Turning of the Tide | Part 3: The Test

AL.com presents "Turning of the Tide", a three-part look back at the Alabama Crimson Tide's pivotal 2008 football season, and the role that particular team played in changing the face of Alabama football, and all of college football, as we know it today.
In the final part of the series, we take a look at how Alabama's loss to the Florida Gators in the 2008 SEC Championship set the Tide on a mission to come back even stronger in 2009.

[@jeremiahtalkssports1832]

I was in college at Alabama during that 2008 year, and was able to be there and witness Saban's first championship at Alabama. Exciting time. Those guys who were there when Saban first arrived, like Rashad Johnson said, are forgotten by the masses, but it was necessary for them to embrace Saban's process and show that his way of doing things can work. After that, the 5 stars that he constantly brings in have seen what can happen if you buy in, which is why every recruiting class at Alabama under Saban so far has gotten at least one championship. Those 2008 guys really are the foundation. Roll Tide

[@Youre_Right]

j wilyumz I haven’t forgot them. I haven’t forgot Jay Barker, Derrick Lassic, David Palmer, Curry, Copeland, London, Langham, Teague. I’ve loved Alabama my whole life. My commitment never wavered through the dark times after 92.

[@ShawnNichols79]

@@Youre_Right Same here! I’m 42 years old and watched every single game that was ever on tv since 1984 when I first watched one and old enough to be a fan! Good years, bad years, really bad years and really good years, I’ve watched them and loved every single team

[@brandonhastings5340]

I have been a bama fan since the day i was born and I really cant express enough thanks and appreciation I have for this 2008 team they were truly the foundation to alabamas amazing run the last 10 years what a series this was but the story isnt over 2 more wins and true history is made I never see anothing college football coach winning 7 titles if saban pulls it off this year its the greatest run in sports history in my opinion roll tide roll.

[@rt2255]

2008 the start, 2022 and still running. To the guys on 2008 team thanks for setting the standard,it was high but the later teams got it. You started it, and almost a decade later it survives, thanks. 2008 the yr the dynasty began.

[@Rebel-Rouser]

Totally agree. That 2008 team was special and they laid the foundation.

[@christopherbrock8913]

The foundation of most things is something that is not often appreciated or respected - nobody talks about the concrete and wood under the carpet of the floor of that big pretty house - they talk about everything else tho - that is why I say that 2007 team laid the foundation - that team loss 6 games and all 6 games was by 7 points or less - they could have easily went (11-2) that year - the 2 games I feel like they might have deserved to loose was the Florida State game which came down to a onside kick at the end and the Auburn game which also came down to a onside kick - if you go back and watch those 6 losses you will see how close that team was to having at least a 10 wins that year - so you guys keep on talking about a foundation and forgetting about that 2007 team that took the bumbs and bruises but always kept on fighting to the end - 🏆🐘 ROLL TIDE 🐘🏆

[@uofa82]

Absolutely!

[@toadsage4061]

I was born in 92 so I just missed the last good Bama years and had to grow up as a fan eagerly awaiting the Saban era. The 2008 team made me realize that I could have hope as a Bama fan that when I watched a game I wouldn't be disappointed anymore.

[@viceman8152]

@Gene Paulk Yep, the second time in my lifetime Bama has had the best coach, and just long enough between them, as to make me appreciate just how special it really is.

[@roberteaston6413]

I read in Christianity Today magazine that there was a middle aged couple in Alabama that told their daughter that she was never to get married on a Saturday that the Crimson Tide was playing. Guess what she did? I do not know who gave away the bride but it was not her father. I am a Canadian and I find it hard to understand the passion that college football arouses in Americans. If I had a daughter that was getting married that would come first. I would even skip the seventh game of a Stanley Cup final hockey game if my favourite team(Oiler's) was playing.

[@jacobmcdaniel560]

Man I’m 19, remember watching this growing up as a young kid. This is so nostalgic and awesome! Was really really inspiring to watch as a young kid!

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

How does it feel losing to Auburn yesterday? Lmfao

[@johnotto4931]

Robert Easton see ?, you don’t understand Alabama football. If it was MY daughter she’d respect me enough to have a Friday wedding and I’d give her tickets to the game, that’s how we roll

[@jjkusaf]

Yep, that 2008 team was really the start of this spectacular run...they came up a bit short...but dang it was a solid team. It was a sign of things to come...

[@rodneysparks6442]

Definitely National Championship caliber squad.

[@jl3567]

I don’t agree? Did you see the 2009 sugar bowl?

[@rt2255]

2009 they made tebow cry, bama history done, 15 yrs later we never looked back. The dynasty started there and is still running. Where is florida, clemson ohio state etc,? Looking at bama butts as they run away from everyone.

[@nicholasjordan326]

Its out thank god part 3 is here

[@docsmoke7623]

Wish this series was endless !! Thanks for the uploads !

[@markpaul7887]

I will never forget. I saw Bryants later years , the other coaches, Stallings(and he helped in his own way) I remember Coach Saban addressing the media the first time.

[@sirtruckerw146]

I remember sabans first speech and his speech after ulm..I also remember I was driving heard it on radio that saban was coming alabama I started calling friends lol

[@kennethdeanmiller7324]

ALSO, I don't think Saban would have been such a GREAT COACH if he had stayed in the NFL. He was a great coach at college level because of his ability to hire other good coaches and his ability to recruit great players. And because he was at Alabama. Alabama has ALWAYS had a legacy of great football players & coaches & when it comes to recruiting a lot of players look at that & want to be a part of that. Some people say Bama isn't known for having great quarterbacks. I say what do mean by that? Joe Namath is a legend. The first quarterback to guarantee that his team was going to win the Super Bowl. Kenny Stabler was the first quarterback for the Raider's to win a Super Bowl. I believe John Madden was the coach of that team. But at the NFL level I don't think Saban would have been able to affect what players were on his team as much as he could at Alabama. And the first 3 years Saban was with Alabama set the tone for just how good it would be to play for Alabama.

[@zeusdeuce7438]

This was great! Wish it was longer!

[@waynewilliams5802]

Met bear at last game in Memphis. I was 7yrs old an right before he left in a deep voice he said boy what do u want I'm tired. I was afraid 2 say anything. He took of his cap (not hat) his cap an signed it an handed it 2 me. As I left everyone looked at the cap Folks followed us asking how much 4 it. In 2007 when I met saban I took off the cap an showed it to him he gave me his practice straw hat an said son DON'T EVER WEAR THAT CAP. Put it in a display case at ur home! He said wear mine not his cause that cap is priceless!

[@sirtruckerw146]

I remember all those moments..losing to ulm and it was homecoming..the Clemson game, I definitely remember the black out..loved it loved it..hadn't felt that kind of excitement since stallings retired..it felt great..still does..saban made a speech after Ulm they should have added saying this will never happen again..I believed him

[@JSchaffer214]

Yeah, I remember them too but the Blackout game was probably the one that it actually dawned on me, 'omg, they're actually a national contender again'. That was something I hadn't seen since 1992. But I still had no idea a dynasty was in the making!

[@sirtruckerw146]

@@JSchaffer214 yep I never predicted this kind of success I knew we get better maybe win another title..lol

[@t-gotitanup9386]

Both 08 and 09 I was scared to face Alabama as a Gator fan we got the W in 08 but deep down I knew we were going to lose in 09 cause our offense was struggling and Alabama was suffocating teams with their defense and run heavy attack

[@franzhaas3712]

THE GOAT. I'M VERY THANKFUL THAT IN MY LIFE TIME I GET TO SEE THE GREATEST COLLAGE COUCH AND THE GREATEST COLLEGE TEAM OF ALL TIME. THIS IS HISTORY IN THE MAKING. YOU GET TO TELL YOUR GRAND KIDS ABOUT THIS. THE MAGNIFICENT RED TIDE. TEAMS COME AND GO BUT THE CRIMSON TIDE IS FOREVER!

[@alwayslookinround]

Awesome series of videos. I can't wait for the next one. I hope Coach Saban is making our team watch these. And tells them, This is what started this dynasty. And it's up to you to prove if you wanna be part of it. Right now! This year!

[@grsmith56]

2008 every guy on that team built the last 5 titles... to the 2008 players thanks for the best run in college football. You guys built the champions we enjoy today. It all started in 08 and has run until today for what you guys worked hard and sweated and bled for. Real fans know this team stands on your shoulders and they were wide tough and mighty. THANK YOU..... ROLL TIDE and be proud you did what so many of us would die for, to wear that crimson jersey that only a few ever earned or had the pride to wear... ROLL TIDE... the few... the proud..... the TIDE

[@johnmclain8437]

Update: the last 6 titles

[@alonzosanchez8577]

THANK YOU!!!!! This Has Been Waited For

[@walterjohnson5552]

Thank you so much for Part 3!

[@uofa82]

This team will always be my favorite Bama team of all time. As someone else said: they laid the foundation. They broke the chain that had bound Bama for years. They lead us out of the darkness into the light of football greatness again. I doubt if there will ever be another more beloved Bama team. But I hope all the future Bama teams will always try to be their very best, if for no other reason than to make the Bear, Saban, this team and all of Bamanation proud. RTR🐘🏈🏆🙌👏🙂❤️‼️ #itsgreattobeacrimsontider #bornbredgrad

[@candymcdaniel5125]

This series is fantastic! Just highlights the fact that we need that Bama 30 for 30.

[@JWill-xc1cr]

candy mcdaniel saben has to retire first

[@JWill-xc1cr]

Also this run of bama being great may not end for a while especially if bama can get dabo from Clemson when saben retires

[@bama539]

Built Bama tough! Roll Tide Roll!

[@ezmoney79]

The hard work the players put in paid off they made the foundation of the coming Dynasty. Roll Tide Roll. Were still on that ROLL 2018 now championships 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017. Still going just like the energizer bunny RTR

[@jorear74]

Check your years.

[@ezmoney79]

@@jorear74 youre right i put 2012 and 2013 its 2011 and 2012 not '13 my bad RTR

[@thegood9]

Great video series. Barrett needs to SLOW DOWN his annunciation if he is going to become a good professional sports journalist. Love the guy, but sometimes he can be a little hard to understand when that happens. Mike Johnson, OTOH, could have a LONG career in the biz if he so chooses. He could be the next Trevor Matich.

[@johnmay5337]

Awesome

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Saban old now and bama lost ALOT of games fo da 2022 season but I be sayin thank u coach fo da good years. Saban u is a great coach

[@1stNationElite]

Looks like I'm going to Ruth's Chris eat place and have me a steak... great video....

[@RichardRpond]

In Homewood?

[@JB-vt5sz]

I would need to borrow $100 just to rent nice enough clothes to even walk in

[@waynewilliams5802]

Order it medium well son. That's how the bear ate his!

[@jimmymemez3977]

I like the part where they don't talk about Utah beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl that year.

[@rt2255]

One game and now in 2022 it is a foot note in many title runs lol

[@ivanwithers9469]

Why wouldn't you cover the sugar bowl loss to Utah? That was a HUGE part of Alabama's comeback and a Historic game for both teams. I would have loved to see players experience in that game as well. And the fans.

[@stevemtc1]

I was curious about that

[@rt2255]

They touched on it in earlier video

[@DeAngeloStevens]

Gone are the trouble days of Mike DuBose, Dennis Franchione, Mike Price, and Mike Shula are NO MORE

[@waynewilliams5802]

@Dangelo...yes but don't 4get in 2005 barely off probation shula had the tide rolling. Crushing everyone including Florida till prothro hurt his foot! The US were 10-0 and rolling when this happened

[@winfordt.mcguillacutty2553]

I couldn't agree more with Rashad Johnson. Those early years set the tone

[@ernieenesi448]

I concur...great video, great storied program...University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Without a past there is no future...unk

[@HardcoreGator]

As a Gators fan, I've always had a healthy respect for Alabama. They're not a "rival" per se, but SEC football feels right when UF and Bama rumble. I'm just hoping we can get to the point where it's competitive again when we do.

[@johnmclain8437]

I have always felt like the joker said it best in the dark knight “you and I are destined to do this forever” I feel like that is Bama and Florida’s relationship. It just feels right when Bama and Florida playin in the sec title game.

[@scottielutz3062]

Florida Gators fan here hate to admit it but Nick Saban is the worlds greatest college football head coach

[@crisssolo9015]

2008 The Foundation !

[@RT22-pb2pp]

I am an older guy and I have now seen Bear and Saban coach and win titles, the two best ever college coach's and Bama had them both, sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

[@Jewclaw]

What no part 4?

[@jl3567]

They skipped over 2009 Sugar Bowl

[@MM-lx7bx]

J L Go UTES!!

[@tycalvert3395]

ROLL! DAMN! TIDE!

[@kissmygrits7671]

Roll tide Roll!

[@SusSports]

Why’s the interview camera so close

[@KJ-ym1qg]

Really wish the playoff was around in 2009 would've loved another shot at Bama. Two of the best teams to ever suit up 08 gators and 09 tide. Much respect go gators. Love this series btw I wish we had something like this. See ya in Atlanta soon!

[@bradrolling8637]

You got your wish! Roll Tide!

[@1stNationElite]

Will there be a part 4?

[@AlabamaCrimsonTideonALcom]

This is the end of this particular series but we've had a very positive response so far and we're strongly considering another series like this next year. Kind of a sequel...stay tuned.

[@rodneysparks6442]

@@AlabamaCrimsonTideonALcom Dude. Y'all could really make some noise with this series. Those first few years were very interesting times in this legacy. We didnt quite have the avenues of information gathering we do now and there is a lot of stories out there we do not know about. Would love to see a deeper look at those first three years. Specifically that 08 signing class coupled with the outgoing 08 grad class. That dynamic set the tone.

[@sam21462]

@@AlabamaCrimsonTideonALcom - That's a bit disappointing. You left out the revenge SEC Championship game and everyone's favorite ..... we made Tebow cry for what he did in 2008. How could you spend so much time on the loss to Florida but leave that out? While 2008 was certainly "The Test", 2009 was the national coming out party. You even left out Alabama's first ever Heisman Trophy. To me, at least, 2009, and that SEC Championship Game, and Mark Ingram's trophy completed the "Turning of the Tide", not 2008.

[@austinmcbarner6648]

@@AlabamaCrimsonTideonALcom I'd love to see this all the way up to 2014. The 09 perfect season, mark Ingram winning the Heisman....the let down of 2010, the Capitol one bowl, the 9-6 LSU game, the 21-0 revenge....2013 season letdown, AJ as Heisman runner up....2014 season and qb controversy...

[@rt2255]

There will be part 50

[@benh1057]

UF will be competing against Alabama for the SEC championship next year

[@JaredMaxwell904]

Yes we will!!! GO GATORS!!!

[@haleighadrenalinegreen6843]

Really??? Okay

[@waynewilliams5802]

@@JaredMaxwell904 LMAO.... go Gators

[@leondraw1766]

Didn't barrett jones play the munster?

[@CrispyMOFO91]

I’m having a hard time remembering exactly how the college football championship game was setup before the playoff system took over. Because didn’t Auburn beat Oregon for the championship back in 2010?

[@lukedoggett8223]

Controlled Chaos. They usually base it off the year they play the championship. So Alabama beat Texas in the 2009-2010 season

[@sivuyilexakwe5608]

Paul's Ears 😂

[@rolltide2937]

Dam Tim Tebow!!!!!!!!! He’s was a monster!!!!!!!🤦🏼‍♂️

[@chriswebster24]

Yeah he was definitely a beast, but the Tide took him out in the end. I hated that they skipped right over the rematch in ‘09 and went straight to the national championship game. Bama was actually favored against Texas, after beating Tebow’s Gators in the SEC championship rematch (and making him cry 😆). In all the years since the Tide won that game as underdogs in ‘09, they’ve only been underdogs one time, in a 2015 game against Georgia in Athens, which followed an early-season upset loss to Ole Miss. Bama came into that game with something to prove (a lot of people said the dynasty was dead), and they blew the favored Bulldogs out, before eventually going on to finish that season with another national championship win. The Tide hasn’t actually lost a game as underdogs since that Florida game in ‘08. The football world will never again see anything like the dominance of the program Coach Saban has built in Tuscaloosa, and I feel very grateful, and lucky, to have been a witness, especially as a lifelong Alabama fan. If Clemson has to face the Tide again this year. they are not going to like it. Roll Tide!

[@mattreedah]

So...we're just skipping over the Utah Sugar Bowl loss?

[@kennethdeanmiller7324]

Yeah, although Saban won 6 National Championship Games he lost 2 or 3. And I'm not saying that as a put down. I'm saying that with Saban as the Coach Bama was dominate in almost every year. I think 2010 after that first National Championship that everyone got a bit too confident, not realizing that when you win a Championship the following year every team you play has that game on their calendar circled with a red magic marker! You are now the team everyone wants to beat. And I think very few teams outside of the SEC understand how difficult it really is to go undefeated in the SEC. One thing that Saban didn't accomplish that I had wanted him to accomplish at Bama was a 30 game winning streak. The Bear managed to put together a 28 game winning streak & lost to Mississippi State 6-3 of all teams on a very muddy field. And even though Saban won 6 National Championships only 2 of those teams went undefeated. 2009 team & the 2020 team. And the thing about the 2020 team is that THEY PLAYED & WON 11 GAMES AGAINST SEC TEAMS because of the covid pandemic. And Saban wasn't allowed to coach against Auburn cuz he tested positive for covid a few days before the game. But I doubt any SEC team will ever be able to match that accomplishment. With Mack Jones, Najee Harris & Devonta Smith ALL 3 were Heisman candidates with the least likely wide receiver Devonta Smith getting the trophy. And remember that Waddle was also on that team but got hurt. And it was because he got hurt that Smith put the team on his back & took over as the go to receiver & the punt returner as well. Back when he caught the game winning walk off TD against Georgia in the National Championship Game I knew he was going to be special. You could make an hour long video of great catches made by Devonta Smith alone. I especially like the picture of him making a great catch in the end zone against LSU & his parents are in the stands in the background. If he doesn't have that photo on his wall, then he should. Or on his parent's wall. Ok. Now the Saban Era is over. And this new coach, Deboer, let's hope beyond hope that he can keep the Crimson Tide playing at a high level. Saban is a tough act to follow however having a commitment to doing things right & working hard every week to win the game on Saturday its a time honored tradition at Bama & if Daboer can't do it then we will find someone else who can. To be honest, I kinda wish that Saban had retired a year earlier and we could have maybe gotten Sarkisian instead of him going to Texas. But idk, hopefully Deboer can build a dynasty of his own.

[@dustantilley6487]

Thanks born Mobile infirmary 1974. Rtr

[@hamiltonkimbro8087]

Great Video, and I dont even like Tennessee, In fact anybody that plays against them I am for. But good video, and great ending comments, I got a headache just listening to you chronicle the coaches and options for them the last few years. I will say I agree that its all political, shame on AD and Boosters. I need a beer....

[@ThePretzelHead]

Ruth's steakhouse...do they have clean bathrooms? Very important to my wife.

[@BostonsF1nest]

I was born in 1925. I’ll never forget Bear Bryant.

[@ccharlie05]

I forgot Riley Cooper was on that Florida team.

[@caddy8796]

Now it's UGA turn hopefully 😂😂😂😂

[@devmag52]

I do miss Ruth’s Chris

[@whynot1742]

🐘🌊Roll Tide🌊🐘 for life

[@tylerlumpkin3675]

happened by paying a 6 and 6 head coach too much money so he could recruit.

[@brandonmiles2246]

Bama win it all

[@Da-Boo33]

Rolltide

[@jamesmcginnis1881]

Yeah ok, every year is different, 2008 did nothing to win championships it was the players and coaches of that team and year.

[@austinthorne1787]

Man they did everything in their power to not mention losing to Utah in the Sugar Bowl.

[@ralphy12345]

Yes i work with Ute fans out here in the West. It's a lark, because they know and admit BAMA was headed upward and Utah was a flash in the pan. Yes Utah out played Alabama in that game, but the next year they were nowhere to be seen. Alabama won a national title.

[@rcbrannon57]

I ant watching anything with finebaum

[@PinkStarburst717]

Bama fans are all cousins

[@tmac20031]

This whole documentary should have been about recruiting, plain and simple. Y'all act like it was a miracle to get a stable full of studs to the finish line first.

[@Charlesxl8]

colt would touched that ala team

[@kevinzhu8939]

The sore jumbo coherently pack because idea lally worry atop a spiky saxophone. melodic, rainy airship

[@noahthomas4341]

so skip 2 years lol alright

[@KevinP32270]

respect to alabama BUT if you're not a gator fan....YOU ARE GATOR BAIT.

[@aminabranda4488]

The brainy great-grandfather oppositely invite because aftershave historically fade like a careless shampoo. broken, judicious claus

[@samdouglas2784]

You lost to Utah in 2008 Lmao

[@frankjr2932]

So what fucktard don't you know we've won 6 championships since that time

[@samdouglas2784]

Frank Jr 31-17

[@frankjr2932]

@@samdouglas2784 6 national championships since 2008 that makes 17 total and 18 after we win this year 😁

[@cole090807]

Hadnt lost to utah dynasty may not have happened. Can't just put on the crimson Jersey and win..

[@joeday4293]

How many national championships has Utah won since that game?

[@bamafan73191]

idk if anyone remembers, but bama stopped florida on a 3rd and 3 in the 4th quarter up 20-17 and donta hightower just got a finger in the facemask, if that play hadn't happened (along with the idiotic corey smith fake fg but that's another topic) we very easily could have won that game.

[@ChristopherX30]

Bama didn't have the consistent offense. We were going to lose that game, regardless.

[@rexdarby3826]

Unless your Clemson!! Lmao the new bama busters clemson Tigers are Alabama’s kryptonite. Bama bullies are now getting bullied! Lmao gotta love karma

[@sabancuz6871]

They both have won 2 games against each other in the the playoffs so how is Clemson up on them

[@SpreadAU]

Hate it but Saban is the best. wde

[@getbig2501]

Alabama is way to scared to take a chance losing to a powerful team like Boise State on the Blue.