What Is 2019 Alabama Crimson Tide football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 11-2 record under head coach Nick Saban and winning the Citrus Bowl 35-0 over Michigan. They ranked No. 11 in the final AP Poll and were led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa before his mid-season injury.

Key Facts

11-2 overall record in the 2019 season
Finished No. 11 in the final AP Poll
Tua Tagovailoa started 10 games before injury
Mac Jones took over as starting QB in December
Defeated Michigan 35-0 in the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2020

Overview

The 2019 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 in his 13th season at Alabama, the team played its home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and faced a challenging schedule that included several ranked opponents.

Despite high expectations and a top-five preseason ranking, the season was marked by injury and inconsistency, particularly at the quarterback position. The team ultimately missed the College Football Playoff but rebounded strongly in the postseason to finish with a decisive bowl victory.

11-2 record: The Crimson Tide finished the regular season 10-2 before winning their bowl game, totaling 11 wins and 2 losses for the year.
SEC West Champions: Alabama won the SEC Western Division with a 6-2 conference record, though they lost the SEC Championship Game to LSU 25-37.
Tua Tagovailoa injury: Starting quarterback Tua suffered a season-ending ankle injury in November against Mississippi State after playing in 10 games.
Mac Jones as successor: Backup quarterback Mac Jones stepped in late in the season and started the Citrus Bowl, throwing for 275 yards and four touchdowns.
Citrus Bowl champions: On January 1, 2020, Alabama defeated Michigan 35-0 in Orlando, marking the first shutout in Citrus Bowl history.

Season Performance

The 2019 campaign showcased both the depth and challenges facing Alabama, as the team navigated injuries and a tough conference slate. While early-season wins over Duke and New Mexico State demonstrated dominance, losses to LSU and Auburn revealed vulnerabilities.

Preseason No. 1 ranking: Alabama began the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll but dropped after the loss to LSU in November.
LSU rivalry game: The November 9 matchup against LSU ended in a 37-25 loss, with Joe Burrow outplaying Tagovailoa before his injury.
Defensive strength: The Crimson Tide defense allowed only 17.4 points per game, ranking 7th nationally in scoring defense.
Offensive output: Alabama averaged 39.8 points per game, powered by a dynamic passing attack before Tagovailoa’s injury.
Individual accolades: Linebacker Anfernee Jennings and safety Xavier McKinney were named to the All-SEC Second Team for their performances.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2019 season compared to recent Alabama campaigns:

Season	Record	Final AP Rank	Head Coach	Bowl Result
2019	11-2	No. 11	Nick Saban	Won Citrus Bowl (35-0 vs Michigan)
2018	14-1	No. 1	Nick Saban	Won CFP National Championship (44-16 vs Clemson)
2017	13-1	No. 4	Nick Saban	Lost CFP National Championship (26-24 vs UGA)
2016	14-1	No. 2	Nick Saban	Won CFP National Championship (38-33 vs Clemson)
2015	14-1	No. 2	Nick Saban	Won CFP National Championship (42-39 vs Clemson)

The 2019 season was a slight step back from Alabama’s dominant championship runs of previous years, though still highly successful by most standards. The team remained competitive in a loaded SEC and demonstrated resilience after losing its star quarterback mid-season. While falling short of a national title, the year served as a transition toward future success under Saban’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was significant for its demonstration of program depth and adaptability in the face of adversity. With Tua Tagovailoa projected as a potential Heisman winner and future No. 1 NFL draft pick, his injury was a major setback, yet the team responded with a strong finish.

Quarterback transition: The shift from Tagovailoa to Mac Jones highlighted Alabama’s depth and influenced future QB development strategies.
Recruiting impact: Despite not winning a title, the program maintained elite recruiting classes, including top-5 finishes in 2020 and 2021.
Injury management: The handling of Tagovailoa’s injury drew national attention and raised discussions about player safety and medical protocols.
SEC competition: The close loss to LSU underscored the rising parity in the conference, with LSU going on to win the national title.
Bowl dominance: The 35-0 shutout of Michigan was Alabama’s most lopsided bowl win since 2012 and boosted morale heading into the next season.
Saban’s legacy: Even without a championship, the season reinforced Nick Saban’s reputation for maintaining excellence over the long term.

Ultimately, the 2019 Alabama Crimson Tide season stands as a testament to resilience, program strength, and the unpredictable nature of college football at the highest level.