This season, Alabama has lost two games and won eight, placing them 5th in the SEC instead of their usual 1st. While at first the loss against Vanderbilt came out of nowhere, Alabama continued its losing streak in a loss against Tennessee.
Last year was the last season with Nick Saban as the head coach of the team. Saban coached for 17 years and brought great impact to the team. Senior Jack Stokes said these losses are because “Alabama isn’t the same without Saban.”
In his 26 seasons as the coach, Saban has compiled a 274-67-1 (.803) record, including a 183-25 (.880) mark in Tuscaloosa. His teams have won eight SEC Championships while he has 10 SEC titles to his name (2001, 2003 at LSU) along with seven national championships (2003 at LSU).
Despite the loss of the beloved coach, the spirit at Alabama remains high.
“People have not been hating the team here. The only change I have noticed is that student ticket prices are cheaper!” said Alabama senior, Karis Cooper, when asked about her view of the impact. Ticket prices have dropped to about $22 per seat.
Alabama plays Tennessee every third Saturday in October each year. Continuing their rivalry, both teams have different traditions for this specific game day each year. Alabamians have a rich history of something they call “Tennessee Hate Week,” the week leading up to the game.
“In Tuscaloosa, the Whataburger near campus doesn’t have any orange because we hate orange, and stores don’t sell whiskey made in Tennessee during that week,” said Cooper.
There is also the tradition for both teams to have “victory cigars,” symbolizing the team as one.
“People from both teams bring cigars to the game, have them at home, and bring them to watch parties to be ready for if their team wins,” said Tennessee student Sydney Katzman. “The saying is ‘Smoke ’em if you got ‘em,’”
Tennessee secured a 24-17 victory over Alabama, marking their second win over the Tide in three seasons. Alabama led in the first half, but Tennessee’s running back Dylan Sampson took control in the second half, scoring twice and rushing for 139 yards. With the game tied in the fourth quarter, Tennessee’s Nico Lamaleava connected with Chris Brazzell II for a 16-yard touchdown that ultimately clinched the win.
Another loss for Alabama was against Vanderbilt, with the score ending in a 35-40 game. Vanderbilt capitalized on Alabama’s early mistakes, building a 16-point lead behind Sedrick Alexanders’ two touchdowns and a key pick-six by Random Fontenette. Alabama fought back, with quarterback Jalen Miltoe bringing the Tide within two points late in the game. However, Vanderbilts quarterback Diego Pavia answered with a final scoring drive to extend the Commodores lead. This historic win was the first time Vanderbilt won against Alabama since 1984, over 40 years ago.
Both teams that beat Alabama tore down the goalposts and rushed the field.
“There’s this meme that says ‘when you beat Bama you tear down goalposts and celebrate because you should. The day you beat Bama is a momentous occasion. But understand that when Bama beats you, it’s just Saturday,’” said Cooper.
After the Tennessee game, “It was so electric – everyone was running down the bleachers and hopping over the wall,” said Katzman. “Getting on the field people were cheering, yelling, smiling, crying, every emotion was present. People were just so proud to go to this school.”
It’s been 11 years since Alabama lost two games in a row, with the last time occurring in the 2013 season.
