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1997 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season

American college football season

FieldValue
year1997
teamAlabama Crimson Tide
sportfootball
conferenceSoutheastern Conference
divisionWestern Division
short_confSEC
record4–7
conf_record2–6
head_coachMike DuBose
hc_year1st
off_coachBruce Arians
oc_year1st
off_schemeSplit backs
def_coachEllis Johnson
dc_year1st
def_scheme[4–3](4-3-defense)
captainCurtis Alexander
captain2Paul Pickett
captain3Rod Rutledge
captain4Deshea Townsend
stadiumBryant–Denny Stadium
Legion Field

Legion Field The 1997 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama as a member of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by first-year head coach Mike DuBose, the Crimson Tide compiled an overall record of 4–7 with a mark of 2–6 in conference play, tying for fifth place at the bottom of the SEC's Western Division standings. The team played home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alabama suffered its first losing record since the 1984 season.

Schedule

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Rankings

Game summaries

Houston

A sell-out crowd filled Legion Field as the Mike Dubose era got off to a great start with the Crimson Tide rolling to a big win over Houston. Alabama's 42 points was the most any Alabama team had put up in a game since the season opener in 1994.

StatisticsHouston Cougars}}"HoustonAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs1525
Total yards384466
Rushing yards114213
Passing yards270253
Turnovers23
Time of possession28:0131:59
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Houston Cougars}}; text-align:center;"**Houston**PassingTyson Helton7–14, 143 yards, 1 TD
RushingKetric Sanford12 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingRobbie Wheeler6 receptions, 107 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens12–19, 168 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingShaun Alexander11 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCurtis Alexander
Chad Goss2 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
2 receptions, 50 yards

Vanderbilt

Alabama defense would hold Vanderbilt offense to 124 yards as the Crimson Tide won its first road and conference game of the year in shutout fashion.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaVanderbilt Commodores}}"Vanderbilt
First downs99
Total yards238124
Rushing yards7566
Passing yards16358
Turnovers20
Time of possession30:1629:44
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens10–18, 124 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT's
RushingDennis Riddle13 carries, 31 yards
ReceivingQuincy Jackson3 receptions, 67 yards
Vanderbilt Commodores}}; text-align:center;"**Vanderbilt**PassingDamian Allen6–22, 58 yards
RushingJimmy Williams10 carries, 43 yards
ReceivingJimmy Williams3 receptions, 41 yards

Arkansas

For the second time in a row, Arkansas would come to Bryant-Denny Stadium and upset a ranked Alabama team by one point. Alabama held a 16-10 lead late in the game but, an Anthony Eubanks touchdown grab of 29 yards from Clint Stoerner gave Arkansas a one-point win.

StatisticsArkansas Razorbacks}}"ArkansasAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs1415
Total yards270247
Rushing yards70106
Passing yards200141
Turnovers00
Time of possession29:0230:58
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arkansas Razorbacks}}; text-align:center;"**Arkansas**PassingClint Stoerner16–21, 200 yards, 1 TD
RushingChrys Chukwuma12 carries, 65 yards
ReceivingAnthony Eubanks7 receptions, 104 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens10–17, 84 yards
RushingDennis Riddle12 carries, 49 yards
ReceivingCalvin Hall4 receptions, 48 yards

Southern Miss

After being tied at halftime, Alabama would outscore Southern Miss 17-3 in the second half, led by Alabama defense forcing three Southern Miss turnovers.

StatisticsSouthern Miss Golden Eagles}}"Southern MissAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs1912
Total yards293275
Rushing yards67105
Passing yards226170
Turnovers40
Time of possession29:3430:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Southern Miss Golden Eagles}}; text-align:center;"**Southern Miss**PassingLee Roberts21–40, 226 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT's
RushingHarold Shaw20 carries, 79 yards
ReceivingSherrod Gideon7 receptions, 132 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens11–18, 167 yards, 2 TD's
RushingShaun Alexander16 carries, 66 yards
ReceivingShamari Buchanan2 receptions, 58 yards

Kentucky

A back and forth shootout ended with a 26-yard game-winning touchdown pass from Kentucky QB Tim Couch to give Kentucky its first win over Alabama since 1922. Alabama had the ball first in overtime but, a Chad Goss fumble gave Kentucky an opportunity to score and win with their possession. This would mark the first overtime game ever for both teams.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaKentucky Wildcats}}"Kentucky
First downs2023
Total yards410457
Rushing yards239102
Passing yards171355
Turnovers24
Time of possession35:0424:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens13–24, 125 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT
RushingCurtis Alexander15 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingChad Goss3 receptions, 59 yards, 1 TD
Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"**Kentucky**PassingTim Couch32–49, 355 yards, 4 TD's 3 INT's
RushingAnthony White15 carries, 117 yards
ReceivingDerek Homer3 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD

Tennessee

For the third consecutive year, Tennessee defeated Alabama. Alabama opened with two early field goals, briefly holding a 6–0 lead, but Tennessee's response was emphatic—28 unanswered points that left no room for a comeback. This contest also carried historical weight, serving as the final Third Saturday in October matchup played at Legion Field, closing a memorable chapter in the rivalry’s history.

StatisticsTennessee Volunteers}}"TennesseeAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs2313
Total yards393225
Rushing yards8972
Passing yards304153
Turnovers21
Time of possession31:3528:25
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Tennessee Volunteers}}; text-align:center;"**Tennessee**PassingPeyton Manning23–37, 304 yards, 3 TD's
RushingJamal Lewis17 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingPeerless Price4 receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens13–39, 153 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingCurtis Alexander16 carries, 38 yards
ReceivingShamari Buchanan6 receptions, 66 yards

Ole Miss

Mike DuBose would get his first win against a ranked team as the Crimson Tide ended their two-game losing streak with a win against Ole Miss.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaOle Miss Rebels}}"Ole Miss
First downs2219
Total yards526420
Rushing yards297163
Passing yards229257
Turnovers23
Time of possession36:3723:23
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens15–22, 229 yards, 1 TD
RushingCurtis Alexander16 carries, 141 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingQuincy Jackson5 receptions, 119 yards
Ole Miss Rebels}}; text-align:center;"**Ole Miss**PassingStewart Patridge22–37, 257 yards, 1 TD
RushingJohn Aver15 carries, 148 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingAndre Rone4 receptions, 67 yards

Louisiana Tech

For the first time since the 1990 season, Alabama would lose a non-conference game. This was also the first homecoming loss for Alabama since 1990, and the first time Louisiana Tech had ever defeated Alabama. Coming into the game, the Bulldogs had the third-ranked passing offense in college football.

StatisticsLouisiana Tech Bulldogs}}"Louisiana TechAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs2323
Total yards522389
Rushing yards161127
Passing yards361262
Turnovers10
Time of possession33:5026:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"**Louisiana Tech**PassingTim Rattay29–48, 361 yards, 3 TD's
RushingBobby Ray Tell17 carries, 98 yards
ReceivingTroy Edwards9 receptions, 126 yards, 1 TD
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens14–32, 228 yards, 2 TD's
RushingCurtis Alexander18 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingShamari Buchanan4 receptions, 55 yards

LSU

LSU returned the favor after Alabama shutout LSU in Tiger Stadium in 1996 by shutting out Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. This was the first time Alabama had been shutout since 1991.

StatisticsLSU Tigers}}"LSUAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs1715
Total yards370250
Rushing yards265157
Passing yards10593
Turnovers12
Time of possession30:2229:38
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LSU Tigers}}; text-align:center;"**LSU**PassingHerb Tyler7–13, 105 yards
RushingKevin Faulk27 carries, 168 yards, 2 TD's
ReceivingAbram Booty3 receptions, 66 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens8–24, 93 yards
RushingCurtis Alexander24 carries, 95 yards
ReceivingQuincy Jackson1 reception, 22 yards

Mississippi State

For the first time since 1957, Mississippi State would win in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The loss also meant Alabama would not win a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time since 1955. The loss also guaranteed Alabama its first losing season since 1984.

StatisticsMississippi State Bulldogs}}"Mississippi StateAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs2313
Total yards500247
Rushing yards347113
Passing yards153134
Turnovers00
Time of possession31:0228:58
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"**Mississippi State**PassingMatt Wyatt10–20, 153 yards, 1 TD
RushingJ. J. Johnson23 carries, 198 yards, 2 TD's
ReceivingLamont Woodberry4 receptions, 45 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingLance Tucker7–11, 81 yards, 1 TD
RushingDennis Riddle13 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingQuincy Jackson3 receptions, 63 yards

Auburn

Despite being an underdog, Alabama would lead for most of the game and be in a position to put the game away but an Ed Scissum fumble recovered by Auburn put them in field goal range to take the lead and ultimately give them the win. Alabama would try a 57-yard field goal with A.J. Diaz as time expired but it fell short. Alabama seven losses was the most Alabama had had in a season since 1957.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaAuburn Tigers}}"Auburn
First downs1519
Total yards299275
Rushing yards15662
Passing yards143213
Turnovers23
Time of possession31:3928:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens12–18, 134 yards, 1 TD
RushingShaun Alexander13 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingQuincy Jackson7 receptions, 79 yards
Auburn Tigers}}; text-align:center;"**Auburn**PassingDameyune Craig14–34, 213 yards, 2 INT's
RushingRusty Williams6 carries, 27 yards
ReceivingHicks Poor5 receptions, 55 yards

Coaching staff

**Reference:**

References

References

  1. "Alabama Football 1997 Media Guide".
  2. Tutor, Phillip. (August 31, 1997). "Tide's DuBose era off and throwing". The Anniston Star.
  3. (September 12, 1997). "Nothing doing - Woodyball fails to fix old Vandy problem: no offense". The Tennessean.
  4. (September 21, 1997). "Arkansas stuns No. 11 Alabama, 17–16". The Jackson Sun.
  5. (September 28, 1997). "Turnovers costly to USM". Hattiesburg American.
  6. (October 5, 1997). "Tidings of great joy - Cats stun Alabama with 40–34 OT victory". Lexington Herald-Leader.
  7. (October 19, 1997). "Tennessee waltz, Manning leads 3rd straight win over Alabama". The Tennessean.
  8. (October 26, 1997). "Tide knocks out Rebels 29–20". The Clarion-Ledger.
  9. (November 2, 1997). "Bulldogs roll Tide". The Shreveport Times.
  10. (November 9, 1997). "Faulk, LSU show true grit". Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
  11. (November 16, 1997). "Tide's 0–4 in T-town". The Anniston Star.
  12. (November 23, 1997). "Holmes cookin' - Tigers cash in late fumble to steal historic win". The Montgomery Advertiser.
  13. "1997 Alabama football archives". University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
  14. "1997 Alabama Crimson Tide Football".
  15. ''1997 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Media Guide'', p. 2
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