I rank every Alabama game that I have ever seen:
Alright, first and foremost, I was a little kid back in 2014, so I won’t be able to remember a whole lot, but I’ll do my best here. I will not necessarily be ranking how good Alabama was in the game, I will just be ranking these games based on how entertained I was with the game. (The year I will be using for each game is the year of the season. For example, for the 2018 CFP national championship, I will use 2017 since that was when the entire regular season was) (Wins will be bolded).
1 – 2015 National Championship vs Clemson (45-40)
This game was awesome. It was the first championship game I ever saw Alabama play, and it was on my birthday. OJ Howard went crazy the entire game, Alabama successfully converted a pivotal onside kick, and Kenyan Drake’s kickoff return for a touchdown was amazing.
2 – 2017 National Championship vs Georgia (26-23 OT)
The first half was terrible. The entire season I wanted them to switch from Jalen Hurts to Tua, but I never thought Nick Saban was going to do it… But he did after going down 13-0 at the half. Tua played amazing the rest of the game and ended with a dime to Devonta Smith that has gone down as my favorite play in Alabama history.
3 – 2023 at Auburn (27-24)
Alabama ultimately needed to win this one to go the playoffs, but that doesn’t have anything to do with why I loved this game so much. After an entire day of ESPN and CBS analysts glazing Auburn and saying how awesome they were (for no reason other than Bama fatigue, I’m guessing) Alabama got the W. The gravedigger play was probably my second favorite in Alabama history, and I just love how soul crushing it was for Auburn fans. It made me so happy to see the distraught looks on their faces, especially the Auburn fans that I watched the game with.
4 – 2021 SEC Championship vs Georgia (41-24)
Everybody was doubting Alabama after a rough year and an Iron Bowl classic with a struggling Auburn team, but Alabama was able to dominate the consensus number 1 team. Jameson Williams and John Metchie completely dominated Georgia’s secondary, and they are the reasons Alabama was able to win by so much. This game is proof that Alabama would have won the rematch if they would have had their star WR duo in the championship.
5 – 2023 SEC Championship vs Georgia (27-24)
This game was similar to the 2021 championship in that everyone was doubting the Tide and Georgia was the consensus no. 1 team in America. This time, Alabama completely dominated Georgia at the line of scrimmage and made Georgia’s offense look like a joke. Despite the close score, this game was never really in danger of losing for the Crimson Tide, and I will always love how I was the only person in my entire school who thought Alabama was going to win, and I was completely validated.
6 – 2015 Cotton Bowl CFP Seminfinal vs Michigan State (38-0)
Not much to say here. A 38-0 shutout in the semifinal is pretty awesome, especially coming from my favorite ever Alabama team.
7 – 2015 vs LSU (30-16)
LSU was no. 2 in the country going to in to the game and Leonard Fournette was the Heisman favorite. It was so funny to see Alabama hold Fournette to 31 yards on 19 attempts, and Fournette was never the same after being humiliated.
8 – 2020 vs Georgia (41-24)
This was a big win for the best team of all time. The game itself wasn’t anything mind blowing considering Alabama blew out everyone that year, but this game really assured to me that there was no way Alabama wasn’t winning the championship that year.
9 – 2018 SEC Championship vs Georgia (35-28)
This game was really an amazing full circle moment for Tua and Jalen Hurts. Tua got injured in the middle of the game and Jalen Hurts took over and led Alabama to an SEC title in the best game of his Alabama career. Just an amazing moment for Hurts.
10 – 2015 at Georgia (38-10)
Alabama went into this one as a dog after losing to Ole Miss, and the Tide took it personal. They completely dominated Georgia and went on to have a dominating season.
11 – 2020 National Championship vs Ohio State (52-24)
A championship win on my birthday. Can’t get much better than that. he only thing that dampened this victory was that I was completely expecting a complete blowout and so did everyone else.
12 – 2018 at LSU (29-0)
It’s always nice to shutout LSU in Baton Rouge, especially when Joe Burrow was still their QB.
13 – 2018 vs Auburn (52-21)
A Tuscaloosa blowout against Auburn like always, except this time I was able to go to the game, which makes it way better.
14 – 2022 Sugar Bowl vs Kansas State (45-20)
This was probably the worst season Alabama has had in my lifetime, but this game was a good ending. All of Bama’s stars came back when it would have been perfectly reasonable to skip and prepare for the draft, but they came back anyways and put on a show.
15 – 2023 vs LSU (42-28)
This was the first time Jalen Milroe really looked like a star QB. This was really the offense’s first time really looking like a championship unit. Even sweeter that came against LSU in a revenge game.
16 – 2014 vs Mississippi State (25-20)
MSST was no. 1 going into the game, and people were still doubting Alabama after their loss to Ole Miss earlier in the season, and the Tide responded by dominating for most of the game and shutting down Dak Prescott.
17 – 2015 at Auburn (29-13)
Alabama dominates Auburn all the time, but not usually in Jordan-Hare. It was especially awesome seeing Derrick Henry go 271 yards on a whopping 46 carries.
18 – 2020 at LSU (55-17)
Yet another blowout for Alabama in the dominate 2020 season, but this time it was a in revenge game against LSU. This game also solidified Devonta Smith as the Heisman favorite.
19 – 2014 vs Texas A&M (59-0)
I probably hate Texas A&M more than the average Alabama fan, and this game was beautiful. Blake Simms had one of the best games of his career and one of my favorite RBs of all time, TJ Yeldon, had an amazing game as well.
20 – 2020 SEC Championship vs Florida (52-46)
While this was the only game within a single score all season for Bama, this game was never in danger of losing. I especially liked the play where Mac Jones threw an interception, and John Metchie blew up the DB to get the ball back.
21 – 2020 Rose Bowl CFP Semifinal vs Notre Dame (31-14)
Another blowout that will always be remembered for Najee Harris’ amazing hurdle.
22 – 2021 Cotton Bowl CFP Semifinal vs Cincinnati (27-6)
Alabama proved why Group of 5 teams should not be in the playoffs, and Brian Robinson Jr had the best game of his career.
23 – 2019 vs Ole Miss (59-31)
One of many Ole Miss blowouts, but this one had an amazing performance from Devonta Smith. He had 11 receptions for 274 yards and 5 TDs!
24 – 2021 at Auburn (24-22 4OT)
This game has one of the most exciting endings in Iron Bowl history (though there have been many), and Bryce Young was truly heroic. The rest of the game was pretty hard to watch, especially as Bryce Young was sacked 7 times.
25 – 2022 vs Auburn (49-27)
Another pounding of Auburn. Always great to see that.
26 – 2015 at Texas A&M (41-23)
Derrick Henry had a great game running for 236 yards.
27 – 2021 vs Ole Miss (42-21)
Bama whooped the Rebels after Lane Kiffin infamous, “Get your popcorn ready,” quote before the game.
28 – 2022 at Ole Miss (30-24)
The best kind of close game. One where you know you’re gonna win, but the opponent still keeps it interesting, so you can’t get too comfortable.
29 – 2014 vs Florida (42-21)
This game was a fun one to watch as Blake Simms threw for 445 yards.
30 – 2016 vs USC (52-6)
Jalen Hurts was great in his first game and his last game, yet frustratingly mediocre all throughout. Also, USC was completely ridiculous coming out of the tunnel in this one.
31 – 2023 at Kentucky (49-21)
Another great Jalen Milroe game.
32 – 2019 at South Carolina (47-23)
Najee Harris had a couple of great hurdles in this one.
33 – 2016 vs Auburn (30-12)
Beating up on Auburn is always fun, plus, one of my favorite players, ArDarius Stewart, got a nice 127 yards in this one.
34 – 2017 vs Ole Miss (66-3)
In a season where Bama’s offense wasn’t great, it was nice to us put up 66 on Ole Miss.
35 – 2017 Sugar Bowl CFP Seminal vs Clemson (24-6)
Daron Payne was great, and it was nice to get revenge on Clemson, but the game as a whole was pretty boring.
36 – 2021 vs Miami (44-13)
Bryce Young and Jameson Williams were electric in their first starts, and this game was a fun one to watch.
37 – 2019 Citrus Bowl vs Michigan (35-16)
It was a disappointing season after Tua got injured, but Mac Jones gave a us a glimpse of the domination that would ensue the next season in this one.
38 – 2016 at Ole Miss (48-43)
It was nice to finally get a win over Ole Miss after two straight years of losses.
39 – 2014 at LSU (20-13 OT)
This game may seem like it is ranked pretty low, but let me explain. Since I was pretty little, my parents made me go to bed at halftime, so I wasn’t able to see the amazing end. I have seen the whole game since then, and I love that my boy TJ Yeldon showed out, but I wasn’t able to see the whole game live, so I can’t really rank it much higher than this.
40 – 2014 vs Auburn (55-44)
Amari Cooper put up 224 yards like the frickin monster that he is.
41 – 2019 at Texas A&M (47-28)
Offense was electric, and games with A&M are usually close in at least the first quarter.
42 – 2016 at LSU (10-0)
Always nice to show LSU who’s boss and shut ’em out.
43 – 2018 at Ole Miss (62-7)
Yet another instance of being Ole Miss’ daddy.
44 – 2020 at Arkansas (52-3)
It was cool to see Devonta Smith return some kicks for TDs while he was on his way to a Heisman.
45 – 2020 vs Auburn (42-13)
Getting revenge on Bo Nix was sweet.
46 – 2017 vs Tennessee (45-7)
Got to see Tua before he won the starting job in this one, and he killed it.
47 – 2017 at Vanderbilt (59-0)
Also got to see Tua in this one, and he was awesome like always.
48-53 – 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 vs Mississippi State (31-6, 51-3, 24-0, 41-0, 49-9, 30-6, 40-17)
I did say that Bama was Ole Miss’ daddy, but… That may be a more accurate statement for Mississippi State.
54 – 2017 vs LSU (24-10)
Yet another LSU butt whoopin’
55 – 2023 vs Ole Miss (24-10)
This one was a defensive battle for the most part, but it was very rewarding to stop Lane Kiffin’s normally very good offense.
56 – 2017 vs Florida State (24-3)
Florida State had so much hype, and we immediately ended it.
57 – 2018 vs Louisville (51-14)
Season openers are always fun, and it was fun to see Tua in his first game as a full starter.
58 – 2021 vs Tennessee (51-24)
The offense was on point.
59 – 2017 vs Fresno State (41-10)
I loved this one because it was the first ever Alabama game I got to go to.
60 – 2023 at Texas A&M (26-20)
Closer than it needed to be, but it was cool to see Jermaine Burton finally break out.
61 – 2020 vs Kentucky (63-3)
A pretty sweet blowout.
62 – 2018 Orange Bowl CFP Semifinal vs Oklahoma (35-24)
Offense was good and the defense did great till the end. I’m just kind of soured by the garbage time points that Oklahoma got.
63 – 2018 at Tennessee (58-21)
Offense was great.
64 – 2023 vs Tennessee (34-20)
Awesome comeback in the second half after one of the worst first halves in Alabama history.
65 – 2015 vs Wisconsin (35-17)
A good opener, and Derrick Henry got off to good start to his Heisman campaign.
66 – 2017 at Mississippi State (31-24)
It was nice to finally see Jalen Hurts resemble a decent QB as he led Bama in a game winning drive at the end. The game should not have been this close.
67 – 2022 vs Utah State (55-0)
This game was nice because I won a bet with a USU fan saying that Utah State would lose by at least 52. Got ’em there.
68 – 2019 vs Tennessee (35-13)
Nice win over a rival.
69 – 2022 at Arkansas (49-26)
It was scary to see Bryce young get hurt, but Jahmyr Gibbs ran over 200 yards, and Milroe was able to show off his running ability as well.
70 – 2020 vs Texas A&M (52-24)
A 52-24 win over a top 5 team is pretty good in my books.
71 – 2014 at Tennessee (34-20)
It was nice to see Amari Cooper have another 200+ yard game.
72 – 2014 SEC Championship vs Missouri 42-13
A nice blowout win in a big game, but nothing special.
73 – 2018 vs Missouri (39-10)
Jerry Jeudy had some cool plays in this one.
74 – 2018 at Arkansas (65-31)
Giving up 31 points to a bad Arkansas team is a bad look.
75 – 2018 vs Texas A&M (45-23)
Tua had a really good game, but the defense wasn’t great.
76 – 2014 vs West Virginia (33-23)
First football game I ever saw, and it was a pretty good one.
77 – 2020 at Tennessee (48-17)
Yet another 2020 blowout, but Jaylen Waddle got injured, so that was sad.
78 – 2016 Peach Bowl CFP Semifinal vs Washington (24-7)
The defense was great, but Jalen Hurts and the offense weren’t looking great going into the championship against Clemson.
79 – 2016 SEC Championship vs Florida (54-16)
Good SEC Championship win.
80 – 2019 vs Duke (42-3)
Good blowout I guess.
81 – 2017 vs Arkansas (41-9)
Blew out the Hogs. Nothing special.
82 – 2021 vs Arkansas (42-35)
Good for Arkansas. They actually made it interesting.
83 – 2016 Texas A&M (33-14)
OJ Howard had 69 receiving yards.
84 – 2016 at Tennessee (49-10)
39 point win at a top 10 team ain’t bad.
85 – 2022 at Texas (20-19)
Thank goodness Quinn Ewers got injured or else Alabama would have been coooooooked.
86 – 2021 vs LSU (20-14)
This game had no business being as close as it was, but it’s always nice beating LSU.
87 – 2015 vs Arkansas (27-14)
A disapointing offensive performance.
88 – 2015 SEC Championship vs Florida (29-15)
Once again, not great offense.
89 – 2023 vs MTSU (56-7)
Terrion Arnold was finally useful.
90 – 2016 at Arkansas (49-30)
49 points for Jalen Hurts is pretty good.
91 – 2020 at Missouri (38-19)
Under 40 points? What are we? Auburn?
92 – 2017 at Texas A&M (27-19)
Alabama should not let an unranked team be within 10 points.
93 – 2023 vs Arkansas (24-21)
That second half was infuriating.
94 – 2015 vs Tennessee (19-14)
19? You kidding with me right now?
95 – 2022 vs Vanderbilt (55-3)
Only by 52? It’s Vandy we’re talkin’ about here. Not Arkansas.
96 – 2022 vs Texas A&M (24-20)
Jalen Milroe’s first start was hard to watch.
97 – 2016 National Championship vs Clemson (31-35)
After watching this game, I knew that Alabama was screwed if Jalen Hurts was still going to be the starting QB. Clemson won on a stupid play, and yet, Alabama proved that you can almost win championship with a QB that can’t throw, so that’s worth something.
98 – 2016 vs Kentucky (34-6)
262 yards from Hurts is pretty good.
99-120 – Various cupcake games that aren’t worth talking about.
121 – 2019 vs Arkansas (48-7)
A blow out, yes. But at what cost? Tua got dinged up and that may have cost Bama the LSU game.
122 – 2020 at Ole Miss (63-48)
This may have been the single worst performance I have ever seen from an Alabama defense in my entire life.
123 – 2023 Rose Bowl CFP Semifinal vs Michigan (20-27 OT)
In Nick Saban’s final game, Alabama put up a good fight. It was nice to see that Alabama’s defense played really well for the most part, and it was a good game.
124 – 2018 vs The Citadel (50-17)
Tied at the half with an FCS school? Give me a break.
125 – 2019 vs LSU (41-46)
Frustrating that Bama lost, especially because of Tua’s injury, but it was still a close game nonetheless.
126 – 2014 Sugar Bowl CFP Semifinal vs Ohio State (35-42)
I don’t wanna talk about it.
127 – 2014 at Arkansas (14-13)
This game was sooooooooooooooooooooo boring.
128 – 2022 at LSU (31-32 OT)
Frustrating, but better some other games on the list.
129 – 2021 at Texas A&M (38-41)
Did you see the field goal at the end? It curved back in. The ball was going to miss, and Jimbo used some sort of Hillbilly magic to curve the ball back in to win. That was the most BS kick ever.
130 – 2021 at Florida (31-29)
This game was so dad gum frustrating. Florida was dominating Alabama at the line of scrimmage for no reason. Florida sucks. They suck hard. And yet, Alabama had seemingly no effort through the entire game. Bama was lucky to get out of that one with a win.
131 – 2023 vs Texas (24-34)
This loss wasn’t that bad, but the fact that Bama had a lead in the fourth quarter, and Milroe single handedly lost us the game, is just so frustrating.
132 – 2021 National Championship vs Georgia (18-33))
This game is mostly frustrating because I know Alabama would have won if they even had one of Jameson Williams and John Metchie. It is also worth mentioning that they did not have Kool-Aid McKinstry or Jalyn Armour-Davis. It also pisses me off that Georgia got a meaningless pick six at the end of the game to make it look like a bigger win for Georgia. I also hate Stetson Bennet, but that is a topic for another day.
133 – 2022 at Tennessee (49-52)
You thought the Texas A&M kick was ridiculous? Watch the Tennessee kick. He kicked an absolute duck, and it was still right through the uprights. Give me a frickin break, dude.
134 – 2023 at USF (17-3)
This was one of the hardest games to watch in my life. I get why Nick Saban benched Milroe, but Buchner was one of the worst college QBs I had ever seen, and Simpson wasn’t much better. If USF wasn’t so aggressive and just kicked some field goals, Alabama may have lost.
135 – 2015 vs Ole Miss (37-43)
I don’t understand how Ole Miss deals with it so often, but losing to the same team two years in a row, really sucks.
136 – 2014 at Ole Miss (17-23)
This game was frickin hard to watch. The penalties, the turnovers, and failed 3rd downs were so dad gum fustrating. That coupled with that it was the first loss I ever experienced as a fan, it sucked.
137 – 2017 at Auburn (14-26)
This game sucked. Losing to Auburn sucks, especially when you’re watching it in an Auburn fan’s home. It is especially frustrating when Bama was literally incapable of moving the ball all game.
138 – 2018 National Championship vs Clemson (16-44)
I don’t want to mention this game ever again.
139 – 2019 at Mississippi State (38-7)
The result was good, but the means were terrible. Tua’s hip got taken out. He was out for the season, meaning he would not be able to play in the Iron Bowl…
140 – 2019 at Auburn (45-48)
You know what’s worse than getting embarrased in the championship? Losing to frickin Auburn in the most dumb, brain-dead, lucky way ever. At the end of the first half, there was a complication with the clock, and the refs gave Auburn just enough time to kick a crucial field goal that they wouldn’t have had time for anyways. That field goal ended up being the difference in the end, but I’ll get back to that. Mac Jones threw two pick sixes. One of which, was a complete fluke. Mac Jones threw the ball into the endzone, and it bounced off of Najee Harris’ but, right into Auburn’s hands, and he was able to return it all the way for a touchdown. Even despite the turnovers and the dumb FG, Alabama still had a chance to tie the game. With 2:00 left, the worst kicker of all time, Joseph Bulovas, missed a 30 yard FG to tie the game. I have always hated Auburn, but this game made me hate Auburn and Gus Malzahn 8,000 times more. This was the dumbest game ever. I’m fine if Alabama loses because they are a worse team, but this was sheer luck. Auburn sucked, and has been even suckier ever since.
JacobErwin.com 