Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide are college football royalty. Whenever you see their names, success is sure to follow. However, as evidenced by their 2021 football schedule, Alabama has not been their usual dominant selves. With turnover all over the roster after a swift 52-24 victory over Ohio State in the 2020-2021 National Championship, the Crimson Tide took some time to find their stride this year.
2021 Alabama football schedule and results
- Alabama 44, Miami (FL) 13 | Sept. 4, 2021
- Mercer 14, Alabama 48 | Sept. 11, 2021
- Alabama 31, Florida 29 | Sept. 18, 2021
- Southern Miss 14, Alabama 63 | Sept. 25, 2021
- Ole Miss 21, Alabama 42 | Oct. 2, 2021
- Alabama 38, Texas A&M 41 | Oct. 9, 2021
- Alabama 49, Mississippi State 9 | Oct. 16, 2021
- Tennessee 24, Alabama 52 | Oct. 23, 2021
- LSU 14, Alabama 21 | Nov. 6, 2021
- New Mexico State 3, Alabama 59 | Nov. 13, 2021
- Arkansas 35, Alabama 42 | Nov. 20, 2021
- Alabama 24, Auburn 22 (OT) | Nov. 27, 2021
While Alabama finished the year 13-1 and as the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, they struggled more than expected in some games. Their early 31-29 victory over Florida was unconvincing, especially with the Gators ending the year a disappointing 6-7. You can chalk that up to the team still melding — it was only Week 3 — but their outings to end the regular season were concerning.
First was a poor offensive outing in a 21-14 win over LSU, a team that has been free-falling since an immaculate 2019 national championship-winning campaign. Two weeks later, Alabama narrowly knocked off Arkansas, allowing them to score 35 points. Then, to round out the year, the Crimson Tide needed an extra period to silence Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
SEC Championship Game
- Georgia 24, Alabama 41 | Dec. 4, 2021
But none of that mattered once Bama entered what would be a preview of the 2021-2022 National Championship in the SEC title match against Georgia. Although Saban’s esteemed defense held the Bulldogs to 24 points — their lowest since Week 1 — it was the Crimson Tide’s offense who stole the show.
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Led by Heisman-winning QB Bryce Young, who threw for 421 yards and 3 TDs against the best defense in the country, Alabama dropped 41 on Georgia. Prior to that matchup, Kirby Smart’s squad hadn’t forfeited more than 17 points all year! Bama came away with an inspiring victory the first time around, but don’t expect a repeat result in the national championship.
The Bulldogs can review the film and identify where they made mistakes. Additionally, the Crimson Tide are without WR2 John Metchie III, who generated 97 yards and a TD on 6 receptions before tearing his ACL in the second quarter of the SEC title game. Now, Georgia can key on Jameson Williams and dare Young to beat them with other weapons.
Cotton Bowl Classic / College Football Playoffs
- Cincinnati 6, Alabama 27 | Dec. 31, 2021
Cincinnati was a long shot to unseat the top-rated team in college football. However, they proved to be a thorn in the side of Alabama’s offense. Yes, Brian Robinson Jr. had a field day on the ground (26 carries for 204 yards). But Young and the offense struggled through the air. He completed 17 of 28 passes for just 181 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Yet, unsurprisingly, the Tide’s defense stunted the Bearcats, limiting them to just 6 points and 218 total yards.
With a championship bout on tap, Bama needs to get past one more team to claim back-to-back titles. Since the College Football Playoffs were instituted in 2014, the Crimson Tide have been in six of the eight contests, winning three. There are few certainties in life, but Saban’s squad competing for a national championship is one of them. And while Georgia is a formidable opponent with the stout defense, Young and Co. should prove too much yet again.
