1997 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

The 1997 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the college football season of 1997–98. The team's head coach was Mike DuBose, who was entering his first year at Alabama. They played their home games at both Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and competed in the West Division of the Southeastern Conference. Alabama would finish with a record of 4–7 record in suffering the program's first losing season since the 1984 season. The loss against Kentucky (their first to the Wildcats since 1922) marked Alabama's first ever overtime game, as overtime rules for college football had gone into effect the previous season.

1997 Alabama Crimson Tide football
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionWestern Division
Record4–7 (2–6 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorBruce Arians (1st year)
Defensive coordinatorEllis Johnson (1st year)
Captains
Home stadiumBryant–Denny Stadium
(Capacity: 70,123)
Legion Field
(Capacity: 83,091)
1997 Southeastern Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
Eastern Division
No. 7 Tennessee x$  7 –1   11 –2  
No. 10 Georgia  6 –2   10 –2  
No. 4 Florida  6 –2   10 –2  
South Carolina  3 –5   5 –6  
Kentucky  2 –6   5 –6  
Vanderbilt  0 –8   3 –8  
Western Division
No. 11 Auburn xy  6 –2   10 –3  
No. 13 LSU x  6 –2   9 –3  
No. 22 Ole Miss  4 –4   8 –4  
Mississippi State  4 –4   7 –4  
Arkansas  2 –6   4 –7  
Alabama  2 –6   4 –7  
Championship: Tennessee 30, Auburn 29
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

Schedule
DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
August 3011:30 a.m.Houston*No. 16
JPSW 42–1781,591[1]
September 117:30 p.m.at VanderbiltNo. 15
ESPNW 20–041,448[2]
September 2011:30 a.m.ArkansasNo. 11
JPSL 16–1770,123[3]
September 272:00 p.m.Southern Miss*No. 21
PPVW 27–1483,091[4]
October 46:00 p.m.at KentuckyNo. 20
PPVL 34–40 OT59,226[5]
October 186:00 p.m.No. 9 Tennessee
ESPNL 21–3883,091[6]
October 2511:30 a.m.at No. 25 Ole Miss
JPSW 29–2041,548[7]
November 11:00 p.m.Louisiana Tech*dagger
  • Bryant–Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL
PPVL 20–2670,123[8]
November 82:30 p.m.No. 14 LSU
  • Bryant–Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)
CBSL 0–2770,123[9]
November 1511:30 a.m.No. 17 Mississippi State
  • Bryant–Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)
JPSL 20–3270,123[10]
November 226:00 p.m.at No. 13 Auburn
ESPNL 17–1885,214[11]
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

[12]

Coaching staff
Name Position Consecutive seasons at Alabama
Mike DuboseHead coach1st
Bruce AriansOffensive coordinator/Quarterback coach1st
Dabo SwinneyTight end5th
Neil CallawayOffensive line coach1st
Woody McCorveyWide receivers coach8th
Ivy WilliamsRunning backs coach4th
Ellis JohnsonDefensive coordinator/Defensive line1st
Curley HallmanSecondary coach2nd
Jeff RouzieLinebackers coach7th
Danny PearmanSpecial teams coordinator7th
Mickey ConnGraduate Assistant2nd
Reference:[13]

Game summaries

Houston
See also: 1997 Houston Cougars football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Cougars 0 7 7 3 17
#16 Crimson Tide 21 7 0 14 42

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.

StatisticsHoustonAlabama
First downs1525
Total yards384466
Rushing yards114213
Passing yards270253
Turnovers23
Time of possession28:0131:59
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HoustonPassingTyson Helton7–14, 143 yards, 1 TD
RushingKetric Sanford12 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingRobbie Wheeler6 receptions, 107 yards
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens12–19, 168 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingShaun Alexander11 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCurtis Alexander
Chad Goss		2 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
2 receptions, 50 yards

Vanderbilt
See also: 1997 Vanderbilt Commodores football team
1 2 3 4 Total
#15 Crimson Tide 7 0 3 10 20
Commodores 0 0 0 0 0

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.

StatisticsAlabamaVanderbilt
First downs99
Total yards238124
Rushing yards7566
Passing yards16358
Turnovers20
Time of possession30:1629:44
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens10–18, 124 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT's
RushingDennis Riddle13 carries, 31 yards
ReceivingQuincy Jackson3 receptions, 67 yards
VanderbiltPassingDamian Allen6–22, 58 yards
RushingJimmy Williams10 carries, 43 yards
ReceivingJimmy Williams3 receptions, 41 yards

Arkansas
See also: 1997 Arkansas Razorbacks football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Razorbacks 3 0 7 7 17
#11 Crimson Tide 3 3 3 7 16

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.

StatisticsArkansasAlabama
First downs1415
Total yards270247
Rushing yards70106
Passing yards200141
Turnovers00
Time of possession29:0230:58
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ArkansasPassingClint Stoerner16–21, 200 yards, 1 TD
RushingChrys Chukwuma12 carries, 65 yards
ReceivingAnthony Eubanks7 receptions, 104 yards
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens10–17, 84 yards
RushingDennis Riddle12 carries, 49 yards
ReceivingCalvin Hall4 receptions, 48 yards

Southern Miss
See also: 1997 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Golden Eagles 0 10 3 0 13
#21 Crimson Tide 0 10 7 10 27

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

StatisticsSouthern MissAlabama
First downs1912
Total yards293275
Rushing yards67105
Passing yards226170
Turnovers40
Time of possession29:3430:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Southern MissPassingLee Roberts21–40, 226 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT's
RushingHarold Shaw20 carries, 79 yards
ReceivingSherrod Gideon7 receptions, 132 yards
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens11–18, 167 yards, 2 TD's
RushingShaun Alexander16 carries, 66 yards
ReceivingShamari Buchanan2 receptions, 58 yards

Kentucky
See also: 1997 Kentucky Wildcats football team
1 2 3 4OT Total
Wildcats 10 3 14 76 40
#20 Crimson Tide 7 7 10 100 34

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.

StatisticsAlabamaKentucky
First downs2023
Total yards410457
Rushing yards239102
Passing yards171355
Turnovers24
Time of possession35:0424:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens13–24, 125 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT
RushingCurtis Alexander15 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingChad Goss3 receptions, 59 yards, 1 TD
KentuckyPassingTim Couch32–49, 355 yards, 4 TD's 3 INT's
RushingAnthony White15 carries, 117 yards
ReceivingDerek Homer3 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD

Tennessee
See also: 1997 Tennessee Volunteers football team
1 2 3 4 Total
#9 Volunteers 7 14 10 7 38
Crimson Tide 6 0 8 7 21

For the third straight year, Tennessee would beat Alabama. Alabama would kick two early field goals to have a 6-0 lead but Tennessee would score the next 28 points to put the game out of reach for Alabama. This game would be the last Third Saturday in October game to be played at Legion Field.

StatisticsTennesseeAlabama
First downs2313
Total yards393225
Rushing yards8972
Passing yards304153
Turnovers21
Time of possession31:3528:25
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
TennesseePassingPeyton Manning23–37, 304 yards, 3 TD's
RushingJamal Lewis17 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingPeerless Price4 receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens13–39, 153 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingCurtis Alexander16 carries, 38 yards
ReceivingShamari Buchanan6 receptions, 66 yards

Ole Miss
See also: 1997 Ole Miss Rebels football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Crimson Tide 0 7 10 12 29
#25 Rebels 7 7 0 6 20

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.

StatisticsAlabamaOle Miss
First downs2219
Total yards526420
Rushing yards297163
Passing yards229257
Turnovers23
Time of possession36:3723:23
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens15–22, 229 yards, 1 TD
RushingCurtis Alexander16 carries, 141 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingQuincy Jackson5 receptions, 119 yards
Ole MissPassingStewart Patridge22–37, 257 yards, 1 TD
RushingJohn Aver15 carries, 148 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingAndre Rone4 receptions, 67 yards

Louisiana Tech
See also: 1997 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Bulldogs 10 3 7 6 26
Crimson Tide 7 0 6 7 20

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 TechAlabama
First downs2323
Total yards522389
Rushing yards161127
Passing yards361262
Turnovers10
Time of possession33:5026:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassingTim Rattay29–48, 361 yards, 3 TD's
RushingBobby Ray Tell17 carries, 98 yards
ReceivingTroy Edwards9 receptions, 126 yards, 1 TD
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens14–32, 228 yards, 2 TD's
RushingCurtis Alexander18 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingShamari Buchanan4 receptions, 55 yards

LSU
See also: 1997 LSU Tigers football team
1 2 3 4 Total
#14 Tigers 7 7 0 13 27
Crimson Tide 0 0 0 0 0

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.

StatisticsLSUAlabama
First downs1715
Total yards370250
Rushing yards265157
Passing yards10593
Turnovers12
Time of possession30:2229:38
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LSUPassingHerb Tyler7–13, 105 yards
RushingKevin Faulk27 carries, 168 yards, 2 TD's
ReceivingAbram Booty3 receptions, 66 yards
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens8–24, 93 yards
RushingCurtis Alexander24 carries, 95 yards
ReceivingQuincy Jackson1 reception, 22 yards

Mississippi State
See also: 1997 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team
1 2 3 4 Total
#17 Bulldogs 14 6 9 3 32
Crimson Tide 14 0 6 0 20

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 StateAlabama
First downs2313
Total yards500247
Rushing yards347113
Passing yards153134
Turnovers00
Time of possession31:0228:58
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Mississippi StatePassingMatt Wyatt10–20, 153 yards, 1 TD
RushingJ. J. Johnson23 carries, 198 yards, 2 TD's
ReceivingLamont Woodberry4 receptions, 45 yards
AlabamaPassingLance Tucker7–11, 81 yards, 1 TD
RushingDennis Riddle13 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingQuincy Jackson3 receptions, 63 yards

Auburn
See also: 1997 Auburn Tigers football team
1 2 3 4 Total
Crimson Tide 0 10 7 0 17
#13 Tigers 6 0 6 6 18

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.

StatisticsAlabamaAuburn
First downs1519
Total yards299275
Rushing yards15662
Passing yards143213
Turnovers23
Time of possession31:3928:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
AlabamaPassingFreddie Kitchens12–18, 134 yards, 1 TD
RushingShaun Alexander13 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingQuincy Jackson7 receptions, 79 yards
AuburnPassingDameyune Craig14–34, 213 yards, 2 INT's
RushingRusty Williams6 carries, 27 yards
ReceivingHicks Poor5 receptions, 55 yards

[14]

References
  1. "Tide's DuBose era off and throwing". The Anniston Star. August 31, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "Nothing doing - Woodyball fails to fix old Vandy problem: no offense". The Tennessean. September 12, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Arkansas stuns No. 11 Alabama, 17–16". The Jackson Sun. September 21, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Turnovers costly to USM". Hattiesburg American. September 28, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Tidings of great joy - Cats stun Alabama with 40–34 OT victory". Lexington Herald-Leader. October 5, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Tennessee waltz, Manning leads 3rd straight win over Alabama". The Tennessean. October 19, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Tide knocks out Rebels 29–20". The Clarion-Ledger. October 26, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Bulldogs roll Tide". The Shreveport Times. November 2, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Faulk, LSU show true grit". Alexandria Daily Town Talk. November 9, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. "Tide's 0–4 in T-town". The Anniston Star. November 16, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. "Holmes cookin' - Tigers cash in late fumble to steal historic win". The Montgomery Advertiser. November 23, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. "1997 Alabama football archives". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  13. 1997 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Media Guide, p. 2
  14. "1997 Alabama Crimson Tide Football" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 26, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
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