offensive coaches called for a running play, but head coach Nick Saban, unwilling to settle for a field goal, overruled this decision and demanded a pass.[140] McElroy completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to third-string tailback Roy Upchurch, giving Alabama a 26–21 lead with 1:24 to go.[143][144] McElroy had completed seven consecutive passes on The Drive after missing his first.[138]

A two-point conversion attempt failed and the lead was five points.[138] Auburn took possession at the 25 following the kickoff and took 1:14 to run four plays and advance the ball to its own 46 with ten seconds to go. Todd completed a 17-yard pass to Darvin Adams at the Alabama 37, and after spiking the ball, Todd's last pass fell incomplete and the game was over.[138] Alabama had survived, beating Auburn 26–21 despite being outgained 332 yards to 291 and being held to only 73 yards rushing.[137]

Florida

SEC Championship Game
1 234Total
#1 Florida 3 1000 13
#2 Alabama 9 1076 32
  • Location: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Game start: 4:10 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:27
  • Game attendance: 74,954
  • Game weather: Indoors
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

Sources:[145][146]

Alabama faced Florida in the SEC Championship Game in a rematch of the 2008 contest, with the Tide capturing their 22nd conference championship following their 32–13 victory over the Gators.[147][148][149] The Tide struck first, driving 47 yards with the opening possession before Leigh Tiffin kicked a 48-yard field goal and a 3–0 lead.[150] Following a Florida three and out on their first possession, Alabama responded with an 8-play, 76-yard touchdown drive.[150] On the drive, Greg McElroy completed key passes to Colin Peek and Marquis Maze and Mark Ingram rushed for 37 yards and the touchdown in taking a 9–0 lead following a missed extra point.[150] On the ensuing possession, Caleb Sturgis hit a 48-yard field goal that made the score 9–3 at the end of the first quarter.[150]

Alabama scored first in the second quarter on a 34-yard Tiffin field goal to complete a 68-yard drive and extend the Bama lead to 12–3.[150] Florida followed with what turned out to be its only touchdown drive of the game. Rushes of 23 yards and 15 yards from quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow were followed by a 23-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to David Nelson, and Florida had cut the lead to two, 12–10.[150] On the next offensive play, Ingram took a short pass from McElroy and raced 69 yards to the Gator 3-yard line, and ran it in for a touchdown from three yards out on the next play.[150] The Gators ended the first half with a 32-yard Sturgis field goal to make the halftime score 19–13.[150]

Florida opened the third quarter with a three and out.[150] On the Tide's first offensive series of the second half, McElroy completed a 28-yard pass to Maze and was followed with a 15-yard personal foul penalty in bringing the ball into the red zone.[150] On the next play McElroy completed the drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colin Peek. Alabama took a 26–13 lead.[150][151] Florida got one first down on its next possession before punting the ball to Alabama.[150] Taking the ball at its own 12-yard line with 7:36 to go in the third quarter, Alabama held the ball for the rest of the quarter and into the fourth, using up 8:47 of game time on a 12-play, 88-yard drive.[150] Ingram, who rushed for 37 yards on the drive, scored on a 1-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to increase Bama's lead to 32–13.[150] Florida mounted a late drive that reached the Alabama 6 before Tebow threw an interception to Javier Arenas in the end zone.[150][152] On Florida's next possession, the Gators turned the ball over on downs at the Alabama 13, and the Tide was able to run out the clock to secure the 32–13 victory.[150]

For his 239-yard, one touchdown passing performance, Greg McElroy was named the game's MVP.[153] Ingram rushed for 113 and Trent Richardson rushed for 80 yards.[154] The victory gave Alabama its 22nd SEC title, their third since the inception of the Championship Game and their first in ten years—the longest time the Crimson Tide program has ever gone without an SEC championship.[154] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Gators to 20–14 (21–14 without the NCAA vacation of the 2005 victory).[154] Alabama earned their third SEC championship since the inception of the SEC Championship Game in 1992, and their 22nd SEC title.

Texas

BCS National Championship Game
1 234Total
#2 Texas 6 078 21
#1 Alabama 0 24013 37
  • Location: Pasadena, California
  • Game start: 5:39 p.m. (PST)
  • Elapsed time: 3:28
  • Game attendance: 94,906
  • Game weather: Clear Skies, 63 degrees
  • Referee: John McDaid
  • TV announcers (ABC): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Tom Rinaldi & Lisa Salters (sidleine)

Sources:[155][156]

American football players in formation at the 50-yard line on a green field.
50-yard line action for the national championship
Wikinews has related news: Alabama wins 2010 American football college title

Following victories in their respective conference championship games, on December 6 the final Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings were unveiled, pitting the No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide against the No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns for the 2010 BCS National Championship.[157][158] The game was held in the Rose Bowl, although it was not the actual Rose Bowl Game, in which Ohio State beat Oregon six days earlier. Alabama came into the game having never beaten Texas, compiling an all-time 0–7–1 record against the Longhorns.[158]

Alabama won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. After losing thirteen yards on a sack and a penalty, Nick Saban called for a fake punt, which resulted in a Texas interception by Blake Gideon at the Alabama 37-yard line.[159] On the initial possession, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy suffered a hit from Marcell Dareus which forced him to leave the game. Suffering from a pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder, McCoy did not return.[160][161] With McCoy out, freshman Garrett Gilbert replaced him at quarterback, and the Longhorns settled for a field goal and a 3–0 lead.[159] The ensuing kickoff was an onside kick, and Texas retained possession of the ball when Alabama failed to field the kick. The Longhorns only advanced the ball five yards and Hunter Lawrence kicked another field goal to go ahead 6–0.[159]

The Tide went ahead in the second quarter. Greg McElroy threw for only 58 yards on 6 of 11 passing for Alabama, but 23 of those yards came on a completion to Julio Jones that advanced the ball to the Texas 12.[159] Three plays later Mark Ingram ran it in from two yards out, and Alabama went ahead 7–6.[159][162] After an exchange of punts, Bama took possession on the Texas 49-yard line, and on the second play Trent Richardson burst through a hole in the middle and raced 49 yards untouched for the touchdown, extending the lead to 14–6.[159][162] Texas continued to struggle for offense in McCoy's absence, and on the next possession a Texas drive ended when Javier Arenas intercepted a Gilbert pass at the Alabama 25.[163] Following a short punt late in the quarter, Bama drove to the Texas 9, and increased their lead to 17–6 following a successful 26-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal.[159] It appeared that the Crimson Tide would go into the locker room leading 17–6. However, after gaining nine yards on a rush up the middle, Texas called time out with 15 seconds left. With the ball at the Texas 37, Gilbert threw a shovel pass to D.J. Monroe, who bobbled the ball and batted it into the arms of Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, who lumbered 28 yards for a touchdown that made the halftime score 24–6.[159][164]

Having been sacked 4 times in the first half but had considerable success rushing the ball, Alabama came out rushing after halftime, attempting only two passes in the 3rd quarter.[159] Meanwhile, Gilbert, who had struggled early in the game, started to find his rhythm, mostly due to the efforts of Jordan Shipley, one of only two Texas receivers to catch a pass thrown beyond the line of scrimmage in the game.[165] A 44-yard touchdown pass from Gilbert to Shipley cut the lead to 24–13.[165] Early in the fourth, Leigh Tiffin missed a 52-yard field goal.[159] On the ensuing possession, the Longhorns drove 65 yards and scored another touchdown on a 28-yard Shipley reception.[165] A successful two-point conversion pulled the score to within three points, 24–21.[159] Following an Alabama punt, Texas gained possession on their own 7-yard line with 3:14 to go.[159] On the second play of the drive, Eryk Anders laid a hit on Gilbert that forced a fumble, and Alabama recovered at the Texas 3.[159] Three plays later Ingram, who rushed for 116 yards in the game, ran it in for the score that gave Alabama a 31–21 lead.[159] On the following drive, Gilbert threw a second interception to Arenas, and a Trent Richardson touchdown with 47 seconds left made the final score 37–21.[159][166][167][168][169]

For their performances, Mark Ingram was named the game's offensive MVP and Marcell Dareus was named defensive MVP.[170] Alabama beat Texas for the first time in their history, won its first ever BCS championship game, and won its first national championship since 1992. It was Alabama's thirteenth claimed and eighth national championship by vote of the AP poll or coaches' poll, the others coming in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, and 1992, and ninth perfect season, the others coming in 1925, 1930, 1934, 1945, 1961, 1966, 1979, and 1992.[171] Alabama became the third school in major college history to go 14–0, joining the 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes and the 2009 Boise State Broncos.[166][172]

Rankings

Entering the 2009 season, the Crimson Tide was ranked No. 5 in the AP and Coaches' Preseason Polls.[173] By week seven Alabama moved into the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll and the No. 2 ranking in both the Coaches' Poll and the initial BCS rankings.[174][175] After dropping as low as No. 3, following the victory against Florida in the SEC Championship Game Alabama captured the No. 1 ranking in the AP and Coaches' Polls as well as in the final BCS rankings.[157][158] Following the victory over Texas in the BCS Championship Game, Alabama was selected a unanimous No. 1 by the AP and as the No. 1 team in the Coaches' Poll.[176]

Ranking Movement
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking. ██ Not ranked the previous week. ██ Selected for BCS National Championship Game.
Poll Pre Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4 Wk 5 Wk 6 Wk 7 Wk 8 Wk 9 Wk 10 Wk 11 Wk 12 Wk 13 Wk 14 Final
AP 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 2 2 2 1 1
Coaches 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 1
Harris Not released 3 3 T–2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 N/A
BCS Not released 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 N/A

After the season

President Obama receives an Alabama jersey at the White House with various team members and coaches present.
The Crimson Tide meet with President Barack Obama after winning the national championship.[177]
Barack Obama welcomes the Crimson Tide to the White House
The Crimson Tide visit the White House
Remarks by Barack Obama during the Crimson Tide's visit to the White House on March 8, 2010

Following the victory against Texas for the national championship, the team arrived at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport on the evening of January 8. Several thousand fans were there to greet them upon their arrival.[178] On January 16, a public national championship celebration at Bryant–Denny Stadium was attended by well over 30,000 spectators.[179] Speakers at the event included head coach Nick Saban and Alabama athletic director Mal Moore. All of the championship trophies were available for public viewing.[179] In early March, the team was invited to the White House, where Obama greeted the team and offered congratulatory remarks for their championship season.[177]

For their victory, each team member and coach received three championship rings designed by Jostens: a university-issued title ring, a BCS issued title ring, and another for winning the SEC championship.[180] The rings were distributed as part of the annual A-Day weekend the following April.[181] Also as part of the A-Day celebrations, the 2009 team captains Javier Arenas, Rolando McClain, and Mike Johnson were honored at the Walk of Fame ceremony at the base of Denny Chimes.[182] As recognition for becoming the fifth Alabama head coach to win a national championship, the University unveiled a statue of coach Saban along the Walk of Champions outside Bryant–Denny Stadium as part of A-Day festivities on April 16, 2011.[183]

Final statistics

After their victory over Texas in the BCS National Championship Game, Alabama's final team statistics were released. On the defensive side of the ball, they ranked second in scoring defense (11.71 points per game), second in total defense (244.14 yards per game), second in rushing defense (78.14 yards per game) and tenth in passing defense (166.00 yards per game).[184] They were also the conference leaders in scoring, total and rushing defense.[184] On offense, nationally the Crimson Tide ranked 12th in rushing offense (215.07 yards per game), 22nd in scoring offense (32.07 points per game), 42nd in total offense (403.00 yards per game) and 92nd in passing offense (187.93 yards per game).[184] Individually, Leigh Tiffin led the SEC with an average of 2.14 field goals and 9.43 points per game.[184]

Awards

In the weeks following the SEC Championship Game, multiple Alabama players were recognized for their on-field performances with a variety of awards and recognitions. At the team awards banquet on December 6, Javier Arenas, Mike Johnson and Rolando McClain were each named the permanent captains of the 2009 squad.[185] At that time both McClain and Mark Ingram were also named the 2009 co-most valuable players with McClain and Terrence Cody named defensive players of the year and Ingram and Johnson named the offensive players of the year.[185]

Conference

The SEC recognized several players for their individual performances with various awards. Alabama swept the three major individual awards on the AP All-SEC team, with Mark Ingram named Offensive Player of the Year, Rolando McClain named Defensive Player of the Year, and Nick Saban named Coach of the Year.[186] In addition to Ingram and McClain, Javier Arenas (as a defensive back), Terrance Cody, Mike Johnson, and Leigh Tiffin were named to the AP All-SEC First Team.[186] James Carpenter, Colin Peek, and Arenas (as a return specialist) were named to the AP All-SEC Second Team.[186] Eight players were named to the Coaches' All-SEC First Team, including Arenas (as both a defensive back and return specialist), Mark Barron, Cody, Ingram, Mike Johnson, McClain, and Tiffin.[187][188] Julio Jones was named to the Coaches' All-SEC Second Team.[188] Nico Johnson, Barrett Jones, and Trent Richardson were named to the 2009 Freshman All-SEC Team.[189]

National

After the season, a number of Alabama players were named as national award winners and finalists. Mark Ingram became Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner, with the closest margin of victory in the history of the award, over Stanford's Toby Gerhart.[190][191] Ingram was a finalist for the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award.[192][193] Linebacker Rolando McClain won the Butkus Award and the Jack Lambert Award.[194][195] Other national award finalists included Terrence Cody (for the Chuck Bednarik Award) and Leigh Tiffin (for the Lou Groza Award).[192] Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach.[196]

In addition to the individual awards, several players were also named to various national All-American Teams. Javier Arenas, Terrance Cody, Mark Ingram, Mike Johnson, Rolando McClain, and Leigh Tiffin were named to the AP All-American First Team and Mark Barron was named to the AP All-American Second Team.[197][198] Cody, Ingram, Mike Johnson, and McClain were named to the Walter Camp All-American First Team. Arenas and Tiffin were named to the Walter Camp All-American Second Team.[199] Arenas, Ingram, Mike Johnson, and McClain were named to the AFCA All-America Team.[200] With their selections on various teams, Mike Johnson, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Rolando McClain and Javier Arenas were each consensus All-America, with Ingram and McClain each being unanimous selections.[201]

All-star games

Seven Alabama players were selected by postseason all-star games. Lorenzo Washington appeared in the Texas vs. The Nation Game.[202] Justin Woodall participated in the East-West Shrine Game.[203] Javier Arenas, Terrence Cody, Mike Johnson, Colin Peek, and Leigh Tiffin played in the Under Armour Senior Bowl.[204]

NFL Draft

Of all the draft-eligible juniors, only Rolando McClain and Kareem Jackson declared their eligibility for the 2010 NFL Draft.[205][206] Ten Alabama players, eight seniors and two juniors, were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.[207] The invited Alabama players were tight end Colin Peek, offensive lineman Mike Johnson, defensive linemen Terrence Cody, Brandon Deaderick and Lorenzo Washington, linebacker Rolando McClain, defensive backs Javier Arenas, Kareem Jackson and Justin Woodall, and placekicker Leigh Tiffin.[207] In the draft, Alabama had seven players selected.[208] The first round selections were McClain (8th Oakland Raiders) and Jackson (20th Houston Texans); the second round picks were Arenas (50th Kansas City Chiefs) and Cody (57th Baltimore Ravens); the third round pick was Mike Johnson (98th Atlanta Falcons); and the seventh round picks were Marquis Johnson (211th St. Louis Rams) and Deaderick (247th New England Patriots).[208] Both Peek and Washington, with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys respectively, signed as undrafted free agents.[209]

Following the 2010 season, juniors Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Marcell Dareus declared their eligibility for the 2011 NFL Draft.[210] Five Alabama players, two seniors and three juniors, were invited to the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine.[211] The invited players were offensive lineman James Carpenter, quarterback Greg McElroy, defensive end Marcell Dareus, running back Mark Ingram, and wide receiver Julio Jones.[211] In the draft, Alabama set a school record with four players selected in the first round.[212] The first round selections were Dareus (3rd Buffalo Bills), Jones (6th Atlanta Falcons), Carpenter (25th Seattle Seahawks) and Ingram (28th New Orleans Saints).[212] McElroy was selected in the seventh round (208th New York Jets).[213] Preston Dial signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in July 2011 after the NFL labor dispute was resolved.[214]

References

  1. Zenor, John (November 30, 2008). "Crimson Tide throttles Tigers for Iron Bowl title". The Washington Post. Associated Press. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  2. 1 2 "All-time Football Results: 2008 Season". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  3. Rapoport, Ian (November 2, 2008). "Alabama is No. 1 in AP and Coaches Poll...". The Birmingham News. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  4. 1 2 "No. 1 ranked Alabama Meets LSU in Baton Rouge". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 3, 2008. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  5. "2008 NCAA Football Rankings – Final". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  6. 1 2 "2009 Team Rankings". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  7. 1 2 "2009 College Football Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  8. Walsh, Christopher (March 13, 2009). "Several debuts for today's first spring practice". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
  9. Staff Reporters (March 3, 2009). "ESPN will televise A-Day Game". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  10. Hurt, Cecil (April 18, 2009). "Saban pleased with A-Day effort, crowd". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  11. 1 2 3 "Sixteen Alabama teams penalized". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 12, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  12. "Alabama to appeal NCAA sanctions". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 18, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  13. Hurt, Cecil (March 23, 2010). "UA officials disappointed in appeal outcome". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  14. 1 2 "Julio Jones unanimous preseason All-SEC". The Tuscaloosa News. July 17, 2009. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
  15. 1 2 "Crimson Tide Players on National Award Watch Lists". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. August 25, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  16. 1 2 3 "Alabama football: Defense and special teams notebook". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 2, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  17. "ESPNU 150 Class of 2009". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2010. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  18. Deas, Tommy (February 4, 2009). "Tide lands another No. 1 class". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
  19. "Jeff Sagarin NCAA football ratings". USA Today. January 8, 2010. Retrieved October 29, 2010.
  20. "2009–2010 College Football Season Final Congrove Computer Rankings". College Football Poll.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2010. Retrieved October 29, 2010.
  21. 1 2 "2009 Alabama Football Schedule Released". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 12, 2008. Archived from the original on October 13, 2010. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  22. 1 2 "SEC Football scheduling format". SECsports.com. The Southeastern Conference. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  23. Lopresti, Mike (December 5, 2009). "SEC title game showcases league's dominance". USA Today. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
  24. 1 2 Estes, Gentry (December 20, 2008). "Tide to open season with Hokies". Press-Register. Mobile, AL. p. C3.
  25. Pearle, Michael (January 5, 2010). "Robert Brewer Recalls 1982 Cotton Bowl vs. 'Bama". InsideTexas.com.
  26. "All-time Football Results: 2009 Season". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original on October 17, 2010. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  27. Staff Reporters (June 16, 2009). "2009 Alabama Preview – Depth Chart". CollegeFootballNews.com. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
  28. Estes, Gentry (January 10, 2009). "Clemson hires Alabama assistant coach Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator". Press-Register. Mobile, AL. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  29. Estes, Gentry (January 16, 2009). "Another assistant coach bolts UA: Lance Thompson leaves for Tennessee". Press-Register. Mobile, AL. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  30. Edwards, Drew (January 15, 2009). "UT hires Alabama linebackers coach Thompson". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  31. Rogers, Ken (January 22, 2009). "Alabama lures Auburn's James Willis". Dothan Eagle. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
  32. 2009 University of Alabama Football Media Guide (PDF). UA Athletics Media Relations Office. p. 2. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  33. "Alabama football game notes vs. Virginia Tech". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. August 31, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Alabama vs Virginia Tech: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 5, 2009. Archived from the original on 31 October 2010. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  35. 1 2 King, Randy (September 6, 2009). "Tide foils Hokies' hopes". The Roanoke Times. p. CF1.
  36. 1 2 Estes, Gentry (September 6, 2009). "Tech that Late offense burst sparks No. 5 Tide over No. 7 Virginia Tech". Press-Register. Mobile, AL. p. C1.
  37. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Alabama vs Virginia Tech: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 5, 2009. Archived from the original on 31 October 2010. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  38. "No. 5 Alabama 34, No. 7 Virginia Tech 24". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 5, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  39. "Mark Ingram Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 7, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  40. "Alabama vs Virginia Tech Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 5, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  41. "Alabama hosts FIU". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 7, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  42. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Florida International vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 12, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  43. 1 2 Kausler, Jr., Don (September 13, 2009). "No Crimson cakewalk: After tighter than expected first half, Tide pulls away to 40–14 win". The Birmingham News. p. 6B.
  44. "Alabama defeats Florida International 40–14". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 13, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  45. "McElroy, Richardson combine to carry Bama by Florida International". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 12, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  46. 1 2 "Florida International vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 13, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  47. 1 2 Estes, Gentry (September 13, 2009). "Richardson rises for Tide". Press-Register. Mobile, AL. p. 6C.
  48. "Florida International vs Alabama: Team Statistics". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 13, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  49. 1 2 "Florida International vs Alabama Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 12, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  50. "Richardson named SEC Freshman of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 14, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  51. "Alabama hosts North Texas". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 14, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  52. 1 2 3 4 5 "North Texas vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 19, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  53. 1 2 "Alabama stomps North Texas in highest-scoring game since 2001". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 19, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  54. Vito, Brett (September 20, 2009). "Tide QB helps foil mentor: McElroy, a Dodge protégé at SL Carroll, frustrates UNT defense". The Dallas Morning News. p. 6C.
  55. Melick, Ray (September 20, 2009). "McElroy passes praise to others: Alabama quarterback goes 13-for-15 in school-record performance". The Birmingham News. p. 6B.
  56. "North Texas vs Alabama: Team Statistics". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 19, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  57. 1 2 3 "North Texas vs Alabama Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 19, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  58. Kausler, Jr., Don (September 15, 2009). "Tide's McElroy, North Texas' Dodge led Southlake Carroll to Texas state title in 2005". The Birmingham News. p. 1C.
  59. "No. 3 Alabama hosts Arkansas in SEC opener". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 21, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  60. 1 2 3 4 "Arkansas vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 26, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  61. 1 2 "Alabama rolls Arkansas as McElroy passes for career-high 291 yards, 3 TDs". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 26, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  62. Murphy, Tom (September 27, 2009). "Engulfed by Tide Big plays, mistakes sink Hogs". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock, AR. p. C1.
  63. Estes, Gentry (September 27, 2009). "Tide "blows up" Hogs". Press-Register. Mobile, AL. p. C6.
  64. "Arkansas vs Alabama: Team Statistics". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 26, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  65. 1 2 "Arkansas vs Alabama Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 26, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  66. "Richardson named SEC Freshman of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 28, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  67. "No. 3 Alabama travels to Kentucky". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 28, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  68. "Alabama vs Kentucky: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 3, 2009. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  69. "Ingram has career day as Alabama takes advantage of UK miscues". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 3, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  70. 1 2 3 Cosby, Chip (October 3, 2009). "Turnovers doom UK in 38–20 loss to Alabama". Lexington Herald-Leader. Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  71. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Alabama vs Kentucky: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 3, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  72. 1 2 3 4 "Alabama vs Kentucky Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 3, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  73. Goodbread, Chase (October 4, 2009). "Upshaw in right place, right time for fumble return". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  74. Goodbread, Chase (October 6, 2009). "McClain strives to get better". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  75. "Rolando McClain Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 5, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  76. "McClain Named National Defensive Player of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 6, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  77. "No. 3 Alabama travels to Ole Miss". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 5, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  78. "Alabama vs Ole Miss: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 10, 2009. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  79. "Alabama rolls as Snead's four interceptions doom Mississippi". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 10, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  80. Brandt, David (October 10, 2009). "Alabama dominates Ole Miss". The Clarion-Ledger. Jackson, MS.
  81. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Alabama vs Mississippi: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 10, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  82. 1 2 3 4 "Alabama vs Mississippi Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 10, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  83. Goodbread, Chase (October 11, 2009). "Very special day for Reamer". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  84. Deas, Tommy (October 11, 2009). "Tide comes through with big turnovers". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  85. "Vlachos, Tiffin earn Player of the Week honors". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 12, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  86. "No. 3 Alabama hosts No. 22 South Carolina". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 12, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  87. "South Carolina vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 17, 2009. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  88. 1 2 3 "Ingram's career night fuels Bama's late charge past South Carolina". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 17, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  89. Person, Joseph (October 18, 2009). "Gamecocks fall short at No. 2 Alabama". The State. Columbia, SC. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  90. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "South Carolina vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 17, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  91. 1 2 3 Hurt, Cecil (October 17, 2009). "Defense strong again for Alabama as Ingram shines". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  92. 1 2 "South Carolina vs Alabama Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 17, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  93. "Mark Ingram named SEC Offensive Player of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 19, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  94. "Rolando McClain named Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 19, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  95. "Alabama hosts Tennessee". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 19, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  96. "Tennessee vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 24, 2009. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  97. "Cody blocks FG on final play to save perfect season for Bama". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 24, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  98. Strange, Mike (October 24, 2009). "A kick in the gut: Lincoln's kick blocked as time expires, 12–10". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  99. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Tennessee vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 24, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  100. 1 2 Ward, Austin (October 25, 2009). "FG mishaps add to special teams' woes". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  101. 1 2 Deas, Tommy (October 25, 2009). "Cody emotional after game-saving effort". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  102. Southern, Michael (October 25, 2009). "Luck runs out for Kiffin and Vols". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  103. "Cody, Tiffin named SEC Players of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 26, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  104. "No. 3 Alabama hosts No. 9 LSU". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 2, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  105. "LSU vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 7, 2009. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  106. "Crimson Tide hold back Tigers for 2nd straight SEC title-game berth". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 7, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  107. 1 2 Varney, James (November 7, 2009). "No. 3 Alabama overcomes No. 9 LSU for shot at SEC title". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans, LA. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  108. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "LSU vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 7, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  109. Goodbread, Chase (November 9, 2009). "McElroy silences critics with win against LSU". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  110. Goodbread, Chase (November 8, 2009). "Jones delivers against LSU again". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  111. "Florida extends winning streak to 19 games with victory over Vanderbilt". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 7, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  112. 1 2 "LSU vs Alabama Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 7, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  113. "Alabama travels to Mississippi State". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 9, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  114. "Alabama vs Mississippi State: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 14, 2009. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  115. "Ingram rushes for two touchdowns as No. 2 Alabama improves to 10–0". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 14, 2009. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  116. Locke, Brad (November 14, 2009). "MSU debuts new black jerseys, but Tide rolls in classic style". Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Tupelo, MS. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  117. 1 2 Deas, Tommy (November 14, 2009). "Second-quarter dominance". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  118. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Alabama vs Mississippi State: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 14, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  119. 1 2 Deas, Tommy (November 14, 2009). "Big plays result in touchdowns for Crimson Tide". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  120. Goodbread, Chase (November 14, 2009). "Despite two picks, Barron not satisfied". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  121. 1 2 "Alabama vs Mississippi State: Team & Individual Statistics". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 14, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  122. "Mike Johnson Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 16, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  123. "Alabama vs Mississippi State Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 14, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  124. "Alabama closes home slate with Chattanooga". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 16, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  125. "Chattanooga vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 21, 2009. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  126. "Alabama jumps out early, cruises by Chattanooga". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 21, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  127. Frierson, John (November 22, 2009). "Alabama smothers UTC, 45–0". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  128. Goodbread, Chase (November 22, 2009). "Reamer caps Senior Day with first interception". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  129. 1 2 3 4 5 "Chattanooga vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 21, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  130. Goodbread, Chase (November 22, 2009). "Arenas sets SEC record for punt return touchdowns in final home game". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  131. "Arenas named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 23, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  132. Deas, Tommy (November 22, 2009). "Mark Ingram makes the best of limited playing time". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  133. Hurt, Cecil (November 22, 2009). "Cruise Control: No. 2 Alabama steamrolls past Tennessee-Chattanooga". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  134. "Chattanooga visits Bryant–Denny Stadium for first time in 50 years". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 20, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  135. "Alabama battles Auburn in regular-season finale". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 23, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  136. "Alabama vs Auburn: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 27, 2009. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  137. 1 2 "Alabama takes lead with 1:24 left, holds off late Auburn drive". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 27, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  138. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 "Alabama vs Auburn: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 27, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  139. 1 2 "Alabama vs Auburn Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 27, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  140. 1 2 Maisel, Ivan (November 28, 2009). "Bama's iron will on display in comeback". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  141. "Tide's Arenas sets SEC return mark". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. November 27, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  142. Dienhart, Tom (November 27, 2009). "Winners & losers: Alabama drives past Auburn". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  143. 1 2 Kausler, Jr., Don (November 28, 2009). "The Drive: Confidence drives the Tide 79 yards to stay unbeaten". The Birmingham News. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  144. Goodbread, Chase (November 28, 2009). "Bama's fourth-quarter drive will loom large in series lore". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  145. "No. 2 Alabama meets No. 1 Florida for SEC Championship". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 30, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  146. "Florida vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 5, 2009. Archived from the original on 21 October 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  147. Deas, Tommy (December 6, 2009). "Tide rolls over Florida to clinch 22nd SEC title". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  148. Dooley, Pat (December 6, 2009). "Dethroned: Tide rolls over Gators". The Gainesville Sun. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  149. "Alabama finishes off Florida for berth in BCS title game". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 5, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  150. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Florida vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 5, 2009. Archived from the original on 21 October 2010. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  151. Medley, Joe (December 5, 2009). "Peek-ing at the perfect time: Alabama tight end makes huge catch to propel Tide to victory". The Anniston Star. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  152. Suttles, Aaron (December 6, 2009). "Alabama defense finishes the job against Gators". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  153. Patton, John (December 5, 2009). "McElroy steals the spotlight, earns MVP". The Gainesville Sun. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  154. 1 2 3 "Alabama vs Florida Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 5, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  155. "Alabama will play Texas in BCS National Championship Game". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  156. "Alabama vs Texas: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. January 7, 2010. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  157. 1 2 "Alabama, Texas to face off for BCS Title". CBSSports.com. Associated Press. December 6, 2009. Archived from the original on 28 October 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  158. 1 2 3 Deas, Tommy; Jones, Adam (December 7, 2009). "The stage is officially set: Alabama, Texas to play for national title". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  159. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Texas vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. January 7, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  160. "McCoy suffers pinched nerve". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 8, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  161. Halliburton, Suzanne (January 9, 2010). "Rest, rehab ahead for UT's Colt McCoy". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  162. 1 2 McCartney, Cory (January 8, 2010). "BCS title game Report Card". SI.com. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  163. Griffin, Tim (January 7, 2010). "Arenas' interception kills Texas drive". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  164. Suttles, Aaron (January 8, 2010). "Dareus secures his spot in Crimson Tide lore". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  165. 1 2 3 Bohls, Kirk (January 8, 2010). "The Gilbert era gets a jump-start". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  166. 1 2 "Alabama defeats Texas, rolls to first national title since 1992". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 7, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  167. Thamel, Pete (January 8, 2010). "Alabama returns to the top". The New York Times. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  168. Halliburton, Suzanne (January 8, 2010). "Alabama tops Texas for national championship". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  169. Deas, Tommy (January 8, 2010). "Alabama dumps Texas for 13th national championship". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  170. Whiteside, Kelly (January 8, 2010). "Alabama sidesteps Texas' charge to emerge with BCS title". USA Today. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  171. "Undefeated, untied teams" (PDF). 2010 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records. National Collegiate Athletic Association. p. 107. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  172. CBSSports.com wire reports (January 5, 2010). "Boise State 14–0 after knocking off TCU in Fiesta Bowl". Retrieved January 5, 2011.
  173. "2009 NCAA Football Rankings – Preseason". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  174. "2009 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 8 (Oct. 18)". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  175. Yanda, Steve (October 19, 2009). "In BCS, Gators have the first say". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  176. "Crimson Tide voted No. 1". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 8, 2010. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  177. 1 2 Maisel, Ivan (March 10, 2010). "Crimson Tide take trip to remember". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  178. Grayson, Wayne (January 9, 2010). "Fans weather harsh cold to welcome home Tide". The Tuscaloosa News. Archived from the original on 16 October 2010. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
  179. 1 2 Grayson, Wayne (January 17, 2010). "Tide fans bask in national championship's glow". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
  180. Goodbread, Chase (January 30, 2010). "Tide players to receive three rings". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
  181. Goodbread, Chase (April 20, 2010). "Alabama's champions get their rings". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
  182. Rogers, Ken (April 17, 2010). "Tide ready to shine at A-Day". Dothan Eagle. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
  183. Goodbread, Chase (April 2, 2011). "Saban statue to debut April 16". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  184. 1 2 3 4 "2009 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Week 19". NCAA.org. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  185. 1 2 "Alabama holds football awards banquet". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 6, 2009. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  186. 1 2 3 Lowe, Chris. "Saban, Ingram, McClain sweep SEC honors". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  187. Herndon, Mike (December 8, 2009). "Coached All-SEC Team: Ingram, McClain top squad". Press-Register. Mobile, AL. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  188. 1 2 "Alabama Places Nine on Coaches All-SEC Football Team". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 8, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  189. "Crimson Tide trio earn Freshman All-SEC Honors". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 10, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  190. Armstrong, Kevin (December 12, 2009). "Mark Ingram wins Heisman Trophy in close race". New York Times. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2010.
  191. "Ingram wins Alabama's 1st Heisman". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 13, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  192. 1 2 "Tebow, McCoy up for Maxwell, O'Brien". ESPN.com. ESPN.com news services. November 23, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  193. "Mark Ingram named finalist for Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Trophy". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 23, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  194. "Rolando McClain wins 2009 Butkus Award". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 8, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  195. "Rolando McClain wins Jack Lambert Award". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 7, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  196. "Smart wins Broyles Award". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 8, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  197. "Ingram headlines AP All-America team". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 15, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  198. "Ingram, McClain lead 6 Alabama AP All-Americans". Sporting News.com. Associated Press. December 15, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  199. "2009 Walter Camp All-America Team Announced". Walter Camp Foundation. December 10, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  200. "2009 AFCA FBS Coaches' All-America Team". American Football Coaches Association. December 3, 2009. Archived from the original on April 16, 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  201. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). "Consensus All-Americans by College" (PDF). 2011 NCAA Division I Football Records. NCAA.org. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
  202. Bloomquist, Bret (February 4, 2010). "Alabama lineman Lorenzo Washington gets more time in spotlight". El Paso Times.
  203. Low, Chris (December 15, 2010). "SEC players in East-West Shrine Game". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  204. "Five Tide players selected to play in 2010 Senior Bowl". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. December 19, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2010.
  205. Low, Chris (January 12, 2010). "McClain skips senior year for draft". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  206. Schad, Joe (January 15, 2010). "Jackson declares for draft". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  207. 1 2 "2010 NFL Draft – The Combine invite list". CollegeFootballNews.com. January 31, 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  208. 1 2 Goodbread, Chase (April 24, 2010). "Tide's Johnson, Deaderick drafted in final round". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
  209. "Team-by-team undrafted free agent signings". NFL.com Wire Reports. April 2010. Archived from the original on 18 November 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  210. Reynolds, Brian (January 7, 2011). "Ingram, Dareus, Jones going pro, Hightower returning". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  211. 1 2 Associated Press (February 4, 2011). "10 Alabama, Auburn players get combine invite". WSFA 12 News Montgomery. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  212. 1 2 Goodbread, Chase (April 28, 2011). "Four UA players go in first round". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  213. Waszak, Jr., Dennis (April 30, 2011). "Jets take Alabama QB Greg McElroy in 7th round". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  214. Gould, Izzy (July 25, 2011). "Former Alabama tight end Preston Dial headed to Detroit Lions". The Birmingham News. Retrieved July 25, 2011.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/19/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.