Things Michigan fans should know about Alabama: the state’s modern dynasty and “Roll Tide” history
On January 1, the two greatest teams in college football history will square off in the most famous arena in the world. Since this is only Alabama’s sixth meeting against Michigan (where Alabama leads 3-2), Michigan supporters may not be too familiar with Alabama. This piece aims to address that by providing some historical context and analysis of the Crimson Tide squad for this season.
With 965 victories, Alabama is second only to Michigan with 1,002 in college football history, one more than Ohio State. The Rose Bowl winner will own the second-best win percentage in history (Ohio State would still be in first place with a slight margin even if they lost in the Cotton Bowl).
Thirteen of Alabama’s sixteen national titles came during the poll era (1936 and on). From 2009 to 2020, the Crimson Tide won six championships, all of them under current head coach Nick Saban. Though the most recent was in 1997, and the oldest was in 1948, Michigan has won eleven national championships.
The matchup between Michigan and Alabama was described by head coach Jim Harbaugh as “two true blue bloods of football.”
After losing to Texas in September, Alabama defeated South Florida 17-3 in an unimpressive game that dropped them to No. 13 in the AP poll. Alabama wasn’t in the top 10 for the first time in eight years.
Maybe even more than the titles, the 128-week run illustrates Alabama’s steady dominance over the previous ten or so years.
More than most years, this one has been a grind. Apart from the difficulties encountered in September, Alabama trailed four points with 42 seconds remaining in the season finale against Auburn. With the Auburn 31 facing a fourth and goal, quarterback Jalen Milroe hit the back corner of the end zone with a perfectly timed pass that was caught by Isaiah Bond for the game-winning touchdown.
In the absence of that extraordinary moment, Alabama loses the Iron Bowl and, presuming the outcome of the SEC championship game stands, the powerful SEC is excluded from the playoffs for the first time.
Rather, Alabama defeated Georgia, the two-time defending national champion, to defeat Florida State and claim the fourth and final playoff spot.
Milroe’s elevation
Milroe was benched the following week after throwing two interceptions against Texas. He’s returned with a bang, really bang.
