2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2008
Team=Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama_Logo
ImageSize = 130px
Conference=Southeastern Conference
Division=Western Division
ShortConference=SEC
CoachRank= 4
APRank= 2
BCSRank=
Record= 6–0
ConfRecord= 3–0
HeadCoach=Nick Saban
OffCoach=Jim McElwain
DefCoach=Kirby Smart
OScheme=Multiple, Pro Style
DScheme=3-4
StadiumArena= Bryant-Denny Stadium
Champion=
BowlTourney=
BowlTourneyResult=The 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represents the University of Alabama in the college football season of 2008–2009. The team's head coach is Nick Saban, who is entering his second year at Alabama. They play their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and compete in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference. They will try to improve upon a 7–6 record from the 2007 season.

Returning Starters

The following players made at least 9 starts in 2007 and are returning in 2008. [cite web| url=http://www.rolltide.com/fls/8000/files/football/2007/indgbg.htm#IGBG.PLY| title=2007 Game Participation| publisher=rolltide.com| date=January 4, 2008] [cite web| url=http://www.rolltide.com/fls/8000/files/football/2008/08_Spring_Roster.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=8000| title=2008 Spring Roster| publisher=rolltide.com| date=March 27, 2008]

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)

Defense

*Kareem Jackson (Cornerback)
*Rashad Johnson (Safety)
*Rolando McClain (Linebacker)
*Lorenzo Washington (Defensive Line)

pecial Teams

*Javier Arenas (Kick/Punt Returner)
*P.J. Fitzgerald (Punter)
*Jonathan Lowe (Kick Returner)
*Brian Selman (Snapper)
*Leigh Tiffin (Place Kicker)

Depth Chart

These are the projected starters and primary backups as of August 2008.

chedule

*The 2008 A-Day Game was played on April 12, 2008
*Alabama will face five pre-season AP Top 25 teams, four of which were ranked in the top 10. [cite web| url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex?seasonYear=2008&weekNumber=1&seasonType=2| title=2008 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason (Aug. 24)| publisher=ESPN| accessdate=2008-09-21]

CFB Schedule Entry
date = August 30
time = 7:12 pm
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
away =
neutral = yes
rank = 24
opponent = Clemson
opprank = 9
site_stadium = Georgia Dome
site_cityst = Atlanta, GA
gamename = Chick-fil-A College Kickoff
tv = ABC
score = 34–10
overtime =
attend = 70,097CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 6
time = 6:07 pm
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
away =
neutral =
rank = 13
opponent = Tulane
opprank =
site_stadium = Bryant-Denny Stadium
site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
gamename =
tv = PPV
score = 20–6
overtime =
attend = 92,138CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 13
time = 6:07 pm
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
rank = 11
opponent = Western Kentucky
opprank =
site_stadium = Bryant-Denny Stadium
site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
gamename =
tv = PPV
score = 41–7
overtime =
attend = 92,138CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 20
time = 11:34 am
w/l = w
rank = 9
away = yes
neutral =
opponent = Arkansas
opprank =
site_stadium = Razorback Stadium
site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR
gamename =
tv = Raycom Sports
score = 49–14
overtime =
attend = 72,315CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 27
time = 6:48 pm
w/l = w
nonconf =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 8
opponent = Georgia
opprank = 3
site_stadium = Sanford Stadium
site_cityst = Athens, GA
gamename =
tv = ESPN
score = 41–30
overtime =
attend = 92,746CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 4
time = 2:35 pm
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
rank = 2
opponent = Kentucky
opprank =
site_stadium = Bryant-Denny Stadium
site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
gamename =
tv = CBS
score = 17–14
overtime =
attend = 92,138CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 18
time = 2:30 pm
w/l =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Ole Miss
opprank =
site_stadium = Bryant-Denny Stadium
site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
gamename =
tv = CBS
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 25
time =
w/l =
rank =
away = yes
neutral =
opponent = Tennessee
opprank =
site_stadium = Neyland Stadium
site_cityst = Knoxville, TN
gamename = Third Saturday in October
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 1
time = 2:00 pm
w/l =
nonconf = yes
homecoming = yes
rank =
opponent = Arkansas State
opprank =
site_stadium = Bryant-Denny Stadium
site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
gamename =
tv = PPV
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 8
time =
w/l =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = LSU
opprank =
site_stadium = Tiger Stadium
site_cityst = Baton Rouge, LA
gamename = Alabama-LSU Rivalry
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 15
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
rank =
opponent = Mississippi State
opprank =
site_stadium = Bryant-Denny Stadium
site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 29
time =
w/l =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Auburn
opprank =
site_stadium = Bryant-Denny Stadium
site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
gamename = Iron Bowl
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = :Schedule Source: [http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/alab-m-footbl-sched.html 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football schedule]

chedule Notes

*The Alabama vs. Clemson game on August 30 was the first time since 2000 that Alabama's season opener was not at home, 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 again the Bulldogs—dating back to the 2002 season. The last time the Crimson Tide had defeated the Bulldogs, was in 1995, when the Tide trounced the Bulldogs 31–0 in Athens. In this encouter, however, the Crimson Tide would lead 31–0 at halftime, before the game finished at a final of 41–30 in advantage of the Tide. With the win, Alabama moved up to #2 in the following week's AP Poll. [cite web| url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iln4bEnmxTIqJ08hLTkiRXc-OvoAD93G1H0O0| title=Alabama jumps to highest ranking in 15 years| publisher=Associated Press| last=Newberry| first=Paul| date=2008-09-28| accessdate=2008-10-07]
*The Alabama vs. Auburn game on November 29 will see the Tide attempting to end a current six game losing streak to the Tigers. It will be the first Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium with Nick Saban as head coach of the Tide.
*Of the twelve teams on the 2008 schedule, eight made bowl games in 2007.
*Alabama's two off weeks will occur between the Kentucky and Ole Miss games, and between the Mississippi State and Auburn games.

Game Notes

Clemson

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#9 Tigers
R1=0
R2=3
R3=7
R4=0
Home=#24 Crimson Tide
H1=13
H2=10
H3=8
H4=3The 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 would prove a serious disadvantage against an experienced team like Clemson. However, Alabama quickly took control in what would eventually be a lopsided victory. 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.

Tulane

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Green Wave
R1= 0
R2= 3
R3= 0
R4= 3
Home=#13 Crimson Tide
H1= 13
H2= 0
H3= 7
H4= 0Alabama'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 would be the story of the game for the 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 would be a blowout. 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.

Western Kentucky

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Hilltoppers
R1=0
R2=7
R3=0
R4=0
Home=#11 Crimson Tide
H1=17
H2=14
H3=10
H4=0In 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 would 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.

Arkansas

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#9 Crimson Tide
R1=21
R2=14
R3=7
R4=7
Home=Razorbacks
H1=0
H2=7
H3=0
H4=7Alabama entered SEC play as a 9 point favorite against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. [cite web| url=http://www.sbrforum.com/Scores/NCAAF+Odds/20080920.aspx| title=NCAAF Odds & Scores: September 20| accessdate=2008-09-28] 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 would put together a nice 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 would 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. [cite web| url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/yearly_results.php?year=1990| title=Alabama Game by Game Results: 1990–1994| publisher=CollegeFootballDataWarehouse| accessdate=2008-09-21]

Georgia

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#8 Crimson Tide
R1=10
R2=21
R3=0
R4=10
Home=#3 Bulldogs
H1=0
H2=0
H3=10
H4=20The Crimson Tide entered Sanford Stadium in Athens to face the Georgia Bulldogs, with the Bulldogs favored by six points. [cite web| url=http://www.sbrforum.com/statfeed/statfeed.aspx?page=cfb/expanded&date=09/27/2008&rotnum=146| title=Betting odds: Alabama vs. Georgia| accessdate=2008-09-27] The Bulldogs had decided to wear black jerseys for only the third time in school history, as the fans followed suit, in a "blackout." [cite web| url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3602063| title=Bulldogs decide to wear black for only third time ever| publisher=ESPN| date=2008-09-22| accessdate=2008-09-27]

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 would begin 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 would strike 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.

Kentucky

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Wildcats
R1=0
R2=0
R3=7
R4=7
Home=#2 Crimson Tide
H1=14
H2=0
H3=0
H4=3A 16.5-point favorite, [cite web| url=http://www.sbrforum.com/Scores/NCAAF+Odds/20081004.aspx| title=NCAAF Odds & Scores: October 4| accessdate=2008-10-05] Alabama were back at home to face the Kentucky Wildcats (4–0, 0–0) for a 2:35 p.m. kickoff. [cite web| url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/bama06.html| title=Kentucky vs Alabama (Oct 4, 2008)| publisher=University of Alabama Athletics| date=2008-10-04| accessdate=2008-10-05] The Crimson Tide entered as the #2-ranked team in America, their highest ranking in fifteen years. [cite web| url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=282780333| title=Saban, Crimson Tide stay grounded despite rise to the top| publisher=ESPN| accessdate=2008-10-05]

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 player, 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. [cite web| url=http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/sports/1223198219115830.xml&coll=1&thispage=1| title=Tiffin salvages disastrous day with 4th quarter kick| publisher="The Huntsville Times"| date=2008-10-05| accessdate=2008-10-05] 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. [cite web| url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282780333| title=Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Box Score| publisher=ESPN| date=2008-10-04| accessdate=2008-10-05] The 218 yards gained by Coffee was the most by an Alabama rusher since Shaun Alexander in 1996. [cite web| url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100408aaa.html| title=Coffee's Career Day Sends No. 2 Alabama Past Kentucky, 17-14| publisher=University of Alabama Athletics| date=2008-10-04| accessdate=2008-10-05]

Ole Miss

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Rebels
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=#2 Crimson Tide
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Tennessee

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Crimson Tide
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
RT=
Home=Volunteers
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Arkansas State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Red Wolves
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Crimson Tide
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

LSU

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Crimson Tide
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Tigers
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Mississippi State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Bulldogs
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Crimson Tide
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Auburn

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Tigers
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Crimson Tide
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Rankings

cores by quarter

Receiving