2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football
BCS National Championship Game vs LSU,
Conference Southeastern Conference Western Division
Ranking
BCS #2
Coaches #2
AP #2
2011 record 11–1 (7–1 SEC)
Head coach Nick Saban (5th year)
Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain (4th year)
Offensive scheme Multiple, Pro Style
Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart (4th year)
Base defense 3–4
Captain Trent Richardson
Captain Dont'a Hightower
Captain Mark Barron
Home stadium Bryant–Denny Stadium
Seasons
« 2010 2012 »
2011 SEC football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
Eastern Division
#18 Georgia x   7 – 1         10 – 4  
#10 South Carolina   6 – 2         11 – 2  
Florida   3 – 5         7 – 6  
Vanderbilt   2 – 6         6 – 7  
Kentucky   2 – 6         5 – 7  
Tennessee   1 – 7         5 – 7  
Western Division
#1 LSU x†   8 – 0         13 – 0  
#2 Alabama ‡   7 – 1         11 – 1  
#7 Arkansas   6 – 2         10 – 2  
Auburn   4 – 4         8 – 5  
Mississippi State   2 – 6         7 – 6  
Ole Miss   0 – 8         2 – 10  
Championship: LSU 42, Georgia 10
† – BCS representative as champion
‡ – BCS at-large representative
x – Division champion/co-champions
As of January 2, 2012 • Rankings from AP Poll

The 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA", "Bama" or "The Tide") represents the University of Alabama in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It marks the Crimson Tide's 119th overall season, 79th as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and its 20th within the SEC Western Division. The team is led by head coach Nick Saban, in his fifth year, and play their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Contents

Before the season

After winning the BCS National Championship in 2009, Alabama fell short of preseason expectations and finished with a record of nine wins and three losses at the conclusion of the regular season. However, they finished with a 49–7 victory in the 2011 Capital One Bowl against Michigan State, and secured Alabama's third straight ten-win season and their third bowl win in four seasons.[1]

In February 2011, Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 7 recruiting class according to Scout.[2][3] Spring practice began on March 21 and concluded with the annual A-Day spring game on April 16.[4] Televised live by ESPNU, the Crimson team defeated the White team by a final score of 14–10 before 92,310 fans in Bryant–Denny Stadium.[5] For their performances, Barrett Jones earned the Dwight Stephenson Lineman of the A-Day Game Award and Trent Richardson earned the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award.[5]

In the weeks following the conclusion of spring practice, a pair of tragedies occurred that directly impacted the team. On April 27, 2011, an EF4 rated tornado devastated Tuscaloosa.[6] As a result of the storm, long snapper Carson Tinker suffered a broken wrist with his girlfriend being one of the 43 fatalities attributed to the storm in Tuscaloosa.[6] On May 12, 2011, offensive lineman Aaron Douglas was found dead in Fernandina Beach, Florida.[7] The cause of death was subsequently ruled accidental as a result of multiple drug toxicity.[7] After transferring to Alabama from Arizona Western College, Douglas struggled with off-field issues including a DUI charge following a December 2010 arrest.[8] He started his career as a freshman All-America at Tennessee, before the Volunteers' new head coach Derek Dooley granted him a release from the program in Spring 2010.[9]

By August, Alabama had a combined 31 players on 12 different preseason award watch lists.[10] These included Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick, Robert Lester and Courtney Upshaw for the Chuck Bednarik Award; Duron Carter, Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze for the Fred Biletnikoff Award; Hightower, Nico Johnson and Upshaw for the Butkus Award; Lester and Trent Richardson for the Walter Camp Award; Hightower, Barrett Jones, Upshaw and William Vlachos for the Lombardi Award; Michael Williams for the John Mackey Award; Richardson for the Maxwell Award; Barron, Hightower, Kirkpatrick, Lester and Upshaw for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy; Jones and Vlachos for the Outland Trophy; Vlachos for the Rimington Trophy; Barron, Kirkpatrick and Lester for the Jim Thorpe Award; and Richardson for the Doak Walker Award.[10]

Between the conclusion of the 2010 season and the beginning of summer practice in August 2011, seven players transferred from the Crimson Tide.[11] Those who transferred included Robby Green (California University of Pennsylvania), B.J. Scott (South Alabama), Demetrius Goode (North Alabama), Petey Smith (Holmes Community College), Brandon Moore (East Mississippi Community College), Corey Grant (Auburn) and Keiwone Malone (Memphis).[11]

Personnel

Coaching staff

In the week following the Capitol One Bowl victory, changes were made to the Alabama coaching staff. Defensive line coach Bo Davis resigned his position to serve as the defensive tackles coach for Texas.[12] The following day, Chris Rumph was hired by Coach Saban from Clemson, to replace Davis as the defensive line coach.[13] On January 12, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Joe Pendry announced his retirement.[14] The following day, former Miami interim head coach Jeff Stoutland was hired to replace Pendry as offensive line coach.[15] 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.[16] On February 7, Mike Groh was hired a Cignetti's replacement as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.[17]

Name Position Seasons at
Alabama		 Alma Mater
Nick Saban Head coach 5 Kent State (1973)
Burton Burns Associate Head Coach, Running Backs 5 Nebraska (1976)
Mike Groh Receivers, Recruiting Coordinator 1 Virginia (1995)
Jim McElwain Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks 4 Eastern Washington (1984)
Jeremy Pruitt Secondary 2 West Alabama (1999)
Chris Rumph Defensive Line 1 South Carolina (1994)
Kirby Smart Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers 5 Georgia (1999)
Jeff Stoutland Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Line 1 Southern Connecticut (1984)
Sal Sunseri Assistant Head Coach, Linebackers 3 Pittsburgh (1982)
Bobby Williams Tight Ends, Special Teams 4 Purdue (1982)
Scott Cochran Strength and Conditioning 5 LSU (2001)
Reference:[18]

Returning starters

Alabama had 17 returning starters from the previous season, including ten on defense and seven on offense.[19] The most notable departures from the previous year were defensive end Marcell Dareus; left tackle James Carpenter; tight end Preston Dial; quarterback Greg McElroy; wide receiver Julio Jones; and running back Mark Ingram, Jr.[20]

Offense

Player Class Position
Michael Williams Junior Tight End
Marquis Maze Senior Wide Receiver
Darius Hanks Senior Wide Receiver
Chance Warmack Junior Left Guard
William Vlachos Senior Center
Barrett Jones Junior Right Guard
D.J. Fluker Sophomore Right Tackle
Reference:[21]

Defense

Player Class Position
Mark Barron Senior Safety
Robert Lester Junior Safety
Dont'a Hightower Junior Linebacker
C.J. Mosley Sophomore Linebacker
Courtney Upshaw Senior Linebacker
Nico Johnson Junior Linebacker
Dre Kirkpatrick Junior Cornerback
Dequan Menzie Senior Cornerback
DeMarcus Milliner Sophomore Cornerback
Josh Chapman Senior Nose Tackle
Reference:[22]

Special teams

Player Class Position
Cade Foster Sophomore Placekicker
Jeremy Shelley Junior Placekicker
Cody Mandell Sophomore Punter
Carson Tinker Junior Long Snapper
Reference:[23]

Depth chart

Starters and backups.[24]

Defensive Starters
FS
Mark Barron
Will Lowery
Nick Perry
WLB ILB ILB SLB
Courtney Upshaw Nico Johnson Dont'a Hightower Jerrell Harris
Adrian Hubbard C.J. Mosley Chris Jordan Alex Watkins
Xzavier Dickson Tana Patrick Trey DePriest Jonathan Atchison
SS
Robert Lester
Jarrick Williams
Vinnie Sunseri
CB
Dre Kirkpatrick
Phelon Jones
Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix
DE NT DE
Jesse Williams Josh Chapman Damion Square
Quinton Dial Nick Gentry Ed Stinson
Undra Billingsly Jesse Williams ⋅
CB
DeQuan Menzie
Dee Milliner
John Fulton
Offensive Starters
WR
Marquis Maze
Brandon Gibson
Kevin Norwood
LT LG C RG RT
Barrett Jones Chance Warmack William Vlachos Anthony Steen D. J. Fluker
Cyrus Kouandjio Barrett Jones Kellen Williams John Michael Boswell Austin Shepherd
Tyler Love Alfred McCullough ⋅ ⋅ ⋅
TE
Michael Williams
Chris Underwood
Brian Vogler
WR
DeAndrew White
Darius Hanks
Kenny Bell
QB
A. J. McCarron
Phillip Sims
Phillip Ely
RB
Trent Richardson
Eddie Lacy
Jalston Fowler
FB
Brad Smelley
Harrison Jones
⋅
Special Teams
PK Cade Foster
PK Jeremy Shelley
P Cody Mandell
KR Marquis Maze/Darius Hanks
PR Marquis Maze
LS Carson Tinker
H A. J. McCarron

Recruiting class

See also: American football positions, Glossary of American football, and Recruiting (college athletics)

Alabama's recruiting class was highlighted by eleven players from the "ESPN 150": No. 3 Cyrus Kouandjio (OT); No. 19 Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix (S); No. 22 Xzavier Dickson (DE); No. 38 Trey DePriest (OLB); No. 41 Bradley Sylve (WR); No. 53 Jeoffrey Pagan (DE); No. 75 Marvin Shinn (WR); No. 79 Demetrius Hart (RB); No. 82 Malcolm Faciane (TE); No. 137 Danny Woodson, Jr. (WR); and No. 140 Brent Calloway (ATH).[25] Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 7 recruiting class according to Scout.[2][3] The football program received 14 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 2, 2011.[26]

Schedule

The 2011 schedule was officially released on October 19, 2010.[27] In accordance with conference rules, Alabama will face all five Western Division opponents: Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. They will also face three Eastern Division opponents: official SEC rival Tennessee, Florida, and Vanderbilt.[28] Alabama is not scheduled to play SEC opponents Georgia, Kentucky and South Carolina.[28] Alabama is also scheduled to play four non-conference games. The game against Penn State was originally scheduled to be played as part of the 2004 season, however the series was moved back to this season at the request of Alabama due to fallout from NCAA sanctions being levied on the program.[29] The non-conference schedule also includes games against Kent State of the Mid-American Conference, North Texas of the Sun Belt Conference and Georgia Southern of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).[27] Alabama is scheduled to have one bye week following the Tennessee game and prior to playing LSU.[27] On December 4, 2011, the final Bowl Championship Series standings were unveiled with a rematch between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game.[30][31]

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 3 11:21 am Kent State* #2 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL SEC Network W 48–7   101,821
September 10 2:37 pm at #23 Penn State* #3 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA (Rivalry) ABC W 27–11   107,846
September 17 6:38 pm North Texas* #2 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL FS South W 41–0   101,821
September 24 2:40 pm #14 Arkansas #3 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL CBS W 38–14   101,821
October 1 7:00 pm at #12 Florida #3 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium • Gainesville, FL CBS W 38–10   90,888
October 8 6:00 pm Vanderbilt #2 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL ESPNU W 34–0   101,821
October 15 5:00 pm at Ole Miss #2 Vaught–Hemingway Stadium • Oxford, MS (Rivalry) ESPN2 W 52–7   61,792
October 22 6:15 pm Tennessee #2 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Third Saturday in October) ESPN2 W 37–6   101,821
November 5 7:14 pm #1 LSU #2 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Rivalry) CBS L 6–9 OT  101,821
November 12 6:52 pm at Mississippi State #4 Davis Wade Stadium • Starkville, MS (Rivalry) ESPN W 24–7   57,871
November 19 1:07 pm #3 (FCS) Georgia Southern* #3 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL PPV W 45–21   101,821
November 26 2:30 pm at Auburn #2 Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL (Iron Bowl) CBS W 42–14   87,451
January 9, 2012 7:30 pm vs. #1 LSU #2 Mercedes-Benz Superdome • New Orleans, LA (2012 BCS National Championship Game, Rivalry) ESPN    
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll. All times are in Central Time.

Game notes

Kent State

See also: 2011 Kent State Golden Flashes football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Kent State 0 0 7 0 7
• #2 Alabama 21 3 14 10 48
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 11:23 a.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:28
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 96°, partly cloudy, winds ESE 9 mph
  • Referee: Matt Moore
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Andre Ware (color), Cara Capuano (sideline)

The Crimson Tide opened the 2011 season at home against Nick Saban's alma mater, the Kent State Golden Flashes of the Mid-American Conference.[35] In the meeting that was the first all-time against the Golden Flashes, the Crimson Tide won 48–7.[34][36] After holding the Golden Flashes to a three-and-out on the opening possession, Trent Richardson scored the Crimson Tide's first touchdown on a one-yard run to give Alabama a 7–0 lead.[37] After holding Kent State again to a three-and-out, Alabama responded with a four play, 74 yard touchdown drive that featured a 48-yard Eddie Lacy reception and a 24-yard Marquis Maze touchdown reception from A. J. McCarron to take a 14–0 lead.[36][37] The Tide scored their final points of the first quarter on a one-yard Richardson run to take a 21–0 lead into the second quarter.[37] After only scoring on a 36-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal in the second quarter, Alabama led 24–0 at the half.[34]

On the second Crimson Tide possession of the third quarter, Phillip Sims threw an interception to Norman Wolfe that was returned to the Alabama three yard line. Two plays later, Kent State scored their only points of the game when Spencer Keith connected with Justin Thompson for a three-yard touchdown reception to cut the lead to 24–7.[37] The Crimson Tide responded with touchdowns on the next two consecutive drives. Richardson and Lacy both scored on one-yard runs to extend Alabama's lead to 38–7 entering the fourth quarter.[34] In the fourth, the Tide scored their final touchdown of the afternoon on a 49-yard Jalston Fowler run and their final points on a 32-yard Shelley field goal to make the final score 48–7.[34] For the game, Alabama's defense was dominant in allowing −9 yards rushing and 90 yards of total offense against Kent State in the contest.[38] On offense, the Crimson Tide had 482 total yards with three different running backs scoring touchdowns and Maze totaling 118 yards receiving on eight catches with one touchdown.[38]

Penn State

See also: 2011 Penn State Nittany Lions football team
1 2 3 4 Total
• #3 Alabama 7 10 3 7 27
#23 Penn State 3 0 0 8 11
  • Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
  • Game start: 3:37 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:20
  • Game attendance: 107,846
  • Game weather: 77°, partly sunny, winds N 5–10 mph
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (ABC): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline)

In what was the second consecutive meeting between the Crimson Tide and the Penn State Nittany Lions, and first at Happy Valley since 1989, Alabama won 27–11.[40][41] Penn State took the opening possession down the field and recorded a 43-yard field goal by Evan Lewis to take an early 3–0 lead by using all 3 of their timeouts.[42] Alabama took a 7–3 lead later in the first quarter after A. J. McCarron connected with Michael Williams for a five-yard touchdown reception to cap a 11 play, 69 yard drive.[42] A 22-yard Jeremy Shelley kick extended the Crimson Tide lead to 10–3 early in the second quarter.[40] Then after trading punts, Dre Kirkpatrick forced Andrew Szczerba to fumble the ball that was recovered by Alabama's DeQuan Menzie.[42] Ten plays later, the Crimson Tide led 17–3 after a three-yard Trent Richardson touchdown run.[42]

In the third quarter Shelley connected on an 18-yard field goal and Richardson scored his second rushing touchdown of the game midway through the fourth on a 13-yard run to give Alabama a 27–3 lead.[42] The final points of the game came late in the fourth when Silas Redd scored on a one-yard touchdown for the Nittany Lions, and Rob Bolden converted the two-point conversion to bring the final score to 27–11.[42][43]

Trent Richardson ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns while Eddie Lacy ran for 85.[41] A.J. McCarron threw for 163 yards and a touchdown.[41] For his seven tackles, interception and fumble recovery, Mark Barron was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.[44] The 107,846 fans in attendance were the most to ever see an Alabama squad compete on the gridiron, and the victory improved their all-time record against the Nittany Lions to 10–5.[45]

North Texas

See also: 2011 North Texas Mean Green football team
1 2 3 4 Total
North Texas 0 0 0 0 0
• #2 Alabama 10 10 7 14 41
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 6:38 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:10
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 80°, partly cloudy, winds ENE 4 mph
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (Fox Sports South): Bob Rathbun (play-by-play), Tim Couch (color), Kristina Akra (sideline)

In their meeting against the North Texas Mean Green, Alabama outgained their opponent 586 to 169 yards of total offense in Alabama's 41–0 victory.[47][48] After a 26-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal gave the Crimson Tide a 3–0 lead, Trent Richardson scored their first touchdown of the evening on Alabama's second offensive possession to give them a 10–0 lead at the end of the first period.[49][50] The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 20–0 by halftime after a 43-yard Eddie Lacy touchdown run and a 37-yard Shelley field goal in the second quarter.[49][50]

North Texas opened the second half with a nine play, 54-yard drive to set up a 42-yard Zach Olen field goal attempt. However, the kick was blocked by Robert Lester to preserve the shutout.[49] Alabama extended their lead to 27–0 by the fourth quarter after Richardson scored his second touchdown of the evening on a 58-yard run.[49][50] After Shelley missed a 42-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter, Richardson scored again with a 71-yard touchdown run on Alabama's next offensive possession to extend their lead to 34–0.[49][50] Lacy scored the final points of the game midway through the fourth with his second touchdown of the evening on a 67-yard run to give Alabama the 41–0 victory.[49][50]

Trent Richardson ran for a career-high 167 yards and three touchdowns and Eddie Lacy ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns and became the first pair of running backs to each run for 150 yards in a game.[50][51] The shutout was the Crimson Tide's first since they defeated Chattanooga 45–0 in 2009 and improved Alabama's all-time record against the Mean Green to 4–0.[51]

Arkansas

See also: 2011 Arkansas Razorbacks football team
1 2 3 4 Total
#14 Arkansas 7 0 7 0 14
• #3 Alabama 7 10 21 0 38
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 2:40 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:04
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 80°, sunny, winds NNE 3 mph
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

After three consecutive victories to start the season, the Crimson Tide opened conference play against the Arkansas Razorbacks, and defeated them 38–14 at Bryant–Denny Stadium.[53][54] Alabama scored first with a trick play on their opening possession. After driving to the Arkansas 37 yard line, Cade Foster lined up for a 54-yard field goal attempt.[55] Alabama quarterback A. J. McCarron received the snap as the holder, and proceeded to throw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Michael Williams to give the Crimson Tide a 7–0 lead.[55][56] The Razorbacks tied the game at 7–7 late in the first quarter when Tyler Wilson threw a ten-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Johnson.[56] After an Arkansas goal line stand, Jeremy Shelley connected on a 20-yard field goal to give Alabama a 10–7 lead.[56] On the ensuing Arkansas possession, the Crimson Tide scored when DeQuan Menzie intercepted a Wilson pass and returned it 25-yards for a touchdown to give Alabama a 17–7 lead at the half.[56][57]

After holding Arkansas scoreless on their first possession of the third quarter, Alabama's Marquis Maze returned a Dylan Breeding punt 83-yards for a touchdown and a 24–7 Crimson Tide lead.[56] On Alabama's next possession, Trent Richardson caught a screen pass from McCarron and ran it 61-yards for a touchdown and extended the Alabama lead to 31–7.[56] The Razorbacks scored on the following possession when Wilson threw his second touchdown pass of the afternoon after he connected on a 19-yard pass to Cobi Hamilton.[56] Eddie Lacy then scored the final points of the game late in the third on a four-yard touchdown run to give the Crimson Tide the 38–14 victory.[56][54] The Alabama defense only allowed 17 rushing and 226 of total offense to the Razorbacks in the victory.[53] For his 235 all-purpose yards and touchdown reception, Trent Richardson was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.[58] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Razorbacks to 12–8 (15–7 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).[59]

Florida

See also: 2011 Florida Gators football team
1 2 3 4 Total
• #3 Alabama 10 14 0 14 38
#12 Florida 10 0 0 0 10
  • Location: Gainesville, Florida
  • Game start: 8:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:21
  • Game attendance: 90,888
  • Game weather: 72°, clear
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

In what was the first meeting as opposing head coaches between Nick Saban and his former assistant coach from both LSU and the Miami Dolphins, Will Muschamp, the Crimson Tide defeated the Florida Gators, 38–10 at The Swamp.[61][62][63] After receiving the opening kickoff, Florida scored their only touchdown of the game on their first offensive play from scrimmage.[64] The Gators took an early 7–0 lead when John Brantley threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Andre Debose.[64] Alabama responded on the following drive with Jeremy Shelley connecting on a 32-yard field goal to cut the Florida lead to 7–3.[65] The Gators responded with what turned out to be their final points of the game when Caleb Sturgis connected on a 21-yard field goal.[65] Alabama's Marquis Maze then returned the ensuing kickoff 70-yards to the Florida 29 yard line and the Crimson Tide tied the game at 10–10 seven plays later on a five-yard Trent Richardson touchdown run.[65][66]

Alabama extended their lead to 24–10 at halftime with a pair of second quarter touchdowns. Courtney Upshaw scored a defensive touchdown early in the quarter after he intercepted a Brantley pass and returned it 45-yards for the score.[67] A. J. McCarron scored later in the quarter on a one-yard quarterback sneak to cap a ten play, 61-yard drive.[65] Late in the quarter, the Gators did have a scoring opportunity by driving to the Alabama 13 yard line. However, the Alabama defense sacked Brantley on consecutive snaps for a loss of 22-yards and knocked Brantley out of the game with an injury.[65][67] Sturgis then missed a 52-yard field goal attempt and Alabama led 24–10 at the half.[65]

After a scoreless third quarter, a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns gave Alabama the 38–10 victory. Richardson scored his second touchdown of the game with 12:25 remaining on a 36-yard run and Eddie Lacy scored the final points of the game on a 20-yard run.[65][66] For the game, Alabama's defense was dominant in only allowing 222 total yards of offense, with the 15 rushing yards being the fewest ever allowed against Florida in their all-time series.[68] Trent Richardson established a new career high for rushing yards in game with his 181 yards on 29 attempts.[68] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Gators to 22–14 (23–14 without the NCAA vacation of the 2005 victory).[68]

Vanderbilt

See also: 2011 Vanderbilt Commodores football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 0
• #2 Alabama 7 7 13 7 34
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 6:02 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:59
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 77°, Sunny
  • Referee: Penn Wagers
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Brian Griese (color), Allison Williams (sideline)

For the 91st homecoming football game in Alabama history, the Crimson Tide defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 34–0 who made their first visit to Bryant–Denny Stadium since the 2006 season.[69][70][71][72] After a three-and-out on their opening drive, Alabama scored their first touchdown of the evening on a six-yard A. J. McCarron touchdown pass to Brad Smelley to complete a ten play, 77-yard drive.[73] On the following drive Vanderbilt had an opportunity to cut into the lead, but Carey Spear missed a 47-yard field goal to keep the Alabama lead at 7–0.[74] Spear missed a second field goal later in the second quarter from 38-yards, and the Crimson Tide responded with their second touchdown drive of the game.[74] McCarron threw his second touchdown pass of the game to DeAndrew White on a five-yard reception to give Alabama a 14–0 halftime lead.[70][73]

In the third quarter, Trent Richardson scored first on a one-yard touchdown run followed by a 39-yard McCarron touchdown pass to White on consecutive possessions.[70][73] Following an unsuccessful extra point by Jeremy Shelley, Alabama led 27–0 entering the fourth quarter.[74] Early in the fourth, Dee Milliner intercepted a Jordan Rodgers pass and returned it 37-yards to the Commodores' 20 yard line.[74] Three plays later, McCarron threw a 17-yard touchdown pass, his fourth of the day, to Darius Hanks to make the final score 34–0.[74][73]

For the game, Trent Richardson ran for 107 yards to extend his streak of consecutive games rushing for at least 100 yards to five games.[75] The defense was dominant in completing their second shutout of the season and only allowing Vanderbilt 190 yards of total offense.[75] The victory improved Alabama's all-time homecoming record to 77–13–1 and their record against the Commodores to 59–19–4 (61–18–4 without the NCAA vacations and forfeits).[75]

Ole Miss

See also: 2011 Ole Miss Rebels football team
1 2 3 4 Total
• #2 Alabama 7 10 28 7 52
Ole Miss 7 0 0 0 7
  • Location: Oxford, Mississippi
  • Game start: 5:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:03
  • Game attendance: 61,792
  • Game weather: 75°, fair, calm
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (color), Jeannine Edwards (sideline)

After Ole Miss took an early 7–0 lead, the Crimson Tide scored 52 unanswered points in their 52–7 victory over the Rebels at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium.[77][78] The Rebels scored their only points of the game on their first possession. Jeff Scott scored on a one-yard touchdown run to cap a 5 play, 72-yard drive to give Ole Miss their only lead of the game at 7–0.[79] Alabama responded on the following drive with the first of four Trent Richardson touchdowns of the evening on an eight-yard run to tie the game at 7–7.[79] The Crimson Tide added ten points in the second quarter to take a 17–7 halftime lead. Richardson scored on a seven-yard touchdown and after Cade Foster missed a 53-yard field goal attempt, Jeremy Shelley connected for 24-yard field goal.[79]

In the third quarter, Alabama put the game away with four touchdowns. After five consecutive A. J. McCarron passes gained 65-yards, Richardson gained the final eight en rout to his third touchdown of the evening.[79] On the next Alabama possession, Richardson gained 16-yards and then scored a touchdown on a 76-yard run, the longest of his career, for a 31–7 lead.[79][80] On the first play ensuing Rebels possession, Courtney Upshaw forced a Randall Mackey fumble that was recovered by Ed Stinson at the Ole Miss 15 yard line.[79] Two plays later, the Crimson Tide led 38–7 after Jalston Fowler scored on an eight-yard touchdown run.[79] The final points of the quarter came on a ten-yard McCarron touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson, and the final points of the game came in the fourth quarter on a 69-yard Fowler touchdown run to make the final score 52–7.[79]

Alabama's defense again had a strong performance in only allowing the Rebels 141 total yards of offense (28 rushing, 113 passing).[80] Richardson set a new career high with his 183 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. For his performance, Richardson was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.[81] The 52 total points were the most Alabama had scored in a SEC game since defeating Vanderbilt 59–28 in 1990.[78][80] The victory was their eighth straight over Ole Miss and improved Alabama's all-time record against the Rebels 45–9–2 (49–8–2 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).[80]

Tennessee

See also: 2011 Tennessee Volunteers football team
Third Saturday in October
1 2 3 4 Total
Tennessee 3 3 0 0 6
• #2 Alabama 3 3 21 10 37
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 6:21 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:03
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 63°, Sunny and clear, winds NNE 2 mph
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (color), Jeannine Edwards (sideline)

In the 2011 edition of the Third Saturday in October, Alabama entered the game as a 30-point favorite over the rival Tennessee Volunteers.[84] At Bryant–Denny, the Volunteers were looking for the upset after tying the game 6–6 at halftime; however 31 unanswered points resulted in a 37–6 Crimson Tide victory to extend their overall record to 8–0.[83][85] The first half was dominated by both defenses with each only allowing a pair of field goals.[86] Mike Palardy connected from 40 and 52-yards for Tennessee and Jeremy Shelley connected from 26 and 29-yards for Alabama.[83]

After holding the Volunteers to a three-and-out to open the second half, the Alabama offensive responded with their first of three third quarter touchdowns with a two-yard A. J. McCarron touchdown run.[87] On the following Tennessee drive, the Alabama defense stopped quarterback Matt Simms on a fourth-and-one to give the Crimson Tide offense the ball on the Volunteers' 39 yard line.[87] On the next play, McCarron threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Bell to extend the Alabama lead to 20–6.[87] Trent Richardson then scored his first touchdown of the game on the following Alabama possession on a 12-yard run to cap a six play, 63-yard drive.[87][88] Cade Foster scored early in the fourth quarter with his 45-yard field goal, and after a Dont'a Hightower interception, Richardson scored his second touchdown of the day on a one-yard run to make the final score 37–6.[87][88]

In the game, Marquis Maze had 106 yards receiving on five catches and McCarron set a new career high with 284 yards passing.[89] For his defensive performance, Hightower was named both the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week and the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.[90] The victory was Alabama's fifth consecutive over Tennessee and improved their all-time record against the Volunteers to 48–38–7 (49–37–8 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).[89]

LSU

See also: 2011 LSU vs. Alabama football game and 2011 LSU Tigers football team
1 2 3 4 OT Total
• #1 LSU 0 3 0 3 3 9
#2 Alabama 0 3 3 0 0 6
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 7:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:21
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 59°, Wind ESE 3 mph, Clear Skies
  • Referee: Tom Ritter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

Coming off their bye and in what was hyped as the latest "Game of the Century" in college football, the LSU Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 9–6 in overtime.[92][93][94][95][96] After a scoreless first quarter that saw the Crimson Tide miss two field goals, and another blocked early in the second quarter, Alabama took a 3–0 lead midway through the second on a 34-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal.[97] LSU responded on their following possession by driving to the Alabama two-yard line and kicking a 19-yard Drew Alleman field goal as time expired to tie the game at 3–3 at halftime.[98]

Just as the first half was dominated by both defenses, the second was no different with both Alabama and LSU only managing a pair of field goals. Alabama's came in the third on a 46-yard Cade Foster score and LSU's came in the fourth on a 30-yard Alleman score.[97][98] In the overtime period, Foster missed a 52-yard field goal attempt and Alleman connected on a 25-yard attempt to give the Tigers the 9–6 victory.[97][98] Both defenses held each offense to less than 300 yards of total offense with each having a pair of interceptions.[97][98] With the loss, Alabama dropped to 4–8 all-time in overtime games and brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 45–25–5.[99]

Mississippi State

See also: 2011 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team
1 2 3 4 Total
• #4 Alabama 0 7 3 14 24
Mississippi State 0 0 0 7 7
  • Location: Starkville, Mississippi
  • Game start: 6:45 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:06
  • Game attendance: 57,871
  • Game weather: 63°, partly cloudy, windy
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline)

A week after their loss to LSU, Alabama traveled to Starkville and defeated their long-time rival, the Mississippi State Bulldogs 24–7.[101][102] After a pair of missed field goals, one from 19-yard by Cade Foster and the second from 31-yards by Jeremy Shelley, Alabama scored their first points in the second quarter.[103] Eddie Lacy capped a five play, 52 yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run to give the Crimson Tide a 7–0 lead.[101] Later in the quarter Derek DePasquale missed a 41-yard field goal attempt for the Bulldogs, but on the ensuing Alabama possession Cameron Lawrence intercepted an A. J. McCarron pass and returned it to the Alabama four-yard line.[103] However, the Alabama defense held the Bulldogs to only a field goal attempt which was then missed from 29-yards by Brian Egan to preserve a 7–0 halftime lead for the Crimson Tide.[103]

Alabama extended their lead to 10–0 after Shelley connected on a 24-yard field goal early in the third quarter.[101] Early in the fourth, Trent Richardson scored on a two-yard run for a 17–0 Crimson Tide lead.[101] However, on the ensuing kickoff was returned 68-yards to the Alabama 22 yard line by John Fulton, and four plays later the Bulldogs cut the score to 17–7 after Tyler Russell threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Smith.[103] The Crimson Tide then closed the game with an eleven play, 73-yard drive, all on the ground, with Lacy scoring his second touchdown of the night from 32 yards out to give Alabama the 24–7 victory.[101][102] The 127 rushing yards gained by Richardson was his seventh 100 yard rushing game of the season.[104] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Bulldogs to 74–18–3 (76–17–3 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).[104]

Georgia Southern

See also: 2011 Georgia Southern Eagles football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Georgia Southern 0 14 7 0 21
• #3 Alabama 10 14 14 7 45
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game start: 1:07 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:55
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 63°, mostly cloudy, winds SSE 11 mph
  • Referee: Matt Moore
  • TV announcers (CTSN): Chris Stewart (play-by-play), Tyler Watts (color), Tom Roberts (sideline)

Against the triple option attack of the Georgia Southern Eagles, ranked No. 3 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Alabama defense gave up the most total yards, rushing yards and points of the season in their 45–21 victory at Bryant–Denny Stadium.[106][107][108] After receiving the opening kickoff, the Crimson Tide drove to the Eagles' 14-yard line where Jeremy Shelley connected on a 32-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead.[109] On their opening possession, Georgia Southern had a nine-play, 49 yard drive to set up a 42-yard field goal attempt. However, the Adrian Mora attempt was blocked by Dont'a Hightower and returned by Dre Kirkpatrick 55-yards for a touchdown and a 10–0 Crimson Tide lead.[109] In the second quarter, A. J. McCarron threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Trent Richardson to complete a ten play, 71-yard drive for a 17–0 lead. However, the Eagles responded on their next offensive play when Dominique Swope scored on an 82-yard touchdown run to cut the Alabama lead to 17–7.[109][110] Both teams then traded touchdowns when Richardson scored on a one-yard run for Alabama and Jaybo Shaw threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Bryant for Georgia Southern.[109] After Cade Foster missed a 47-yard field goal attempt late, Alabama led 24–14 at halftime.[109][107]

After forcing a punt to open the second half, Alabama scored a touchdown on its opening possession with a 34-yard touchdown reception by Brad Smelley from McCarron.[109] However on the ensuing kickoff, Laron Scott returned it 95-yards for a touchdown to cut the lead again to 31–21.[110] Alabama responded on the following drive with Richardson accounting for 46 yards of it on seven carries with a one-yard touchdown run for a 38–21 Alabama lead.[109] In the fourth quarter, Alabama stopped the Eagles at the Crimson Tide eight-yard line after an incomplete Shaw pass on fourth down.[109] From there the Alabama offense began a 15-play, 92-yard drive that took 8:36 to complete with McCarron throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to Smelley for the final points in their 45–21 win.[109] For the game, Richardson had 175 yards on the ground with a pair of rushing touchdowns and one receiving.[111] His one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave Richardson the Alabama single-season rushing touchdown record breaking the previous mark of 19 set by Shaun Alexander in 1999.[111]

Auburn

See also: 2011 Auburn Tigers football team and Iron Bowl
Iron Bowl
1 2 3 4 Total
• #2 Alabama 14 10 3 15 42
Auburn 7 0 7 0 14
  • Location: Auburn, Alabama
  • Game start: 2:39 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:14
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Game weather: 70°, partly cloudy, winds SE 10 mph
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

After the loss against the Auburn Tigers the previous year, in which the Crimson Tide surrendered a 24-point lead, for nearly a year reminders of the defeat and the phrase "never again" were utilized by the team as even greater motivation to win in an already heated rivalry.[114][115] With a potential birth in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game on the line, the Alabama defense did not allow an offensive touchdown in their 42–14 victory on The Plains.[113][116] After trading a pair of three-and-outs to open the game, Alabama scored their first points of the game when A. J. McCarron threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Bell for a 7–0 lead.[117] Following a ten-yard Steven Clark punt on the enduing Auburn possession, Alabama got the ball on the Tigers' 35-yard line. On the next play, McCarron threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Brad Smelley for a 14–0 lead.[117] On the first play of Alabama's fourth offensive possession, Corey Lemonier forced a McCarron fumble that was recovered for a touchdown by Kenneth Carter to cut the Crimson Tide lead to 14–7 at the end of the first quarter.[117] A pair of long drives in the second quarter resulted in a five-yard Trent Richardson touchdown reception and a 30-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal to give Alabama a 24–7 halftime lead.[117]

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Onterio McCalebb scored a touchdown on an 83-yard return to cut the Alabama lead to 24–14.[118] Alabama responded on their next possession with a 28-yard Shelley field goal for a 27–14 lead entering the fourth quarter.[117] On the third play of the fourth quarter, Auburn's Clint Moseley threw an interception to DeMarcus Milliner that was returned 35-yards for a touchdown and after a successful two-point conversion, Alabama led 35–14.[119] After getting the ball back on downs late in the quarter, Jalston Fowler scored on a 15-yard touchdown run, to cap a drive that included a 57-yard Richardson run, and made the final score 42–14.[117]

In the game, Richardson set a new career high with his 203 rushing yards and tied Mark Ingram, Jr. for the most 100-yard rushing games in a season with nine.[120] The defense held Auburn to 140 total yards of offense, with only 78 yards on the ground, and zero offensive touchdowns in the victory.[113] The victory brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 41–34–1.[120]

LSU

See also: 2011 LSU Tigers football team and 2012 BCS National Championship Game
Allstate BCS National Championship
1 2 3 4 Total
#2 Alabama 0 0 0 0 0
#1 LSU 0 0 0 0 0

On December 4, 2011, the final Bowl Championship Series standings were unveiled with a rematch between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game.[30][31]

Rankings

See also: 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
Ranking Movement
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking. ██ Not ranked the previous week.
NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. ( ) = First place votes.
Week
Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final
AP 2 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 4 3 2 2 2
Coaches 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 4 3 2 2 2
Harris Not released 2 2 2 2 4 3 2 2 2
BCS Not released 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2

After the season

In the week following the conclusion of the regular season, several changes were made to the Alabama coaching staff. On December 12, sources revealed that offensive coordinator Jim McElwain had accepted the head coaching position with the Colorado State University Rams, but would stay with Alabama through the championship game.[121]

Awards

Conference

Following the SEC Championship Game, the conference named its award winners. Trent Richardson was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year.[122] In addition to Richardson, Mark Barron, Barrett Jones, Courtney Upshaw and William Vlachos were named to the AP All-SEC First Team.[122] Josh Chapman, Dont'a Hightower and Dre Kirkpatrick were named to the AP All-SEC Second Team.[122] Barron, Hightower, Jones, Richardson, Upshaw and Vlachos were named to the Coaches' All-SEC First Team.[123] Chapman, Kirkpatrick, Marquis Maze (as both a wide receiver and return specialist) and Chance Warmack were named to the Coaches' All-SEC Second Team.[123] Cyrus Kouandjio and Vinnie Sunseri were both named to Freshman All-SEC Team.[124] The SEC named Richardson the Offensive Player of the Year.[125] Jones earned the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in addition to being named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.[125]

National

After the season, a number of Alabama players were named as national award winners and finalists. Trent Richardson was named a finalist to win the Heisman Trophy, along with Wisconsin's Montee Ball, Baylor's Robert Griffin III, Stanford's Andrew Luck and LSU's Tyrann Mathieu.[126] He finished third in the Heisman voting with 978 points, behind Griffin (1,687 points) and Luck (1,407 points).[127] Richardson won the Doak Walker Award and was also named a finalist for the Maxwell Award;[128][129] Dont'a Hightower was named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Butkus Award, the Lott Trophy and the Lombardi Award;[128][130][131][132] Courtney Upshaw was named a finalist for the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award;[130][132] Barrett Jones won both the Outland Trophy and the Wuerffel Trophy;[128][129][133] Mark Barron was named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy;[128][134] and William Vlachos was named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy.[128] Assistant head and linebackers coach Sal Sunseri was also named a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award.[135] The team as a whole was honored with the Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award as a result of their collective efforts to assist in the rebuilding of Tuscaloosa following the April 27, 2011, tornado that devastated the city.[136]

In addition to the individual awards, several players were also named to various national All-American Teams. Barron, Hightower, Jones, DeQuan Menzie and Richardson were named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America Team.[137] Barron, Hightower, Jones and Richardson were named to the Walter Camp All-America Team.[138] Upshaw and Vlachos were both named to the Walter Camp All-America Second Team.[138] Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, Jones, Richardson and Upshaw were named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America Team.[139] Barron, Hightower, Jones and Richardson were named to the Associated Press All-American First Team; Upshaw and Kirkpatrick were named to the Associated Press All-American Second Team.[140]

References

General

Specific

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  57. ^ Kausler, Jr., Don (September 24, 2011). "DeQuan Menzie's pick six 'a big game-changer'". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/dequan_menzies_pick_six_a_big.html. Retrieved September 26, 2011. 
  58. ^ Kausler, Jr., Don (September 26, 2011). "Tide's Trent Richardson named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/tides_trent_richardson_named_t.html. Retrieved September 26, 2011. 
  59. ^ "Alabama vs Arkansas Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 24, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092411aad.html. Retrieved September 26, 2011. 
  60. ^ "Football heads to Florida for key road matchup". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 26, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092611aaa.html. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
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  62. ^ "Gators lose QB John Brantley, game to No. 3 Crimson Tide". Associated Press. ESPN.com. October 1, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312740057. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
  63. ^ Staples, Andy (September 28, 2011). "Student, teacher to meet as Florida takes on 'Bama in Swamp matchup". Sports Illustrated (SI.com). http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/09/28/Muschamp.Saban/index.html. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
  64. ^ a b Barlis, Jeff (October 1, 2011). "Sideline reports: Fast start, poor finish". The Gainesville Sun (GatorSports.com). http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20111001/ARTICLES/111009959/1136?Title=Sideline-reports-Fast-start-poor-finish. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
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  66. ^ a b Jones, David (October 1, 2011). "Trent Richardson, defense lead No. 3 Alabama past Florida". USA Today (USAToday.com). http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/sec/story/2011-10-01/alabama-florida-trent-richardson/50630146/1. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
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  71. ^ "AJ McCarron has career day as Alabama shuts out Vanderbilt". Associated Press. ESPN.com. October 8, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312810333. Retrieved October 10, 2011. 
  72. ^ "Vanderbilt hangs with Alabama most of first half, but loses 34–0". The Washington Post. Associated Press. October 8, 2011. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/vanderbilt-hangs-with-alabama-most-of-first-half-but-loses-34-0/2011/10/08/gIQABJUhWL_story.html. Retrieved October 10, 2011. 
  73. ^ a b c d Zenor, John (October 8, 2011). "McCarron passes No. 2 Alabama past Vandy". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111008/APS/1110080861. Retrieved October 10, 2011. 
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  76. ^ "Football heads to Mississippi to face Rebels". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 10, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101011aaa.html. Retrieved October 10, 2011. 
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  78. ^ a b "Alabama ousts Mississippi as Trent Richardson rumbles for four TDs". Associated Press. ESPN.com. October 15, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312880145. Retrieved October 15, 2011. 
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  81. ^ "SEC Football Players Of The Week for games of October 15". SECdigitalnetwork.com. http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/228703/sec-football-players-of-the-week.aspx. Retrieved October 17, 2011. 
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  83. ^ a b c "Tennessee vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 22, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua102211.html#GAME.SUM. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  84. ^ Zenor, John (October 21, 2011). "No. 2 Alabama heavily favored over rival Tennessee". The Anniston Star. Associated Press. http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/16128556/article-No--2-Alabama-heavily-favored-over-rival-Tennessee?instance=sports_top. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  85. ^ "Alabama breaks halftime tie, goes on to pound Tennessee". Associated Press. ESPN.com. October 22, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950333. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  86. ^ Strange, Mike (October 22, 2011). "Halftime: Tennessee 6, Alabama 6". Knoxville News Sentinel. http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2011/oct/22/halftime-tennessee-6-alabama-6/?partner=RSS. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
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  90. ^ "Dont'a Hightower named Lott IMPACT Player of the Week". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 24, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102411aaa.html. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  91. ^ "Top ranked matchup set for Tuscaloosa on Saturday". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. October 31, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/103111aab.html. Retrieved November 6, 2011. 
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  93. ^ "LSU kicks winning field goal in OT for defensive-minded win over Alabama". Associated Press. ESPN.com. November 5, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313090333. Retrieved November 6, 2011. 
  94. ^ Bachman, Rachel (October 31, 2011). "Another Game of the Century". The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052970204394804577008183103001136.html. Retrieved November 4, 2011. 
  95. ^ Gould, Izzy (November 5, 2011). "It's finally here! No. 1 LSU visits No. 2 Alabama tonight in football's latest Game of the Century". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/its_finally_here_no_1_lsu_visi.html. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  96. ^ "Game of the Century: Another epic in college football looms as No. 1 LSU awaits No. 2 Alabama". The Washington Post. Associated Press. November 3, 2011. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/game-of-the-century-another-epic-contest-looms-as-no-1-lsu-gets-set-to-face-no-2-alabama/2011/11/03/gIQA3dsLjM_story.html. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
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  99. ^ "LSU vs Alabama: Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 5, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110611aad.html. Retrieved November 6, 2011. 
  100. ^ "Football heads to Starkville to face Mississippi State". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 7, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110711aaa.html. Retrieved November 13, 2011. 
  101. ^ a b c d e f "Alabama vs Mississippi State: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 12, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua111211.html#GAME.SUM. Retrieved November 13, 2011. 
  102. ^ a b "Trent Richardson rushes for 127 yards as Alabama rebounds from loss". Associated Press. ESPN.com. November 12, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313160344. Retrieved November 13, 2011. 
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  105. ^ "Football hosts Georgia Southern in home finale". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 14, 2011. 
  106. ^ a b "Georgia Southern vs Alabama: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 19, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua111911.html#GAME.SUM. Retrieved November 19, 2011. 
  107. ^ a b "Trent Richardson scores 3 TDs to lift Alabama past Georgia Southern". Associated Press. ESPN.com. November 19, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313230333. Retrieved November 20, 2011. 
  108. ^ Deas, Tommy (November 19, 2011). "UA defense on its heels most of the game". The Tuscaloosa News. http://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1296277. Retrieved November 20, 2011. 
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  110. ^ a b Barnidge, Noell (November 19, 2011). "Eagles swept away by Tide". Statesboro Herald. http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/291/article/36464/. Retrieved November 20, 2011. 
  111. ^ a b "Georgia Southern vs Alabama: Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 19, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111911aab.html. Retrieved November 20, 2011. 
  112. ^ "Football heads to Auburn for Iron Bowl matchup". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 21, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112111aaa.html. Retrieved November 26, 2011. 
  113. ^ a b c "Alabama vs Auburn: Scoring Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 26, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/au12.html#GAME.SUM. Retrieved November 26, 2011. 
  114. ^ Kausler, Jr., Don (November 22, 2011). "Crimson Tide never again wants to see or hear 'Never Again'". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/crimson_tide_never_again_wants.html. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  115. ^ Deas, Tommy (November 26, 2011). "Signs remind Alabama of last year’s meltdown against Auburn". The Gadsden Times. http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20111126/WIRE/111129898/-1/opinion01?Title=Signs-remind-Alabama-of-last-year-8217-s-meltdown-against-Auburn. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  116. ^ "Alabama stomps Auburn behind Trent Richardson's 203 yards". Associated Press. ESPN.com. November 26, 2011. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313300002. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  117. ^ a b c d e f "Alabama vs Auburn: Play-by-Play Summary". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 26, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/au12.html#GAME.PLY. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  118. ^ Long, A. Stacy (November 27, 2011). "McCalebb’s TD gave Auburn glimmer of hope". The Decatur Daily. http://decaturdaily.com/stories/McCalebbs-TD-gave-Auburn-glimmer-of-hope,88257. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  119. ^ Gould, Izzy (November 26, 2011). "Dee Milliner's pick-6 third of the season for Alabama". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_notes_dee_milliners_pi.html. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  120. ^ a b "Alabama vs Auburn: Postgame Notes". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. November 26, 2011. http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112611aab.html. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  121. ^ Schlabach, Mark (December 12, 2011). "Jim McElwain in as CSU coach". ESPN.com. http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7346447/colorado-state-rams-hire-alabama-crimson-tide-coordinator-jim-mcelwain-football-coach-sources-say. Retrieved December 12, 2011. 
  122. ^ a b c Gould, Izzy (December 5, 2011). "Alabama's Trent Richardson named 2011 All-SEC Offensive Player of the Year". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabamas_trent_richardson_name.html. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  123. ^ a b Gould, Izzy (December 6, 2011). "Alabama places 11 on 2011 Coaches' All-SEC Football Team". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabama_places_11_on_2011_coac.html. Retrieved December 6, 2011. 
  124. ^ Gould, Izzy (December 8, 2011). "Cyrus Kouandjio and Vinnie Sunseri named to 2011 Freshman All-SEC Football Team". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/cyrus_kouandjio_and_vinnie_sun.html. Retrieved December 8, 2011. 
  125. ^ a b Gould, Izzy (December 7, 2011). "SEC Individual Awards: Alabama's Trent Richardson and Barrett Jones honored". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/sec_individual_awards_alabamas.html. Retrieved December 7, 2011. 
  126. ^ "Five finalists named for Heisman". ESPN.com news services. ESPN.com. December 5, 2011. http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7320637/finalists-named-77th-annual-heisman-trophy. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  127. ^ "Robert Griffin III wins Heisman Trophy". Associated Press. ESPN.com. December 10, 2011. http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7339011/robert-griffin-iii-baylor-bears-wins-77th-heisman-trophy. Retrieved December 10, 2011. 
  128. ^ a b c d e "27 finalists announced for The Home Depot College Football Awards". ESPN.com. http://www.espncollegefootballawards.com/2011finalists.php. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  129. ^ a b "Tide's Richardson, Jones nab national awards". The Tuscaloosa News. December 9, 2011. http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111209/NEWS/111209757/1015/sports?Title=Tide-s-Richardson-Jones-nab-national-awards. Retrieved December 9, 2011. 
  130. ^ a b Gould, Izzy (November 22, 2011). "Alabama linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw named Butkus Award finalists". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_linebackers_donta_high_1.html. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  131. ^ Kausler, Jr., Don (November 29, 2011). "Tide's Dont'a Hightower among four Lott Trophy finalists". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/tides_donta_hightower_among_fo.html. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  132. ^ a b "Hightower, Upshaw are Lombardi finalists". The Tuscaloosa News. November 11, 2011. http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111111/NEWS/111119781. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  133. ^ "Tide’s Jones is All-SEC, awarded Wuerffel Trophy". The Tuscaloosa News. December 7, 2011. http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111207/NEWS/111209815/1015/SPORTS?Title=Tide-8217-s-Jones-is-All-SEC-awarded-Wuerffel-Trophy. Retrieved December 7, 2011. 
  134. ^ Gould, Izzy (November 17, 2011). "Alabama safety Mark Barron named Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_safety_mark_barron_nam.html. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  135. ^ Kausler, Jr., Don (November 28, 2011). "Alabama assistant coach Sal Sunseri one of five finalists for Frank Broyles Award". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_assistant_coach_sal_su.html. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  136. ^ Deas, Tommy (November 22, 2011). "Alabama wins Disney Spirit Award for efforts following storm". The Tuscaloosa News. http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111122/news/111129968. Retrieved December 7, 2011. 
  137. ^ "AFCA announces 2011 FBS Coaches' All-America Team". American Football Coaches Association. December 5, 2011. http://www.afca.com/article/article.php?id=1201. Retrieved December 5, 2011. 
  138. ^ a b "122nd edition of the Walter Camp All-America Team announced". Walter Camp Football Foundation. December 8, 2011. http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/2011_walter_camp_fbs_all_america_teams_announced/. Retrieved December 9, 2011. 
  139. ^ "FWAA names 2011 All-America Team". Football Writers Association of America. December 10, 2011. http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2011/allamerica111210.html. Retrieved December 10, 2011. 
  140. ^ Gould, Izzy (December 14, 2011). "Alabama places six on Associated Press All-American team". AL.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabama_places_six_on_associat.html. Retrieved December 14, 2011. 

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