My favorite Alabama plays:
1 – 2nd and 26 (2018 CFP National Championship vs Georgia)
I will remember this play for the rest of my life. The sheer excitement in the room when Tua threw that dime to Devonta Smith was so amazing after taking a 16 yard sack. This play cemented Tua as my favorite Bama QB of all time. Before this throw, I had never seen a QB at Alabama who could make a pass like that. Blake Simms had his moments, Jake Coker was good but more of a game manager, and Jalen Hurts was benched in that game because he wasn’t aggressive or accurate enough. Would the play have been no. 1 if Tua hadn’t taken the sack on the play before? Probably, but it is just so much sweeter to go on that emotional roller coaster.
2 – Grave Digger (2023 Iron Bowl vs Auburn)
After 2nd and 26, I never thought I would see a play that made me more happy. This play was close. The stakes were extremely high. Alabama had to win this game if they wanted to make the playoffs, and I was watching this game with a couple of Auburn fans, which raises the stakes even more. The disaster that was the few plays before this (thanks Seth McLaughlin) was even more frustrating than the Tua sack, and this play 3rd and 34, much less manageable than a 2nd and 26. Jalen Milroe put his arm strength on display though, and Isaiah Bond had one heck of a catch. The look on Auburn fans’ faces made me sooooo happy. This doesn’t quite reach no. 1 for a couple of reasons. 1. Alabama didn’t end up winning the national championship that year. 2. Isaiah Bond transferred to Texas in the offseason. 3. Alabama shouldn’t have been that situation to begin with against Auburn. Still though, a play I will always remember.
3 – Kenyan Drake Kickoff Return TD (2016 CFP National Championship vs Clemson)
My favorite play in my favorite game of all time. This play essentially put the game out of reach for Clemson, and was when I knew Bama was gonna get the W. You don’t see KRs for TDs very often, not mention a KR for a TD in a championship game.
4 – Sending the Iron Bowl to OT (2021 Iron Bowl vs Auburn)
The offense had done nothing all game, and Auburn was on the verge of beating Alabama 10-3 and ending the Tide’s playoff hopes. Bryce Young came in clutch though, and was able to save Bama’s season by sending the game to its first of 4 OTs.
5 – Jalen Hurts Redemption (2018 SEC Championship vs Georgia)
After Tua saved Bama in the championship game, and had an All-American campaign in 2018, he went down early in the SEC championship. It was Hurts turn to save the Tide and he cam through with the best game of his Alabama career. The run at the end of the game is one of the most memorable moments in Alabama history.
6 – The Onside Kick (2016 CFP National Championship vs Clemson)
The game was tied, and it was the beginning of the 4th quarter. Not much point in doing an onside kick, which is why it was such a surprise. An extremely bold move from Nick Saban, who usually doesn’t mess with trick plays, but it worked. Alabama scored a TD to take the lead 2 plays later, and they ended up winning the game.
7 – Super Man Sack (2016 vs Texas A&M)
One of the most iconic Alabama sacks ever from Jonathan Allen. Definitely my most watched defensively play year after year. The play title really speaks for itself.
8 – Najee Harris Hurdle (2021 CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl vs Notre Dame)
This was one of the best hurdles I have ever seen. It would have ranked higher, but he didn’t get the TD, and Alabama won in a blowout anyways. With all that said, it was still an amazing play.
9 – 4th Down TD vs Georgia (2018 CFP National Championship vs Georgia)
Before 2nd and 26, there was another really big play. Alabama was down by 7 with 3:56 left on the clock and it was 4th and 4. Tua threaded the needle to Calvin Ridley, and Alabama was able to tie it and eventually go to OT and win. If weren’t for this play, we wouldn’t have gotten 2nd and 26.
10 – John Metchie III Big Hit (2020 SEC Championship vs Florida)
In Alabama’s biggest test of their historic 2020 season, it was about to look like a pretty rough start after Mac Jones threw a pick in UF territory. Luckily John Metchie was able to force the fumble, and Alabama cruised to another win.
Honorable Mentions
4OT (2021 Iron Bowl vs Auburn)
The winning play was great, I just always remember the pass to tie when I think about this game.
Najee Harris Standing on Business (2019 vs South Carolina)
One of the best Najee Harris highlights, and the first play where I really saw Najee as a true star.
JacobErwin.com 