The Record of the Legendary Nick Saban Against Every SEC Team During His Alabama Career “When the Tide Rolled, Saban Ruled”

Nick Saban’s tenure as head coach of the University of Alabama football team has cemented his place as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Since his arrival in Tuscaloosa in 2007, Saban has transformed the Alabama Crimson Tide into a college football powerhouse. With his meticulous attention to detail, ability to recruit top-tier talent, and unparalleled defensive strategies, Saban has dominated the SEC and built one of the most successful dynasties in modern sports.

Over the course of his career at Alabama, Saban has faced off against every team in the SEC, and his record against these teams is a testament to his dominance. The SEC, known for its competitive nature and deep talent pool, has become synonymous with college football excellence, and Saban has consistently outperformed his peers year after year. His remarkable success against every SEC team is a key factor in his legendary status.

In this article, we will break down Nick Saban’s record against every SEC team during his time at Alabama, highlighting his achievements, the challenges he faced, and how he became synonymous with dominance in the conference. From his first season at Alabama to his most recent victories, we’ll explore how “When the Tide Rolled, Saban Ruled.”

Nick Saban’s Legacy at Alabama: A Foundation of Dominance

Before we dive into the specifics of Saban’s record against each SEC team, it’s important to acknowledge his overarching legacy at Alabama. When Saban took over the Crimson Tide in 2007, the program had just experienced a decade of ups and downs. Alabama had seen periods of success, including a national title under Gene Stallings in 1992, but also moments of mediocrity, with several coaching changes and lackluster seasons.

Saban’s arrival marked a dramatic shift. By the end of his first season, the Tide had shown noticeable improvement, and by his second year, Saban led Alabama to a national championship. Since then, Saban’s Alabama teams have dominated the SEC, winning numerous championships and consistently contending for national titles.

Under Saban, Alabama has claimed six national championships (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020), numerous SEC championships, and has been a fixture in the College Football Playoff (CFP) every season since its inception. Saban’s ability to maintain such a high level of success over more than a decade has set a new standard in college football, and his record against SEC teams is a direct reflection of his dominance.

Saban’s Record Against Each SEC Team: An In-Depth Look

Nick Saban’s success against SEC teams has been remarkable, but his individual records against each opponent demonstrate the consistency and superiority that have defined his tenure at Alabama. Let’s take a closer look at Saban’s performance against every SEC team during his career at Alabama.

1. Alabama vs. Auburn – The Iron Bowl Rivalry

Arguably one of the most intense rivalries in college football, the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn has produced some of the most thrilling games in the sport’s history. Saban’s dominance in this rivalry has been undeniable, though Auburn has been a formidable opponent throughout the years.

• Saban’s Record: 12-5
• Key Moment: While Auburn has had its moments, including their dramatic 2013 victory with the “Kick Six,” Saban has led Alabama to much more consistent success, including several blowout wins and key SEC Championship appearances. Saban’s ability to bounce back from a loss in this rivalry is a testament to his leadership and ability to keep his team focused.

2. Alabama vs. LSU

The LSU Tigers, led by Saban’s former assistant coach Les Miles and now Ed Orgeron, have been a major contender in the SEC West during Saban’s time at Alabama. The annual matchups between these two teams have often had national championship implications.

• Saban’s Record: 12-3
• Key Moment: Saban’s Alabama teams have typically been the more physical team, with an elite defense and a grinding, run-heavy offense. However, LSU’s stifling defense and ability to recruit at a high level have given Alabama some challenges. The rivalry peaked during the 2011 season, when Alabama and LSU faced off in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle in Tuscaloosa, with the Tide emerging victorious.

3. Alabama vs. Mississippi State

Mississippi State has been a solid program under various coaches, including Dan Mullen and Mike Leach, but they have consistently struggled to challenge Alabama in the SEC West.

• Saban’s Record: 15-2
• Key Moment: The most significant win for Mississippi State over Alabama came in 2014, when the Bulldogs defeated Alabama in Starkville. However, Saban’s Alabama teams have largely dominated this matchup, with several convincing victories that have kept Mississippi State on the edge of relevance in the conference.

4. Alabama vs. Ole Miss

Ole Miss has occasionally posed problems for Alabama during the Saban era, especially in high-scoring affairs, with Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze and, later, Lane Kiffin, taking some of the most dramatic wins of the rivalry.

• Saban’s Record: 14-3
• Key Moment: Ole Miss’ 43-37 victory over Alabama in 2015 was one of the few significant upsets during Saban’s reign. The Rebels’ ability to exploit Alabama’s secondary in these matchups made for some thrilling games, though Saban has remained largely dominant overall.

5. Alabama vs. Arkansas

Arkansas, while competitive at times under coaches like Bobby Petrino and Bret Bielema, has largely found itself outclassed by Alabama during the Saban era.

• Saban’s Record: 14-2
• Key Moment: Alabama has typically been too physical and talented for Arkansas to keep up. The games have often been one-sided, with the Tide dominating the line of scrimmage and making quick work of the Razorbacks.

6. Alabama vs. Tennessee

The Third Saturday in October rivalry between Alabama and Tennessee is one of the oldest and most storied in college football. However, in the Saban era, this rivalry has been heavily tilted in Alabama’s favor, especially with Tennessee’s struggles to remain competitive.

• Saban’s Record: 15-0
• Key Moment: Tennessee has failed to provide a significant challenge to Alabama under Saban. While the Vols used to be a powerhouse, they have been stuck in mediocrity for much of Saban’s tenure, with Alabama dominating this rivalry on a yearly basis.

7. Alabama vs. Kentucky

Kentucky has had its moments of success, but it has largely been a non-factor in the SEC race when facing Alabama.

• Saban’s Record: 12-1
• Key Moment: While the Wildcats have played competitive games at times, especially when coached by Rich Brooks or Mark Stoops, they have struggled to keep up with Alabama’s superior talent and depth.

8. Alabama vs. South Carolina

South Carolina, led by Steve Spurrier in the early years of Saban’s tenure, presented a tough challenge to Alabama in the early 2000s. However, Saban has since dominated the Gamecocks in this matchup.

• Saban’s Record: 11-1
• Key Moment: The lone defeat came in 2010 when South Carolina, led by running back Marcus Lattimore and quarterback Stephen Garcia, managed to defeat Alabama in a surprising upset. Since then, Alabama has rolled over South Carolina in most of their matchups.

9. Alabama vs. Missouri

Missouri’s move to the SEC in 2012 has resulted in a few competitive seasons, but Alabama has largely dominated this matchup.

• Saban’s Record: 6-0
• Key Moment: Missouri’s best chance to upset Alabama came in the 2014 SEC Championship Game, but Alabama stifled the Tigers’ offense and ran away with the win.

10. Alabama vs. Florida

Florida has had a strong football program throughout Saban’s tenure, but Alabama has typically had the upper hand in matchups with the Gators, especially during key games in the SEC Championship and national championship picture.

• Saban’s Record: 9-3
• Key Moment: The 2008 SEC Championship Game, when Florida defeated Alabama on their way to a national title, remains one of the few blemishes on Saban’s record against the Gators. However, since then, Alabama has dominated the rivalry.

Saban’s Overall Record:

Saban’s tenure at Alabama has been marked by one defining trait — dominance. His ability to recruit, coach, and motivate players has allowed him to maintain an elite level of success against every SEC team. His overall record in the SEC is a clear indication of his brilliance as a head coach.

• Overall Record Against SEC Teams: 144-20

Nick Saban’s record against SEC teams during his Alabama career is a testament to his incredible coaching ability, his recruitment prowess, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. From dominating long-standing rivals like Auburn and LSU to stifling newcomers like Missouri and Texas A&M, Saban has maintained a level of superiority that few have matched in the history of college football.

As Alabama continues to build on its success under Saban’s leadership, the legacy he leaves in the SEC will be felt for years to come. Whether it’s a dominating performance in the Iron Bowl or a statement victory over a top-tier program, Saban’s dominance against every SEC opponent is a defining feature of his Alabama legacy. “When the Tide Rolled, Saban Ruled,” and that rule still stands as Alabama looks to remain on top for years to come.