2010 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
Encyclopedia
The 2010 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA", "Bama" or "The Tide") represented the University of Alabama
in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season
. It was the Crimson Tide's 118th overall season, 78th as a member of the Southeastern Conference
(SEC) and its 19th within the SEC Western Division. The team was led by head coach Nick Saban
, in his fourth year, and played their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa
, Alabama
. They finished the season with a record of ten wins and three losses (10–3, 5–3 in the SEC) and defeated Michigan State
49–7 in the Capital One Bowl
.
Alabama entered the season as defending national champions, and began the 2010 season as the preseason number one team in both the AP and Coaches' Polls. Favored to win a second consecutive SEC championship and be in contention for the national championship, the Crimson Tide opened the season with five consecutive victories over San Jose State, Penn State, Duke, Arkansas and Florida. However, Alabama completed the regular season with only four victories and losses to South Carolina, LSU and Auburn and finished fourth in the Western Division. After the regular season, the Crimson Tide accepted an invitation to compete in the Capital One Bowl
in Orlando
. Against Big Ten co-champions
Michigan State, Alabama won by a final score of 49–7 and captured both a third straight ten win season and top ten finish.
that included No. 7 Virginia Tech
, No. 20 Ole Miss
, No. 22 South Carolina
, No. 9 LSU
, No. 1 Florida
in the SEC Championship
, and No. 2 Texas in the BCS National Championship Game
. They finished the season as the consensus National Champions, being voted No. 1 in the AP and Coaches' Polls in securing Alabama's first national title since 1992
. In addition to the national title, sophomore running back Mark Ingram
became the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy
.
In February 2010, eighteen players each signed an individual National Letter of Intent
to play college football at Alabama. The 2010 recruiting class was ranked nationally in the top five by several recruiting services including Rivals
, Scout
, ESPNU
and CBS College Sports. Spring practice began on March 12 and concluded with the annual A-Day spring game on April 17. Televised live by ESPN
, the Crimson team of offensive starters defeated the White team of defensive starters by a final score of 23–17 before 91,312 fans in Bryant–Denny Stadium. The game was decided after the end of regulation when Brandon Gibson caught a 39-yard touchdown pass from A. J. McCarron
in sudden death. For their performances, Marcell Dareus
earned the Dwight Stephenson
Lineman of the A-Day Game Award and Mark Ingram earned the Dixie Howell
Memorial Most Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award.
By August, Alabama had a combined 21 players on 12 different preseason award watch lists. These included both Mark Barron, Marcell Dareus and Dont’a Hightower for the Chuck Bednarik Award
; Julio Jones for the Fred Biletnikoff Award
; Hightower and Nico Johnson for the Butkus Award; Ingram for the Walter Camp Award
; James Carpenter, Dareus and Hightower for the Lombardi Award
; Ingram and Greg McElroy for the Maxwell Award
; Barron, Dareus and Hightower for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy
; McElroy for the Davey O'Brien Award
; Carpenter and Barrett Jones for the Outland Trophy
; William Vlachos for the Rimington Trophy; Barron for the Jim Thorpe Award
; and Ingram for the Doak Walker Award
.
s Eryk Anders, Rolando McClain
and Cory Reamer
; cornerback
s Javier Arenas
, Kareem Jackson
and Marquis Johnson
; defensive end
s Brandon Deaderick
and Lorenzo Washington; nose tackle Terrence Cody
; safety Justin Woodall; offensive linemen Drew Davis and Mike Johnson
; and tight end
Colin Peek
. Additionally, all of special teams players were replaced following the departures of punter P.J. Fitzgerald, placekicker
Leigh Tiffin
, long snapper
Brian Selman and Arenas as the return specialist
.
150": No. 16 DeMarcus Milliner (CB); No. 32 Phillip Sims (QB); No. 36 John Fulton (CB); No. 54 Adrian Hubbard (DE); No. 74 Chad Lindsay (OG); No. 89 Keiwone Malone (WR); No. 99 C.J. Mosley (OLB); and No. 132 Brian Vogler (TE). Alabama signed the No. 5 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 4 recruiting class according to Scout. The football program received 18 letters of intent
on National Signing Day
, February 3, 2010.
, Auburn
, LSU
, Mississippi State
, and Ole Miss
. They also faced three Eastern Division opponents: official SEC rival
Tennessee
, Florida
, and South Carolina
. Alabama did not play SEC opponents Georgia
, Kentucky
and Vanderbilt
. The contest against Ole Miss served as the 2010 homecoming
game.
Alabama also played four non-conference games. The game against Penn State
was originally scheduled as part of the 2004 season
, however the series was moved back at the request of Alabama due to fallout from NCAA sanctions being levied on the program. The non-conference schedule also included games against San Jose State
of the Western Athletic Conference
, Duke
of the Atlantic Coast Conference
and Georgia State
of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). On December 5, it was announced Alabama would face Big Ten co-champion
Michigan State
in the Capital One Bowl
. In what was the first meeting between the programs, the Tide defeated the Spartans 49–7 and secured their third consecutive ten-win season.
Alabama played six of its SEC opponents the week following the opponents' bye week
. These SEC teams who scheduled a bye week before facing the Crimson Tide included South Carolina
, Ole Miss
, Tennessee
, LSU
, Mississippi State
and Auburn
. Georgia State
also had a bye week prior to playing Alabama, for a total of seven consecutive opponents playing Alabama the week following their bye. On July 1, 2010, the game against Georgia State was moved from Saturday, November 20 to Thursday, November 18 to give Alabama additional time to prepare for its game against Auburn. The Sagarin
computer ratings calculated Alabama's 2010 strength of schedule
to be the fifth most difficult out of the 245 Division I teams. The Cosgrove Computer Rankings calculated it as the 12th most difficult out of the 120 Division I FBS teams in its rankings.
was the departure of James Willis, an associate head and outside linebackers coach, to become the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech
. Willis was replaced on the staff with Jeremy Pruitt on January 15. Other assistants that declined positions at other programs included Jim McElwain
declining an offer to become San Jose State
's head coach and Kirby Smart
declining an offer to become Georgia
's defensive coordinator.
The Crimson Tide began their defense of their 2010
BCS
championship at home against the San Jose State Spartans
, and before a record crowd in a newly expanded Bryant–Denny Stadium, Alabama was victorious 48–3. Alabama scored a touchdown on their first possession on a one-yard Trent Richardson
run to complete an eight play, 71-yard drive. The Spartans responded on the next drive with their only points of the game on a 31-yard Harrison Waid field goal to make the score 7–3. On the ensuing drive the Alabama extended their lead to 14–3 with a 48-yard Greg McElroy
touchdown pass to Marquis Maze
. Alabama again reached the endzone early in the second quarter on a 39-yard Richardson run and a 29-yard A. J. McCarron
pass to Julio Jones
to make the score 28–3. Cade Foster
scored the final points of the half as time expired on a 31-yard field goal to bring the halftime score to 31–3.
Alabama opened the second half by scoring on their first two possessions. Eddie Lacy
scored on a 37-yard run and Foster hit a 24-yard field goal to extend the Crimson Tide lead to 41–3. Lacy scored the final points of the game with a 10-yard run to make the final score 48–3. Both McElroy and McCarron combined to pass for 334 yards on 22 completions and a pair of touchdowns. For the game, the Alabama outgained San Jose in total offense by a margin of 591–175. The 101,821 in attendance marked the first crowd of over 100,000 to attend a football game in the state of Alabama.
With ESPN's
College GameDay in town, Alabama defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions
24–3 in a renewal of their historic rivalry. Alabama scored first on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Greg McElroy
to Kevin Norwood in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide added to their lead in the second quarter with a 14-yard McElroy touchdown pass to Preston Dial and a 31 yard Jeremy Shelley field goal to take a 17–0 lead at the half. After a scoreless third, Trent Richardson
scored on a one-yard run and Penn State's Collin Wagner hit a 36-yard field goal to make the final score to 24–3.
Richardson led the team in rushing with 144 yards on 22 carries, and was also the first back to gain over 100 yards on the ground against Penn State since their 2008
game against Iowa
. The defense also stood out with Mark Barron
, Robert Lester and Will Lowery each making an interception and Alabama only allowing 283 yards of total offense. After compiling 207 all-purpose yards and scoring a touchdown, Richardson was named Co-SEC Offensive Player of the Week with South Carolina
's Marcus Lattimore
. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Nittany Lions to 9–5.
In Alabama's first-ever trip to Duke
, the Crimson Tide defeated the Blue Devils
by a final score of 62–13 in front of the largest crowd at Wallace Wade Stadium
since the 1994 season. Playing in his first game of the 2010 season following knee surgery, Mark Ingram
ran for a team high 152 yards on nine carries with two touchdowns.
Greg McElroy
completed 14 of 20 passes for 258 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. In the second quarter Trent Richardson
scored Alabama's first special teams touchdown of the season with a 96-yard kickoff return. Other offensive highlights included Richardson gaining 66 yards on seven carries and Eddie Lacy
gaining 53 yards on seven carries with each scoring a touchdown on the ground. Through the air, Julio Jones
led the team with 106 receiving yards on six catches with he, Darius Hanks and Preston Dial each making a touchdown reception.
The game also marked the return of Marcell Dareus
following a two-game suspension from the NCAA for receiving improper benefits. After allowing 13 points in the first half, the Alabama defense shut out the Duke offense in the second half. The 62 points scored by the Tide were the most since a 62–0 victory over Tulane
during the 1991 season
, and the 45 points scored in the first half were the most scored in one half since scoring 45 in the second half of the 1973 victory over California
. The 626 yards of total offense were the most amassed by an Alabama team since gaining 644 against LSU
in 1989. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Blue Devils to 3–1.
In the first game played between two teams ranked in the top ten at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
since the 1979 season, Alabama was victorious with a 24–20 come-from-behind victory. After Ryan Mallett
connected on an early touchdown to take a 7–0 lead, Alabama responded with a 54-yard Mark Ingram touchdown run to tie the game at 7–7. Arkansas retook the lead with a field goal and a one-yard Mallett run to take a 17–7 lead at the half. Midway through the third, Arkansas extended their lead to 20–7.
Alabama brought the score to 20–14 late in the third after a 20-yard Trent Richardson touchdown reception from Greg McElroy. The Arkansas lead was then cut to three after a 36-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal with just over 6:00 remaining in the fourth. After Robert Lester intercepted a Mallett pass and returned it to the 12-yard line, Ingram took the next three snaps that culminated in an one-yard touchdown run to take a 24–20 lead. After a late Dre Kirkpatrick
interception, McElroy gained a first down on a fourth and inches quarterback sneak
to seal the victory for the Crimson Tide. Ingram led the team with 157 yards rushing on 24 carries and Richardson finished with 85 yards on eight carries. Kirkpatrick led the defense with nine tackles and an interception. For his five tackle, two interception performance, Robert Lester was recognized as both the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week and the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Razorbacks to 11–8 (14–7 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
In a rematch of the previous two SEC Championship Game
s, Alabama defeated the Florida
Gators
31–6. Alabama opened the scoring with a 28-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal in the first, and then scored a trio of second quarter touchdowns. Mark Ingram scored on runs of six and one--yard with the third coming on a 19-yard Marquis Maze
touchdown pass to Michael Williams on a wide receiver pass
. Florida got on the board late in the second with a 39-yard Chas Henry field goal to bring the halftime score to 24–3. After a second Henry field goal, C. J. Mosley returned an interception 35-yards for a touchdown to make the final score 31–6.
Although Florida outgained the Crimson Tide in total offense 281 to 273 yards, their three turnovers
resulted in 21 Alabama points. In addition to Mosley, Nico Johnson
intercepted Trey Burton in the end zone and Dre Kirkpatrick
intercepted a John Brantley
pass. The game marked the first time Florida had been held without a touchdown since their previous visit to Tuscaloosa in 2005, and resulted in Alabama leading the nation in scoring defense by allowing only 45 points through five games. Courtney Upshaw
was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week after making seven total tackles, with four for losses, a fumble recovery and two pass deflections. Chance Warmack was recognized as the SEC's Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Gators to 21–14 (22–14 without the NCAA vacation of the 2005 victory).
With ESPN's
College GameDay in town and in front of a sold out Williams–Brice, Alabama was upset by the South Carolina
Gamecocks
35–21. After Alabama scored on its opening drive with a 32-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal, South Carolina responded with three consecutive touchdowns. Stephen Garcia
threw three touchdown passes, with the first to Marcus Lattimore
for nine-yards followed by strikes of 26 and 15-yards to Alshon Jeffery, to give South Carolina a 21–3 lead in the second quarter. Alabama reached the end zone late in the second on a nine yard Greg McElroy pass to Julio Jones to make the halftime score 21–9 after the extra point failed.
On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Garcia threw the ball out of the end zone for a safety following a bad snap. After the free kick, Alabama scored on a 39-yard Shelley field goal, to make the score 21–14. After a one-yard Lattimore touchdown run, Alabama answered with a 51-yard Darius Hanks touchdown reception from McElroy, to make the score 28–21. However, Lattimore scored on a two-yard touchdown run late in the fourth to give the Gamecocks a 35–21 victory. The win marked South Carolina's first all-time victory over a team ranked number one in the AP poll.
For the game, McElroy set a career high in passing for 315 yards on 27 of 34 passes, and Jones had a team high 118 yards on eight catches. Marcell Dareus
was recognized as an honorable mention SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his eight tackle performance. The 34 points allowed by the Crimson Tide defense were the most allowed since giving up 41 to LSU in 2007. The loss also marked the end of a 29-game regular season win streak, an overall 19-game win streak, and an 18-game regular season conference winning streak. It was Alabama's first overall loss since being defeated by Utah in the 2009
Sugar Bowl
and their first regular season and regular season conference loss since losing to Auburn in 2007. The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against the Gamecocks to 10–4 (12–3 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
A week after their first regular season loss since the 2007 season
, Alabama defeated their long-time rival, the Ole Miss
Rebels
on homecoming
in Tuscaloosa 23–10. The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 lead in the first quarter on a seven-yard Greg McElroy touchdown pass to Preston Dial and a 49-yard Cade Foster
field goal. Scoring continued in the second quarter with Alabama's Jeremy Shelley and Foster connecting on field goals of 19 and 44-yards. Mississippi's Bryson Rose connected on a 22-yard field goal to make the halftime score 16–3. In the third quarter, McElroy connected with Trent Richardson for an 85-yard touchdown reception. The catch was the fourth longest touchdown reception in school history. Later in the quarter, Jeremiah Masoli
connected with Melvin Harris on a 15-yard touchdown reception to make the final score 23–10.
On special teams, Marquis Maze totaled 125 yards on six punt returns and was named SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Rebels to 44–9–2 (48–8–2 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
In the 93rd edition of the Third Saturday in October
, the Crimson Tide defeated the Tennessee
Volunteers
41–10. Tennessee scored first, on a 59-yard Tauren Poole touchdown run to take an early 7–0 lead. Alabama responded by scoring on its next two drives: a 36-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal, and a one-yard Greg McElroy touchdown run to take a 10–7 lead. The second quarter closed with a 42-yard Shelley field goal and a 33-yard field goal by Michael Palardy of Tennessee to make the halftime score 13–10.
Alabama opened the second half by driving 70 yards in four plays, with Julio Jones having receptions of 38 and 19 yards and Mark Ingram punching in the touchdown from one-yard out to extend their lead to 20–10. After Palardy missed a 52-yard field goal, Trent Richardson ran the ball 65 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the ensuing drive for a 27–10 Alabama lead. Later, Robert Lester intercepted a Matt Simms pass, and Alabama extended its lead to 34–10, after an 80 yard drive with Ingram scoring from one-yard out. Alabama scored the final points of the evening in the fourth quarter when A. J. McCarron
hit Richardson for a five-yard touchdown reception to make the final score 41–10. It was Alabama's most lopsided victory over Tennessee since defeating the Volunteers 35–0 in 1963.
For the game, Julio Jones set a school record with 221 receiving yards, eclipsing the previous mark of 217 yards set by David Palmer
against Vanderbilt
in 1993
. Ingram and Richardson finished with 88 and 119 yards on the ground respectively. For his performance, left tackle James Carpenter
was selected as the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. With his 117 yards on 14 carries, Tauren Poole ended Alabama's 41-game streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher dating back to BenJarvus Green-Ellis
's 131 yard performance for Ole Miss in 2007
. The game also marked the first between Nick Saban and Derek Dooley who previously worked for Saban as an assistant coach at LSU
and with the Miami Dolphins
. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Volunteers to 47–38–7 (48–37–8 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
Coming off their bye week
and in what was dubbed by some as "Saban Bowl IV," Alabama was upset
by their long-time rival, the LSU
Tigers
24–21. LSU scored first on a 45-yard Josh Jasper field goal to take a 3–0 lead. Alabama scored their first points early in the second quarter on a one-yard Greg McElroy touchdown pass to Trent Richardson to take a 7–3 lead at the half.
Both teams traded touchdowns in the third. The Tigers scored first on a 75-yard Rueben Randle
reception from Jordan Jefferson
, and the Crimson Tide responded with a five-yard Mark Ingram touchdown run. LSU scored 14 fourth quarter points to secure the victory with a pair of Jasper field goals and a one-yard Stevan Ridley
touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion. Alabama responded with a nine-yard Julio Jones touchdown reception, but was unable to get a defensive stop late in the game preserving the 24–21 LSU victory. Turnovers proved costly for Alabama with LSU scoring field goals on drives after a McElroy interception in the first and fumble in the fourth. The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 45–24–5.
A week after being upset by LSU, Alabama returned to Bryant–Denny and began a three game homestand to end the season by defeating long-time rival Mississippi State
30–10. The Crimson Tide took a 6–3 lead in the first quarter by trading field goals with the Bulldogs on a 36-yarder from Jeremy Shelley, a 24-yarder from Derek DePasquale and a 45-yarder from Cade Foster. In the second, Alabama reached the end zone for the first time on the evening after Greg McElroy hit Marquis Maze for a 45-yard touchdown reception and a 13–3 lead. After a punt on the next Bulldog series, an 80-yard Maze touchdown return was called back as a result of an illegal block
on the play by Alex Watkins. On the next play, Mark Ingram took a short bubble screen pass from McElroy 78-yards for a 20–3 lead at the half.
On their first offensive possession of the second half, and on the third consecutive offensive play, Alabama scored on a long touchdown play. This time Julio Jones ran the ball 56-yards for a touchdown to extend the Alabama lead to 27–3. Shelley scored Alabama's final points in the fourth on a 28-yard field goal with State scoring their lone touchdown late on a 27-yard Chad Bumphis touchdown reception from Tyler Russell. The Alabama defense allowed only 149 rushing yards, registered five sacks
and two interceptions.
In this game, the Crimson Tide wore Nike Pro Combat uniforms for the first time. These uniforms featured crimson jerseys with grey and white houndstooth
numbers
, a houndstooth stripe on the helmet
, houndstooth gloves and an American flag sewn into one of the sleeves in honor of Veterans Day
. The houndstooth design was chosen as a tribute to former Alabama coach Bear Bryant
who was known for wearing a houndstooth fedora during games. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Bulldogs to 73–18–3 (75–17–3 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
Originally scheduled to be played on November 20, in July 2010 this game was moved to Thursday, November 18 to give the Crimson Tide extra time to prepare for its game against Auburn. In the first ever meeting against the Georgia State
Panthers
, the Crimson Tide was victorious 63–7. Alabama scored first on an eight-yard Greg McElroy pass to Julio Jones. After a Mark Barron
interception ended the first Georgia State drive, Alabama responded with a 71-yard drive capped by a one-yard Mark Ingram touchdown run to take a 14–0 lead.
In the second quarter, Alabama scored on a defensive play when C. J. Mosley returned a Drew Little interception 41-yards for a touchdown. Alabama then extended their lead to 28–0 on a ten-yard Jones touchdown reception from McElroy. At the end of the Panthers next possession, Chavis Williams blocked a Bo Schlechter punt that was returned 22-yards for a touchdown by Brandon Gibson. On the following kickoff, an Albert Wilson fumble was recovered by Gibson to give the Tide possession deep in Panther territory. Four plays later, Alabama extended their lead to 42–0 on a three-yard Eddie Lacy touchdown run. On the ensuing kickoff, the Panthers scored their only points on the evening when Wilson returned the kickoff 97-yards for a touchdown and a halftime score of 42–7.
With the game in hand midway through the second quarter, Alabama played many of its reserve players in the second half. The Tide scored in the third quarter first on a seven-yard A. J. McCarron touchdown pass to Chris Underwood and again on an one-yard Demetrius Goode touchdown run after a Chris Jordan interception to take a 56–7 lead into the final period. In the fourth, Jalston Fowler scored on a 36-yard touchdown run to make the final score 63–7.
After he completed 12 of 13 passes, McElroy set a new single-game Alabama record for completion percentage of 92.3 percent to break the previous record he set against North Texas
in 2009. The game also marked the first time Alabama played on a Thursday night since defeating Southern Miss
in 2001
, and the return of both former Alabama head coach Bill Curry
as the Panthers' head coach and quarterback Star Jackson who transferred to Georgia State prior to the 2010 season. The 63 points were the most scored by an Alabama team since defeating Vanderbilt
63–3 in 1979
.
In the 75th edition of the Iron Bowl, the Auburn
Tigers
overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat the Crimson Tide 28–27. Alabama opened a 21–0 lead after the first quarter with touchdown scores on their first three offensive possessions. Touchdowns were scored on a nine-yard Mark Ingram run, a 68-yard Julio Jones reception from Greg McElroy and on a 12-yard Darius Hanks reception from McElroy. The lead was pushed to 24–0 in the second quarter after a 20-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal before the Tigers began their comeback.
Auburn scored their first points late in the second on a 36-yard Cam Newton
pass to Emory Blake to bring the score to 24–7 at the half. With the only Alabama points in the third scored on a 32-yard Shelley field goal, Auburn brought the margin to 27–21 entering the fourth on a 70-yard Cam Newton touchdown pass to Terrell Zachery and a one-yard Newton run. The Tigers took a 28–27 lead in the fourth on a seven-yard Philip Lutzenkirchen reception from Newton that held to the end of regulation.
With his 10 catch, 199 yard performance, Julio Jones set Alabama single-season records for both receptions and receiving yards in eclipsing the previous marks of 67 receptions by D. J. Hall
in 2007
and 1,056 yards by Hall in 2006
. The loss ended a 20-game home winning streak for the Tide dating back to the 2007 loss to Louisiana–Monroe
, and brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 40–34–1. The CBS telecast of this game earned a 7.5 rating
, the highest for any game of the 2010 college football season through week 13.
On December 5, Capital One Bowl
officials announced Alabama would face the Big Ten co-champion
Michigan State
Spartans
in the 2011 Capital One Bowl
. In a strong defensive performance where the Spartans were held to a total of minus-48 yards rushing, Alabama was victorious 49–7. Alabama scored touchdowns on their first four offensive possessions. Mark Ingram scored first on an one-yard touchdown run to complete a 13 play, 79-yard drive on Alabama's first possession. After a Robert Lester interception of a Kirk Cousins
pass on the Spartans' opening drive, the Tide scored on an eight-yard Trent Richardson touchdown run. Alabama extended their lead to 28–0 at the half following touchdown runs of six and 35-yards by Ingram and Julio Jones.
After holding Michigan State to a three-and-out to open the third quarter, Alabama scored its fifth touchdown in six offensive possessions when Marquis Maze scored on a 37-yard Greg McElroy pass. Up by 35 points late in the third, the Crimson Tide pulled many of their starters that resulted in many players seeing action from deep in the depth chart
. Eddie Lacy extended the lead to 49–0 with touchdown runs of twelve-yards in the third and 62-yards in the fourth quarter. Michigan State scored their only points late in the fourth on a 49-yard Bennie Fowler touchdown reception from Keith Nichol
to make the final score 49–7. The 42-point margin of victory was Alabama's largest in a bowl game since defeating Syracuse
61–6 in the 1953 Orange Bowl
.
The minus-48 yards rushing allowed by the Alabama defense was the fewest ever allowed in a bowl game and the second fewest allowed all-time only eclipsed by a minus-49 yard performance against Houston
in 1962. With his pair of touchdowns, Mark Ingram established a new Alabama record for career rushing touchdowns with 42 to eclipse the previous mark of 41 set by Shaun Alexander
. The contest also marked both Nick Saban's and Bobby Williams
' first game against the Spartans since their respective terms as Michigan State's head coach between 1995–1999 and 2000–2002.
. The following day, Chris Rumph was hired by Coach Saban from Clemson
to replace Davis as defensive line coach. On January 12, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Joe Pendry
announced his retirement. The following day, former Miami
interim head coach Jeff Stoutland
was hired to replace Pendry as offensive line coach. On January 21, wide receivers coach
and recruiting coordinator Curt Cignetti
resigned his position to accept the head coaching job at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
. On February 7, Mike Groh
was hired a Cignetti's replacement as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.
As part of the A-Day celebrations on April 16, the 2010 team captains Greg McElroy, Dont'a Hightower and Mark Barron were honored at the Walk of Fame ceremony at the base of Denny Chimes
. Later that day, as recognition for becoming the fifth Alabama head coach to win a national championship with the 2009 squad
, the University unveiled a statue of coach Saban along the Walk of Champions outside Bryant–Denny Stadium.
, the conference named its award winners. Defensive back
Mark Barron, wide receiver
Julio Jones and offensive guard Barrett Jones were all named to the AP All-SEC First Team. Offensive lineman James Carpenter, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, running back
Mark Ingram, linebacker
Dont'a Hightower and defensive back Robert Lester were all named to the AP All-SEC Second Team. Quarterback
Greg McElroy and center
William Vlachos were each named AP All-SEC Honorable Mention. Four players were named to the Coaches' All-SEC First Team including Barron, James Carpenter, Marcell Dareus and Julio Jones. Barrett Jones, William Vlachos, Mark Ingram, Dont'a Hightower, return specialist
Trent Richardson and defensive backs Robert Lester and Dre Kirkpatrick were named to the Coaches' All-SEC Second Team. Four players were named to the Freshman All-SEC Coaches' Team including offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, linebacker C.J. Mosley, defensive back Dee Milliner and punter Cody Mandell. In addition to the conference awards, several players were also named to various national All-American Teams
. Julio Jones and Mark Barron were named to the AP All-American Second Team and Marcell Dareus and Barrett Jones were named to the AP All-American Third Team. Barron was also named to the All-America team by the Football Writers Association of America
(FWAA). Quarterback Greg McElroy, tight end Preston Dial and offensive lineman James Carpenter were all selected to play in the Under Armour
Senior Bowl
.
), Jones (6th Atlanta Falcons
), Carpenter (25th Seattle Seahawks
) and Ingram (28th New Orleans Saints
). McElroy was selected in the seventh round (208th New York Jets
). Preston Dial signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions
in July 2011 after the NFL labor dispute
was resolved.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States....
in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on Thursday, September 2, 2010. The season progressed through the regular season and bowl season, and concluded with the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Monday, January 10, 2011.-Rule changes for...
. It was the Crimson Tide's 118th overall season, 78th as a member of the Southeastern Conference
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
(SEC) and its 19th within the SEC Western Division. The team was led by head coach Nick Saban
Nick Saban
Nicholas Lou "Nick" Saban is the head coach of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide football team. Saban has previously served as head coach of the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and three other NCAA universities: LSU, Michigan State and Toledo...
, in his fourth year, and played their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa is a city in and the seat of Tuscaloosa County in west central Alabama . Located on the Black Warrior River, it is the fifth-largest city in Alabama, with a population of 90,468 in 2010...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. They finished the season with a record of ten wins and three losses (10–3, 5–3 in the SEC) and defeated Michigan State
2010 Michigan State Spartans football team
The 2010 Michigan State Spartans football team competed on behalf of Michigan State University in the Big Ten Conference during the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Head coach Mark Dantonio was in his fourth season with the Spartans...
49–7 in the Capital One Bowl
2011 Capital One Bowl
The 2011 Capital One Bowl was the sixty-fifth edition of the college football bowl game, and was played at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The game was played on January 1, 2011 and matched the Alabama Crimson Tide from the Southeastern Conference with the Michigan State Spartans from the Big...
.
Alabama entered the season as defending national champions, and began the 2010 season as the preseason number one team in both the AP and Coaches' Polls. Favored to win a second consecutive SEC championship and be in contention for the national championship, the Crimson Tide opened the season with five consecutive victories over San Jose State, Penn State, Duke, Arkansas and Florida. However, Alabama completed the regular season with only four victories and losses to South Carolina, LSU and Auburn and finished fourth in the Western Division. After the regular season, the Crimson Tide accepted an invitation to compete in the Capital One Bowl
Capital One Bowl
The Capital One Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Orlando, Florida at the Citrus Bowl, and previously known as the Tangerine Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl...
in Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
. Against Big Ten co-champions
2010 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2010 Big Ten Conference football season was the 115th season for the Big Ten. The conference started its season on Thursday, September 2, as conference member Minnesota traveled to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to face Middle Tennessee, and Ohio State hosted the Thundering Herd of Marshall...
Michigan State, Alabama won by a final score of 49–7 and captured both a third straight ten win season and top ten finish.
Before the season
During the 2009–2010 campaign, the Crimson Tide finished the season undefeated, 14–0, with wins over several ranked opponents2009 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
Three human polls and one formulaic ranking make up the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings, in addition to various publications' preseason polls. Unlike most sports, college football's governing body, the NCAA, does not bestow a National Championship title. That title is bestowed by one or...
that included No. 7 Virginia Tech
2009 Virginia Tech Hokies football team
The 2009 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Frank Beamer...
, No. 20 Ole Miss
2009 Ole Miss Rebels football team
The 2009 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi during the 2009 college football season. The team was led by Houston Nutt, who was in his second season as the Rebels' head coach...
, No. 22 South Carolina
2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football team
The 2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the college football season of 2009–2010. The team's head football coach was Steve Spurrier, who was in his fifth season at USC. The Gamecocks played their home games at Williams-Brice Stadium in...
, No. 9 LSU
2009 LSU Tigers football team
The 2009 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the college football season of 2009–2010. The team's head coach was Les Miles who served his fifth year at the helm of LSU football. They played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana...
, No. 1 Florida
2009 Florida Gators football team
The 2009 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2009 college football season...
in the SEC Championship
2009 SEC Championship Game
The 2009 SEC Championship Game was played on December 5, 2009, in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, to determine the 2009 football champion of the Southeastern Conference . The game featured the Florida Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide was the designated "home team"; this...
, and No. 2 Texas in the BCS National Championship Game
2010 BCS National Championship Game
The 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game was the finale of the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season, and was played between the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide. It was hosted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California,...
. They finished the season as the consensus National Champions, being voted No. 1 in the AP and Coaches' Polls in securing Alabama's first national title since 1992
1992 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 1992 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 1992 college football season. This was the team's third season under head coach Gene Stallings. They played their home games at both Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Legion Field in Birmingham,...
. In addition to the national title, sophomore running back Mark Ingram
Mark Ingram, Jr.
Mark Ingram, Jr. is a running back for the New Orleans Saints. Ingram is the son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, Sr....
became the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
.
In February 2010, eighteen players each signed an individual National Letter of Intent
National Letter of Intent
The National Letter of Intent is a document used to indicate a student athlete's commitment to participating NCAA colleges and universities in the United States. The NCAA Eligibility Center manages the daily operations of the NLI program while the Collegiate Commissioners Association provides...
to play college football at Alabama. The 2010 recruiting class was ranked nationally in the top five by several recruiting services including Rivals
Rivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
, Scout
Scout.com
Scout.com is an integrated sports publishing company that produces both an Internet and print product. Scout has more than 2.1 million visitors...
, ESPNU
ESPNU
ESPNU is a television channel that specializes in college sports, and is produced by, affiliated with and owned by parent network ESPN. ESPNU originates out of ESPN Regional Television's ESPNU (often referred to as The U) is a television channel that specializes in college sports, and is produced...
and CBS College Sports. Spring practice began on March 12 and concluded with the annual A-Day spring game on April 17. Televised live by ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
, the Crimson team of offensive starters defeated the White team of defensive starters by a final score of 23–17 before 91,312 fans in Bryant–Denny Stadium. The game was decided after the end of regulation when Brandon Gibson caught a 39-yard touchdown pass from A. J. McCarron
A. J. McCarron
Raymond Anthony "AJ" McCarron, Jr. is an American football quarterback at the University of Alabama. He became the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide in the 2011 season, following the departure of former starter Greg McElroy....
in sudden death. For their performances, Marcell Dareus
Marcell Dareus
-Buffalo Bills:Dareus was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills on April 28, 2011. On April 29, the day after the first round, the Bills announced that Dareus would wear jersey number 99. On July, 29, 2011, Dareus signed a 4 year deal with the Bills worth...
earned the Dwight Stephenson
Dwight Stephenson
Dwight Eugene Stephenson is a former American football offensive lineman and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 1998...
Lineman of the A-Day Game Award and Mark Ingram earned the Dixie Howell
Dixie Howell
-External links:...
Memorial Most Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award.
By August, Alabama had a combined 21 players on 12 different preseason award watch lists. These included both Mark Barron, Marcell Dareus and Dont’a Hightower for the Chuck Bednarik Award
Chuck Bednarik Award
The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the defensive collegiate football player adjudged by the Maxwell Football Club to be the best in the United States...
; Julio Jones for the Fred Biletnikoff Award
Fred Biletnikoff Award
The Fred Biletnikoff Award has been presented since 1994 to America's top college football receiver by the TQC Foundation, Inc. , an independent not-for-profit organization which created the award in 1994 and has sponsored it since...
; Hightower and Nico Johnson for the Butkus Award; Ingram for the Walter Camp Award
Walter Camp Award
The Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football Player of the Year, as decided by a group of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors under the auspices of the Walter Camp Football Foundation;...
; James Carpenter, Dareus and Hightower for the Lombardi Award
Lombardi Award
The Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
; Ingram and Greg McElroy for the Maxwell Award
Maxwell Award
The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
; Barron, Dareus and Hightower for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been awarded annually since 1993 to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the membership of the Football Writers Association of America to be the best defensively in the National Collegiate Athletic Association; the award is presented by the Charlotte...
; McElroy for the Davey O'Brien Award
Davey O'Brien Award
The Davey O'Brien Award, officially the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, named after Davey O'Brien, is presented annually to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the Davey O'Brien Foundation to be the best of all National Collegiate Athletic Association quarterbacks. The...
; Carpenter and Barrett Jones for the Outland Trophy
Outland Trophy
The Outland Trophy is awarded to the best United States college football interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after John H. Outland. One of only a few players ever to be named All-America at two positions, Outland garnered consensus All-America honors in...
; William Vlachos for the Rimington Trophy; Barron for the Jim Thorpe Award
Jim Thorpe Award
The Jim Thorpe Award, named in memory of multi-sport legend Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top defensive back in college football since 1986...
; and Ingram for the Doak Walker Award
Doak Walker Award
The Doak Walker Award, first awarded in 1990, honors the United States's top college football running back. It is named after the Southern Methodist and Detroit Lions football player Doak Walker...
.
Returning starters
Alabama had 10 returning starters from the previous season, including eight on offense and two on defense. The most notable departures from the previous year were linebackerLinebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
s Eryk Anders, Rolando McClain
Rolando McClain
-Oakland Raiders:McClain signed his contract with the Raiders on July 28, 2010, in time to make the first day of training camp. The contract is estimated to be for $40 million over 5 years....
and Cory Reamer
Cory Reamer
Cory Reamer Cory Reamer Cory Reamer (born May 6, 1987 in Hoover, Alabama is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He played college football at Alabama.-Early years:...
; cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
s Javier Arenas
Javier Arenas (American football)
Javier E. Arenas is an American football cornerback and return specialist for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League...
, Kareem Jackson
Kareem Jackson
Kareem Jackson is a cornerback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Alabama, and high school football at Westside High School in Macon.-High school career:...
and Marquis Johnson
Marquis Johnson
Marquis Adrian Johnson is an American football cornerback for the St. Louis Rams. He was drafted 211th overall in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft....
; defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
s Brandon Deaderick
Brandon Deaderick
Brandon Augustus Deaderick is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama.-Early years:Deaderick attended Elizabethtown High School...
and Lorenzo Washington; nose tackle Terrence Cody
Terrence Cody
Terrence Bernard Cody, Jr. is an American football nose tackle for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was selected by the Ravens in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, where he was given the nickname "Mount Cody" for his gargantuan,...
; safety Justin Woodall; offensive linemen Drew Davis and Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson (offensive lineman)
Michael P. Johnson is an American football offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson was one of three Crimson Tide offensive linemen to earn 2008 All-American honors, alongside Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell...
; and tight end
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Colin Peek
Colin Peek
Colin Davis Peek is an American football tight end and is currently a free agent. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology before transferring to the University of Alabama. Peek signed a free agent contract after going undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft...
. Additionally, all of special teams players were replaced following the departures of punter P.J. Fitzgerald, placekicker
Placekicker
Placekicker, or simply kicker , is the title of the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points...
Leigh Tiffin
Leigh Tiffin
Van Leigh Tiffin is an American football kicker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
, long snapper
Long snapper
In American football and Canadian football, the term long snapper refers to a player who is a specialized center during punts, field goals, and extra point attempts. His job is to snap the ball as quickly and accurately as possible....
Brian Selman and Arenas as the return specialist
Return specialist
A Return Specialist is a player on American football or Canadian football special teams who specializes in returning punts and kickoff returns. There are few players who are exclusively return specialists; most play other positions as well. The special teams counterpart of a return specialist is a...
.
Offense
| Player | Class | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Greg McElroy Greg McElroy Gregory McElroy, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama.... |
Senior | Quarterback |
| Mark Ingram Mark Ingram, Jr. Mark Ingram, Jr. is a running back for the New Orleans Saints. Ingram is the son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, Sr.... |
Junior | Running Back |
| Julio Jones Julio Jones Quintorris Lopez "Julio" Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide... |
Junior | Wide Receiver |
| Marquis Maze Marquis Maze Tyran Marquis Maze is an American football wide receiver and return specialist currently playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has played for the Crimson Tide from 2008 to 2011 and had over 1,000 receiving yards in the 2009 and 2010 seasons... |
Junior | Wide Receiver |
| Darius Hanks | Junior | Wide Receiver |
| Preston Dial | Senior | Tight End |
| James Carpenter James Carpenter (American football) James Carpenter is an American football offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Seahawks as the 25th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for Alabama.-High school career:... |
Senior | Left Tackle |
| Chance Warmack | Sophomore | Left Guard |
| William Vlachos | Junior | Center |
| Barrett Jones Barrett Jones Barrett Jones is an American football offensive lineman. He currently attends the University of Alabama in his junior year. Jones is considered one of the best offensive lineman of his class.... |
Sophomore | Right Guard |
| D.J. Fluker | Freshman | Right Tackle |
Defense
| Player | Class | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Chapman Josh Chapman Josh Chapman is an American football defensive lineman. He currently attends the University of Alabama in his senior year. Chapman served as the backup to All-American Terrence Cody during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, and is currently regarded as one of the better nose guard prospects in his... |
Junior | Nose Guard |
| Marcel Dareus | Junior | Defensive End |
| Luther Davis | Senior | Defensive End |
| Dont'a Hightower Dont'a Hightower Dont'a Hightower is an American football linebacker. He is currently attending the University of Alabama in his junior year. He was granted a medical redshirt after his original sophomore campaign was cut short by a knee injury in the fourth game of the season... |
Junior | Linebacker |
| Courtney Upshaw Courtney Upshaw Courtney Upshaw is an American football linebacker for the University of Alabama. Upshaw is considered one of the best pass-rushing outside linebackers of his class and a potential first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.... |
Junior | Linebacker |
| Nico Johnson Nico Johnson Nico Johnson is an American football linebacker. He currently attends the University of Alabama in his junior year. Johnson is considered one of the best outside linebackers in his class.-High school career:... |
Sophomore | Linebacker |
| Jerrell Harris Jerrell Harris Jerrell Harris is an American football linebacker. He currently attends the University of Alabama in his senior year. Harris was an All-American in high school and is considered one of the better outside linebacker prospects of his class.... |
Junior | Linebacker |
| Dre Kirkpatrick Dre Kirkpatrick D'Andre "Dre" Lawan Kirkpatrick is an American football player. He is a junior cornerback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Kirkpatrick was rated as one of the top high school defensive backs in the country... |
Sophomore | Cornerback |
| Dequan Menzie | Junior | Cornerback |
| Robert Lester | Sophomore | Safety |
| Mark Barron Mark Barron Mark Barron , nicknamed “Superman,” is an American football safety for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Barron is 6'2" tall and weighs approximately 215 pounds. He has been clocked running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.... |
Junior | Safety |
Recruiting class
Alabama's recruiting class was highlighted by eight players from the "ESPNESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
150": No. 16 DeMarcus Milliner (CB); No. 32 Phillip Sims (QB); No. 36 John Fulton (CB); No. 54 Adrian Hubbard (DE); No. 74 Chad Lindsay (OG); No. 89 Keiwone Malone (WR); No. 99 C.J. Mosley (OLB); and No. 132 Brian Vogler (TE). Alabama signed the No. 5 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 4 recruiting class according to Scout. The football program received 18 letters of intent
National Letter of Intent
The National Letter of Intent is a document used to indicate a student athlete's commitment to participating NCAA colleges and universities in the United States. The NCAA Eligibility Center manages the daily operations of the NLI program while the Collegiate Commissioners Association provides...
on National Signing Day
National Signing Day
National Signing Day most commonly refers to a day in February, usually on the first Wednesday of that month, which is the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college football with a school that is a member of the NCAA, the main governing body for...
, February 3, 2010.
Schedule
The 2010 schedule was officially released on September 2, 2009. In accordance with conference rules, Alabama faced all five Western Division opponents: Arkansas2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football team
The 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2010 football season. The team played five home games at Razorback Stadium and two home games at War Memorial Stadium. Coach Bobby Petrino was in his third year with the Razorbacks. They were members of the...
, Auburn
2010 Auburn Tigers football team
The 2010 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 2010–2011 college football season. The Tigers, led by second year head coach Gene Chizik were members of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference and played their home games at Jordan-Hare Stadium...
, LSU
2010 LSU Tigers football team
The 2010 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Les Miles in his 6th season. They played their home games at Tiger Stadium and were members of the Southeastern Conference in the Western...
, Mississippi State
2010 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team
The 2010 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team represented Mississippi State University during the 2010 college football season. Mississippi State has been a member of the Southeastern Conference since the league's inception in 1932, and has participated in that conference's Western Division...
, and Ole Miss
2010 Ole Miss Rebels football team
The 2010 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi during the 2010 college football season. The team was coached by Houston Nutt, who was in his third season as the Rebels' head coach...
. They also faced three Eastern Division opponents: official SEC rival
Third Saturday in October
The Third Saturday in October, also known as the Alabama–Tennessee football rivalry, is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Alabama Crimson Tide football team of the University of Alabama and the Tennessee Volunteers football team of the University of Tennessee...
Tennessee
2010 Tennessee Volunteers football team
The 2010 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2010 college football season. The team was coached by Derek Dooley who is in his first season as the 22nd coach in UT football history. The Vols played their home games at Neyland Stadium and competed in the...
, Florida
2010 Florida Gators football team
The 2010 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2010 college football season...
, and South Carolina
2010 South Carolina Gamecocks football team
The 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head football coach was Steve Spurrier, who was in his sixth season at USC...
. Alabama did not play SEC opponents Georgia
2010 Georgia Bulldogs football team
The 2010 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia in 2010. The Bulldogs competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference . This was the Georgia Bulldogs' tenth season for head coach Mark Richt...
, Kentucky
2010 Kentucky Wildcats football team
The 2010 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky during the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats, led by first-year head coach Joker Phillips, competed in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference and played their home games at Commonwealth...
and Vanderbilt
2010 Vanderbilt Commodores football team
The 2010 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 2010 college football season. The team's head coach was Robbie Caldwell, who had been serving as interim head coach following the unexpected retirement of previous head coach Bobby Johnson in July 2010...
. The contest against Ole Miss served as the 2010 homecoming
Homecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
game.
Alabama also played four non-conference games. The game against Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions football
The Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is one of the most tradition-rich and storied college football programs in the...
was originally scheduled as part of the 2004 season
2004 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2004 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama during the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. This was the team's 72nd season in the SEC. The Crimson Tide were led by head coach Mike Shula who was entering his second season as head coach. They began their...
, however the series was moved back at the request of Alabama due to fallout from NCAA sanctions being levied on the program. The non-conference schedule also included games against San Jose State
2010 San Jose State Spartans football team
The 2010 San Jose State Spartans football team represented San Jose State University in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans were led by first year head coach Mike MacIntyre. They played their home games at Spartan Stadium and are members of the Western Athletic Conference...
of the Western Athletic Conference
Western Athletic Conference
The Western Athletic Conference is an American collegiate athletic conference, which was formed on July 27, 1962, making it the sixth oldest of the 11 college athletic conferences currently participating in the NCAA's Division I FBS...
, Duke
2010 Duke Blue Devils football team
The 2010 Duke Blue Devils football team represented Duke University in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Blue Devils were led by 3rd year head coach David Cutcliffe and played their home games at Wallace Wade Stadium. They are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference in the Coastal...
of the Atlantic Coast Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
and Georgia State
Georgia State Panthers football
The Georgia State Panthers football team represents Georgia State University in the NCAA Division I FCS, competing as an independent, but slated to join the Colonial Athletic Association beginning in 2012. Georgia State plays its home games at the Georgia Dome, which is located off-campus in...
of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). On December 5, it was announced Alabama would face Big Ten co-champion
2010 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2010 Big Ten Conference football season was the 115th season for the Big Ten. The conference started its season on Thursday, September 2, as conference member Minnesota traveled to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to face Middle Tennessee, and Ohio State hosted the Thundering Herd of Marshall...
Michigan State
Michigan State Spartans football
The Michigan State Spartans football program represents Michigan State University in college football as members of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level...
in the Capital One Bowl
Capital One Bowl
The Capital One Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Orlando, Florida at the Citrus Bowl, and previously known as the Tangerine Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl...
. In what was the first meeting between the programs, the Tide defeated the Spartans 49–7 and secured their third consecutive ten-win season.
Alabama played six of its SEC opponents the week following the opponents' bye week
Bye (sports)
A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
. These SEC teams who scheduled a bye week before facing the Crimson Tide included South Carolina
South Carolina Gamecocks football
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice...
, Ole Miss
Ole Miss Rebels football
The football history of the University of Mississippi , includes the formation of the first football team in the state and is 26th on the list of college football's all-time winning programs...
, Tennessee
Tennessee Volunteers football
The Tennessee Volunteers football team are an American college football team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville . The NCAA Division I team is also a member of the Southeastern Conference ....
, LSU
LSU Tigers football
The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as...
, Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs football
The Mississippi State Bulldogs football program represents Mississippi State University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing as a member of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference. Mississippi State has produced 38 All-Americans, 171 All-SEC selections, and 124...
and Auburn
Auburn Tigers football
Only Mohamed Amin Abughadir set the record with 1,890 yards in 1 season. He was the QB for Auburn in 1998.The Auburn Tigers football team represents Auburn University in college football as a member of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing in the Western Division of the...
. Georgia State
Georgia State Panthers football
The Georgia State Panthers football team represents Georgia State University in the NCAA Division I FCS, competing as an independent, but slated to join the Colonial Athletic Association beginning in 2012. Georgia State plays its home games at the Georgia Dome, which is located off-campus in...
also had a bye week prior to playing Alabama, for a total of seven consecutive opponents playing Alabama the week following their bye. On July 1, 2010, the game against Georgia State was moved from Saturday, November 20 to Thursday, November 18 to give Alabama additional time to prepare for its game against Auburn. The Sagarin
Jeff Sagarin
Jeff Sagarin is an American sports statistician well-known for his development of a methodology for ranking and rating sports teams in a variety of sports...
computer ratings calculated Alabama's 2010 strength of schedule
Strength of schedule
In sports, strength of schedule refers to the difficulty or ease of a team's/person's opponent as compared to other teams/persons. This is especially important if teams in a league do not play each other the same number of times.-Computation:...
to be the fifth most difficult out of the 245 Division I teams. The Cosgrove Computer Rankings calculated it as the 12th most difficult out of the 120 Division I FBS teams in its rankings.
- Source: Rolltide.com All-time Football Results: 2010 Season
Coaching staff
The only change to the coaching staff from the 2009 season2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 77th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference and its 18th within the SEC Western Division...
was the departure of James Willis, an associate head and outside linebackers coach, to become the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech
Texas Tech Red Raiders football
Texas Tech Red Raiders football program is a college football team that represents Texas Tech University . The team competes, as a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
. Willis was replaced on the staff with Jeremy Pruitt on January 15. Other assistants that declined positions at other programs included Jim McElwain
Jim McElwain
Jim McElwain is an American football coach. He currently serves as offensive coordinator of the Alabama Crimson Tide. McElwain was hired on January 30, 2008, to succeed Major Applewhite.-Early life:...
declining an offer to become San Jose State
San José State Spartans Football
The San Jose State Spartans represent San Jose State University and the Silicon Valley in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The Spartans play all home games in Spartan Stadium, which offers a seating capacity of over 30,000...
's head coach and Kirby Smart
Kirby Smart
Kirby Smart is the defensive coordinator for the University of Alabama.-Playing career:The son of a coach himself, Smart started his football career playing High School ball with the Bainbridge High School Bearcats. He then moved on to play defensive back for the University of Georgia Bulldogs....
declining an offer to become Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs football
The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54...
's defensive coordinator.
| Name | Position | Seasons at Alabama | Alma Mater |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Saban Nick Saban Nicholas Lou "Nick" Saban is the head coach of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide football team. Saban has previously served as head coach of the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and three other NCAA universities: LSU, Michigan State and Toledo... |
Head coach Head coach A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches... |
4 | Kent State Kent State Golden Flashes football The Kent State Golden Flashes football team is a varsity intercollegiate athletic team of Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, USA. The team is a member of the Mid-American Conference East division, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Football Bowl Subdivision... (1973) |
| Burton Burns | Associate Head Coach, Running Backs Running backs coach A running backs coach is a coach in charge of the running backs in gridiron football. The running backs coach typically operates under the team's offensive coordinator.... |
4 | Nebraska Nebraska Cornhuskers football The Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only six football programs in NCAA Division I-A... (1976) |
| Curt Cignetti Curt Cignetti Curt Cignetti is an American football coach who is currently the head coach for the IUP Crimson Hawks of NCAA Division II, a position previously held by his father Frank Cignetti, Sr.-Playing career:... |
Receivers Wide receivers coach A wide receivers coach is a coach in charge of the wide receivers in gridiron football. The wide receivers coach typically operates under a team's offensive coordinator. This coach also typically resides in the coach's box on gameday, often accompanied by or in place of the offensive coordinator.... , Recruiting Coordinator |
4 | West Virginia West Virginia Mountaineers football The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University in the NCAA FBS division of college football. Dana Holgorsen is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their... (1983) |
| Bo Davis | Defensive Line Defensive Line Coach A defensive line coach is a coach that is in charge of the defensive line in gridiron football. This position is very common in the CFL, NFL, and college football programs. The defensive line coach serves the defense, which is led by the defensive coordinator. A defensive line coach works primarily... |
4 | LSU LSU Tigers football The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as... (1993) |
| Jim McElwain Jim McElwain Jim McElwain is an American football coach. He currently serves as offensive coordinator of the Alabama Crimson Tide. McElwain was hired on January 30, 2008, to succeed Major Applewhite.-Early life:... |
Offensive Coordinator Offensive coordinator An offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach... , Quarterbacks Quarterbacks coach A quarterbacks coach is a coach in charge of the quarterbacks in gridiron football. The quarterbacks coach typically operates under the offensive coordinator on a team's coaching staff.... |
3 | Eastern Washington Eastern Washington Eagles football The Eastern Washington Eagles football team represents Eastern Washington University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision... (1984) |
| Joe Pendry Joe Pendry Joe Pendry is a former American football coach. From 1971 until 2010, he was an assistant coach or offensive coordinator for multiple teams in both the collegiate and professional ranks.... |
Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Line Offensive line coach The offensive line coach is a coaching position in gridiron football that is in charge of the offensive line. This role is very common in the CFL, NFL, and college football programs. The offensive line coach serves the offense, which is led by the offensive coordinator.... |
4 | West Virginia West Virginia Mountaineers football The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University in the NCAA FBS division of college football. Dana Holgorsen is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their... (1969) |
| Jeremy Pruitt | Secondary | 1 | West Alabama (1999) |
| Kirby Smart Kirby Smart Kirby Smart is the defensive coordinator for the University of Alabama.-Playing career:The son of a coach himself, Smart started his football career playing High School ball with the Bainbridge High School Bearcats. He then moved on to play defensive back for the University of Georgia Bulldogs.... |
Defensive Coordinator Defensive coordinator A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach... , Linebackers Linebackers coach A linebackers coach is a position coach in charge of the linebackers in gridiron football. This role is common in the CFL, NFL, and college football programs. The linebackers coach serves the defense, which is led by the defensive coordinator and works with the players of the three linebacker... |
4 | Georgia Georgia Bulldogs football The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54... (1999) |
| Sal Sunseri Sal Sunseri - External links :* at Rivals.com* at panthers.com... |
Assistant Head Coach, Linebackers Linebackers coach A linebackers coach is a position coach in charge of the linebackers in gridiron football. This role is common in the CFL, NFL, and college football programs. The linebackers coach serves the defense, which is led by the defensive coordinator and works with the players of the three linebacker... |
2 | Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers football Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football... (1982) |
| Bobby Williams Bobby Williams - External links :* at RollTide.com... |
Tight Ends Tight ends coach A tight ends coach is a coach in charge of the tight ends in American football. The tight ends coach typically operates under the team's offensive coordinator.... , Special Teams |
3 | Purdue Purdue Boilermakers football The Purdue Boilermakers football team is the intercollegiate football program of the Purdue University Boilermakers. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I Bowl Subdivision, and the team competes in the Big Ten Conference. The Boilermakers have an all-time record of... (1982) |
| Scott Cochran | Strength and Conditioning | 4 | LSU LSU Tigers football The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as... (2001) |
| Reference: | |||
San Jose State
Sources:The Crimson Tide began their defense of their 2010
2010 BCS National Championship Game
The 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game was the finale of the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season, and was played between the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide. It was hosted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California,...
BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
championship at home against the San Jose State Spartans
San José State Spartans Football
The San Jose State Spartans represent San Jose State University and the Silicon Valley in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The Spartans play all home games in Spartan Stadium, which offers a seating capacity of over 30,000...
, and before a record crowd in a newly expanded Bryant–Denny Stadium, Alabama was victorious 48–3. Alabama scored a touchdown on their first possession on a one-yard Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson is an American football running back. He is in his junior year at the University of Alabama. As a true freshman with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2009 he helped lead the Tide to an undefeated 14-0 season including a victory in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.-High school...
run to complete an eight play, 71-yard drive. The Spartans responded on the next drive with their only points of the game on a 31-yard Harrison Waid field goal to make the score 7–3. On the ensuing drive the Alabama extended their lead to 14–3 with a 48-yard Greg McElroy
Greg McElroy
Gregory McElroy, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama....
touchdown pass to Marquis Maze
Marquis Maze
Tyran Marquis Maze is an American football wide receiver and return specialist currently playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has played for the Crimson Tide from 2008 to 2011 and had over 1,000 receiving yards in the 2009 and 2010 seasons...
. Alabama again reached the endzone early in the second quarter on a 39-yard Richardson run and a 29-yard A. J. McCarron
A. J. McCarron
Raymond Anthony "AJ" McCarron, Jr. is an American football quarterback at the University of Alabama. He became the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide in the 2011 season, following the departure of former starter Greg McElroy....
pass to Julio Jones
Julio Jones
Quintorris Lopez "Julio" Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide...
to make the score 28–3. Cade Foster
Cade Foster
Cade Foster is an American football placekicker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Foster was considered one of the best placekickers of his class.-High school career:...
scored the final points of the half as time expired on a 31-yard field goal to bring the halftime score to 31–3.
Alabama opened the second half by scoring on their first two possessions. Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy is a college football player currently playing as the No. 2 running back for the 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team. During the 2011 regular season, his average of 7.5 yards per carry ranked first in the Southeastern Conference and sixth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.-High...
scored on a 37-yard run and Foster hit a 24-yard field goal to extend the Crimson Tide lead to 41–3. Lacy scored the final points of the game with a 10-yard run to make the final score 48–3. Both McElroy and McCarron combined to pass for 334 yards on 22 completions and a pair of touchdowns. For the game, the Alabama outgained San Jose in total offense by a margin of 591–175. The 101,821 in attendance marked the first crowd of over 100,000 to attend a football game in the state of Alabama.
Penn State
Sources:With ESPN's
ESPN College Football
ESPN College Football is the branding used for broadcasts of NCAA Division I FBS college football across ESPN properties, including ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, and ESPN Radio...
College GameDay in town, Alabama defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State Nittany Lions football
The Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is one of the most tradition-rich and storied college football programs in the...
24–3 in a renewal of their historic rivalry. Alabama scored first on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Greg McElroy
Greg McElroy
Gregory McElroy, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama....
to Kevin Norwood in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide added to their lead in the second quarter with a 14-yard McElroy touchdown pass to Preston Dial and a 31 yard Jeremy Shelley field goal to take a 17–0 lead at the half. After a scoreless third, Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson is an American football running back. He is in his junior year at the University of Alabama. As a true freshman with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2009 he helped lead the Tide to an undefeated 14-0 season including a victory in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.-High school...
scored on a one-yard run and Penn State's Collin Wagner hit a 36-yard field goal to make the final score to 24–3.
Richardson led the team in rushing with 144 yards on 22 carries, and was also the first back to gain over 100 yards on the ground against Penn State since their 2008
2008 Penn State Nittany Lions football team
The 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the 2008 college football season. The team is coached by Joe Paterno and plays its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.-Previous season:...
game against Iowa
2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team
The 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa and the Iowa Hawkeyes football program in the 2008 college football season. Coached by Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes played their seven home games in Kinnick Stadium.-Previous season:...
. The defense also stood out with Mark Barron
Mark Barron
Mark Barron , nicknamed “Superman,” is an American football safety for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Barron is 6'2" tall and weighs approximately 215 pounds. He has been clocked running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds....
, Robert Lester and Will Lowery each making an interception and Alabama only allowing 283 yards of total offense. After compiling 207 all-purpose yards and scoring a touchdown, Richardson was named Co-SEC Offensive Player of the Week with South Carolina
2010 South Carolina Gamecocks football team
The 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head football coach was Steve Spurrier, who was in his sixth season at USC...
's Marcus Lattimore
Marcus Lattimore
Marcus Lattimore is an American football running back. He currently attends the University of South Carolina in his sophomore year.-Early years:...
. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Nittany Lions to 9–5.
Duke
Sources:In Alabama's first-ever trip to Duke
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
, the Crimson Tide defeated the Blue Devils
Duke Blue Devils football
The Duke Blue Devils football program is a college football team that represents Duke University . The team is currently a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference , which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association . The Blue Devils compete in the Coastal...
by a final score of 62–13 in front of the largest crowd at Wallace Wade Stadium
Wallace Wade Stadium
Wallace Wade Stadium is a stadium on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Primarily used for American football, it is the home field of the Duke Blue Devils. It opened in 1929 with a game against Pitt, as the first facility in Duke's new west campus. The...
since the 1994 season. Playing in his first game of the 2010 season following knee surgery, Mark Ingram
Mark Ingram, Jr.
Mark Ingram, Jr. is a running back for the New Orleans Saints. Ingram is the son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, Sr....
ran for a team high 152 yards on nine carries with two touchdowns.
Greg McElroy
Greg McElroy
Gregory McElroy, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama....
completed 14 of 20 passes for 258 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. In the second quarter Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson is an American football running back. He is in his junior year at the University of Alabama. As a true freshman with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2009 he helped lead the Tide to an undefeated 14-0 season including a victory in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.-High school...
scored Alabama's first special teams touchdown of the season with a 96-yard kickoff return. Other offensive highlights included Richardson gaining 66 yards on seven carries and Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy is a college football player currently playing as the No. 2 running back for the 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team. During the 2011 regular season, his average of 7.5 yards per carry ranked first in the Southeastern Conference and sixth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.-High...
gaining 53 yards on seven carries with each scoring a touchdown on the ground. Through the air, Julio Jones
Julio Jones
Quintorris Lopez "Julio" Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide...
led the team with 106 receiving yards on six catches with he, Darius Hanks and Preston Dial each making a touchdown reception.
The game also marked the return of Marcell Dareus
Marcell Dareus
-Buffalo Bills:Dareus was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills on April 28, 2011. On April 29, the day after the first round, the Bills announced that Dareus would wear jersey number 99. On July, 29, 2011, Dareus signed a 4 year deal with the Bills worth...
following a two-game suspension from the NCAA for receiving improper benefits. After allowing 13 points in the first half, the Alabama defense shut out the Duke offense in the second half. The 62 points scored by the Tide were the most since a 62–0 victory over Tulane
Tulane Green Wave football
The Tulane Green Wave football program is an NCAA Division I FBS football team that represents Tulane University in New Orleans. The team is a member of Conference USA and is led by interim head coach Mark Hutson, who took over on October 18, 2011, when fifth-year head coach Bob Toledo resigned...
during the 1991 season
1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 1991 college football season. The team was led by head coach Gene Stallings who was in his second season at Alabama. The team played their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at...
, and the 45 points scored in the first half were the most scored in one half since scoring 45 in the second half of the 1973 victory over California
California Golden Bears football
The California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to...
. The 626 yards of total offense were the most amassed by an Alabama team since gaining 644 against LSU
LSU Tigers football
The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as...
in 1989. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Blue Devils to 3–1.
Arkansas
Sources:In the first game played between two teams ranked in the top ten at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is an American football stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and serves as the home field of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football team since its opening in 1938. The stadium was formerly known as Razorback Stadium since 1941 before being renamed in 2001...
since the 1979 season, Alabama was victorious with a 24–20 come-from-behind victory. After Ryan Mallett
Ryan Mallett
Ryan Mallett , nicknamed "Big Tex", is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League , taken in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks...
connected on an early touchdown to take a 7–0 lead, Alabama responded with a 54-yard Mark Ingram touchdown run to tie the game at 7–7. Arkansas retook the lead with a field goal and a one-yard Mallett run to take a 17–7 lead at the half. Midway through the third, Arkansas extended their lead to 20–7.
Alabama brought the score to 20–14 late in the third after a 20-yard Trent Richardson touchdown reception from Greg McElroy. The Arkansas lead was then cut to three after a 36-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal with just over 6:00 remaining in the fourth. After Robert Lester intercepted a Mallett pass and returned it to the 12-yard line, Ingram took the next three snaps that culminated in an one-yard touchdown run to take a 24–20 lead. After a late Dre Kirkpatrick
Dre Kirkpatrick
D'Andre "Dre" Lawan Kirkpatrick is an American football player. He is a junior cornerback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Kirkpatrick was rated as one of the top high school defensive backs in the country...
interception, McElroy gained a first down on a fourth and inches quarterback sneak
Quarterback sneak
A quarterback sneak is a play in Canadian and American football in which the quarterback, upon taking the center snap, dives ahead while the offensive line surges forward...
to seal the victory for the Crimson Tide. Ingram led the team with 157 yards rushing on 24 carries and Richardson finished with 85 yards on eight carries. Kirkpatrick led the defense with nine tackles and an interception. For his five tackle, two interception performance, Robert Lester was recognized as both the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week and the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Razorbacks to 11–8 (14–7 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
Florida
Sources:In a rematch of the previous two SEC Championship Game
SEC Championship Game
The SEC Championship Game refers to the game determining the Southeastern Conference's football season champion. The championship game pits the SEC Western Division representative against the Eastern Division representative in a game held after the regular season has been completed. Thus far, nine...
s, Alabama defeated the Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
Gators
Florida Gators football
The Florida Gators football team represents the University of Florida in the sport of American football. The Florida Gators compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletics Association and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference...
31–6. Alabama opened the scoring with a 28-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal in the first, and then scored a trio of second quarter touchdowns. Mark Ingram scored on runs of six and one--yard with the third coming on a 19-yard Marquis Maze
Marquis Maze
Tyran Marquis Maze is an American football wide receiver and return specialist currently playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has played for the Crimson Tide from 2008 to 2011 and had over 1,000 receiving yards in the 2009 and 2010 seasons...
touchdown pass to Michael Williams on a wide receiver pass
Trick play
A trick play, also known as a gadget play or a gimmick play, is a play in American football that uses deception and unorthodox strategies to fool the opposing team. A trick play is often risky, offering the potential for a large gain or a touchdown if it is successful, but with the chance of a...
. Florida got on the board late in the second with a 39-yard Chas Henry field goal to bring the halftime score to 24–3. After a second Henry field goal, C. J. Mosley returned an interception 35-yards for a touchdown to make the final score 31–6.
Although Florida outgained the Crimson Tide in total offense 281 to 273 yards, their three turnovers
Turnover (football)
In American football, a turnover occurs when the team with the ball loses possession of the ball, which is then gained by the other team. The two events that are officially classified as "turnovers" are fumbles or interceptions In American football, a turnover occurs when the team with the ball...
resulted in 21 Alabama points. In addition to Mosley, Nico Johnson
Nico Johnson
Nico Johnson is an American football linebacker. He currently attends the University of Alabama in his junior year. Johnson is considered one of the best outside linebackers in his class.-High school career:...
intercepted Trey Burton in the end zone and Dre Kirkpatrick
Dre Kirkpatrick
D'Andre "Dre" Lawan Kirkpatrick is an American football player. He is a junior cornerback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Kirkpatrick was rated as one of the top high school defensive backs in the country...
intercepted a John Brantley
John Brantley
John Brantley, IV is an American football quarterback for the Florida Gators football team of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida...
pass. The game marked the first time Florida had been held without a touchdown since their previous visit to Tuscaloosa in 2005, and resulted in Alabama leading the nation in scoring defense by allowing only 45 points through five games. Courtney Upshaw
Courtney Upshaw
Courtney Upshaw is an American football linebacker for the University of Alabama. Upshaw is considered one of the best pass-rushing outside linebackers of his class and a potential first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft....
was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week after making seven total tackles, with four for losses, a fumble recovery and two pass deflections. Chance Warmack was recognized as the SEC's Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Gators to 21–14 (22–14 without the NCAA vacation of the 2005 victory).
South Carolina
Sources:With ESPN's
ESPN College Football
ESPN College Football is the branding used for broadcasts of NCAA Division I FBS college football across ESPN properties, including ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, and ESPN Radio...
College GameDay in town and in front of a sold out Williams–Brice, Alabama was upset by the South Carolina
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
Gamecocks
South Carolina Gamecocks football
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice...
35–21. After Alabama scored on its opening drive with a 32-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal, South Carolina responded with three consecutive touchdowns. Stephen Garcia
Stephen Garcia
Stephen Garcia is an American football quarterback formerly of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks of the Southeastern Conference. He is from Lutz, Florida and attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he had 8,000 yards passing and 83 touchdowns as well as 1,345 yards rushing and 17...
threw three touchdown passes, with the first to Marcus Lattimore
Marcus Lattimore
Marcus Lattimore is an American football running back. He currently attends the University of South Carolina in his sophomore year.-Early years:...
for nine-yards followed by strikes of 26 and 15-yards to Alshon Jeffery, to give South Carolina a 21–3 lead in the second quarter. Alabama reached the end zone late in the second on a nine yard Greg McElroy pass to Julio Jones to make the halftime score 21–9 after the extra point failed.
On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Garcia threw the ball out of the end zone for a safety following a bad snap. After the free kick, Alabama scored on a 39-yard Shelley field goal, to make the score 21–14. After a one-yard Lattimore touchdown run, Alabama answered with a 51-yard Darius Hanks touchdown reception from McElroy, to make the score 28–21. However, Lattimore scored on a two-yard touchdown run late in the fourth to give the Gamecocks a 35–21 victory. The win marked South Carolina's first all-time victory over a team ranked number one in the AP poll.
For the game, McElroy set a career high in passing for 315 yards on 27 of 34 passes, and Jones had a team high 118 yards on eight catches. Marcell Dareus
Marcell Dareus
-Buffalo Bills:Dareus was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills on April 28, 2011. On April 29, the day after the first round, the Bills announced that Dareus would wear jersey number 99. On July, 29, 2011, Dareus signed a 4 year deal with the Bills worth...
was recognized as an honorable mention SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his eight tackle performance. The 34 points allowed by the Crimson Tide defense were the most allowed since giving up 41 to LSU in 2007. The loss also marked the end of a 29-game regular season win streak, an overall 19-game win streak, and an 18-game regular season conference winning streak. It was Alabama's first overall loss since being defeated by Utah in the 2009
2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 76th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference and its 17th within the SEC Western Division...
Sugar Bowl
2009 Sugar Bowl
The 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl was the 75th annual edition of the annual college football bowl game that is part of the 2008–09 bowl season of the Bowl Championship Series 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season...
and their first regular season and regular season conference loss since losing to Auburn in 2007. The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against the Gamecocks to 10–4 (12–3 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
Ole Miss
Sources:A week after their first regular season loss since the 2007 season
2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a disappointing 6–7 record in the 2006 season. The Tide was led by its new head coach Nick Saban, a former head coach of rival LSU. Despite a...
, Alabama defeated their long-time rival, the Ole Miss
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public, coeducational research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. Founded in 1844, the school is composed of the main campus in Oxford, four branch campuses located in Booneville, Grenada, Tupelo, and Southaven as well as the...
Rebels
Ole Miss Rebels football
The football history of the University of Mississippi , includes the formation of the first football team in the state and is 26th on the list of college football's all-time winning programs...
on homecoming
Homecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
in Tuscaloosa 23–10. The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 lead in the first quarter on a seven-yard Greg McElroy touchdown pass to Preston Dial and a 49-yard Cade Foster
Cade Foster
Cade Foster is an American football placekicker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Foster was considered one of the best placekickers of his class.-High school career:...
field goal. Scoring continued in the second quarter with Alabama's Jeremy Shelley and Foster connecting on field goals of 19 and 44-yards. Mississippi's Bryson Rose connected on a 22-yard field goal to make the halftime score 16–3. In the third quarter, McElroy connected with Trent Richardson for an 85-yard touchdown reception. The catch was the fourth longest touchdown reception in school history. Later in the quarter, Jeremiah Masoli
Jeremiah Masoli
Jeremiah Taeatafa Masoli is an American football quarterback for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2011...
connected with Melvin Harris on a 15-yard touchdown reception to make the final score 23–10.
On special teams, Marquis Maze totaled 125 yards on six punt returns and was named SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Rebels to 44–9–2 (48–8–2 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
Tennessee
Sources:In the 93rd edition of the Third Saturday in October
Third Saturday in October
The Third Saturday in October, also known as the Alabama–Tennessee football rivalry, is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Alabama Crimson Tide football team of the University of Alabama and the Tennessee Volunteers football team of the University of Tennessee...
, the Crimson Tide defeated the Tennessee
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant university headquartered at Knoxville, Tennessee, United States...
Volunteers
Tennessee Volunteers football
The Tennessee Volunteers football team are an American college football team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville . The NCAA Division I team is also a member of the Southeastern Conference ....
41–10. Tennessee scored first, on a 59-yard Tauren Poole touchdown run to take an early 7–0 lead. Alabama responded by scoring on its next two drives: a 36-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal, and a one-yard Greg McElroy touchdown run to take a 10–7 lead. The second quarter closed with a 42-yard Shelley field goal and a 33-yard field goal by Michael Palardy of Tennessee to make the halftime score 13–10.
Alabama opened the second half by driving 70 yards in four plays, with Julio Jones having receptions of 38 and 19 yards and Mark Ingram punching in the touchdown from one-yard out to extend their lead to 20–10. After Palardy missed a 52-yard field goal, Trent Richardson ran the ball 65 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the ensuing drive for a 27–10 Alabama lead. Later, Robert Lester intercepted a Matt Simms pass, and Alabama extended its lead to 34–10, after an 80 yard drive with Ingram scoring from one-yard out. Alabama scored the final points of the evening in the fourth quarter when A. J. McCarron
A. J. McCarron
Raymond Anthony "AJ" McCarron, Jr. is an American football quarterback at the University of Alabama. He became the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide in the 2011 season, following the departure of former starter Greg McElroy....
hit Richardson for a five-yard touchdown reception to make the final score 41–10. It was Alabama's most lopsided victory over Tennessee since defeating the Volunteers 35–0 in 1963.
For the game, Julio Jones set a school record with 221 receiving yards, eclipsing the previous mark of 217 yards set by David Palmer
David Palmer (American football)
David Lee Palmer is a retired American football player from Birmingham, Alabama. He played the position of wide receiver in college at the University of Alabama and professionally for seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.Palmer was a star quarterback for...
against Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt Commodores football
The Vanderbilt Commodores football program is a college football team that represents Vanderbilt University. The team currently competes in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Southeastern Conference...
in 1993
1993 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 1993 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 1993–94 college football season, competing in the Southeastern Conference Western Division...
. Ingram and Richardson finished with 88 and 119 yards on the ground respectively. For his performance, left tackle James Carpenter
James Carpenter (American football)
James Carpenter is an American football offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Seahawks as the 25th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for Alabama.-High school career:...
was selected as the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. With his 117 yards on 14 carries, Tauren Poole ended Alabama's 41-game streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher dating back to BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Jeremy Green-Ellis is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2008. After playing college football his freshman and sophomore seasons at Indiana University, Green-Ellis...
's 131 yard performance for Ole Miss in 2007
2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a disappointing 6–7 record in the 2006 season. The Tide was led by its new head coach Nick Saban, a former head coach of rival LSU. Despite a...
. The game also marked the first between Nick Saban and Derek Dooley who previously worked for Saban as an assistant coach at LSU
LSU Tigers football
The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as...
and with the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Volunteers to 47–38–7 (48–37–8 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
LSU
Sources:Coming off their bye week
Bye (sports)
A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
and in what was dubbed by some as "Saban Bowl IV," Alabama was upset
Upset
An upset occurs in a competition, frequently in electoral politics or sports, when the party popularly expected to win , is defeated by an underdog whom the majority expects to lose, defying the conventional wisdom...
by their long-time rival, the LSU
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
Tigers
LSU Tigers football
The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as...
24–21. LSU scored first on a 45-yard Josh Jasper field goal to take a 3–0 lead. Alabama scored their first points early in the second quarter on a one-yard Greg McElroy touchdown pass to Trent Richardson to take a 7–3 lead at the half.
Both teams traded touchdowns in the third. The Tigers scored first on a 75-yard Rueben Randle
Rueben Randle
Rueben Jacob Randle is an American football wide receiver. He currently attends Louisiana State University in his junior year...
reception from Jordan Jefferson
Jordan Jefferson
Jordan Jamal Jefferson is an American college football quarterback with the LSU Tigers of the Southeastern Conference...
, and the Crimson Tide responded with a five-yard Mark Ingram touchdown run. LSU scored 14 fourth quarter points to secure the victory with a pair of Jasper field goals and a one-yard Stevan Ridley
Stevan Ridley
Stevan Todd Ridley is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He played college football at LSU...
touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion. Alabama responded with a nine-yard Julio Jones touchdown reception, but was unable to get a defensive stop late in the game preserving the 24–21 LSU victory. Turnovers proved costly for Alabama with LSU scoring field goals on drives after a McElroy interception in the first and fumble in the fourth. The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 45–24–5.
Mississippi State
Sources:A week after being upset by LSU, Alabama returned to Bryant–Denny and began a three game homestand to end the season by defeating long-time rival Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs football
The Mississippi State Bulldogs football program represents Mississippi State University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing as a member of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference. Mississippi State has produced 38 All-Americans, 171 All-SEC selections, and 124...
30–10. The Crimson Tide took a 6–3 lead in the first quarter by trading field goals with the Bulldogs on a 36-yarder from Jeremy Shelley, a 24-yarder from Derek DePasquale and a 45-yarder from Cade Foster. In the second, Alabama reached the end zone for the first time on the evening after Greg McElroy hit Marquis Maze for a 45-yard touchdown reception and a 13–3 lead. After a punt on the next Bulldog series, an 80-yard Maze touchdown return was called back as a result of an illegal block
Penalty (American football)
In American football and Canadian football, a penalty is a sanction called against a team for a violation of the rules, called a foul. Officials initially signal penalties by tossing a bright yellow or orange colored "penalty flag" onto the field toward or at the spot of a foul...
on the play by Alex Watkins. On the next play, Mark Ingram took a short bubble screen pass from McElroy 78-yards for a 20–3 lead at the half.
On their first offensive possession of the second half, and on the third consecutive offensive play, Alabama scored on a long touchdown play. This time Julio Jones ran the ball 56-yards for a touchdown to extend the Alabama lead to 27–3. Shelley scored Alabama's final points in the fourth on a 28-yard field goal with State scoring their lone touchdown late on a 27-yard Chad Bumphis touchdown reception from Tyler Russell. The Alabama defense allowed only 149 rushing yards, registered five sacks
Quarterback sack
In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
and two interceptions.
In this game, the Crimson Tide wore Nike Pro Combat uniforms for the first time. These uniforms featured crimson jerseys with grey and white houndstooth
Houndstooth
Houndstooth, houndstooth check or hound's tooth , also known as dogstooth, dogtooth or dog's tooth, is a duotone textile pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, often in black and white, although other colours are used...
numbers
Uniform number (American football)
The uniform numbers in American football are unusual compared to those in any other sport. They are displayed in more locations on the uniform than in those of other sports , and on the front of the jersey, they are displayed very large, taking up almost the entire front of the jersey...
, a houndstooth stripe on the helmet
Football helmet
A football helmet is a protective device used primarily in American football and Canadian football. It consists of a hard plastic top with thick padding on the inside, a face mask made of one or more plastic bars, and a chinstrap. Some players add polycarbonate visors to their helmets, which are...
, houndstooth gloves and an American flag sewn into one of the sleeves in honor of Veterans Day
Veterans Day
Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark...
. The houndstooth design was chosen as a tribute to former Alabama coach Bear Bryant
Bear Bryant
Paul William "Bear" Bryant was an American college football player and coach. He was best known as the longtime head coach of the University of Alabama football team. During his 25-year tenure as Alabama's head coach, he amassed six national championships and thirteen conference championships...
who was known for wearing a houndstooth fedora during games. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Bulldogs to 73–18–3 (75–17–3 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).
Georgia State
Sources:Originally scheduled to be played on November 20, in July 2010 this game was moved to Thursday, November 18 to give the Crimson Tide extra time to prepare for its game against Auburn. In the first ever meeting against the Georgia State
Georgia State University
Georgia State University is a research university in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Founded in 1913, it serves about 30,000 students and is one of the University System of Georgia's four research universities...
Panthers
Georgia State Panthers football
The Georgia State Panthers football team represents Georgia State University in the NCAA Division I FCS, competing as an independent, but slated to join the Colonial Athletic Association beginning in 2012. Georgia State plays its home games at the Georgia Dome, which is located off-campus in...
, the Crimson Tide was victorious 63–7. Alabama scored first on an eight-yard Greg McElroy pass to Julio Jones. After a Mark Barron
Mark Barron
Mark Barron , nicknamed “Superman,” is an American football safety for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Barron is 6'2" tall and weighs approximately 215 pounds. He has been clocked running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds....
interception ended the first Georgia State drive, Alabama responded with a 71-yard drive capped by a one-yard Mark Ingram touchdown run to take a 14–0 lead.
In the second quarter, Alabama scored on a defensive play when C. J. Mosley returned a Drew Little interception 41-yards for a touchdown. Alabama then extended their lead to 28–0 on a ten-yard Jones touchdown reception from McElroy. At the end of the Panthers next possession, Chavis Williams blocked a Bo Schlechter punt that was returned 22-yards for a touchdown by Brandon Gibson. On the following kickoff, an Albert Wilson fumble was recovered by Gibson to give the Tide possession deep in Panther territory. Four plays later, Alabama extended their lead to 42–0 on a three-yard Eddie Lacy touchdown run. On the ensuing kickoff, the Panthers scored their only points on the evening when Wilson returned the kickoff 97-yards for a touchdown and a halftime score of 42–7.
With the game in hand midway through the second quarter, Alabama played many of its reserve players in the second half. The Tide scored in the third quarter first on a seven-yard A. J. McCarron touchdown pass to Chris Underwood and again on an one-yard Demetrius Goode touchdown run after a Chris Jordan interception to take a 56–7 lead into the final period. In the fourth, Jalston Fowler scored on a 36-yard touchdown run to make the final score 63–7.
After he completed 12 of 13 passes, McElroy set a new single-game Alabama record for completion percentage of 92.3 percent to break the previous record he set against North Texas
2009 North Texas Mean Green football team
The 2009 North Texas Mean Green football team represented the University of North Texas in the 2009 college football season. The 2009 season was the team's third under Head Coach Todd Dodge. The Mean Green played their home games on campus at Fouts Field in Denton, Texas. North Texas finished the...
in 2009. The game also marked the first time Alabama played on a Thursday night since defeating Southern Miss
Southern Miss Golden Eagles football
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles football program represents the University of Southern Mississippi in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The Eagles are members of Conference USA and player their home games at M. M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi...
in 2001
2001 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2001 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama during 2001 NCAA Division I-A football season. They began their season trying to improve upon a 3–8 record during the 2000 season. This was the team's 69th season in the SEC. This marked Dennis Franchiones first ...
, and the return of both former Alabama head coach Bill Curry
Bill Curry
William Alexander "Bill" Curry is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head coach at Georgia State University, which began competing in college football in 2010...
as the Panthers' head coach and quarterback Star Jackson who transferred to Georgia State prior to the 2010 season. The 63 points were the most scored by an Alabama team since defeating Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt Commodores football
The Vanderbilt Commodores football program is a college football team that represents Vanderbilt University. The team currently competes in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Southeastern Conference...
63–3 in 1979
1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
In 1979 the Alabama Crimson Tide capped off a decade of remarkable success with the seventh perfect season in program history, after 1925, 1930, 1934, 1945, 1961, and 1966 . The Tide defense recorded five shutouts and allowed only two teams to score in double digits...
.
Auburn
Sources:In the 75th edition of the Iron Bowl, the Auburn
Auburn University
Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
Tigers
Auburn Tigers football
Only Mohamed Amin Abughadir set the record with 1,890 yards in 1 season. He was the QB for Auburn in 1998.The Auburn Tigers football team represents Auburn University in college football as a member of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing in the Western Division of the...
overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat the Crimson Tide 28–27. Alabama opened a 21–0 lead after the first quarter with touchdown scores on their first three offensive possessions. Touchdowns were scored on a nine-yard Mark Ingram run, a 68-yard Julio Jones reception from Greg McElroy and on a 12-yard Darius Hanks reception from McElroy. The lead was pushed to 24–0 in the second quarter after a 20-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal before the Tigers began their comeback.
Auburn scored their first points late in the second on a 36-yard Cam Newton
Cam Newton
Cameron Lemark Newton is a former American football safety. He played college football at Furman University, then played two seasons in the NFL, one each for the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. He was cut from the Panthers before the 2007 season...
pass to Emory Blake to bring the score to 24–7 at the half. With the only Alabama points in the third scored on a 32-yard Shelley field goal, Auburn brought the margin to 27–21 entering the fourth on a 70-yard Cam Newton touchdown pass to Terrell Zachery and a one-yard Newton run. The Tigers took a 28–27 lead in the fourth on a seven-yard Philip Lutzenkirchen reception from Newton that held to the end of regulation.
With his 10 catch, 199 yard performance, Julio Jones set Alabama single-season records for both receptions and receiving yards in eclipsing the previous marks of 67 receptions by D. J. Hall
D. J. Hall
Martinez D. Hall is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent of the Arena Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Alabama.-Early years:Hall attended Choctawhatchee High School in Ft. Walton...
in 2007
2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a disappointing 6–7 record in the 2006 season. The Tide was led by its new head coach Nick Saban, a former head coach of rival LSU. Despite a...
and 1,056 yards by Hall in 2006
2006 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2006 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a 10–2 record in the 2005 season. The Tide was led by head coach Mike Shula entering his fourth year at Alabama. Despite a strong 5–2 start, they...
. The loss ended a 20-game home winning streak for the Tide dating back to the 2007 loss to Louisiana–Monroe
Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks football
The Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks football program is a college football team that represents the University of Louisiana at Monroe . With a history dating back to 1931, ULM currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Sun Belt Conference...
, and brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 40–34–1. The CBS telecast of this game earned a 7.5 rating
Nielsen Ratings
Nielsen ratings are the audience measurement systems developed by Nielsen Media Research, in an effort to determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States...
, the highest for any game of the 2010 college football season through week 13.
Michigan State
Sources:On December 5, Capital One Bowl
Capital One Bowl
The Capital One Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Orlando, Florida at the Citrus Bowl, and previously known as the Tangerine Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl...
officials announced Alabama would face the Big Ten co-champion
2010 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2010 Big Ten Conference football season was the 115th season for the Big Ten. The conference started its season on Thursday, September 2, as conference member Minnesota traveled to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to face Middle Tennessee, and Ohio State hosted the Thundering Herd of Marshall...
Michigan State
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
Spartans
Michigan State Spartans football
The Michigan State Spartans football program represents Michigan State University in college football as members of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level...
in the 2011 Capital One Bowl
2011 Capital One Bowl
The 2011 Capital One Bowl was the sixty-fifth edition of the college football bowl game, and was played at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The game was played on January 1, 2011 and matched the Alabama Crimson Tide from the Southeastern Conference with the Michigan State Spartans from the Big...
. In a strong defensive performance where the Spartans were held to a total of minus-48 yards rushing, Alabama was victorious 49–7. Alabama scored touchdowns on their first four offensive possessions. Mark Ingram scored first on an one-yard touchdown run to complete a 13 play, 79-yard drive on Alabama's first possession. After a Robert Lester interception of a Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins
-College career:In 2007, newly hired Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio recruited Cousins to play for the Spartans. Cousins was redshirted for the 2007 season. In 2008, he spent the season as the back up quarterback to Brian Hoyer. He played in five games passing for a total of 310 yards and...
pass on the Spartans' opening drive, the Tide scored on an eight-yard Trent Richardson touchdown run. Alabama extended their lead to 28–0 at the half following touchdown runs of six and 35-yards by Ingram and Julio Jones.
After holding Michigan State to a three-and-out to open the third quarter, Alabama scored its fifth touchdown in six offensive possessions when Marquis Maze scored on a 37-yard Greg McElroy pass. Up by 35 points late in the third, the Crimson Tide pulled many of their starters that resulted in many players seeing action from deep in the depth chart
Depth chart
In sports, a depth chart is used to show the placements of the starting players and the secondary players. Generally a starting player will be listed first or on top while a back-up will be listed below...
. Eddie Lacy extended the lead to 49–0 with touchdown runs of twelve-yards in the third and 62-yards in the fourth quarter. Michigan State scored their only points late in the fourth on a 49-yard Bennie Fowler touchdown reception from Keith Nichol
Keith Nichol
Keith Nichol is a wide receiver for the Michigan State Spartans college football team. He previously played for the Oklahoma Sooners.-High school career:Nichol attended Lowell High School in Lowell, Michigan...
to make the final score 49–7. The 42-point margin of victory was Alabama's largest in a bowl game since defeating Syracuse
Syracuse Orange football
The Syracuse Orange football program is a college football team that represents Syracuse University. The team is a member of the Big East Conference, which is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I conference that is part of the Football Bowl Subdivision...
61–6 in the 1953 Orange Bowl
1953 Orange Bowl
The 1953 Orange Bowl, part of the 1952 bowl game season, took place on January 1, 1953, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The competing teams were the Alabama Crimson Tide, representing the Southeastern Conference and the , competing as a football independent. Alabama won the game by a record...
.
The minus-48 yards rushing allowed by the Alabama defense was the fewest ever allowed in a bowl game and the second fewest allowed all-time only eclipsed by a minus-49 yard performance against Houston
Houston Cougars football
The Houston Cougars football program is an NCAA Division I FBS football team that represents the University of Houston. The team is commonly referred to as "Houston" or "UH" . The UH football program is currently a member of the Conference USA intercollegiate athletic conference, and is coached by...
in 1962. With his pair of touchdowns, Mark Ingram established a new Alabama record for career rushing touchdowns with 42 to eclipse the previous mark of 41 set by Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander
Shaun Edward Alexander is a former American football running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Seahawks 19th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Alabama.- Early career :Alexander was born and...
. The contest also marked both Nick Saban's and Bobby Williams
Bobby Williams
- External links :* at RollTide.com...
' first game against the Spartans since their respective terms as Michigan State's head coach between 1995–1999 and 2000–2002.
Depth chart
Starters and backups.Rankings
Entering the 2010 season, the Crimson Tide was ranked No. 1 in the AP and Coaches' Preseason Polls. The No. 1 preseason ranking was the first for Alabama since the 1978 season. In week six, Alabama dropped to the No. 8 ranking in both the AP and Coaches' Poll following their loss to South Carolina. The Tide rebounded in the rankings though week nine, rising to No. 5 before dropping to No. 11 in the AP and No. 12 in the Coaches' Poll following their loss at LSU. After their loss to Auburn, Alabama dropped to No. 15 in the AP, No. 18 in the Coaches' Poll and No. 16 in the final BCS standings. Following the victory over Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl, Alabama finished No. 10 in the final AP, No. 11 in the final Coaches' Polls.| Poll | Pre | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Wk 11 | Wk 12 | Wk 13 | Wk 14 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 15 | 10 |
| Coaches | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 18 | 11 |
| Harris | Not released | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 18 | 16 | ||||||
| BCS | Not released | 8 | 7 | 6 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 16 | |||||||
After the season
In the week following the Capitol One Bowl victory, several changes were made to the Alabama coaching staff. Defensive line coach Bo Davis resigned his position to serve as the defensive tackles coach for TexasTexas Longhorns football
The Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National...
. The following day, Chris Rumph was hired by Coach Saban from Clemson
Clemson Tigers football
The Clemson Tigers football team is an American football team from Clemson University in South Carolina. It competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
to replace Davis as defensive line coach. On January 12, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Joe Pendry
Joe Pendry
Joe Pendry is a former American football coach. From 1971 until 2010, he was an assistant coach or offensive coordinator for multiple teams in both the collegiate and professional ranks....
announced his retirement. The following day, former Miami
Miami Hurricanes football
The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships...
interim head coach Jeff Stoutland
Jeff Stoutland
Jeff Stoutland is the offensive line coach for the University of Alabama. He served as the interim head football coach for the University of Miami in 2010.-Playing career:...
was hired to replace Pendry as offensive line coach. On January 21, wide receivers coach
Wide receivers coach
A wide receivers coach is a coach in charge of the wide receivers in gridiron football. The wide receivers coach typically operates under a team's offensive coordinator. This coach also typically resides in the coach's box on gameday, often accompanied by or in place of the offensive coordinator....
and recruiting coordinator Curt Cignetti
Curt Cignetti
Curt Cignetti is an American football coach who is currently the head coach for the IUP Crimson Hawks of NCAA Division II, a position previously held by his father Frank Cignetti, Sr.-Playing career:...
resigned his position to accept the head coaching job at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
IUP Crimson Hawks football
The IUP Crimson Hawks football program represents Indiana University of Pennsylvania in college football at the NCAA Division II level. The Crimson Hawks play their home games at George P. Miller Stadium in Indiana, Pennsylvania....
. On February 7, Mike Groh
Mike Groh
Mike Groh is an American college football coach and former player, currently the wide receiver's coach at the University of Alabama...
was hired a Cignetti's replacement as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.
As part of the A-Day celebrations on April 16, the 2010 team captains Greg McElroy, Dont'a Hightower and Mark Barron were honored at the Walk of Fame ceremony at the base of Denny Chimes
Denny Chimes
The Denny Chimes is a tall campanile equipped with a 25-bell carillon, located on the south side of The Quad of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama U.S.A.. The tower was named in honor of former University president George H. Denny, who served from 1912 to 1936 and again in 1941...
. Later that day, as recognition for becoming the fifth Alabama head coach to win a national championship with the 2009 squad
2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 77th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference and its 18th within the SEC Western Division...
, the University unveiled a statue of coach Saban along the Walk of Champions outside Bryant–Denny Stadium.
Awards
Following the SEC Championship Game2010 SEC Championship Game
The 2010 SEC Championship Game was played on December 4, 2010, in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, to determine the 2010 football champion of the Southeastern Conference . The game featured the Auburn Tigers, the champion of the West Division, and the South Carolina Gamecocks, champion of the...
, the conference named its award winners. Defensive back
Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
Mark Barron, wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Julio Jones and offensive guard Barrett Jones were all named to the AP All-SEC First Team. Offensive lineman James Carpenter, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Mark Ingram, linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Dont'a Hightower and defensive back Robert Lester were all named to the AP All-SEC Second Team. Quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Greg McElroy and center
Center (American football)
Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...
William Vlachos were each named AP All-SEC Honorable Mention. Four players were named to the Coaches' All-SEC First Team including Barron, James Carpenter, Marcell Dareus and Julio Jones. Barrett Jones, William Vlachos, Mark Ingram, Dont'a Hightower, return specialist
Return specialist
A Return Specialist is a player on American football or Canadian football special teams who specializes in returning punts and kickoff returns. There are few players who are exclusively return specialists; most play other positions as well. The special teams counterpart of a return specialist is a...
Trent Richardson and defensive backs Robert Lester and Dre Kirkpatrick were named to the Coaches' All-SEC Second Team. Four players were named to the Freshman All-SEC Coaches' Team including offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, linebacker C.J. Mosley, defensive back Dee Milliner and punter Cody Mandell. In addition to the conference awards, several players were also named to various national All-American Teams
2010 College Football All-America Team
The College Football All-America Team is an honor given annually to the best American college football players at their respective positions. The original All-America team was the 1889 College Football All-America Team selected by Casper Whitney and Walter Camp...
. Julio Jones and Mark Barron were named to the AP All-American Second Team and Marcell Dareus and Barrett Jones were named to the AP All-American Third Team. Barron was also named to the All-America team by the Football Writers Association of America
Football Writers Association of America
The Football Writers Association of America is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA...
(FWAA). Quarterback Greg McElroy, tight end Preston Dial and offensive lineman James Carpenter were all selected to play in the Under Armour
Under Armour
Under Armour is an American sports clothing and accessories company. The company is a supplier of a wide range of sportswear and casual apparel mainly focusing on hi-tech sportswear for professional athletes...
Senior Bowl
2011 Senior Bowl
The 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl was an all-star college football exhibition game featuring players from the 2010 college football season, and prospects for the 2011 Draft of the professional National Football League . Final score was South Team 24 to North Team 10.The game was played on January...
.
NFL Draft
Of all the draft-eligible juniors, Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Marcell Dareus declared their eligibility for the 2011 NFL Draft on January 7. At the time of their announcement, each was projected as a first round pick. Five Alabama players, two seniors and three juniors, were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. The invited players were offensive lineman James Carpenter, quarterback Greg McElroy, defensive end Marcell Dareus, running back Mark Ingram, and wide receiver Julio Jones. In the draft, Alabama set a school record with four players selected in the first round. The first round selections were Dareus (3rd Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
), Jones (6th Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
), Carpenter (25th Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
) and Ingram (28th New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
). McElroy was selected in the seventh round (208th New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
). Preston Dial signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
in July 2011 after the NFL labor dispute
2011 NFL season
The 2011 NFL season, the 92nd regular season of the National Football League, began on Thursday, September 8, 2011 with the Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers defeating the New Orleans Saints 42–34 at Lambeau Field and will end with Super Bowl XLVI, the league's championship game, on...
was resolved.