A QUICK LOOK AT - Alabama

by Jack Witthaus

The Institution

School Quick Facts

Official Name:

The University of Alabama

Nickname:

Crimson Tide

Location:

Tuscaloosa, AL

Enrollment:

31,747

Founded:

1831

Mascot:

Big Al

Fight Song:

"Yea Alabama"

SEC Division:

West

Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama rests in the heart of Tuscaloosa near the Black Warrior River. The campus spreads over 1,000 acres and contains 200 buildings.

Off the field, the University of Alabama contains an interesting history that dates back to the Civil War. In 1865, students were recruited and fought for the Confederate Army, and at one point they tried to stave off Union troops outside the University. Union soldiers burned the campus, save for a few buildings. Some of those buildings survive to this day.

During the 1950's and 1960's, UA was at the center of the fight for Civil Rights. In 1963, George C. Wallace, then Governor of Alabama, stood in front of the "schoolhouse doors" to prevent two African American students from entering the campus. President John F. Kennedy nationalized Alabama’s National Guard and forced Wallace to admit the students.

Alabama Football

Football Quick Facts

Venue Name:

Bryant-Denny Stadium

Venue Capacity:

101,821

Venue Surface:

Natural Grass

First Season:

1892

Overall Record:

814-320-43

Last Season:

12-1 (National Champs)

Head Coach:

Nick Saban (50-12)

Football Rivals:

Auburn, Tennessee, LSU

In 1892, UA law student William G. Little formed the first football team. A little over a decade later, sports editor Hugh Roberts coined their nickname, “The Crimson Tide,” in 1907 after a mud-splattered football game against Auburn. Alabama tied the heavily favored Auburn team, 6-6.

Since their founding, the Crimson Tide boasts one of the most successful college football programs in NCAA history. There is dispute over how many National Championships UA has won. According to Wikipedia, Alabama has captured 14 National Championships.

The Crimson Tide has appeared in 58 bowl games, going 33-22-3.

Interestingly, the storied football program only claims one Heisman Trophy winner, running back Mark Ingram in 2009. That year, Ingram also set UA’s single season rushing record with 1,658 yards.

Current UA graduates and NFL players include Ingram and Trent Richardson among many others. Seven UA football players have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including Joe Namath and Derrick Thomas, who holds the single season sack record in college football with 27.

Paul “Bear” Bryant (232-46-9, 323-85-17 overall) is the winningest coach in UA history and No. 4 all-time in Division I football. Bear Bryant coached 25 years with the Crimson Tide including 13 SEC championships and six National Championships.

Former Miami Dolphin’s coach Nick Saban currently heads the football program. Starting in 2007, Saban has led Alabama to a 50-12 record and two National Championships.

Alabama’s nearly impenetrable defense helped the Crimson Tide blank the LSU Tigers in the National Championship game, 21-0 last season. It was the first time in a BCS bowl game that an opponent didn’t score.

Mizzou will host the National Champion Alabama team on Oct. 13.

Alabama Basketball

Basketball Quick Facts

Venue Name:

Coleman Coliseum

Venue Capacity:

15,316

First Season:

1912

Overall Record:

1546-936

Last Season:

21-12, (9-7 SEC)

Head Coach:

Anthony Grant (38-26, 63-38)

NCAA Final Fours:

0

It may come as a surprise, but Alabama basketball is second only to the University of Kentucky in wins and SEC titles in the Southeastern Conference.

Like the Tigers, Alabama has never been to a Final Four. However, in 2004, the Crimson Tide made it to the Elite Eight, losing to the eventual National Champion Connecticut.

Three Alabama graduates currently play in the NBA — Alonzo Gee, Gerald Wallace and Mo Williams.

Wimp Sanderson (267-119) is arguably the greatest coach in Alabama basketball history. Sanderson, who coached 12 years starting in 1980, averaged nearly 22 wins a season. Sanderson made the Sweet 16 five times during his coaching stint and was named National Coach of the Year in 1987.

Alabama’s current head coach is Anthony Grant (38-26) who started in 2009. Grant was the top assistant coach during Florida’s national championship in 2006.

Mizzou should expect a formidable opponent at the Coleman Coliseum. Alabama went undefeated at home two season ago thanks in part to the “Crimson Chaos,” an intimidating student section formed in 2009.