What Is 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 13-1 record and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship by defeating Georgia 26-23 in overtime on January 8, 2018.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a 13-1 record
Won the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship
Defeated Georgia 26-23 in overtime in the title game
Coached by Nick Saban in his 11th season at Alabama
Started the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll

Overview

The 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Coached by Nick Saban, the team represented the University of Alabama during the 2017 college football season and claimed its 17th national championship in program history.

Alabama began the season ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press (AP) Poll and maintained elite status throughout the year, winning the SEC West Division and advancing to the College Football Playoff. The team's only loss came in the regular season finale against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

Started the season 10-0 and was ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings entering November, showcasing dominance on both offense and defense.
Lost 28-49 to Auburn on December 2, 2017 in a high-scoring Iron Bowl matchup, ending their undefeated season but not eliminating playoff hopes.
Won the SEC Championship Game 35-28 over Georgia on December 2, 2017, avenging their earlier loss and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Advanced to the National Championship Game after defeating Clemson 24-6 in the Sugar Bowl, which served as a CFP semifinal on January 1, 2018.
Won the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship by defeating Georgia 26-23 in overtime on January 8, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

How It Works

The 2017 season showcased how Alabama’s program combines elite recruiting, disciplined coaching, and strategic in-game adjustments to maintain national prominence. The team’s success stemmed from a balanced approach on offense and a suffocating defense that forced turnovers and controlled tempo.

Offensive Scheme: Alabama utilized a pro-style offense under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, emphasizing power running and efficient passing. The team averaged 39.8 points per game and relied on a deep backfield led by Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough.
Defensive Strategy: The defense, coordinated by Jeremy Pruitt, ran a 3-4 base alignment and ranked 2nd nationally in total defense, allowing just 258.8 yards per game.
Quarterback Play: Jalen Hurts started most games, throwing for 2,875 yards and 23 touchdowns, but backup Tua Tagovailoa played a pivotal role in the championship game.
Special Teams: Placekicker Andy Pappanastos made 14 of 19 field goals, while the punt and kick coverage units ranked among the SEC’s best in net yardage and field position.
Recruiting Pipeline: The roster featured 18 ESPN 300 recruits, including QB Tua Tagovailoa, whose development proved crucial in high-pressure moments.
Coaching Leadership: Nick Saban, in his 11th season at Alabama, earned his 6th national title as head coach, reinforcing his legacy as one of college football’s greatest coaches.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide stacked up against other top teams in the 2017–18 playoff field:

Team	Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed Per Game	Final AP Rank
Alabama	13-1	39.8	13.7	1
Georgia	13-2	36.2	15.5	2
Clemson	12-2	39.4	17.8	3
Ohio State	12-2	42.7	22.1	6
Oklahoma	12-2	47.3	28.4	5

The data shows that while Oklahoma led in scoring, Alabama’s combination of offensive efficiency and elite defense gave them the edge in the postseason. Their low points allowed per game and strong special teams play were decisive factors in close games, especially in the championship matchup against Georgia.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season solidified Alabama’s status as a modern college football dynasty and highlighted the importance of adaptability, especially with the emergence of Tua Tagovailoa in the national title game.

Historic Championship Comeback: Tua Tagovailoa’s 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in overtime marked the first time a backup QB won the national title game.
Legacy of Nick Saban: The win gave Saban his 6th national title at Alabama, surpassing Bear Bryant for most in SEC history.
Impact on Recruiting: The championship victory helped Alabama secure the No. 1 recruiting class in 2018 according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
Shift in Offensive Philosophy: The team’s reliance on Tagovailoa signaled a move toward a more dynamic, dual-threat QB model in future seasons.
Iron Bowl Resilience: Despite losing to Auburn, Alabama became the first team to reach the playoff after a loss in the regular season’s final week.
National Perception: The win reinforced the narrative of Alabama’s dominance, with the program finishing ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll for the 5th time under Saban.

The 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide season remains a benchmark in college football history, combining resilience, elite talent, and coaching excellence to secure another national title.