2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football
Alabama Crimson
Consensus national champion SEC Western Division co-champion Sugar Bowl champion
Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinal), W 24–6 vs. Clemson CFP National Championship W 26–23 OT vs. Georgia
Conference	Southeastern Conference Western Division
Ranking
Coaches	#1
AP	#1
2017 record	13–1 (7–1 SEC)
Head coach	Nick Saban (11th year)
Offensive coordinator	Brian Daboll (1st year)
Co-offensive coordinator	Mike Locksley (1st as co-OC; 2nd overall year)
Offensive scheme	Multiple
Defensive coordinator	Jeremy Pruitt (2nd as DC; 9th overall year)
Co-defensive coordinator	Tosh Lupoi (1st as co-DC; 3rd overall year)
Base defense	3–4
Captain	Minkah Fitzpatrick Rashaan Evans Shaun Dion Hamilton Bradley Bozeman
Home stadium	Bryant–Denny Stadium (Capacity: 101,821)

Template:2017 SEC football standings The 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA", "Bama" or "The Tide") represented the University of Alabama during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This season marked the Crimson Tide's 125th overall season, its 84th as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and its 26th within the SEC Western Division. They played their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and were led by eleventh-year head coach Nick Saban. During the final College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection poll, Alabama was included at number 4, and played number 1 Clemson in a rubber match of the past two playoffs in the semi-final game played at the 2018 Sugar Bowl, which they won 24–6. Alabama was matched in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game against number 3 and SEC champion and rival Georgia, who beat Oklahoma in the 2018 Rose Bowl, 54–48. Alabama won in overtime, 26–23, to secure the CFP National Championship. Alabama was also selected as champions by the Associated Press (AP) for a record 11th time in program history and recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF) as the McArthur Bowl recipient, giving Alabama their 17th claimed national title.

Previous season and offseason

Main article: 2016 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

In 2016, Alabama came into the season ranked No. 1 in both preseason polls and finished the regular season 13–0, 8–0 SEC. The Crimson Tide were ranked number 1 the entire season prior to their national championship appearance against Clemson. Alabama won the Western Division of SEC and qualified to play in the 2016 SEC Championship Game against the Florida Gators. Alabama defeated the Gators again in the rematch from last year's SEC Championship 54–16 in Atlanta, Georgia, clinching the program's 26th SEC title. As the No. 1 seed in the third season of the College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide were selected to play in the semifinal game at the 2016 Peach Bowl against #4 Washington of the Pac-12. Alabama beat the Huskies 24–7, advancing them to the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against #2 Clemson of the ACC. The Crimson Tide lost to the Tigers in the rematch from last year's College Football Playoff National Championship 35–31 after Deshaun Watson threw the game-winning TD pass to Hunter Renfrow with :01 left. The Crimson Tide finished the 2016 season with a record of 14–1.

Departures

The Crimson Tide lost twenty-three senior football players to graduation, another four players to the NFL Draft, and four more players from the 2016 team due to various other reasons. Notable departures from the 2016 squad included:

Name	Number	Pos.	Height	Weight	Year	Hometown	Notes
Jonathan Allen	#93	DE	6'3	291	Senior	Leesburg, VA	Graduated
Ryan Anderson	#22	LB	6'2	253	RS Senior	Daphne, AL	Graduated
O.J. Howard	#88	TE	6'6	251	Senior	Prattville, AL	Graduated
Truett Harris	#86	TE	6'3	235	Senior	Brentwood, TN	Graduated
Brandon Moore	#17	OL	6'0	248	Senior	Cincinnati, OH	Graduated
Will Davis	#62	OL	6'5	315	Senior	Letohatchee, AL	Graduated
Tim Williams	#56	LB	6'4	252	Senior	Baton Rouge, LA	Graduated
Jake Long	#51	OL	5'9	228	Senior	Vestavia Hills, AL	Graduated
Derrick Garnett	#46	LB	6'1	240	Senior	Tuscaloosa, AL	Graduated
Bo Grant	#45	DB	6'2	195	Senior	Valley, AL	Graduated
Blaine Anderson	#41	DB	5'10	187	Senior	Charlotte, NC	Graduated
Nate Staskelunas	#34	DB	6'3	207	Senior	Greenville, NC	Graduated
Gehrig Dieter	#19	WR	6'3	207	GS Senior	South Bend, IN	Graduated
Reuben Foster	#10	LB	6'1	240	Senior	Auburn, AL	Graduated
Eddie Jackson	#4	DB	6'0	194	Senior	Lauderdale Lakes, FL	Graduated
Blake Barnett	#8	QB	6'5	211	RS Freshman	Corona, CA	Transferred to Arizona State
Cole Mazza	#55	LS	6'2	235	Senior	Bakersfield, CA	Graduated
Dakota Ball	#44	DL	6'3	268	RS Senior	Lindale, GA	Graduated
Alphonse Taylor	#50	OL	6'5	307	RS Senior	Mobile, AL	Graduated
Dalvin Tomlinson	#54	DL	6'3	305	RS Senior	McDonough, GA	Graduated
Korren Kirven	#78	OL	6'4	311	RS Senior	Lynchburg, VA	Graduated
Brandon Greene	#89	TE	6'5	295	RS Senior	Ellenwood, GA	Graduated
Adam Griffith	#99	PK	5'10	191	RS Senior	Calhoun, GA	Graduated
ArDarius Stewart	#13	WR	6'1	204	RS Junior	Fultondale, AL	Declared for the 2017 NFL Draft
Marlon Humphrey	#26	DB	6'1	196	RS Sophomore	Hoover, AL	Declared for the 2017 NFL Draft
Cooper Bateman	#18	QB	6'3	220	RS Junior	Murray, UT	Transferred to Utah
David Cornwell	#12	QB	6'5	228	RS Sophomore	Norman, OK	Transferred to Nevada
Derrick Gore	#27	RB	5'11	210	RS Sophomore	Syracuse, NY	Transferred to Louisiana-Monroe
Cam Robinson	#74	OL	6'6	310	Junior	Monroe, LA	Declared for the 2017 NFL Draft
Josh Palet	#11	QB	6'5	215	Senior	Chula Vista, CA	Graduated

Preseason

2017 recruiting class

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

Early enrollees

None of the recruits transferring from other programs enrolled for Spring semester courses at Alabama. The twelve players are 5-star running back Najee Harris from Antioch HS, 5-star offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood from Booker T. Washington HS, 5-star linebacker end Dylan Moses from IMG Academy, 4-star wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from Deerfield Beach HS, 4-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from St. Louis School, 4-star wide receiver Tyrell Shavers from Lewisville HS, 4-star defensive end Isaiah Buggs from Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 4-star offensive tackle Elliot Baker from City College of San Francisco, 4-star athlete Chadarius Townsend from Tanner HS, 4-star tight end Major Tennison from Bullard HS, 3-star cornerback Kyriq McDonald from James Clemens HS and 2-star long snapper Thomas Fletcher from IMG Academy. The list includes ratings when originally recruited from high school.

Name	Home town	High school / college	Height	Weight	Commit date
Najee Harris #2 RB	Antioch, CA	Antioch HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	226 lb (103 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Dylan Moses #1 ATH	Bradenton, FL	IMG Academy	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Alex Leatherwood #3 OT	Pensacola, FL	Booker T. Washington HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	327 lb (148 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Jerry Jeudy #3 WR	Deerfield Beach, FL	Deerfield Beach HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Tua Tagovailoa #1 QB-DT	Honolulu, HI	St. Louis School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Tyrell Shavers #19 WR	Lewisville, TX	Lewisville HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Isaiah Buggs #1 DE (JC)	Gilbert, LA	Mississippi Gulf Coast CC	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	280 lb (130 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Elliot Baker #1 OT (JC)	San Francisco, CA	City College of San Francisco	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)	297 lb (135 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Chadarius Townsend #13 ATH	Tanner, AL	Tanner HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Major Tennison #15 TE-Y	Bullard, TX	Bullard HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	245 lb (111 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Kyriq McDonald #64 CB	Madison, AL	James Clemens HS	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Thomas Fletcher #3 LS	Bradenton, FL	IMG Academy	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	Enrolled
	Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Overall recruiting rankings:
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources:

Source:

2017 National Signing Day

On National Signing Day, Alabama signed 18 additional players out of high school that completed the 2017 recruiting class. The class was highlighted by 19 players from the "ESPN 300". Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals.com, Scout.com, 247Sports.com and ESPN recruiting class.

Name	Home town	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Devonta Smith #34 WR	Amite, LA	Amite HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	157 lb (71 kg)	–	Feb 1, 2017
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Henry Ruggs III #23 WR	Montgomery, AL	Robert E. Lee HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	–	Feb 1, 2017
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
LaBryan Ray #2 DT	Madison, AL	James Clemens HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	–	Feb 1, 2017
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Phidarian Mathis #4 DT	Monroe, LA	Neville HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	287 lb (130 kg)	–	Feb 1, 2017
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Joseph Bulovas #7 K	Mandeville, LA	Mandeville HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	–	Jan 25, 2017
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Jedrick Willis #2 OG	Lexington, KY	Lafayette HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	315 lb (143 kg)	5.19	Nov 15, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Markail Benton #3 LB	Phenix City, AL	Central High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	237 lb (108 kg)	–	Jun 10, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Daniel Wright #5 S	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Boyd Anderson HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	168 lb (76 kg)	4.71	Dec 9, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Xavier McKinney #9 S	Roswell, GA	Roswell HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	196 lb (89 kg)	4.59	Jan 1, 2017
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Chris Allen #9 LB	Baton Rouge, LA	Southern University Lab School	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	234 lb (106 kg)	–	Nov 27, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Brian Robinson #18 RB	Tuscaloosa, AL	Hillcrest HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	216 lb (98 kg)	4.62	Nov 9, 2015
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Kendall Randolph #23 OT	Madison, AL	Bob Jones HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	285 lb (129 kg)	–	Jul 31, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Vandarius Cowan #13 LB	Palm Beach Gardens, FL	Palm Beach Gardens HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	226 lb (103 kg)	4.65	Apr 9, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Kedrick James #8 TE-Y	Waco, TX	La Vega HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	245 lb (111 kg)	5.13	Feb 3, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Mac Jones #17 QB	Jacksonville, FL	The Bolles School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	4.91	Jun 7, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Hunter Brannon #60 OG	Cullman, AL	Cullman HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	290 lb (130 kg)	5.86	Jul 23, 2016
	Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 1   Rivals: 1  247Sports: 1  ESPN: 1
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources:

Incoming transfers

Alabama added no transfers to the 2017 roster.

Returning starters

Alabama had eight returning players on offense, eight on defense and three on special teams that started games in 2016.

Offense

Player	Class	Position
Jalen Hurts	Sophomore	Quarterback
Damien Harris	Junior	Running back
Bo Scarbrough	Junior	Running back
Calvin Ridley	Junior	Wide receiver
Ross Piersbacher	Junior	Guard
Bradley Bozeman	Senior	Center
Jonah Williams	Sophomore	Offensive tackle
Reference:

Defense

Player	Class	Position
Tony Brown	Senior	Cornerback
Anthony Averett	Senior	Cornerback
Minkah Fitzpatrick	Junior	Safety
Rashaan Evans	Senior	Linebacker
Shaun Dion Hamilton	Senior	Linebacker
Ronnie Harrison	Junior	Safety
Daron Payne	Junior	Defensive tackle
Reference:

Special teams

Player	Class	Position
JK Scott	Senior	Punter
Reference:

Spring practice

Spring practice began March 11, 2017. The annual A-Day game was held on April 22, 2017.

2017 A-Day Spring Game

1 2 3 4 Total White 14 7 0 3 24 • Crimson 7 10 0 10 27 Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Television network: ESPN

Coaching staff

Name	Position	Consecutive season at Alabama in current position
Nick Saban	Head coach	11th
Burton Burns	Associate head coach and running backs coach	11th
Tosh Lupoi	Co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach	(1st as DC) 3rd
Jeremy Pruitt	Defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach	2nd
Mike Locksley	Co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach	(1st as OC) 2nd
Brian Daboll	Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach	1st
Joe Pannunzio	Tight end coach and special teams coordinator	1st
Derrick Ansley	Defensive backs	2nd
Karl Dunbar	Defensive line coach	2nd
Brent Key	Offensive line	2nd
Scott Cochran	Strength and conditioning	10th
Reference:

Roster

2017 Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Quarterback  2 Jalen Hurts – Sophomore (6'2, 210) 10 Mac Jones – Freshman (6'2, 180) 13 Tua Tagovailoa – Freshman (6'1, 215) 16 Kyle Edwards – Sophomore (6'1, 206) 18 Montana Murphy – Sophomore (6'3, 201) 18 Austin Johnson – Senior (6'2, 202) Running Back  8 Joshua Jacobs – Sophomore (5'10, 200)  9 Bo Scarbrough – Junior (6'2, 230) 22 Najee Harris – Freshman (6'3, 226) 24 Brian Robinson Jr. – Freshman (6'1, 224) 34 Damien Harris – Junior (5'11, 214) Wide Receiver  1 Robert Foster – Senior (6'2, 191)  3 Calvin Ridley – Junior (6'1, 188)  4 Jerry Jeudy – Freshman (6'1, 175)  6 Devonta Smith – Freshman (6'1, 160) 11 Henry Ruggs III – Freshman (6'0, 175) 12 Chadarius Townsend – Freshman (6'0, 192) 14 Tyrell Shavers – Freshman (6'6, 202) 17 Cam Sims – Senior (6'5, 206) 19 Xavian Marks – Sophomore (5'8, 163) 30 Daniel Skehan – Senior (6'0, 201) 32 Swade Hutchinson – Senior (6'3, 189) 36 Mac Hereford – Sophomore (6'2, 215) 37 Jonathan Rice – Junior (6'4, 207) 41 Chris Herring – Sophomore (6'4, 170) 81 Derek Kief – Junior (6'4, 200) Placekicker 12 Andy Pappanastos – Senior (5'11, 198) 97 Joseph Bulovas – Freshman (6'0, 205) Punter 10 JK Scott – Senior (6'5, 198) 96 Brannon Satterfield – Junior (6'2, 210) 97 Mike Bernier – Junior (6'2, 205) 98 Preston Knight – Sophomore (6'5, 200)		Tight End  5 Ronnie Clark – Junior (6'2, 217) 40 Giles Amos – Sophomore (6'4, 236) 42 Jacob Parker – Senior (6'1, 224) 44 Kedrick James – Freshman (6'5, 245) 45 Hunter Bryant – Senior (6'5, 226) 46 Joseph Harvey – Senior (5'9, 211) 48 Sean Goodman – Sophomore (6'1, 234) 82 Irvin Smith Jr. – Sophomore (6'4, 235) 83 Cam Stewart – Sophomore (6'8, 254) 84 Hale Hentges – Junior (6'5, 256) 87 Miller Forristall – Sophomore (6'5, 220) 88 Major Tennison – Freshman (6'5, 244) Offensive Lineman 50 Hunter Brannon – Freshman (6'4, 290) 56 Brandon Kennedy – Freshman (6'3, 302) 59 Dallas Warmack – Junior (6'2, 299) 60 Kendall Randolph – Freshman (6'5, 285) 63 J.C. Hassenauer – Senior (6'2, 297) 65 Deonte Brown – Freshman (6'4, 350) 66 Lester Cotton – Junior (6'4, 319) 67 Josh Casher – Junior (6'1, 284) 70 Alex Leatherwood – Freshman (6'6, 327) 71 Ross Pierschbacher – Junior (6'4, 304) 72 Richie Petitbon – Sophomore (6'4, 300) 73 Jonah Williams – Sophomore (6'5, 280) 74 Jedrick Wills – Freshman (6'5, 315) 75 Bradley Bozeman – Senior (6'5, 312) 76 Scott Lashley – Freshman (6'7, 325) 77 Matt Womack – Sophomore (6'7, 320) 78 Elliot Baker – Junior (6'7, 297) 79 Chris Owens – Freshman (6'3, 307) Defensive Lineman  9 Da'Shawn Hand – Senior (6'4, 278) 49 Isaiah Buggs – Junior (6'5, 292) 50 Vohn Keith Jr. – Senior (6'2, 248) 58 Daniel Powell – Sophomore (5'11, 238) 68 Taylor Wilson – Sophomore (6'0, 274) 69 Joshua Frazier – Senior (6'4, 315) 89 LaBryan Ray – Freshman (6'5, 270) 90 Jamar King – Senior (6'4, 290) 92 Quinnen Williams – Freshman (6'4, 265) 93 Phidarian Mathis – Freshman (6'4, 287) 94 Daron Payne – Junior (6'2, 319) 95 Johnny Dwight – Sophomore (6'3, 306) 99 Raekwon Davis – Sophomore (6'7, 325)		Linebacker  1 Ben Davis – Freshman (6'4, 240)  4 Christopher Allen – Freshman (6'5, 234) 16 Jamey Mosley – Junior (6'5, 226) 18 Dylan Moses – Freshman (6'3, 234) 20 Shaun Dion Hamilton – Senior (6'0, 232) 24 Terrell Lewis – Sophomore (6'5, 245) 30 Mack Wilson – Sophomore (6'2, 240) 32 Rashaan Evans – Senior (6'3, 230) 33 Anfernee Jennings – Sophomore (6'3, 268) 36 Markail Benton – Freshman (6'2, 237) 40 Joshua McMillon – Sophomore (6'3, 245) 42 Keith Holcombe – Junior (6'4, 227) 43 VanDarius Cowan – Freshman (6'4, 226) 47 Christian Miller – Junior (6'4, 230) 48 Mekhi Brown – Sophomore (6'5, 243) 57 Ryan Burns – Sophomore (6'0, 214) Defensive Back  2 Tony Brown – Senior (6'0, 194)  3 Daniel Wright – Freshman (6"1, 185)  5 Shyheim Carter – Sophomore (6'0, 190)  6 Hootie Jones – Senior (6'2, 214)  7 Trevon Diggs – Sophomore (6'2, 185) 13 Nigel Knott – Freshman (5'11, 190) 14 Deionte Thompson – Sophomore (6'2, 190) 15 Ronnie Harrison – Junior (6'3, 216) 21 Jared Mayden – Sophomore (6'0, 198) 23 Rogria Lewis – Senior (5'11, 196) 25 Xavier McKinney – Freshman (6'1, 192) 26 Kyriq McDonald – Freshman (5'11, 194) 28 Anthony Averett – Senior (6'0, 180) 29 Minkah Fitzpatrick – Junior (6'1, 200) 31 Keaton Anderson – Sophomore (6'1, 215) 37 Donavan Mosley – Junior (5'10, 185) 39 Levi Wallace – Senior (6'0, 170) 43 Parker Bearden – Sophomore (6'1, 201) 45 Bo Grant – Senior (6'2, 201) Long Snappers 45 Thomas Fletcher – Freshman (6'2, 220) 52 Scott Meyer – Freshman (6'2, 226) 53 Ryan Parris – Junior (6'0, 209)
: 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Commits (08/05/2016)

Depth chart

Defense CB Anthony Averett Tony Brown Nigel Knott CB Levi Wallace Trevon Diggs Shyheim Carter Offense WR Calvin Ridley Henry Ruggs Derek Kief WR Cam Sims Jerry Jeudy Xavian Marks LT LG C RG RT Jonah Williams Ross Pierschbacher Bradley Bozeman J.C. Hassenauer Matt Womack Alex Leatherwood Josh Casher Brandon Kennedy Deonte Brown Jedrick Wills ⋅ Dallas Warmack ⋅ ⋅ Scott Lashley TE Hale Hentges Irv Smith Miller Forristall WR Robert Foster Devonta Smith ⋅ QB Jalen Hurts Tua Tagovailoa Mac Jones Special Teams PK Andy Pappanastos P JK Scott KR Henry Ruggs Trevon Diggs PR Trevon Diggs LS Scott Meyer H JK Scott RB Damien Harris Bo Scarbrough Joshua Jacobs

Regular season

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent#	Rank#	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 2	7:00 p.m.	vs. #3 Florida State*	#1	Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta, GA (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game)	ABC	W 24–7	76,330
September 9	2:30 p.m.	Fresno State*	#1	Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL	ESPN2	W 41–10	101,127
September 16	6:00 p.m.	Colorado State*	#1	Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL	ESPN2	W 41–23	101,821
September 23	2:30 p.m.	at Vanderbilt	#1	Vanderbilt Stadium • Nashville, TN	CBS	W 59–0	40,350
September 30	8:00 p.m.	Ole Miss	#1	Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)	ESPN	W 66–3	101,821
October 7	6:15 p.m.	at Texas A&M	#1	Kyle Field • College Station, TX	ESPN	W 27–19	101,058
October 14	6:15 p.m.	Arkansas	#1	Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL	ESPN	W 41–9	101,821
October 21	2:30 p.m.	Tennessee	#1	Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Third Saturday in October)	CBS	W 45–7	101,821
November 4	7:00 p.m.	#18 LSU	#1	Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)	CBS	W 24–10	101,821
November 11	6:00 p.m.	at #19 Mississippi State	#1	Davis Wade Stadium • Starkville, MS (rivalry)	ESPN	W 31–24	61,344
November 18	11:00 a.m.	Mercer*	#1	Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL	SECN	W 56–0	101,821
November 25	2:30 p.m.	at #6 Auburn	#1	Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL (Iron Bowl)	CBS	L 14–26	87,451
January 1, 2018	7:45 p.m.	vs. #1 Clemson*	#4	Mercedes-Benz Superdome • New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl – CFP Semifinal / rivalry)	ESPN	W 24–6	72,360
January 8, 2018	7:30 p.m.	vs. #3 Georgia*	#4	Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta, GA (CFP National Championship / rivalry)	ESPN	W 26–23 OT	77,430
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released at the end of the season. All times are in Central Time.

Schedule Source:

Game summaries

vs Florida State Seminoles

See also: 2017 Florida State Seminoles football team

Chick-fil-A Kickoff

1 2 3 4 Total No. 3 Florida State 0 7 0 0 7 • No. 1 Alabama 3 7 11 3 24 Date: September 2 Location: Atlanta, GA Game start: 8:16 p.m. Game attendance: 76,330 Game weather: Indoors Referee: Michael Cannon TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Maria Taylor (sidelines), Tom Rinaldi (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 4:30 ALA Andy Pappanastos 35-yard field goal 3–0 ALA Q2 13:41 FSU Auden Tate 3-yard pass from Deondre Francois (Ricky Aguayo kick) 7–3 FSU Q2 11:28 ALA Calvin Ridley 53-yard pass from Jalen Hurts (Andy Pappanastos kick) 10–7 ALA Q3 1:54 ALA Andy Pappanastos 25-yard field goal 13–7 ALA Q3 1:41 ALA Damien Harris 11-yard run (Jalen Hurts pass to Calvin Ridley for two point conversion) 21–7 ALA Q4 6:25 ALA Andy Pappanastos 25-yard field goal 24–7 ALA

The Tide opened the season in the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia against No. 3-ranked Florida State. Alabama came into the game with the mantra "Don't waste a failure", a reference to the disappointing loss to Clemson in the previous season's 2017 CFP National Championship game. Although having a competitive first half, the game was considered by some to fall short of preseason expectations. Furthermore, Florida State would post a disappointing 7–6 record on the year, due in part to a season ending injury to starting QB Deondre Francois in the fourth quarter, failing to deliver on much of the game's promised impact. The game for Alabama would also prove somewhat of a pyrrhic victory as linebackers Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller would be out with significant injuries, a theme that would continue to haunt the Alabama defense for the entirety of the regular season.

The first half was characterized largely as a defensive struggle for both teams. After a turnover on downs stop by the Alabama defense on fourth and 2, the offense would march down the field for a 36-yard Andy Pappanastos field goal (ALA 3 FSU 0) late in the first quarter. FSU would respond with a drive of their own culminating in a 3-yard pass to Auden Tate (ALA 3 FSU 7) which was matched by a 53-yard bomb from Alabama's Jalen Hurts to Calvin Ridley for a touchdown on Alabama's next drive (ALA 10 FSU 3). Both teams would hold the other's offense to minimal production for the rest of the half including a blocked FG attempt by FSU from Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Florida State would open the second half with a promising drive that stalled at midfield after an Alabama sack. After a few possession exchanges, Alabama would find itself in prime position to score after a punt attempt by Florida State was blocked and recovered by Alabama deep in FSU territory. This would culminate in an Andy Pappanastos FG for 25 yards (ALA 13 FSU 7). On the ensuing kick return, Alabama's Dylan Moses would force a fumble recovered by Alabama, and on the first play of Alabama's drive, Damien Harris would score on a rushing touchdown from 11 yards out. Alabama would come away with a successful two-point conversion attempt after the touchdown to go up by two touchdowns (ALA 21 FSU 7). For the rest of the game, the Alabama defense would dominate FSU including picking off two passes by Deondre Francois. Alabama would kick one more field goal late in the game from 33 yards out (ALA 24 FSU 7) to seal the Alabama victory. The Alabama defense held the Seminoles to 40 yards rushing. Bama quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 10 of 17 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown while Damien Harris ran for 73 yards and a touchdown.

Statistics

Statistic	Florida State	Alabama
Total Yards	250	269
Passing Yards	210	96
Rushing Yards	40	173
Penalties	4–30	5–30
Turnovers	3	0
Time of Possession	27:13	32:47

Fresno State Bulldogs

See also: 2017 Fresno State Bulldogs football team

1 2 3 4 Total Fresno State 3 0 0 7 10 • No. 1 Alabama 14 14 3 10 41 Date: September 9 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 2:35 p.m. Game attendance: 101,127 Game weather: 79°, Wind ENE 9 mph, Clear, Sunny Referee: Marc Curles TV announcers (ESPN2): Adam Amin (play-by-play), Anthony Becht (color), Rocky Boiman (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 14:21 ALA Jalen Hurts 55-yard run (Andy Pappanastos kick) 7–0 ALA Q1 08:24 ALA Hale Hentges 23-yard pass from Jalen Hurts (Andy Pappanastos kick) 14–0 ALA Q1 04:03 FSU Jimmy Camacho 27-yard field goal 14–3 ALA Q2 14:25 ALA Jalen Hurts 3-yard run (Andy Pappanastos kick) 14–3 ALA Q2 01:15 ALA Damien Harris 5-yard run (Andy Pappanastos kick) 21–3 ALA Q3 02:03 ALA Andy Pappanastos 24-yard field goal 31–3 ALA Q4 07:08 ALA Andy Pappanastos 22-yard field goal 34–3 ALA Q4 06:06 FSU Derrion Grim 26-yard pass from Chason Virgil (Jimmy Camacho kick) 34–10 ALA Q4 02:41 ALA Henry Ruggs III 16-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Andy Pappanastos kick) 41–10 ALA

The Tide welcomed Fresno State to Bryant-Denny Stadium for their first home game of the season in what would be a predictable blowout of the talented but outmatched Bulldogs, a team that would go on to play in the Mountain West Championship Game.

Alabama would start the game on offense to begin the first quarter. On the second play of Alabama's opening drive, QB Jalen Hurts would run for a 55-yard touchdown. Alabama would also score a touchdown on their next possession in a 23-yard Jalen Hurts pass to Hale Hentges, and again on the drive after that in a 4-yard Bo Scarbrough run as time expired on the first quarter. During this time, Fresno State would put together a respectable 70 yard drive for a field goal. (ALA 21 FRESNO 3). In the second quarter, Alabama would see a Damien Harris touchdown run from five yards out late in the second quarter while Fresno State would stall on their last possession of the half (ALA 28 FRESNO 3).

In the second half, Alabama would put together a drive which culminated in an Andy Pappanastos FG from 24 yards out in the third quarter before pulling starting QB Jalen Hurts for the backup QB and future CFP National Championship game offensive MVP Tua Tagovailoa. (ALA 31 FRESNO 3). In the fourth quarter, Tua would engineer a field goal and touchdown drive in a 16-yard pass to Henry Ruggs III for Alabama while Fresno State would find the endzone after a 63-yard punt return and 26 yard touchdown pass from QB Chason Virgil to Derrion Grim. (ALA 41 FRESNO 10). The Alabama defense held the Bulldogs to 58 yards rushing while the Tide amassed 305 yards on the ground.

Statistics

Statistic	Fresno State	Alabama
Total Yards	274	497
Passing Yards	216	192
Rushing Yards	58	305
Penalties	1–6	4–30
Turnovers	1	0
Time of Possession	29:18	30:42

Colorado State Rams

See also: 2017 Colorado State Rams football team

1 2 3 4 Total Colorado State 0 10 0 13 23 • No. 1 Alabama 17 7 14 3 41 Date: September 16 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 6:05 p.m. Game attendance: 101,821 Game weather: 83°, Partly cloudy, Wind E @ 1mph Referee: Matt Loeffler TV announcers (ESPN2): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (color), Quint Kessenich (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 12:43 ALA Jalen Hurts 27-yard run (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 7–0 ALA Q1 08:56 ALA Calvin Ridley 78-yard pass from Jalen Hurts (Andy Pappanastos kick) 14–0 ALA Q1 05:13 ALA Andy Pappanastos 46-yard field goal 17–0 ALA Q2 10:34 CSU Wyatt Bryan 27-yard field goal 17–3 ALA Q2 02:18 CSU Warren Jackson 4-yard pass from Nick Stevens (Wyatt Bryan kick) 17–10 ALA Q2 01:00 ALA Robert Foster 52-yard pass from Jalen Hurts (Andy Pappanastos kick) 24–10 ALA Q3 07:19 ALA Miller Forristall 12-yard pass from Jalen Hurts (Andy Pappanastos kick) 31–10 ALA Q3 05:18 ALA Damien Harris 5-yard run (Andy Pappanastos kick) 38–10 ALA Q4 14:51 ALA Andy Pappanastos 43-yard field goal 41–10 ALA Q4 09:53 CSU Nick Stevens 5-yard run (Wyatt Bryan kick) 41–17 ALA Q4 01:46 CSU Warren Jackson 3-yard pass from Nick Stevens (two-point conversion failed) 41–23 ALA

Alabama welcomed the (2–1) Colorado State Rams for the second home game of the season who were led by third year head coach Mike Bobo. Although Alabama would win convincingly, this game was marked by several momentum shifts which benefited Colorado State against the Alabama defense (lacking several key starters due to injury) early in the game and at the end of the game during garbage time. Offensively, Alabama would post a strong 487 yards, including passing and rushing touchdowns from Alabama QB Jalen Hurts. Colorado State would go on to post a winning 7–6 Record on the year and finish second in their division within the Mountain West Conference.

Alabama received the ball to start the game and would score on this drive and its next two drives. The first culminated in a Jalen Hurts 27 yard run, the second with a 78-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley, and the third an Andy Pappanastos field goal from 46 yards out (ALA 17 CSU 0). Although the Alabama defense would hold CSU to no points in the first quarter, CSU would engineer two lengthy drives comprising a field goal and touchdown off strong passing proficiency from CSU QB Nick Stevens (ALA 17 CSU 10). The Alabama offense would rally though late in the second quarter wherein Jalen Hurts would find Robert Foster for a 52 passing touchdown. (ALA 24 CSU 10) to effectively end the first half.

In the second half, Nick Stevens would be picked off two times in the third quarter which Alabama would capitalize on in both situations for touchdowns, one in a Bo Scarbrough run for 9 yards for a TD and another in a Damien Harris run for 5 yards for a TD, virtually guaranteeing the Alabama win (ALA 38 CSU 10). In the fourth quarter, the Alabama defense would give up two touchdown drives while the Alabama offense, under the control of backup QB Tua Tagovailoa, would post a field goal to end the game. (ALA 41 CSU 23).

Statistics

Statistic	Colorado State	Alabama
Total Yards	391	487
Passing Yards	247	248
Rushing Yards	144	239
Penalties	3–14	4–45
Turnovers	2	0
Time of Possession	33:53	26:07

@ Vanderbilt Commodores

See also: 2017 Vanderbilt Commodores football team

1 2 3 4 Total • No. 1 Alabama 21 10 21 7 59 Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 0 Date: September 23 Location: Nashville, TN Game start: 2:39 p.m. Game attendance: 40,350 Game weather: 88°, Partly Cloudy, Wind NE @ 3 mph Referee: Ken Williamson TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Allie LaForce (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 06:16 ALA Bo Scarbrough 6-yard run (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 7–0 ALA Q1 03:32 ALA Damien Harris 61-yard run (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 14–0 ALA Q1 00:42 ALA Damien Harris 2-yard run (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 21–0 ALA Q2 09:09 ALA Bo Scarbrough 2-yard run (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 28–0 ALA Q2 01:18 ALA Andy Pappanastos 22-yard Field Goal 31–0 ALA Q3 12:07 ALA Damien Harris 2-yard run (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 38–0 ALA Q3 09:02 ALA Jerry Jeudy 34-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 45–0 ALA Q3 05:45 ALA DeVonta Smith 27-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 52–0 ALA Q4 13:26 ALA Brian Robinson Jr. 17-yard run (Andy Pappanastos Kick) 59–0 ALA

Alabama opened up its SEC schedule with a road game (though 75% of the stadium were Alabama fans) against a (3–0) Vanderbilt Commodores team led by 4th season head coach, Derek Mason. Vanderbilt came into the game off a ranked win over then AP ranked number 17 Kansas State of the Big 12 conference, the first time since 1946 that Vanderbilt beat an AP ranked non-SEC opponent. In addition, Vanderbilt posted a then top 20 defense and had a team return 16 starters from last season. At the end of the Kansas State game, Vanderbilt stadium erupted in chants of “We want Bama!”, a running gag of sorts within college football at the time. Vanderbilt defensive lineman Nifae Lealao was also interviewed after the Kansas State game, stating “When you come to our house, we show you how to play some SEC ball. It don’t matter where you from…Alabama, you’re next” which was republished throughout the week by various outlets in the lead up to the game. Alabama would win the game 59–0, post a school record 38 first downs and a school record margin of total offense of 599 yards (677 yards Alabama to Vanderbilt’s 78).

Vanderbilt had the first possession of the game which was intercepted four plays into the drive by Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison. Although Alabama would not capitalize on this turnover, on their next four possessions afterwards they would find the endzone for four rushing touchdowns. The first came off a run by Bo Scarbrough from 6 yards out, the second a 61-yard Damien Harris run, the third (off a fumble recovery forced by Anfernee Jennings) a methodical rushing drive culminating in a 2-yard Damien Harris touchdown, and the fourth another rushing drive which ended with a 2-yard rushing touchdown for Bo Scarbrough. (ALA 28 VANDY 0). Alabama would tack on one more field goal in the second quarter and Vanderbilt would be held to very minimal offensive production (ALA 31 VANDY 0).

Alabama opened the second half with a drive consisting largely of the run ending in a 2-yard rushing touchdown for Damien Harris. This drive was the last for starting QB Jalen Hurts who was 9/17 for 78 yards through the air and 48 yards on the ground. After a Vanderbilt 3 and out, Alabama backup QB Tua Tagovailoa would play for the remainder of the game, accounting for two passing touchdowns, one to Jerry Jeudy from 34 yards out and one to DeVonta Smith from 27 yards out. Alabama would tack on one more touchdown with the help of a long passing play to set up a 17-yard run from Brian Robinson Jr. (ALA 59 VANDY 0).

The shift between Hurts and Tagovailoa was marked by a dramatic shift in playcalling and offensive scheme which was representative of the strengths of each quarterback. Drives orchestrated by Hurts tended to use an offensive scheme developed by former OC Lane Kiffin: a hybrid between an option offense for running schemes and a west-coast offense characterized by running veers and horizontal passing attacks. However, the offensive scheme under Tagovailoa resembled a traditional pro-style offense, a scheme that then OC Brian Daboll favored, which emphasize pocket presence, multiple downfield reads, play-action, vertical passing, and between-the-tackles-running. This difference in playcalling would arise down the line as a major factor in Alabama’s come from behind win against Georgia in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game (see Georgia below).

Statistics

Statistic	Alabama	Vanderbilt
Total Yards	677	78
Passing Yards	181	38
Rushing Yards	496	40
Penalties	6–40	5–20
Turnovers	0	2
Time of Possession	42:55	17:05

Ole Miss Rebels

See also: 2017 Ole Miss Rebels football team

1 2 3 4 Total Ole Miss 3 0 0 0 3 • No. 1 Alabama 21 14 24 7 66 Date: September 30 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 8:10 p.m. Game attendance: 101,821 Game weather: 77°, Clear skies, Wind NNE @ 10mph Referee: John McDaid TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Alabama welcomed the Ole Miss Rebels to Tuscaloosa for Alabama's first intradivisional match-up. Although Alabama was heavily favored going into this game, the recent history of this meeting was a tumultuous one for Alabama, having lost to Ole Miss in 2014 and 2015 and narrowly avoiding losing to them in 2016 (Alabama at one point trailed 24 to 3 and required a come from behind victory in the fourth quarter). However 2017 Ole Miss was coached by interim coach Matt Luke and not previous head-coach Hugh Freeze (who coached Ole Miss from 2012 through the 2016 Ole Miss seasons). This was a result of a sudden departure of Hugh Freeze during the off-season who was all but forced to resign when it came to light that, during Ole Miss' more public legal dispute between itself and former Ole Miss Head Coach Houston Nutt, a "concerning pattern" of behavior came to light wherein Ole Miss was made aware of several call logs between Hugh Freeze and a female escort service. As such, Ole Miss was in less of a position (due to off-the-field distractions) to cause Alabama trouble as it had in the past, resulting in an obliterating 66–3 Score.

In the first quarter, Alabama would find the endzone three times. Two of these scores were on offense the first being the result of favorable starting position that culminated in a 6-yard Bo Scarbrough rushing touchdown (ALA 7, MISS 0) and the second a long 85 yard drive comprising a spectacular 60-yard reception from Cam Sims that culminated in a 3-yard Hale Hentges reception. These two scores bookended an interception for a touchdown from Levi Wallace (ALA 21–3). Ole Miss would find the score board off a field goal late in the first from 26-yards out by kicker Gary Wunderlich. (ALA 21 MISS 3). The second quarter, more quiet than the first, included a Jalen Hurts pass to Josh Jacobs from 18-yards out (ALA 28 MISS 3) and another drive off a short field in two back-to-back Jalen Hurts rushes (ALA 35 MISS 3).

As Ole Miss started the game with possession, Alabama would receive the ball to start the second half which would culminate in a beautiful 48-yard kick from JK Scott (ALA 38 MISS 3). By this point, Ole Miss could not generate any form of offense or defense, allowing Alabama to simply pile on drive after drive, including a 4-yard Najee Harris run for a touchdown (ALA 45 MISS 3), then (after a QB exchange and off the back of a 45-yard Josh Jacobs rush) a 3-yard rush from back-up QB Tua Tagovailoa (ALA 52 MISS 3), then (off another Levi Wallace interception) an 8-yard pass from Tagovailoa to Henry Ruggs III (ALA 59 MISS 3), and finally a 91-yard drive lasting over 8 in-game minutes that culminated in a Ronnie Clark 9-yard run (ALA 66 MISS 3). This was Alabama's largest margin-of-victory since 1979. However, in line with the rest of the season, Alabama linebacker D'Shawn Hand would be injured in the third quarter, further depleting Alabama's already sparse defensive backfield.

Statistics

Statistic	Ole Miss	Alabama
Total Yards	253	613
Passing Yards	165	248
Rushing Yards	88	365
Penalties	3–30	7–60
Turnovers	2	0
Time of Possession	23:23	36:37

@ Texas A&M Aggies

See also: 2017 Texas A&M Aggies football team

1 2 3 4 Total • No. 1 Alabama 7 10 7 3 27 Texas A&M 3 0 7 9 19 Date: October 7 Location: College Station, TX Game start: 6:20 p.m. Game attendance: 101.058 Game weather: 89°, Sunny, Wind N @ 6 mph Referee: Matt Austin TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Statistics

Statistic	Alabama	Texas A&M
Total Yards	355	308
Passing Yards	123	237
Rushing Yards	232	71
Penalties	6–50	6–45
Turnovers	1	3
Time of Possession	27:32	32:28

Arkansas Razorbacks

See also: 2017 Arkansas Razorbacks football team

1 2 3 4 Total Arkansas 0 0 3 6 9 • No. 1 Alabama 17 7 7 10 41 Date: October 14 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 6:20 p.m. Game attendance: 101,821 Game weather: 76°, Cloudy, Wind E @ 5 mph Referee: Ken Williamson TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Maria Taylor (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Statistics

Statistic	Arkansas	Alabama
Total Yards	227	496
Passing Yards	200	188
Rushing Yards	27	308
Penalties	5–25	6–66
Turnovers	1	2
Time of Possession	29:33	30:27

Tennessee Volunteers

See also: 2017 Tennessee Volunteers football team

Third Saturday of October

1 2 3 4 Total Tennessee 0 0 7 0 7 • No. 1 Alabama 7 14 10 14 45 Date: October 21 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 2:39 p.m. Game attendance: 101,821 Game weather: 81°, Mostly Sunny, Wind SE @ 11 mph Referee: Marc Curles TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Allie LaForce (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Statistics

Statistic	Tennessee	Alabama
Total Yards	108	604
Passing Yards	44	332
Rushing Yards	64	272
Penalties	9–81	7–56
Turnovers	2	1
Time of Possession	25:09	34:51

LSU Tigers

See also: 2017 LSU Tigers football team

1 2 3 4 Total No. 18 LSU 0 3 7 0 10 • No. 1 Alabama 7 7 7 3 24 Date: November 4 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 7:10 p.m. Game attendance: 101,821 Game weather: 69°, Partly Cloudy, Wind S @ 1 mph Referee: John McDaid TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Allie LaForce (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Statistics

Statistic	LSU	Alabama
Total Yards	306	299
Passing Yards	155	183
Rushing Yards	151	116
Penalties	5–30	1–11
Turnovers	1	0
Time of Possession	34:07	25:53

@ Mississippi State Bulldogs

See also: 2017 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

1 2 3 4 Total • No. 1 Alabama 7 7 3 14 31 No. 19 Mississippi State 7 7 7 3 24 Date: November 11 Location: Starkville, MS Game start: 6:01 p.m. Game attendance: 61,344 Game weather: 54°, Clear Skies, Wind ESE @ 2 mph Referee: Ken Williamson TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color), Tom Luginbill (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Statistics

Statistic	Alabama	Mississippi State
Total Yards	444	330
Passing Yards	242	158
Rushing Yards	202	172
Penalties	5–60	4–30
Turnovers	0	0
Time of Possession	21:04	38:56

Mercer Bears

See also: 2017 Mercer Bears football team

1 2 3 4 Total Mercer 0 0 0 0 0 • No. 1 Alabama 14 21 14 7 56 Date: November 18 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 11:01 a.m. Game attendance: 101,821 Game weather: 71°, Cloudy skies, Wind S @ 11 mph Referee: Lee Hedrick TV announcers (SEC Network): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Statistics

Statistic	Mercer	Alabama
Total Yards	161	530
Passing Yards	54	265
Rushing Yards	107	265
Penalties	2–10	1–5
Turnovers	3	2
Time of Possession	34:48	25:12

@ Auburn Tigers

See also: 2017 Auburn Tigers football team

Iron Bowl

1 2 3 4 Total No. 1 Alabama 0 7 7 0 14 • No. 10 Auburn 7 3 10 6 26 Date: November 25 Location: Auburn, AL Game start: 2:41 p.m. Game attendance: 87,451 Game weather: 63°, Mostly Cloudy, Wind W @ 6 mph Referee: Matt Loeffler TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Allie LaForce (sideline) Sources:

Scoring summary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Statistics

Statistic	Alabama	Auburn
Total Yards	314	408
Passing Yards	103	240
Rushing Yards	211	168
Penalties	9–65	4–40
Turnovers	1	1
Time of Possession	23:58	36:02

vs. Clemson Tigers

See also: 2017 Clemson Tigers football team and 2018 Sugar Bowl

Allstate Sugar Bowl- CFP Semifinal

1 2 3 4 Total • No. 1 Alabama 10 0 14 0 24 No. 4 Clemson 0 3 3 0 6 Date: January 1, 2018 Location: New Orleans, LA Game start: 8:01 p.m. Game attendance: 72,360 Game weather: Indoors Referee: Land Clark TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline) and Laura Rutledge (Sideline) Sources:

During the Final Selection Day by the College Football Playoff committee held on December 3, 2017, Alabama was selected over the only other serious contender the Ohio State Buckeyes for inclusion in the CFP at number 4. This decision was controversial for some media outlets and commentators.

Going into this game Alabama was likely looking to avenge losing on the last play of the game during the 2016 College Football National Championship Game against Clemson and to prove they belonged in the CFP after their controversial inclusion. At the beginning of the game, Alabama won the coin toss and elected to defer their choice to the second half. The game was marked throughout the game by strong defensive performances by both Clemson and a healthy, rejuvenated Alabama defense. During the middle of the first quarter, Alabama had an opportunity in the red zone stalled and settled for a 24-yard field goal from kicker Andy Pappanastos (AL 3 – CLEM 0). After another 3 and out by Clemson, Alabama would, with great field position, drive down the field which culminated in a 12-yard pass from QB Jalen Hurts to Calvin Ridley (AL 10 – CLEM 0). Clemson, however would respond in the second quarter with a drive which ended with a 44-yard FG from Clemson kicker Alex Spence(AL 10 – CLEM 3). Defensive performances by both teams would keep this score the same going into the half.

In the second half, Alabama would receive the ball but uncharacteristically fumbled deep in their own territory on a muffed handoff between QB Jalen Hurts and RB Damien Harris. A strong Alabama defensive response would limit this turnover to a 42-yard Alex Spence FG (AL 10 – CLEM 6). After an Alabama three and out, a promising Clemson drive would be cut short when Clemson QB Kelly Bryant was tackled as he threw the ball causing it to wobble into the arms of Alabama defensive tackle Daron Payne for an interception. Alabama would capitalize on this momentum with a drive into the Clemson redzone, where, on second and goal, Alabama would bring in their goal line set which includes Payne as a downhill blocker fullback. However, instead of running Payne up the middle, he would roll out for a 1-yard reception from Jalen Hurts (AL 17- CLEM 6) in what is affectionately known as a "big man touchdown". On the first play of Clemson's next drive, Kelly Bryant's intended pass to Deon Cain was deflected by Alabama's Levi Wallace into the arms of Mack Wilson for an interception returned for a touchdown (ALA 24 CLEM 6). The Alabama defense would control Clemson for the remainder of the 3rd and 4th quarter, ending the game (ALA 24 CLEM 6).

Statistics

Statistic	Alabama	Clemson
Total Yards	261	188
Passing Yards	120	124
Rushing Yards	141	64
Penalties	2–10	4–29
Turnovers	1	2
Time of Possession	32:11	27:49

vs. Georgia Bulldogs

See also: 2017 Georgia Bulldogs football team and 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship

CFP National Championship

1 2 3 4 OT Total • No. 1 Alabama 0 0 10 10 6 26 No. 2 Georgia 0 13 7 0 3 23 Date: January 8, 2018 Location: Atlanta, GA Game start: 8:19 p.m. Game attendance: 77,430 Game weather: Indoors Referee: Dan Capron TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Maria Taylor & Tom Rinaldi (sideline) Sources:

After Alabama's win in the CFP Semi-final in the Sugar Bowl over Clemson and Georgia's overtime win over Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl, Alabama and Georgia, who did not play during SEC play, were slated to play on January 8, 2018 in the Mercedes-Benz Dome in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2018 College Football National Championship Game. This game marked the first time ex-Defensive Coordinator for Alabama Kirby Smart, head coach of Georgia faced off against his mentor Nick Saban.

Alabama won the coin toss and elected to defer. On Georgia's opening drive, Alabama's Tony Brown intercepted a pass intended for Georgia's Riley Ridley, the younger brother of Alabama's Calvin Ridley. Alabama used this momentum to get Andy Pappanastos in a position for a 40-yard field goal, which he shanked badly to the left. This was Alabama's only meaningful offensive production for the entire half. On the Georgia side, Georgia QB Jake Fromm utilized a very effective balanced offensive to stress an increasingly exhausted Alabama defense (due to a combination of abysmal offensive production by Alabama and excellent, preternatural play from the Georgia offense). During the middle of the first quarter, on third and 20, the Alabama defense were gashed by Georgia's Sony Michel for 26 yards to get within field goal range. The Alabama defense tightened up and held Georgia to a completed 41-yard field goal from Georgia's Rodrigo Blankenship (AL 0 GA 3). After another Alabama three and out, Georgia again marched down the field to the Alabama red zone. Again, Alabama held Georgia to a field goal, this time from 27 yards (AL 0 GA 6). Alabama and Georgia traded minimal drives until Georgia gained possession of the ball with 1:12 left in the half. On this drive, which included a strong QB run from Jake Fromm, Georgia ultimately capitalized on a tired and frustrated Alabama defense with a 1-yard touchdown run by Georgia Mecole Hardman (AL 0 GA 13). Alabama took a knee to end the half.

Alabama received the ball to start the half, with one significant modification of personnel: benching two-year starting QB Jalen Hurts for true freshman Hawaiian phenom Tua Tagovailoa. Though Alabama did not see an immediate benefit—their first drive going for a three and out—Tua almost single-handedly resurrected a rudderless Alabama offense.

After holding Georgia to a three and out, a reinvigorated Alabama offense faced a third down and 7 near midfield. Tua eluded four unblocked defenders in the backfield and ran for an Alabama first down. Capturing the momentum, Alabama sealed the drive with a 6-yard strike from Tua to Henry Ruggs III (AL 7 GA 13). Four plays into Georgia's next drive, on third and long, Fromm threw an 80-yard pass to Mecole Hardman for a touchdown (AL 7 GA 20), negating Alabama's gain. Worse yet for Alabama, on its next possession, Tua was picked off deep in Alabama territory on an ill-advised pass. At the brink of collapse, Alabama received a godsend on the very next play in a deflected Jake Fromm pass for an Alabama interception by Raekwon Davis. Using this sudden turnover, Alabama drove into field goal range with a 43-yard Andy Pappanastos field goal (AL 10 GA 20). Alabama and Georgia traded minimal drives to end the third quarter. On Georgia's first drive of the fourth quarter, the beleaguered Alabama defense once more stood tall and allowed Alabama to get the ball back. During Alabama's first drive of the fourth quarter, another freshman phenom, RB Najee Harris, put the Alabama offense in position for another completed FG, this time from 30 yards (AL 13 GA 20). After stopping Georgia on its next possession, Alabama again drove down the field. On fourth down and 4, deep in Georgia territory, Alabama elected to go for the touchdown instead of kicking another field goal. Tua's pass was completed into triple coverage to Calvin Ridley for a 7-yard touchdown (AL 20 GA 20). The exhausted Alabama defense proved once again their mettle and hold Georgia to a three and out. In prime position with 2:50 left in the game, Alabama drove down the field and set up a potentially game-winning field goal with three seconds left on the clock. However, reminiscent of his first kick of the game, Andy Pappanastos, missed wide left from 36 yards out, sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, Alabama again won the coin toss and elected to play defense. For the last time, the Alabama defense stood tall with a Terrell Lewis sack of Jake Fromm for a 13-yard loss. Despite the distance, a stellar 51-yard kick for from Rodrigo Blankenship put Georgia up. (AL 20 GA 23). On Alabama's first play of their drive, Tua, showing his inexperience, attempted to outmaneuver two unblocked defenders in the backfield instead of throwing the ball away, putting Alabama back 16 yards. With everything on the line, instead of trying to get some of the yards back, Alabama elected to run what it calls "Seattle," a play designed for long passes. Tua, recognizing Cover 2 in the back, shifted the safety as far to the middle of the field as he could with his eyes, and then immediately threw a pass to freshman DeVonta Smith for 41 yards and the game-winning touchdown (AL 26 – GA 23). This was Alabama's 17th claimed national championship, 11th AP National Championship, and fifth in nine years for Head Coach Nick Saban.

Statistics

Statistic	Alabama	Georgia
Total yards	371	365
Passing yards	187	232
Rushing yards	184	133
Penalties	6–41	6–65
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	26:17	33:43

Rankings

Further information: 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
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	1 (52)	1 (60)	1 (58)	1 (45)	1 (52)	1 (44)	1 (43)	1 (61)	1 (61)	1 (59)	1 (56)	1 (57)	1 (58)	5	4	1 (57)
Coaches'	1 (49)	1 (60)	1 (58)	1 (59)	1 (59)	1 (59)	1 (57)	1 (63)	1 (64)	1 (65)	1 (64)	1 (63)	1 (63)	5	4	1 (62)
CFP	Not released									2	2	1	1	5	4	Not released

Statistics

Team

Team statistics
	Alabama	Opponents
Points
First Downs
Rushing
Passing
Penalty
Rushing Yards
Rushing Attempts
Average Per Rush
Long
Rushing TDs
Passing Yards
Comp–Att
Comp %
Average Per Game
Average per Attempt
Passing TDs
INT's
Rating
Touchdowns
Passing
Rushing
Defensive
Interceptions
Yards
Long
Total Offense
Total Plays
Average Per Yards/Game
Kick Returns: # – Yards
TDs
Long
Punts
Yards
Average
Punt Returns: # – Yards
TDs
Long
Fumbles – Fumbles Lost
Opposing TD's
Penalties – Yards
3rd–Down Conversions
4th–Down Conversions
Takeaways
Field Goals
Extra Point
Sacks
Sack Against
Yards

Offense

Passing Statistics
#	NAME	POS	RAT	CMP	ATT	YDS	CMP%	TD	INT
2	Jalen Hurts	QB	157.1	136	224	2005	60.7	15	1
13	Tua Tagovailoa	QB	186.6	35	53	470	66.0	8	1
	Totals		163.5	144	236	2033	63.3	15	2

Rushing Statistics
#	NAME	POS	CAR	YDS	LONG	TD
34	Damien Harris	RB	98	823	75	11
2	Jalen Hurts	QB	117	616	55	8
9	Bo Scarbrough	RB	97	449	19	7
22	Najee Harris	RB	49	282	25	2
8	Joshua Jacobs	RB	31	210	20	1
13	Tua Tagovailoa	QB	12	95	22	2
3	Calvin Ridley	WR	2	17	13	0
	TOTALS		406	2492	75	31

Receiving Statistics
#	NAME	POS	REC	YDS	LONG	TD
3	Calvin Ridley	WR	49	755	53	2
34	Damien Harris	RB	6	46	11	0
9	Bo Scarbrough	RB	12	86	8	0
17	Cam Sims	WR	11	173	18	0
1	Robert Foster	WR	9	119	14	1
82	Irvin Smith Jr	TE	11	111	8	2
19	Xavian Marks	WR	1	24	24	0
84	Hale Hentges	TE	5	69	23	2
11	Henry Ruggs III	WR	6	159	16	5
4	Jerry Jeudy	WR	12	208	8	1
2	Jalen Hurts	QB	1	−1	−1	0
	TOTALS		123	1749	53	13

Defense

Key: POS: Position, SOLO: Solo Tackles, AST: Assisted Tackles, TOT: Total Tackles, TFL: Tackles-for-loss, SACK: Quarterback Sacks, INT: Interceptions, PD: Passes Defended, FF: Forced Fumbles, FR: Fumbles Recovered, BLK: Kicks or Punts Blocked, SAF: Safeties

Defensive Statistics
#	NAME	POS	SOLO	AST	TOT	TFL	SACKS	INT-YDS	PD	FR	FF	BLK	SAF
15	Ronnie Harrison	S	28	22	50	3.5	2.5	3–7	2	1	0	0	0
29	Minkah Fitzpatrick	S	24	14	28	5.5	1.5	1–0	4	0	1	0	0
28	Anthony Averett	CB	6	4	10	0	0	1–30	0	0	0	0	0
99	Raekwon Davis	DL	15	25	40	6.5	7	0	0	1	0	0	0
20	Shaun Dion Hamilton	LB	20	20	40	5.5	2.5	0	2	0	0	0	0
94	Daron Payne	DL	5	4	9	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
42	Keith Holcombe	LB	4	4	8	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0
30	Mack Wilson	LB	9	12	21	0.5	0	3–21	1	0	0	0	0
	TOTAL		0	0	0	0 – 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	OPPONENTS		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Interceptions Statistics
#	NAME	POS	RTNS	YDS	AVG	TD	LNG
28	Anthony Averett	CB	1	30	30	0	30
30	Mck Wilson	LB	1	0	0	0	0
39	Levi Wallace	DB	1	0	0	0	0
	TOTALS		3	30	10	0	30

Special teams

Kicking Statistics
#	NAME	POS	XPM	XPA	XP%	FGM	FGA	FG%	1–19	20–29	30–39	40–49	50+	LNG	PTS
12	Andy Pappanastos	K	6	6	100	5	7	71.4		3	2	0	0	35	21
	TOTALS

Kick Return Statistics
#	NAME	POS	RTNS	YDS	AVG	TD	LNG
7	Trevon Diggs	CB	1	19	19	0	19
11	Henry Ruggs III	WR	1	15	15	0	15
	TOTALS		2	34	17	0	19

Punting Statistics
#	NAME	POS	PUNTS	YDS	AVG	LONG	TB	FC	I–20	50+	BLK
10	JK Scott	P	9	336	37.3	53	0		0		0
	TOTALS

Punt Return Statistics
#	NAME	POS	RTNS	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG
34	Damien Harris	RB	1	19	19	0	19
	TOTALS

Scores by quarter (all opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total All opponents 16 27 31 38 112 Alabama 135 118 121 81 455

Scores by quarter (SEC opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total SEC opponents 13 10 31 18 72 Alabama 87 69 79 58 293

Awards and Honors

Post-season finalists and winners

• Bronko-Nagurski Trophy: Defensive Player of the Year

Minkah Fitzpatrick (finalist)

• Broyles Award: Assistant Coach of the Year

Brian Daboll (finalist)

• Chuck Bednarik Award: Defensive Player of the Year

Minkah Fitzpatrick (finalist and winner)

• George Munger Award: Head Coach of the Year

Nick Saban (finalist and winner)

• Jim Thorpe Award: Nation's Best Defensive Back

Minkah Fitzpatrick (finalist and winner)

• Ray Guy Award: Nation's Best Punter

J.K Scott (finalist)

• Rimington Trophy: Nation's Best Center

Bradley Bozeman (finalist)

• Walter Camp Award: Player of the Year

Minkah Fitzpatrick (finalist)

All-American Voting from Major Selectors

Associated Press (AP), American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), The Sporting News (TSN), Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF)

• Offensive Selection

Bradley Bozeman – Center (AP, AFCA, FWAA, WCFF, TSN Second Team)

Jonah Williams – Guard (AFCA Second Team, AP Third Team)

• Defensive Selection

Daron Payne – Defensive Lineman (AFCA Second Team)

Minkah Fitzpatrick – Defensive Back (Unanimous First Team Selection)

Rashaan Evans – Linebacker (AFCA First Team)

• Special Teams Selection

J.K Scott – Punter (AFCA Second Team)

All-SEC Selections

The Crimson Tide had twelve players honored as members of the first or second team 2017 SEC All-Conference team as listed by either the AP poll or the Coaches Poll of the Southeastern Conference. The selections are listed below for each poll (AP and Coaches).

• Offensive Selection

Bradley Bozeman – Center (AP First Team, Coaches Second Team)

Calvin Ridley – Wide Receiver (Consensus First Team)

Jonah Williams – Offensive Tackle (Consensus First Team)

Ross Pierschbacher – Guard (AP First Team)

• Defensive Selection

Daron Payne – Defensive Tackle (AP First Team, Coaches Second Team)

Da'Shawn Hand – Linebacker (Coaches Second Team)

Levi Wallace – Cornerback (AP Second Team)

Minkah Fitzpatrick – Safety (Consensus First Team)

Raekwon Davis – Defensive Lineman (AP Second Team, Coaches First Team)

Rashaan Evans – Linebacker (AP First Team, Coaches Second Team)

Ronnie Harrison – Safety (AP First Team, Coaches Second Team)

• Special Teams Selection

JK Scott (AP second team, Coaches First Team)

Midseason Awards

• SEC Defensive Player of the Week

Shaun Dion Hamilton (v. Florida State, Week 1)

Levi Wallace (v. Ole Miss, Week 5), (v. Tennessee, Week 8)

Minkah Fitzpatrick (v. Texas A&M, Week 6)

Ronnie Harrison (v. LSU, Week 10)

• SEC Offensive Line Player of the Week

Matt Womack (v. Fresno State, Week 2)

Jonah Williams (v. Arkansas, Week 7)

JC Hassenauer (v. Mercer, Week 12)

• SEC Special Teams Player of the Week

JK Scott (v. LSU, Week 10)

Senior Bowl

The following players were invited to participate in the 2018 Senior Bowl:

Bradley Bozeman

Da'Shawn Hand

JK Scott

Levi Wallace

Departing Alabama Players participating in the NFL Draft Combine

2018 NFL Combine Participants

Grade

POS

HT

WT

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

5.8

Anthony Averett

DB

6'0"

185

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

Tony Brown

DB

6'0"

198

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

6.27

Rashaan Evans

LB

6'3"

234

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

6.5

Minkah Fitzpatrick

DB

6'1"

201

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

Robert Foster

WR

6'2"

196

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

Joshua Frazier

DL

6'4"

315

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

5.19

Shaun Dion-Hamilton

LB

6'0"

233

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

5.73

Da'Shawn Hand

DL

6'4"

289

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

6.2

Ronnie Harrison

DB

6'3"

214

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

6.68

Daron Payne

DL

6'2"

308

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

7.04

Calvin Ridley

WR

6'1"

190

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

5.64

Bo Scarbrough

RB

6'1"

232

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

5.5

JK Scott

P

6'6"

204

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

5.35

Levi Wallace

DB

6'0

183

Arms

Hands

40

Bench Press

Vert Jump

Broad Jump

3 Cone Drill

20-yd Shuttle

60-yd Shuttle

Ref

per NFL

† Top performer

Departing Alabama Players selected in the 2018 NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas from April 26 through April 28, 2018. The following Alabama players were either selected or signed as free agents following the draft.