In a transition season for Alabama Football, how much does history matter?
The Alabama Football program has a history of greatness like none others. Can that history make a positive impact on the post-Nick Saban era?
By Ronald Evans
- 1980s - Nebraska was No. 1, followed by Miami, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Alabama. Georgia was No. 6, Auburn No. 9, and Arkansas No. 10.
- 1990s - Florida State was No. 1, followed by Nebraska, Florida, Tennessee and Penn State. Texas A&M was No. 8, Alabama was 91-31-1 for the decade and did not make the top 10.
- 2000s - Texas was No. 1, followed by Oklahoma, Florida, Virginia Tech, LSU, and Georgia. Nick Saban had something to do with LSU's success. Alabama was 79-48 in the decade and did not make the top 10.
- 2010s - Alabama was No. 1 with a 98.3 ranking, followed by Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma, and Georgia. Texas A&M was No. 8 and Auburn was No. 10.
Going back to the 1920s, only six college football programs were ranked No. 1 for a decade of success. Southern Cal, Michigan, Nebraska, and Florida State were each No. 1 in a single decade. Oklahoma was No. 1 in two decades. The Alabama Crimson Tide was No. 1 in four decades. In addition, per Bill Connelly, Alabama is currently No. 1 for the 2020s decade.
What the history means for Alabama Football in 2024 and beyond could range from 'something' to 'nothing'. What is known is that Alabama Football is a program unlike any other. If historical achievement, in any way breeds success, the Alabama Crimson Tide should prosper in the post-Nick Saban era.