Alabama Football: 5 Biggest Moments From Alabama’s 2017 Season

4. Devastated on the Plains

Down in Auburn, the Plains were both rowdy and animated as Auburn had just defeated number one Georgia. In two weeks, the Tide would limp into that same atmosphere. ESPN College Gameday was on hand with the legendary NBA star Charles Barkley make his predictions.  He started off with, “in 2013 we had the Kick Six, this year it will be the Kick Ass!”  The crowd loved it.  Barkley has a future as Nostradamus after his broadcasting career because that is exactly what ensued.

Alabama had not been taken to the woodshed like this since they lost to Ohio State in the inaugural College Football Playoff. The injury-ravaged defense regained stars Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis and Mack Wilson but it was not enough to stop quarterback Jarrett Stidham and running back Kerryon Johnson.

Miscues, uncharacteristic of a Saban coached team helped seal the Tide’s fate. It was a big victory for the Tigers and until the SEC championship game, it appeared the Tigers might make the CFB Playoff field. In the end, an Iron Bowl win for the Tigers meant no more than an SEC West Division championship.