Learning the ABCs of Alabama Crimson Tide Football: 'U' | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Three head coaches led Alabama football from 2000 to 2006. This does not include Mike Price, who resigned in disgrace before coaching a game in 2003. When Nick Saban was hired after the 2006 season, his goal was to erase the bad memories of the previous six seasons.

After a 12-win season in 2008, Alabama was a national title contender in 2009. Beginning the season ranked fifth, the Crimson Tide opened the campaign with a 34-24 win over No. 7 Virginia Tech in Atlanta. Six consecutive victories followed, but the undefeated season was in doubt during the Oct. 24 home game against Tennessee.

Alabama led 12-10 with 1:19 remaining in the game. Lee Tiffin accounted for all of the Crimson Tide points on four field goals. Earlier in the quarter, Terrence Cody had blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt by the Volunteers Daniel Lincoln.

Now, Lincoln had a chance to redeem himself on the final snap with a game-winning 44-yard field goal. However, Cody broke through the line and blocked his second field goal of the quarter to preserve the undefeated season.

Alabama went on to win their next five games, including a 26-21 win at Auburn and a 32-13 thrashing of No. 1 Florida in the SEC Championship Game.

In the BCS National Championship Game against Texas at the Rose Bowl, Alabama fell behind early, 6-0. But, the Crimson Tide scored 24 points in the second quarter and never looked back en route to a 37-21 victory and a perfect 14-0 record.

Alabama clinched their 13th national championship while winning 14 games for the first time in school history.