Friday 5: Loudest Moments in Bryant-Denny History
By Tony Breland
When 102,000 of your closest friends are screaming their lungs out as the Tide takes the field, the very air seems to vibrate. The decibel level is off the charts, and all it takes is one amazing play to send the fans into a frenzy.
Our look at Nick Saban’s top 14 games was ripe for discussion, and got us thinking about great events in Tide history. Bryant-Denny Stadium has been the stage for so many amazing moments; but which were the ones that blew the (figurative) roof off the place?
After the jump is video evidence of what we think are the five loudest moments in Alabama home game history. Think we got them out of order? One of your favorites didn’t make the cut? Let us know in the comments.
5 2007 LSU: Arenas takes it to the house
The “Saban Bowl” was the first showdown between Saban and his previous college team, as well as the only Tide loss on this countdown. It was a thriller, and Javier Arenas’ electrifying 61-yard punt return for a touchdown brought the crowd to its feet, and helped kick off the SEC’s newest rivalry.
4 2005 Florida: Croyle to Prothro
The Tide were big underdogs against the No. 5-ranked Gators, and Mike Shula was looking for a signature win. On Alabama’s opening possession, Brodie Croyle dropped back in a play-action and hit Tyrone Prothro in stride for an 87-yard touchdown. The Tide crushed Florida 31-3, but an injury ended Prothro’s career, and may have been the beginning of the end for Shula. but the Tide fans in attendance witnessed a legendary game.
3 2007 Arkansas: Wilson to Caddell
Alabama jumped out to a 21-0 lead and increased that to 31-10 before the Razorbacks came storming back. The Tide surrendered four unanswered touchdowns, and Arkansas had the game under control. But a late surge by the Tide put them in scoring position with eight seconds on the clock, and John Parker Wilson hit Matt Caddell in the corner of the end zone to cap a miraculous comeback.
2 2009 Tennessee: Rocky Block
Alabama’s title hopes seemed dashed after coming out flat against a fired-up Tennessee team. Lane Kiffin’s Volunteers and controlled the game, yet trailed 12-10 late in the fourth quarter. Tennessee drove into position for a game-winning field goal and Tide fans looked on in silence. But amazingly, Terrence Cody got a hand up and blocked his second field goal of the game, preserving the win – and Alabama’s championship dream.
1 2008 Auburn: Rammer Jammer
Six losses in a row. Alabama came into this game ready to erase the bitter taste of an unprecedented Iron Bowl streak by the Auburn Tigers, and they did so in decisive fashion. When the game clock hit zero, the pent-up frustration of the Bama Nation rained down on the field as the packed house sang an exultant rendition of the Rammer Jammer.