2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article documents a current sports-related event. Information may change as the event progresses. 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football SEC Western Division Champions SEC Championship Game vs. Florida, L 20–31 Allstate Sugar Bowl vs. Utah, Conference SEC Western Division Ranking BCS #4 Coaches #4 AP #4 2008 record 12–1 (8–0 SEC) Head coach Nick Saban Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain Offensive scheme Multiple, Pro Style Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele (Head Defensive Coach) Kirby Smart (Defensive Coordinator) Base defense 3-4 Home stadium Bryant-Denny Stadium Seasons « 2007 2008 SEC football standings v • d • e Conf Overall Team (Rank) W L W L East #1 Florida 7 – 1 12 – 1 #16 Georgia 6 – 2 9 – 3 Vanderbilt 4 – 4 6 – 6 South Carolina 4 – 4 7 – 5 Tennessee 3 – 5 5 – 7 Kentucky 2 – 6 6 – 6 West #4 Alabama 8 – 0 12 – 1 #20 Ole Miss 5 – 3 8 – 4 LSU 3 – 5 7 – 5 Arkansas 2 – 6 5 – 7 Auburn 2 – 6 5 – 7 Mississippi State 2 – 6 4 – 8 Championship: Florida 31, Alabama 20 As of December 7, 2008 • Rankings: AP Top 25 Poll The 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team, coached by second-year head coach Nick Saban, represents the University of Alabama in the college football season of 2008–2009. They play their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and compete in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference. They are improving upon a 7–6 record from the 2007 season. In Week 10 of the season, Alabama became the No. 1 team in both the AP and Coaches' Polls as well as the Bowl Championship Series standings. It is the first time the Crimson Tide has been ranked No. 1 in the regular season since November 1, 1980, when the top ranked Tide fell to Mississippi State. It was also the first time Nick Saban has ever achieved the No. 1 position in the AP Poll and the first time in school history Alabama had reached No. 1 in the BCS standings. With their 27–21 overtime win over LSU, Alabama clinched a berth in the 2008 SEC Championship Game. The Crimson Tide would finish their regular season undefeated with a 36–0 shutout victory over the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. However, the Tide went on to lose to the Florida Gators 31–20 in the SEC Championship Game. Contents [hide] 1 Returning starters 1.1 Offense 1.2 Defense 1.3 Special Teams 2 Depth chart 3 Schedule 3.1 Schedule notes 4 Game Notes 4.1 Clemson 4.2 Tulane 4.3 Western Kentucky 4.4 Arkansas 4.5 Georgia 4.6 Kentucky 4.7 Ole Miss 4.8 Tennessee 4.9 Arkansas State 4.10 LSU 4.11 Mississippi State 4.12 Auburn 4.13 Florida 4.14 Sugar Bowl 5 Rankings 6 Statistics 6.1 Team 6.1.1 Scores by quarter 6.2 Offense 6.2.1 Rushing 6.2.2 Passing 6.2.3 Receiving 6.3 Defense 6.4 Special teams 6.4.1 Kicking 6.4.2 Punting 6.4.3 Returns 7 Personnel 7.1 Roster 7.2 Coaching Staff 8 References 9

External links [edit] Returning starters The following players made at least 9 starts in 2007 and are returning in 2008.[1][2] [edit] Offense Antoine Caldwell (Offensive Lineman) Terry Grant (Running Back) Mike Johnson (Offensive Lineman) Mike McCoy (Wide Receiver) Andre Smith (Offensive Line) Nick Walker (Tight End) John Parker Wilson (Quarterback) [edit] Defense Kareem Jackson (Cornerback) Rashad Johnson (Safety) Rolando McClain (Linebacker) Lorenzo Washington (Defensive Line) [edit] Special Teams Javier Arenas (Kick/Punt Returner) P.J. Fitzgerald (Punter) Jonathan Lowe (Kick Returner) Brian Selman (Snapper) Leigh Tiffin (Place Kicker) [edit] Depth chart These are the projected starters and primary backups as of August 2008. Defensive Starters FS Rashad Johnson Ali Sharrief OLB ILB ILB OLB Corey Reamer Rolando McClain Donta Hightower Brandon Fanney Jerrell Harris Prince Hall Chris Jordan Eryk Anders SS Justin Woodall Mark Barron CB Javier Arenas Marquis Johnson DE NT DE Bobby Greenwood Terrence Cody Brandon Deaderick Lorenzo Washington Josh Chapman Luther Davis CB Kareem Jackson Chris Rogers Offensive Starters WR Mike McCoy Darius Hanks LT LG C RG RT Andre Smith Mike Johnson Antoine Caldwell Marlon Davis Drew Davis Tyler Love Brian Motley Evan Cardwell David Ross John Michael Boswell TE Nick Walker Travis McCall Brad Smelley WR Marquis Maze Nikita Stover WR Julio Jones Earl Alexander QB John Parker Wilson Greg McElroy RB Glen Coffee Mark Ingram Roy Upchurch [edit] Schedule The 2008 A-Day Game was played on April 12, 2008 Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance August 30* 7:12 pm vs. #9 Clemson #24 Georgia Dome • Atlanta, GA (Chick-fil-A College Kickoff) ABC W 34–10 70,097 September 6* 6:07 pm Tulane #13 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL PPV W 20–6 92,138 September 13* 6:07 pm Western Kentucky #11 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL PPV W 41–7 92,138 September 20 11:34 am at Arkansas #9 Razorback Stadium • Fayetteville, AR Raycom Sports W 49–14 72,315 September 27 6:48 pm at #3 Georgia #8 Sanford Stadium • Athens, GA ESPN W 41–30 92,746 October 4 2:35 pm Kentucky #2 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL CBS W 17–14 92,138 October 18 2:35 pm Ole Miss #2 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Alabama–Ole Miss rivalry) CBS W 24–20 92,138 October 25 6:46 pm at Tennessee #2 Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN (Third Saturday in October) ESPN W 29–9 106,138 November 1*† 2:07 pm Arkansas State #2 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL PPV W 35–0 92,138 November 8 2:35 pm at #15 LSU #1 Tiger Stadium • Baton Rouge, LA (Alabama–LSU rivalry) CBS W 27–21 OT 93,039 November 15 6:47 pm Mississippi State #1 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Alabama–Mississippi State rivalry) ESPN W 32–7 92,138 November 29 2:47 pm Auburn #1 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Iron Bowl) CBS W 36–0 92,138 December 6 3:13 pm vs. #2 Florida #1 Georgia Dome • Atlanta, GA (SEC Championship Game) CBS L 20–31 75,892 January 2* 7:00 pm vs. #7 Utah #4 Louisiana Superdome • New Orleans, LA (Allstate Sugar Bowl) FOX *Non-Conference Game. †Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll. All times are in Central Time. Schedule Source: 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football schedule [edit] Schedule notes Alabama faced six pre-season AP Top 25 teams, five of which were ranked in the top 10.[3] The 2008 season was the first season since 2000 that Alabama's season opener was not a home game, and the first time since 2003 that it wasn't at Bryant-Denny Stadium. 2008 is also the second straight season that Alabama played a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference at a neutral site. With the victory over Georgia on September 27, the Crimson Tide snapped a three-game losing streak to the Bulldogs, dating back to the 2002 season. The last time the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs was in 1995 when the Tide trounced the Bulldogs 31–0 in Athens. In this meeting, the Crimson Tide led 31–0 at halftime before giving up 30 points in the second half, winning 41–30. With the win, Alabama moved up to #2 in the following week's AP Poll.[4] In the Iron Bowl on November 29, the Crimson Tide snapped a six-game losing streak to Auburn with a 36–0 victory. It was also Alabama's first win against the Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium and the first time Auburn had been shutout since 1992. Of the twelve teams on the 2008 regular season schedule, eight made bowl games in 2007. Alabama's two off weeks occurred between the Kentucky and Ole Miss games and between the Mississippi State and Auburn games. [edit] Game Notes [edit] Clemson Main article: 2008 Chick-fil-A College Kickoff See also: 2008 Clemson Tigers football team 1 2 3 4 Total #24 Crimson Tide 13 10 8 3 34 #9 Tigers 0 3 7 0 10 The Clemson Tigers, the

preseason favorite to win the ACC, were favored going into the season opener at the Georgia Dome. Some believed that the Crimson Tide's youth and inexperience could prove a serious disadvantage against an experienced team like Clemson. However, Alabama quickly took control in the game. By the end of the first quarter, Bama led 13–0, and they extended their lead to 23–3 by halftime. The only scare came when C.J. Spiller returned the second half kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. However, the Tigers failed to score again. James Davis and C.J. Spiller, the duo known as "Thunder and Lightning," combined for only 20 yards on the ground, while the team's rushing total was 0. Clemson's redshirt senior quarterback, Cullen Harper, completed 20 of 34 passes but had no touchdowns and one interception. Alabama's John Parker Wilson completed 22 of 30 passes with no interceptions. He threw two touchdowns to Nick Walker and Julio Jones, and rushed for one himself. The Tide went on to win by a score of 34–10. The interior of the Georgia Dome prior to kickoff [edit] Tulane 1 2 3 4 Total Green Wave 0 3 0 3 6 #13 Crimson Tide 13 0 7 0 20 Alabama's season home-opener saw the Crimson Tide face the Tulane Green Wave, the 41st meeting between the two teams and the first since 1994. Alabama entered the game as a 30 point favorite. Alabama received the opening kick-off, but the offensive momentum did not spill over from the previous game, as the Tide went three-and-out on their first possession. This became a pattern for the Alabama offense. After the Bama defense stopped Tulane on their opening possession, Javier Arenas ignited the crowd on an 87–yard punt return for a touchdown. Later in the first quarter, junior defensive back Chris Rogers returned a blocked punt 17 yards for a touchdown, though freshman kicker Corey Smith missed the PAT. By the end of the first quarter, Bama was up 13–0, and it appeared that the game could become a rout. However, the offense could not gain any momentum, only scoring one offensive touchdown, a 15–yard run by freshman running back Mark Ingram. Tulane kicked two field goals, for a final score of 20–6. [edit] Western Kentucky See also: 2008 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team 1 2 3 4 Total Hilltoppers 0 7 0 0 7 #11 Crimson Tide 17 14 10 0 41 In week 3, Alabama faced the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, who are playing their second season in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Bama defense held the Hilltoppers offense to a three-and-out on their first drive of the game. The Crimson Tide offense took over and completed a 12-play drive that ended with a 7–yard touchdown run by Mark Ingram. WKU fumbled on the first play of their subsequent drive, and Alabama recovered the ball on the WKU 17 yard line., setting up a 22–yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin. The Tide offense out up another touchdown drive to be up 17–0 by the end of the first quarter. Alabama scored another touchdown on their first possession of the second quarter, a 9–play, 78–yard drive. Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson threw an interception on the first play of the next drive, setting up a 30–yard touchdown reception by Western Kentucky receiver David Wolke. Alabama put one more touchdown on the scoreboard, taking a 31–7 lead into halftime. On the first drive of the second half, the Bama offense was held to a 25–yard field goal, making the score 34–7. The defense held WKU to a 3-and-out on their first possession of the second half, setting up a 7–play, 55–yard drive that ended with a 12–yard touchdown pass to Julio Jones. Alabama benched most of their starters at the end of the 3rd quarter, and neither team scored in the fourth quarter, giving a final score of 41–7. [edit] Arkansas See also: 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks football team 1 2 3 4 Total #9 Crimson Tide 21 14 7 7 49 Razorbacks 0 7 0 7 14 Alabama entered SEC play as a 9 point favorite against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Arkansas.[5] The Tide received the opening kickoff, and thanks in part to a running into the kicker penalty against Arkansas, put together a touchdown drive on the opening possession. Arkansas was forced to punt on their first drive. On the first play of their next drive, Alabama RB Glen Coffee ran 87–yards for Alabama's second touchdown. Later, in the last minute of the first quarter, Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas intercepted Casey Dick and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown. At the end of the first quarter, Bama was up 21–0. Arkansas started their next drive at their own 47–yard line after a 41–yard kickoff return by Dennis Johnson, and drove 53 yards for a touchdown, scoring on fourth-and-one from the Bama 12–yard line. Bama responded with a 68–yard drive capped off by a 25–yard touchdown pass from John Parker Wilson to Julio Jones. Arkansas put together a steady drive on their next possession, but Alabama corner Justin Woodall intercepted Casey Dick at the Bama 26–yard line and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown. Arkansas put together another solid drive, but facing a first and goal at the Bama one yard line, Arkansas was kept out by the stout Bama defense on consecutive plays to close out the half. At the half, Bama was up 35–7. Arkansas received the second half kickoff. Alabama's Marquis Johnson intercepted Casey Dick's pass on the first play of the second half, setting up a 31–yard touchdown run by Glen Coffee. By the end of the 3rd quarter, both teams had put in their substitutes. On Alabama's first possession of the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Greg McElroy's pass was intercepted by Ramon Broadway, setting up a 10–yard touchdown pass by Arkansas second string quarterback Tyler Wilson. But on the first play of Alabama's next drive, running back Roy Upchurch ran 62 yards for Alabama's final touchdown. The final score was 49–14, the largest margin of victory in the series since Arkansas beat Alabama 42–6 in 1998. It was also the most points scored by Alabama in an SEC game since a 59–28 victory over Vanderbilt in 1990.[6] [edit] Georgia See also: 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team 1 2 3 4 Total #8 Crimson Tide 10 21 0 10 41 #3 Bulldogs 0 0 10 20 30 The Crimson Tide entered Sanford Stadium in Athens to face the Georgia Bulldogs, with the Bulldogs favored by six points.[7] The Bulldogs had decided to wear black jerseys for only the third time in school history, as the fans

followed suit, in a "blackout."[8] Georgia won the opening coin toss, deferring to receive in the second half. Alabama quickly took control of the game, moving the ball seventy-three yards before freshman running back Mark Ingram ran for a 7–yard touchdown to make the score 7–0, following a Leigh Tiffin extra point. After the Bulldogs failed to move the ball on their first drive, Alabama again put points on the board as Tiffin kicked a 23–yard field goal with 4:51 left in the first quarter, giving Alabama 10–0 lead. When the Bulldogs offense again failed to move the ball, Alabama began a drive at the Georgia 48–yard line. Two plays later, a 31–yard pass from John Parker Wilson to Julio Jones moved the ball inside of the Georgia 5–yard line. Glen Coffee ran in for his third touchdown of the season, with Alabama leading 17–0. On Georgia's next drive, quarterback Matthew Stafford completed a 16–yard pass to wide receiver A. J. Green, who fumbled the ball which was subsequently fumbled and recovered by linebacker Dont'a Hightower. After a short drive, Roy Upchurch scored Alabama's third rushing touchdown to extend their lead to 24–0. Before the halftime break, Wilson connected with Julio Jones for a 22–yard touchdown pass as Alabama led 31–0 at half. In the second half, Georgia's offense began moving the ball, scoring on their first drive of the half when Blair Walsh kicked a 33–yard field goal. On Alabama's sixth drive of the game, Georgia defense forced a three and out for the first time, forcing a P. J. Fitzgerald punt. Georgia again cut into the lead later in the third quarter when running back Knowshon Moreno ran for a 2–yard touchdown, capping a 58–yard drive and cutting into Alabama's lead, 31–10. Georgia again reduced Alabama's lead when Prince Miller returned a Fitzgerald punt for a 92 yard touchdown. On the following drive, Alabama picked up their first 1st down of the second half en route to another Leigh Tiffin field goal. On a cruicial drive in the fourth quarter, Alabama converted when Glen Coffee gave Alabama a 41–10 lead by scoring his second rushing touchdown of the game. The following drive, however, Georgia struck back when Matthew Stafford completed a 24–yard touchdown pass to Michael Moore, though failed in an attempted two-point conversion. Georgia got the ball back after a successful onside kick, starting their drive at the Alabama 40–yard line. A. J. Green caught a 21–yard touchdown pass from Stafford again for their final score of the game, as Alabama survived 41–30 in Athens. [edit] Kentucky See also: 2008 Kentucky Wildcats football team 1 2 3 4 Total Wildcats 0 0 7 7 14 #2 Crimson Tide 14 0 0 3 17 A 16.5-point favorite,[9] Alabama were back at home to face the Kentucky Wildcats (4–0, 0–0) for a 2:35 p.m. kickoff.[10] The Crimson Tide entered as the #2-ranked team in America, their highest ranking in fifteen years.[11] After early stalled drives from each team, Alabama began their first successful drive with 12:25 left in the game. Glen Coffee ran ahead for a short, 3–yard gain. On the next play, John Parker Wilson connected with Julio Jones for a 40–yard pass; however, the play was negated following a penalty. With 2nd–and–12, Glen Coffee rushed through the middle of the line for a 78–yard touchdown, his second-longest of the season and fifth rushing touchdown. With under two minutes to go, Kentucky quarterback Mike Hartline fumbled while attempting a pass, which Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain recovered, returning it four yards for a touchdown. The fumble return was Alabama's fifth non-offensive touchdown of the season.[12] Placekicker Leigh Tiffin missed the extra point, though after an offside penalty, he was given another attempt—which he converted. After both offenses stalled in the second quarter, Alabama took a 14–0 lead into the halftime break. Halfway into the third quarter, Kentucky's offense finally got on the scoreboard when Mike Hartline connected on a 26–yard touchdown pass to receiver Dicky Lyons, Jr. Once more, both offenses were unable to move the ball for rest of the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Alabama began their second-to-last drive with 11:10 remaining, defending a 14–7 lead. The drive included twelve rushing attempts and a pass to Julio Jones, as Alabama moved the ball eighty-one yards in just over eight minutes. After a delay of game penalty, Leigh Tiffin connected on the game-winning, 24–yard field goal which gave Alabama a 17–7 lead. With 2:12 remaining, Hartline and the Kentucky offense again took the field. After a mix of successful and incomplete passes, Kentucky faced a 3rd-and-10 on the Crimson Tide 48–yard line. A 48–yard touchdown pass from Hartline to receiver DeMoreo Ford cut the Alabama lead to three. A failed onside kick attempt ended Kentucky's hope for a comeback, as Alabama escaped with a 17–14 victory. Despite the lack of offensive points, Alabama running back Glen Coffee rushed for a season-high 218 yards on twenty-five attempts, including a touchdown and two fumbles.[13] The 218 yards gained by Coffee was the most by an Alabama rusher since Shaun Alexander in 1996.[14] The interior of Bryant-Denny Stadium during the fourth quarter. [edit] Ole Miss See also: 2008 Ole Miss Rebels football team and Alabama–Ole Miss rivalry 1 2 3 4 Total Rebels 3 0 7 10 20 #2 Crimson Tide 7 17 0 0 24 After several early failed drives in the opening quarter, Ole Miss became the first team to score on Alabama in the first quarter, as well as the first to have a lead against the Crimson Tide. However, the Crimson Tide answered back on their next drive with a 26–yard touchdown from John Parker Wilson to Marquis Maze, giving Alabama a 7–3 lead to end the first quarter. Ole Miss had limited offense in the second quarter as the Tide defense held a shutout for the remainder of the half. However, the offense scored 17 points with a 2–yard rush from Mark Ingram, a 41–yard field goal from Leigh Tiffin, and a 30–yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Mike McCoy.

Alabama led the Rebels 24–3 at halftime. However, the second half was different as the Crimson Tide failed to score for the remainder of the game. Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt, who had previously coached at Arkansas, gambled on a 4th–and–goal with a fake field goal attempt, as Rob Park passed to Jason Cook for a 9–yard touchdown. Several minutes into the fourth quarter, Ole Miss again cut into Alabama's lead when Jevan Snead threw a 17–yard touchdown strike to Shay Hodge, as the Rebels trailed 24–17 after a Joshua Shene extra point. Three minutes later, Shene hit a 35–yard field goal, cutting Alabama's lead again to 24–20. A stalled drive forced Alabama punter P. J. Fitzgerald to give the ball to the Rebels with 3:03 left. The Rebels moved the ball steadily down the field over the next two minutes, however turned it over on downs after a failed 4th–and–5 on Alabama's 43–yard line. The victory pushed Alabama to 6–0, giving them bowl eligibility. [edit] Tennessee See also: 2008 Tennessee Volunteers football team and Third Saturday in October 1 2 3 4 Total #2 Crimson Tide 6 7 9 7 29 Volunteers 3 0 0 6 9 In their annual rivalry game, Alabama met their rival to the north in the Tennessee Volunteers. The Volunteers entered with a 3–4 overall record, while Alabama looked to remain undefeated. A pair of Leigh Tiffin field goals with a Daniel Lincoln field goal, the Crimson Tide opened a 6–3 lead to end the first quarter. Midway through the first quarter, Lincoln missed a game-tying 51–yard field goal. The Crimson Tide offense moved down the field before running back Glen Coffee punched in a 3–yard touchdown run, his fifth of the season. With 2:41 remaining in the first half, the Volunteers started their final drive of the half at their own 22–yard line. The Tennessee offense quickly moved the ball down the field with several key Nick Stephens completions. A 5–yard procedure penalty on the offense set up a 3rd–and–6 on Alabama's 19–yard line. Nick Stephens completed a pass to Lucas Taylor; however, it did not count as Taylor was flagged for offensive pass interference. After failing to gain enough yardage on third down, the Volunteers again attempted a field goal. After a timeout in attempt to "ice the kicker" by Nick Saban, Lincoln missed his second field goal of the game. The Crimson Tide led 13–3 at the half. The Tide quickly took control of the third quarter, forcing a three-and-out on Tennessee's first possession. Alabama answered with a 30–yard Tiffin field goal, extending their lead to 16–3. After another forced three-and-out, Alabama steadily moved the ball downfield before John Parker Wilson rushed for a 1–yard touchdown. However, the two-point conversion was not successful, though Alabama still led 22–3. Early in the fourth quarter, Roy Upchurch sealed the Alabama victory with a 4–yard touchdown run. A Josh Briscoe touchdown reception from Stephens cut into the lead, but the Tide stopped the two-point conversion, giving them a 29–9 victory. It was the final game of the rivalry for Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer, who resigned the following week.[15] [edit] Arkansas State See also: 2008 Arkansas State Red Wolves football team 1 2 3 4 Total Red Wolves 0 0 0 0 0 #2 Crimson Tide 7 7 14 7 35 Alabama faced the Arkansas State Red Wolves for only the second time in school history, the first being a 34–7 victory in the 1982 season.[16] The Crimson Tide offense got on the scoreboard first after a stalled Red Wolves opening drive. Alabama's opening drive consisted of a mix of both passing and rushing plays from John Parker Wilson and running back Glen Coffee. After the Crimson Tide offense drove 89 yards in just under eight minutes, Glen Coffee ran for a 9–yard touchdown, giving Alabama a 7–0 lead. Both offenses failed to move the ball far down field, resulting in several punts and a Wilson interception by Red Wolves defensive back Dominique Williams. Midway through the fourth quarter, Alabama safety Rashad Johnson intercepted a Corey Leonard pass and returned it for 32–yards and a touchdown. The Crimson Tide lead 14–0 at the half. On Alabama's opening second half drive, Roy Upchurch ran for a 22–yard touchdown, his fourth of the season—giving Alabama a 21–0 lead. Both offenses again stalled before Alabama's freshman running back Mark Ingram ran for a 5–yard touchdown as the Crimson Tide had a 28–0 lead. Midway through the fourth quarter, Ingram again scored on a 17–yard rush for the final score of the game. Ingram finished the game with 12 carries for 113 yards, including two touchdowns.[17] The following day, the Crimson Tide achieved their first #1 ranking in the AP Poll since the 1980 season,[18] and their first ever #1 BCS ranking.[19] [edit] LSU See also: 2008 LSU Tigers football team and Alabama–LSU rivalry 1 2 3 4 OT Total #1 Crimson Tide 7 7 7 0 6 27 #15 Tigers 14 0 0 7 0 21 Nick Saban returned to Tiger Stadium for the first time since his NFL tenure as the Miami Dolphins head coach. Alabama entered the game as the #1 ranked team in all major polls, and LSU entered with a 6–2 record having dropped two of their previous four games. Alabama's offense quickly got the ball moving, as the team marched down to the LSU 26 yard line. John Parker Wilson passed to Earl Alexander, who proceeded to pick up 25 before fumbling out of the endzone, resulting in a touchback for the Tigers. On the first LSU possession, the Tigers ran three plays for a loss of seven yards before Alabama safety Rashad Johnson intercepted Jarrett Lee, returning it to the LSU 15–yard line. Running back Glen Coffee moved the ball to the goal line, before John Parker Wilson dove into the endzone two plays later for a 7–0 lead. The Tigers came back to tie the game on their next drive as Jarrett Lee completed a 30–yard touchdown pass to junior Demetrius Byrd. On the ensuing kickoff,

Alabama's Javier Arenas fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Josh Jasper at the Tide's 30 yard line. After a Lee incomplete pass, running back Charles Scott scored on a 30–yard rush, giving LSU a 14–7 lead. After both offenses slowed down, Alabama tied the game at 14 when safety Rashad Johnson intercepted a pass, returning it for 54 yards and a touchdown. Early in the third quarter, Alabama regained the lead. After a 23–yard rush by Glen Coffee, he additionally ran the ball on the following play for a touchdown, giving Alabama a 21–14 lead. Both offenses again began to struggle, as Alabama punted on their next two possessions. Early in the first quarter, LSU put together a long possession which ran more than six minutes off the game clock. Charles Scott ran for his second touchdown of the game as the Tigers tied the game at 21–21 with 6:12 left on the clock. With 1:58 left in the game, Alabama received the ball on their own 41 yard line following another LSU punt. Glen Coffee and the offense steadily moved the ball downfield to the LSU 11 yard line. With several seconds left on the clock, Alabama lined up for a game-winning, 29–yard field goal from Leigh Tiffin. However, Tiffin missed his second field goal of the game when the LSU defensive line blocked the field goal, sending the game into overtime. Alabama won the overtime coin toss, choosing to play on defense first. On their first possession, Charles Scott of LSU ran for a medium, 5–yard gain. Richard Murphy rushed for a loss of 1–yard on the following play, as Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain stopped him short of the line of scrimmage. On 3rd–and–21, Jarrett Lee threw his fourth interception of the game when Rashad Johnson again intercepted a pass. The interception ended LSU's first overtime possession, giving the ball to Alabama. The Tide offense came out throwing, as John Parker Wilson completed a 23–yard strike to freshman Julio Jones, moving the ball to the two yard line of LSU. After a short rush by Glen Coffee, Wilson jumped over a pile of players to get his second rushing touchdown, and preserve Alabama's unblemished record. With the win, the Crimson Tide clinched the SEC West Division, and a spot in the 2008 SEC Championship Game. [edit] Mississippi State See also: 2008 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team and Alabama–Mississippi State rivalry 1 2 3 4 Total Bulldogs 0 7 0 0 7 #1 Crimson Tide 5 7 10 10 32 [edit] Auburn See also: 2008 Auburn Tigers football team and Iron Bowl 1 2 3 4 Total Tigers 0 0 0 0 0 #1 Crimson Tide 3 7 19 7 36 On November 29, the Crimson Tide snapped a six-game losing streak versus their in-state rival Auburn with a 36–0 shutout. [edit] Florida Main article: 2008 SEC Championship Game See also: 2008 Florida Gators football team 1 2 3 4 Total #1 Crimson Tide 10 0 10 0 20 #2 Gators 7 10 0 14 31 [edit] Sugar Bowl Main article: 2009 Sugar Bowl See also: 2008 Utah Utes football team 1 2 3 4 Total #7 Utes 0 #4 Crimson Tide 0 [edit] Rankings See also: 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 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 Wk 15 Final AP 24 13 11 9 8 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 Coaches NR 17 16 13 10 4 4 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 Harris Not released 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 BCS Not released 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 [edit] Statistics In their game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, running back Mark Ingram set an Alabama record for rushing touchdowns by a freshman.[20] The previous record holder

was Terry Grant, who set it in previous season. [edit] Team Statistics[21] Alabama Opponents Scoring 405 169 Points per game 31.2 13.0 First downs 248 175 Rushing 128 57 Passing 104 103 Penalties 16 15 Total offensive yards 4,773 3,340 Rushing 2,554 1,025 Passing 2,219 2,315 Fumbles–Lost 18–9 17–9 Penalties–Yards 50–453 77–575 Average per game 3.8–34.8 5.9–44.2 Statistics Alabama Opponents Punts–Yards 57–2,294 88–3,511 Average per punt 40.2 39.9 Average ToP/game 32:11 27:49 3rd down conversions 72–170 50–185 3rd down percentage 42 27 4th down conversions 8–10 10–20 4th down percentage 80 50 Touchdowns scored 50 21 Field goals–Att–Long 19–27–54 8–15–43 PAT–Att 44–46 19–19 Attendance 644,966 364,238 Average 92,138 91,060 [edit] Scores by quarter 1 2 3 4 OT Total Alabama 133 111 101 54 6 405 Opponents 27 37 31 74 0 169 [edit] Offense [edit] Rushing Name GP-GS Att Yds Avg Long TD Avg/G Glen Coffee 13–13 220 1,347 6.1 87 10 103.6 Mark Ingram 13–0 135 702 5.2 40 12 54.0 Roy Upchurch 10–0 58 350 6.0 62 4 35.0 Terry Grant 12–0 35 88 2.5 18 1 7.3 Jeramie Griffin 2–0 6 29 5.0 8 0 14.5 John Parker Wilson 13–13 60 25 0.4 20 5 1.9 Demetrius Goode 3–0 9 24 2.7 7 0 8.0 P. J. Fitzgerald 13–0 1 1 1.0 1 0 0.1 Marquis Maze 12–4 1 1 1.0 0 0 0.1 Total 13 535 2,554 4.8 87 32 196.5 Opponents 13 367 1,025 2.8 62 4 78.8 [edit] Passing Name GP-GS Effic Cmp-Att Pct Yds TD Int Lng Avg/G John Parker Wilson 13–13 123.8 169–293 57.7 2,096 9 6 64 161.2 Greg McElroy 6–0 178.5 8–11 72.7 123 1 1 34 20.5 Total 13 125.8 177–304 58.2 2,219 10 7 64 170.7 Opponents 13 101.6 219–426 51.4 2,315 15 15 51 178.1 [edit] Receiving Name GP–GS No. Yards Avg TD Long Avg/G Julio Jones 13–13 51 847 16.6 4 64 65.2 Nick Walker 13–10 29 299 10.3 2 40 23.0 Mike McCoy 12–9 16 191 11.9 1 30 15.9 Glen Coffee 13–13 12 78 6.5 0 15 6.0 Marquis Maze 12–4 11 137 12.5 2 34 11.4 Roy Upchruch 10–0 9 101 11.2 0 29 10.1 Darius Hanks 7–0 8 88 11.0 0 18 12.6 Earl Alexander 11–0 7 116 16.6 0 27 10.5 Travis McCall 13–11 7 52 7.4 0 12 4.0 Brad Smelley 7–0 6 91 16.2 0 37 13.0 Mark Ingram 13–0 6 46 7.7 0 27 3.5 Nikita Stover 13–4 5 86 17.2 1 39 6.6 Terry Grant 13–0 4 36 9.0 0 22 2.8 Will Oakley 8–0 2 27 13.5 0 13 3.4 B. J. Scott 9–0 2 7 3.5 0 7 0.8 Jeramie Griffin 2–0 1 9 9.0 0 9 4.5 Preston Dial 11–1 1 8 8.0 0 8 0.7 Total 13 177 2,219 12.5 10 64 170.7 Opponents 13 219 2,315 10.6 15 51 178.1 [edit] Defense Name GP–GS Tackles Sacks Pass Defense Fumbles Blkd Safety Solo Ast Total Loss–Yds No.–Yds Int–Yds BU PD Qbh Rcv–Yds FF Kick Rolando McClain 13–13 45 46 91 11.0–44 3.0-22 1-12 5 2 2-4 Rashad Johnson 13–13 55 27 82 5.0-15 1.0-7 5-125 11 7 1-0 1 Brandon Fanney 13–13 25 39 64 9.0–19 1.0–5 1 3 1-0 Dont'a Hightower 13–12 25 37 62 2.5-6 5 2–8 1 Javier Arenas 13–13 40 18 58 3.5–24 2.0–21 1–63 7 4 4 Justin Woodall 13–13 31 14 45 1.0–3 4–99 7 7 2 Kareem Jackson 13–13 26 15 41 1.0-4 1-5 10 3 1--9 1 Marquis Johnson 13–2 25 15 40 1.0–4 2–7 5 4 1 Brandon Deaderick 13–13 13 22 35 5.5–25 4.0–24 7 Bobby Greenwood 13–13 14 21 35 5.0-24 4.0-23 1 7 1 Cory Reamer 13–11 16 19 35 6.0–16 1.0–8 1 1 Ali Sharrief 13–1 16 11 27 2.5–7 5 1 4 Terrence Cody 11–11 7 16 23 4.5–14 0.5-5 2 2–0 1 Courtney Upshaw 12–0 11 10 21 2.0–2 2 1 1 Eryk Anders 13–0 11 9 20 3.5–24 2.5–22 1 7 1 Mark Barron 13–0 8 9 17 1.5–11 1.5–11 Prince Hall 11–0 7 10 17 2.0–5 0.5–4 1 1 Josh Chapman 13–2 9 7 16 4.0–7 1 Tyrone King 13–0 11 4 15 1 2 Lorenzo Washington 13–0 3 10 13 2.5–12 1.0–10 5 Chris Rogers 13–0 10 3 13 1–-6 1 Luther Davis 13–0 6 6 12 2.5–4 1 Chris Jackson 12–0 1 5 6 Leigh Tiffin 13–0 3 3 6 Robby Green 11–0 3 2 5 Charlie Higgenbotham 13–0 2 2 4 1.0–8 1.0–8 Marcel Dareus 7–0 1 3 4 3 Roy Upchurch 10–0 3 3 1 Terry Grant 13–0 2 1 3 Chris Jordan 9–0 3 3 Jerrell Harris 9–0 1 2 3 Milton Talbert 4–0 1 1 2 Julio Jones 13–13 2 2 Travis McCall 13–11 2 2 P.J. Fitzgerald 13–0 2 2 Chavis Williams 5–0 1 1 1.0–9 1.0–9 1 Nick Walker 13–10 1 1 Mike Johnson 13–13 1 1 Marquis Maze 12–4 1 1 Glen Coffee 13–13 1 1 Nick Gentry 9–0 1 TEAM 13–0 1 Total 13 438 394 832 78–288 24–179 15–305 55 29 58 9–3 10 3 1 Opponents 13 458 524 982 49–207 17–125 7–76 35 12 41 8–0 10 4 0 [edit] Special teams [edit] Kicking Name PATs Field Goals Made Att % Made Att Long % Leigh Tiffin 44 45 100 19 26 54 73.1 Corey Smith 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 Total 44 46 95.7 19 27 54 70.3 [edit] Punting Name No. Yds Avg Long TB FC In20 P. J. Fitzgerald 55 2,261 41.1 56 4 15 14 Total 55 2,261 41.1 56 4 15 14 [edit] Returns Name Punt Returns Kickoff Returns No. Yds Avg TD Long No. Yds Avg TD Long Javier Arenas 40 577 14.1 2 87 21 480 22.9 0 41 Julio Jones 2 11 5.5 0 10 1 21 21.0 0 21 Marquis Maze 2 8 4.0 0 5 1 19 19.0 0 19 Kareem Jackson 1 8 8.0 0 8 — Roy Upchurch 1 6 6.0 0 6 — Mark Barron 1 1 1.0 0 1 — Marquis Johnson 1 0 0.0 0 0 — Chris Rogers 0 17 17.0 1 17 — Mike McCoy — 5 60 12.0 0 23 Terry Grant — 3 52 17.3 0 18 Mark Ingram — 1 26 26.0 0 26 Travis McCall — 1 9 9.0 0 9 TEAM — 1 0 0.0 0 0 Total 48 628 13.1 3 87 34 667 19.6 0 41 Opponents 26 240 9.2 1 92 77 1,672 21.7 1 96 [edit] Personnel [edit] Roster [edit] Coaching Staff Nick Saban – Head Coach Jim McElwain – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks[22] Burton Burns – Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Curt Cignetti – Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator Bo Davis – Defensive Line Bobby Williams – Tight Ends/Special Teams[23] Joe Pendry – Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Kirby Smart – Defensive Coordinator[24] Kevin Steele – Associate Head Coach/Head Defensive Coach[24] Lance Thompson – Outside Linebackers [edit] References ^ "2007 Game Participation". rolltide.com (January 4, 2008). ^ "2008 Spring Roster". rolltide.com (March 27, 2008). ^ "2008 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason (Aug. 24)". ESPN. Retrieved on 2008-09-21. ^ Newberry, Paul (2008-09-28). "Alabama jumps to highest ranking in 15 years". Associated Press. Retrieved on 2008-10-07. ^ "NCAAF Odds & Scores: September 20". Retrieved on 2008-09-28. ^ "Alabama Game by Game Results: 1990–1994". CollegeFootballDataWarehouse. Retrieved on 2008-09-21. ^ "Betting odds: Alabama vs. Georgia". Retrieved on 2008-09-27. ^ "Bulldogs decide to wear black for only third time ever". ESPN (2008-09-22). Retrieved on 2008-09-27. ^ "NCAAF Odds & Scores: October 4". Retrieved on 2008-10-05. ^ "Kentucky vs Alabama (Oct 4, 2008)". University of Alabama Athletics (2008-10-04). Retrieved on 2008-10-05. ^ "Saban, Crimson Tide stay grounded despite rise to the top". ESPN. Retrieved on 2008-10-05. ^ "Tiffin salvages disastrous day with 4th quarter kick". The Huntsville Times (2008-10-05). Retrieved on 2008-10-05. ^ "Kentucky Wildcats vs.

Alabama Crimson Tide Box Score". ESPN (2008-10-04). Retrieved on 2008-10-05. ^ "Coffee's Career Day Sends No. 2 Alabama Past Kentucky, 17-14". University of Alabama Athletics (2008-10-04). Retrieved on 2008-10-05. ^ Low, Chris (2008-11-04). "Fulmer agrees to step aside as Vols coach at end of season". ESPN. Retrieved on 2008-11-08. ^ "Arkansas St.-Alabama Preview". ESPN (2008-11-01). Retrieved on 2008-12-01. ^ "Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Box Score". ESPN (2008-11-01). Retrieved on 2008-12-01. ^ Deas, Tommy (2008-11-03). "Tide ranks no. 1". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved on 2008-12-01. ^ Huguenin, Mark (2008-11-02). "On the BCS: Alabama moves into top spot". Rivals.com. Retrieved on 2008-12-01. ^ "No. 1 Alabama Stays Unbeaten With 32-7 Win Over Mississippi State". University of Alabama Athletics (2008-11-15). Retrieved on 2008-11-16. ^ "Alabama Combined Team Statistics". University of Alabama Athletics (2008-10-04). Retrieved on 2008-10-05. ^ "McElwain hired to run Alabama's offense". ESPN (2008-01-30). Retrieved on 2008-09-28. ^ "Williams, former Michigan State coach, hired to Saban's Alabama staff". ESPN (2008-01-18). Retrieved on 2008-09-28. ^ a b "Tide hires player personnel coach, promotes Steele, Smart". Sporting News (2008-02-26). Retrieved on 2008-09-28. [edit] External links Wikinews has related news: University of Alabama football team clinches No. 1 spot in AP poll Official Football page on Alabama Crimson Tide site Official Football schedule on RollTide.com [show]v • d • eAlabama Crimson Tide Football All-time Record 799–315–43 (.709) Head Coaches Beaumont • Abbott • Wagonhurst • McCants • Martin • Griffin • Harvey • Blount • Leavenworth • Pollard • Lowman • Graves • Kelly • Scott • Wade • Thomas • Drew • Whitworth • Bryant • Perkins • Curry • Stallings • DuBose • Franchione • Price • Shula • Saban (current) Seasons 1892 • 1893 • 1894 • 1895 • 1896 • 1897 • 1898 • 1899 • 1900 • 1901 • 1902 • 1903 • 1904 • 1905 • 1906 • 1907 • 1908 • 1909 • 1910 • 1911 • 1912 • 1913 • 1914 • 1915 • 1916 • 1917 • 1918 • 1919 • 1920 • 1921 • 1922 • 1923 • 1924 • 1925 • 1926 • 1927 • 1928 • 1929 • 1930 • 1931 • 1932 • 1933 • 1934 • 1935 • 1936 • 1937 • 1938 • 1939 • 1940 • 1941 • 1942 • 1943 • 1944 • 1945 • 1946 • 1947 • 1948 • 1949 • 1950 • 1951 • 1952 • 1953 • 1954 • 1955 • 1956 • 1957 • 1958 • 1959 • 1960 • 1961 • 1962 • 1963 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1967 • 1968 • 1969 • 1970 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 Rivalries Iron Bowl • Third Saturday in October • Alabama–LSU rivalry • Alabama–Ole Miss rivalry • Alabama–Mississippi State rivalry National Championships (12) 1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1974 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 Conference Championships (25) 1924 • 1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1933 • 1934 • 1937 • 1945 • 1953 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1981 • 1989 • 1992 • 1999 Stadiums Denny Field • Bryant-Denny Stadium • Legion Field (Birmingham) Culture & Tradition 1926 Rose Bowl • Bear Bryant • Paul W. Bryant Museum • Million Dollar Band • Big Al National Championships: 12 • Conference Championships: 25 • All-Americans: 96 [show]v • d • eAlabama Crimson Tide Football All-time Record 799–315–43 (.709) Head Coaches Beaumont • Abbott • Wagonhurst • McCants • Martin • Griffin • Harvey • Blount • Leavenworth • Pollard • Lowman • Graves • Kelly • Scott • Wade • Thomas • Drew • Whitworth • Bryant • Perkins • Curry • Stallings • DuBose • Franchione • Price • Shula • Saban (current) Seasons 1892 • 1893 • 1894 • 1895 • 1896 • 1897 • 1898 • 1899 • 1900 • 1901 • 1902 • 1903 • 1904 • 1905 • 1906 • 1907 • 1908 • 1909 • 1910 • 1911 • 1912 • 1913 • 1914 • 1915 • 1916 • 1917 • 1918 • 1919 • 1920 • 1921 • 1922 • 1923 • 1924 • 1925 • 1926 • 1927 • 1928 • 1929 • 1930 • 1931 • 1932 • 1933 • 1934 • 1935 • 1936 • 1937 • 1938 • 1939 • 1940 • 1941 • 1942 • 1943 • 1944 • 1945 • 1946 • 1947 • 1948 • 1949 • 1950 • 1951 • 1952 • 1953 • 1954 • 1955 • 1956 • 1957 • 1958 • 1959 • 1960 • 1961 • 1962 • 1963 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1967 • 1968 • 1969 • 1970 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 Rivalries Iron Bowl • Third Saturday in October • Alabama–LSU rivalry • Alabama–Ole Miss rivalry • Alabama–Mississippi State rivalry National Championships (12) 1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1974 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 Conference Championships (25) 1924 • 1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1933 • 1934 • 1937 • 1945 • 1953 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1981 • 1989 • 1992 • 1999 Stadiums Denny Field • Bryant-Denny Stadium • Legion Field (Birmingham) Culture & Tradition 1926 Rose Bowl • Bear Bryant • Paul W. Bryant Museum • Million Dollar Band • Big Al National Championships: 12 • Conference Championships: 25 • All-Americans: 96 [show]v • d • eThe University of Alabama Schools and Colleges College of Arts and Science • Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration • College of Communication and Information Sciences • College of Education • College of Engineering • College of Human Environmental Sciences • Capstone College of Nursing • School of Social Work • School of Law • College of Community Health Sciences • College of Continuing Studies People Julia Tutwiler • Amelia Gayle Gorgas • George Wallace • George H. Denny • Robert E. Witt • Alabama Alumni Places Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library • Gorgas House • Little Round House • Foster Auditorium • Maxwell Hall • Denny Chimes • Ferguson Center • University of Alabama Arboretum • UA Moundville Archaeological Park • Paul W. Bryant Museum • Tuscaloosa Athletics Football • Men's Basketball • Baseball • Gymnastics • Softball • Golf • Tennis • Women's Basketball • Soccer • Volleyball • Track & Field Rivalries: Iron Bowl • Third Saturday in October • Alabama–LSU rivalry • Alabama–Ole Miss rivalry Facilities: Bryant-Denny Stadium • Coleman Coliseum • Sewell-Thomas Stadium People: Nick Saban • Mark Gottfried • Mal Moore • Paul "Bear" Bryant • Joe Namath • Kenny Stabler • Bart Starr Broadcasting Alabama Public Radio • WVUA-CA • WVUA-FM Organizations & Traditions Million Dollar Band • Big Al • The Crimson White • CrimsonRide • Traditions Affiliations University of Alabama System • UAB School of Medicine • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools • Oak Ridge Associated Universities • Southeastern Conference • National Collegiate Athletic Association Endowment: $777.1 million • Students: 27,052 • Faculty: 1,122 Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Alabama_Crimson_Tide_football_team" Categories: Current sports events | University of Alabama | Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons | 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season