2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team#Schedule

File:2011 houndstooth ribbon on the field at Bryant–Denny Stadium.jpg awareness ribbon painted on-field in remembrance of the victims and damage of the April 2011 tornado.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=September 2, 2011 |title=Alabama's opener against Kent State could help healing in Tuscaloosa |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/alabamas_opener_against_kent_s.html |access-date=March 25, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}}]]

After winning the BCS National Championship in 2009, Alabama fell short of preseason expectations in 2010 and finished with a record of nine wins and three losses at the conclusion of the regular season. However, they finished with a 49–7 victory in the 2011 Capital One Bowl against Michigan State, and secured Alabama's third straight ten-win season and their third bowl win in four seasons.{{Cite news |date=January 1, 2011 |title=Mark Ingram runs for two touchdowns as Alabama cruises |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=310010127 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102213858/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=310010127 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |access-date=August 9, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

In February 2011, Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 7 recruiting class according to Scout.{{Cite web |title=2011 Team Rankings |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/Alabama/football/recruiting/teamrank/2011/all/all |access-date=April 29, 2011 |publisher=Rivals.com}}{{Cite web |title=2011 College Football Team Recruiting Rankings |url=http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2011 |access-date=November 4, 2010 |publisher=Scout.com}} Spring practice began on March 21 and concluded with the annual A-Day game on April 16.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=February 11, 2011 |title=Alabama spring practice begins March 21; A-Day set for April 16 |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/02/alabama_spring_practice_begins.html |access-date=April 29, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} Televised live by ESPNU, the Crimson team of offensive starters defeated the White team of defensive starters by a final score of 14–10 before 92,310 fans in Bryant–Denny Stadium.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=April 17, 2011 |title=Alabama A-Day 2011 spring football game news and notes |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/04/alabama_a-day_2011_spring_foot.html |access-date=April 29, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} For their performances, Barrett Jones earned the Dwight Stephenson Lineman of the A-Day Game Award and Trent Richardson earned the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award.

In the weeks after the conclusion of spring practice, a pair of tragedies occurred that directly impacted the team. On April 27, 2011, an EF4 rated tornado devastated Tuscaloosa.{{Cite journal |last=Anderson |first=Lars |date=May 23, 2011 |title=Terror, tragedy and hope in Tuscaloosa |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1186008/1/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520025854/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1186008/1/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 20, 2011 |journal=Sports Illustrated |publisher=sportsillustrated.cnn.com |access-date=August 10, 2011}} As a result of the storm, long snapper Carson Tinker suffered a broken wrist with his girlfriend being one of the 43 fatalities attributed to the storm in Tuscaloosa. On May 12, 2011, offensive lineman Aaron Douglas was found dead in Fernandina Beach, Florida.{{Cite news |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=June 29, 2011 |title=Drugs cited in University of Alabama player's death |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110629/NEWS/110629641 |access-date=July 23, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} The cause of death was subsequently ruled accidental as a result of multiple drug toxicity. After transferring to Alabama from Arizona Western College, Douglas struggled with off-field issues including a DUI charge following a December 2010 arrest.{{Cite news |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=December 26, 2010 |title=Transfer Douglas charged with DUI |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20101226/NEWS/101229767 |access-date=July 23, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} He started his career as a freshman All-America at Tennessee, before the Volunteers' new head coach Derek Dooley granted him a release from the program in Spring 2010.{{Cite news |last=Staff Reporters |date=May 16, 2011 |title=Hundreds mourn former UT football player Aaron Douglas |url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2011/may/16/hundreds-mourn-former-ut-player-aaron-douglas/ |access-date=July 23, 2011 |work=Knoxville News Sentinel |publisher=GoVolsXtra.com}}

By August, Alabama had a combined 31 players on 12 different preseason award watch lists.{{Cite web |title=2011 National College Football Awards Association Watch Lists |url=http://www.ncfaa.org/11watchlists.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722085428/http://www.ncfaa.org/11watchlists.pdf |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=August 9, 2011 |publisher=National College Football Awards Association}} These included Mark Barron, Dont'a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick, Robert Lester and Courtney Upshaw for the Chuck Bednarik Award; Duron Carter, Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze for the Fred Biletnikoff Award; Hightower, Nico Johnson and Upshaw for the Butkus Award; Lester and Trent Richardson for the Walter Camp Award; Hightower, Barrett Jones, Upshaw and William Vlachos for the Lombardi Award; Michael Williams for the John Mackey Award; Richardson for the Maxwell Award; Barron, Hightower, Kirkpatrick, Lester and Upshaw for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy; Jones and Vlachos for the Outland Trophy; Vlachos for the Rimington Trophy; Barron, Kirkpatrick and Lester for the Jim Thorpe Award; and Richardson for the Doak Walker Award.

Between the conclusion of the 2010 season and the beginning of summer practice in August 2011, seven players transferred from the Crimson Tide.{{Cite news |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=July 31, 2011 |title=Robby Green to transfer to California University of Pennsylvania |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110731/NEWS/110739975 |access-date=September 2, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} Those who transferred included Robby Green (California University of Pennsylvania), B.J. Scott (South Alabama), Demetrius Goode (North Alabama), Petey Smith (Holmes Community College), Brandon Moore (East Mississippi Community College), Corey Grant (Auburn) and Keiwone Malone (Memphis).

Alabama head coach Nick Saban entered his fifth year as the Crimson Tide's head coach for the 2011 season. During his previous four years with Alabama, he led the Crimson Tide to an overall record of 38 wins, 11 losses (38–11) and the 2009 national championship.{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Nick L. Saban Records by Year |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2055 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226145612/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2055 |archive-date=December 26, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse}} In the weeks after the Capitol One Bowl victory, several changes were made to the Alabama coaching staff. Defensive line coach Bo Davis resigned his position to serve as the defensive tackles coach for Texas, and the next day Chris Rumph was hired from Clemson, to replace him as the defensive line coach.{{Cite news |last=Riggs |first=Randy |date=January 4, 2011 |title=Horns hire Alabama's Davis to coach defensive tackles |url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/horns-hire-alabamas-davis-to-coach-defensive-tackles-1163940.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107084019/http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/horns-hire-alabamas-davis-to-coach-defensive-tackles-1163940.html |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |access-date=January 7, 2011 |work=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Statesman.com}}{{Cite news |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=January 5, 2011 |title=Clemson assistant replacing Davis on Bama staff |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110105/news/110109798 |access-date=January 7, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} On January 12, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Joe Pendry announced his retirement, and the following day former Miami interim head coach Jeff Stoutland was hired to replace him as offensive line coach.{{Cite news |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=January 12, 2011 |title=Pendry resigns, Stoutland expected as replacement |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110112/news/110119883 |access-date=January 14, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 14, 2011 |title=Alabama hires Stoutland as offensive line coach |url=http://www.al.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/alabama-hires-stoutland-as-offensive-line-coach/97cdd6bfa2264f7892710b8eeea2c243 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004220832/http://www.al.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/alabama-hires-stoutland-as-offensive-line-coach/97cdd6bfa2264f7892710b8eeea2c243 |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2011 |work=The Birmingham News |publisher=AL.com |agency=Associated Press}} On January 21, wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Curt Cignetti resigned his position to accept the head coaching job at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and on February 7, Mike Groh was hired as his replacement as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.{{Cite news |last=Deas |first=Tommy |date=January 21, 2011 |title=Cignetti to be named IUP coach |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110120/news/110129964 |access-date=January 21, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}}{{Cite news |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=February 7, 2011 |title=Groh named to replace Cignetti on Alabama staff |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110207/news/110209683 |access-date=February 7, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}}

;Offensive analysts

• Billy Napier
• Jeff Norrid
• Jody Wright

;Defensive analysts

• Dean Altobelli
• Russ Callaway

; Special teams analysts

• Joe Judge

• Derrick Ansley
• Glenn Schumann
• Kevin Garver

• Rob Ezell

Alabama had 17 returning starters from the previous season, including ten on defense and seven on offense.{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2011 |title=Alabama football begin spring drills |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/032111aaa.html |access-date=August 10, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The most notable departures from the previous year were defensive end Marcell Dareus, left tackle James Carpenter, tight end Preston Dial, quarterback Greg McElroy, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Mark Ingram II{{Cite news |last=Rogers |first=Ken |date=March 20, 2011 |title=Tide football team begins spring work Monday |url=http://www2.dothaneagle.com/sports/2011/mar/20/tide-football-team-begins-spring-work-monday-ar-1603488/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008123742/http://www2.dothaneagle.com/sports/2011/mar/20/tide-football-team-begins-spring-work-monday-ar-1603488/ |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |work=Dothan Eagle |publisher=DothanEagle.com}}

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Starters and backups.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=August 29, 2011 |title=Take a look at Alabama depth chart:DeAndrew White listed as starter; Barrett Jones to start at left tackle ... |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/alabama_depth_chart_deandrew_w.html |access-date=August 29, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}}

{{CFB Team Depth Chart

| OScheme = Pro-Set

| DScheme = 3–4

| SpecialTeams = Yes

| KeyReserves = No

| 3Deep = Yes

| QB_Starter = A. J. McCarron

| QB_Backup = Phillip Sims

| QB_Third = Phillip Ely

| RB1_Starter = Trent Richardson

| RB1_Backup = Eddie Lacy

| RB1_Third = Jalston Fowler

| FB_Starter = Brad Smelley

| FB_Backup = Ryan Colbaugh

| WR1_Starter = Marquis Maze

| WR1_Backup = Brandon Gibson

| WR1_Third = Kevin Norwood

| WR2_Starter = DeAndrew White

| WR2_Backup = Darius Hanks

| WR2_Third = Kenny Bell

| TE1_Starter = Michael Williams

| TE1_Backup = Chris Underwood

| TE1_Third = Brian Vogler

| LT_Starter = Barrett Jones

| LT_Backup = Cyrus Kouandjio

| LT_Third = Tyler Love

| LG_Starter = Chance Warmack

| LG_Backup = Barrett Jones

| LG_Third = Alfred McCullough

| C_Starter = William Vlachos

| C_Backup = Kellen Williams

| RG_Starter = Anthony Steen

| RG_Backup = John Michael Boswell

| RT_Starter = D. J. Fluker

| RT_Backup = Austin Shepherd

| ROLB_Starter = Courtney Upshaw

| ROLB_Backup = Adrian Hubbard

| ROLB_Third = Xzavier Dickson

| RILB_Starter = Nico Johnson

| RILB_Backup = C. J. Mosley

| RILB_Third = Tana Patrick

| LILB_Starter = Dont'a Hightower

| LILB_Backup = Chris Jordan

| LILB_Third = Trey DePriest

| LOLB_Starter = Jerrell Harris

| LOLB_Backup = Alex Watkins

| LOLB_Third = Jonathan Atchison

| FS_Starter = Mark Barron

| FS_Backup = Will Lowery

| FS_Third = Nick Perry

| SS_Starter = Robert Lester

| SS_Backup = Jarrick Williams

| SS_Third = Vinnie Sunseri

| SS_SchoolName = SS

| DB1_Starter = Dre Kirkpatrick

| DB1_Backup = Phelon Jones

| DB1_Third = Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

| DB2_Starter = DeQuan Menzie

| DB2_Backup = Dee Milliner

| DB2_Third = John Fulton

| RDE_Starter = Jesse Williams

| RDE_Backup = Quinton Dial

| RDE_Third = Undra Billingsly

| NT_Starter = Josh Chapman

| NT_Backup = Nick Gentry

| NT_Third = Jesse Williams

| LDE_Starter = Damion Square

| LDE_Backup = Ed Stinson

| PK_Starter = Cade Foster

| PK_Backup = Jeremy Shelley

| P_Starter = Cody Mandell

| Kick_Returner = Marquis Maze/Darius Hanks

| Punt_Returner = Marquis Maze

| Long_Snapper = Carson Tinker

| Holder = A. J. McCarron

| ColWidth = 110

| Autosize =

| RowHeight =

| FontSize = 100

| Debug = No

}}

Alabama's recruiting class included eleven players from the "ESPN 150": No. 3 Cyrus Kouandjio (OT); No. 19 Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix (S); No. 22 Xzavier Dickson (DE); No. 38 Trey DePriest (OLB); No. 41 Bradley Sylve (WR); No. 53 Jeoffrey Pagan (DE); No. 75 Marvin Shinn (WR); No. 79 Demetrius Hart (RB); No. 82 Malcolm Faciane (TE); No. 137 Danny Woodson Jr. (WR); and No. 140 Brent Calloway (ATH).{{Cite web |title=ESPNU 150 Class of 2011 |url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/recruiting/top150prospects/_/class/2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829152219/http://espn.go.com/college-football/recruiting/top150prospects/_/class/2011 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 29, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2011 |website=ESPN.com}} Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals and the No. 7 recruiting class according to Scout. The football program received 14 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 2, 2011.{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2011 |title=Crimson Tide add 14 on National Signing Day |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020211aab.html |access-date=August 9, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Prior to National Signing Day, three high school players and three junior college transfers of the 2011 recruiting class enrolled for the spring semester in order to participate in spring practice.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2011 |title=Crimson Tide welcomes eight players for spring semester |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011211aaa.html |access-date=January 21, 2012 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} These early enrollments included: nose guard Quinton Dial, offensive lineman Aaron Douglas and nose tackle Jesse Williams from junior college and linebacker Trey DePriest, quarterback Phillip Ely safety Vinnie Sunseri from high school.

{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=yes|collapse=yes|year=2011}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Brent Calloway

| position = LB

| hometown = Russellville, Alabama

| highschool = Russellville High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 1

| weight = 210

| 40 = 4.63

| commitdate = 2/2/11

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

| position = S

| hometown = Orlando, Florida

| highschool = Dr. Phillips High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 2

| weight = 190

| 40 = 4.50

| commitdate = 4/17/10

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Trey DePriest

| position = LB

| hometown = Springfield, Ohio

| highschool = Springfield High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 2

| weight = 230

| 40 = 4.69

| commitdate = 7/30/10

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Quinton Dial

| position = DT

| hometown = Clay, Alabama

| highschool = East Mississippi Community College

| feet = 6

| inches = 5

| weight = 310

| 40 =  

| commitdate = 2/4/10

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = NR

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Xzavier Dickson

| position = DE

| hometown = Griffin, Georgia

| highschool = Griffin High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 4

| weight = 248

| 40 = 4.90

| commitdate = 1/5/11

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Aaron Douglas

| position = OT

| hometown = Maryville, Tennessee

| highschool = Arizona Western College

| feet = 6

| inches = 6

| weight = 290

| 40 =  

| commitdate = 12/16/10

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = NR

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Phillip Ely

| position = QB

| hometown = Tampa, Florida

| highschool = Plant High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 1

| weight = 186

| 40 = 4.57

| commitdate = 8/11/10

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| 247 stars = 3

| espn stars = 3

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Malcolm Faciane

| position = TE

| hometown = Picayune, Mississippi

| highschool = Picayune Memorial High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 6

| weight = 263

| 40 = 4.61

| commitdate = 4/15/10

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = LaMichael Fanning

| position = DE

| hometown = Hamilton, Georgia

| highschool = Harris County High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 7

| weight = 270

| 40 = 5.00

| commitdate = 4/17/10

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Demetrius Hart

| position = RB

| hometown = Orlando, Florida

| highschool = Dr. Phillips High School

| feet = 5

| inches = 8

| weight = 190

| 40 = 4.5

| commitdate = 1/8/11

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Christion Jones

| position = CB

| hometown = Adamsville, Alabama

| highschool = Minor High School

| feet = 5

| inches = 10

| weight = 175

| 40 = 4.50

| commitdate = 9/30/10

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 3

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Ryan Kelly

| position = C

| hometown = West Chester Township, Butler County, Ohio

| highschool = Lakota West High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 5

| weight = 280

| 40 = 5.00

| commitdate = 7/19/10

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 3

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 3

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Cyrus Kouandjio

| position = OT

| hometown = Hyattsville, Maryland

| highschool = DeMatha Catholic High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 7

| weight = 325

| 40 = 5.00

| commitdate = 2/5/11

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Isaac Luatua

| position = OG

| hometown = La Mirada, California

| highschool = La Mirada High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 298

| 40 = 4.98

| commitdate = 6/8/10

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| 247 stars = 3

| espn stars = 3

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Jeoffrey Pagan

| position = DE

| hometown = Asheville, North Carolina

| highschool = Asheville High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 4

| weight = 272

| 40 = 4.60

| commitdate = 2/2/11

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = D. J. Pettway

| position = DT

| hometown = Pensacola, Florida

| highschool = Pensacola Catholic High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 255

| 40 =  

| commitdate = 4/19/10

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Marvin Shinn

| position = WR

| hometown = Prichard, Alabama

| highschool = Vigor High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 4

| weight = 195

| 40 = 4.50

| commitdate = 4/18/09

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Vinnie Sunseri

| position = LB

| hometown = Tuscaloosa, Alabama

| highschool = Northridge High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 0

| weight = 205

| 40 = 4.60

| commitdate = 6/12/10

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars =3

| 247 stars = 3

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Bradley Sylve

| position = WR

| hometown = Port Sulphur, Louisiana

| highschool = South Plaquemines High School

| feet = 5

| inches = 11

| weight = 175

| 40 = 4.40

| commitdate = 5/12/10

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Jabriel Washington

| position = CB

| hometown = Jackson, Tennessee

| highschool = Trinity Christian Academy

| feet = 5

| inches = 11

| weight = 165

| 40 =  

| commitdate = 4/18/10

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 3

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Jesse Williams

| position = DT

| hometown = Brisbane, Australia

| highschool = Arizona Western College

| feet = 6

| inches = 5

| weight = 340

| 40 =  

| commitdate = 9/4/10

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = NR

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Danny Woodson

| position = WR

| hometown = Mobile, Alabama

| highschool = Le Flore High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 2

| weight = 198

| 40 = 4.5

| commitdate = 3/13/10

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit End

| 40 = yes

| year = 2011

| rivals ref title = Alabama Signee List 2011

| scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: Alabama

| espn ref title = 2011 Player Signees- Alabama

| rivals school =

| scout s = 73

| espn schoolid = 333

| scout overall = 6

| rivals overall = 1

| espn overall = 2

| access-date =February 6, 2011

| collapse = yes

}}

The 2011 schedule was officially released on October 19, 2010.{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2010 |title=Alabama announces 2011 football schedule |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102010aai.html |access-date=April 29, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} In accordance with conference rules, Alabama faced all five Western Division opponents: Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. They also faced three Eastern Division opponents: official SEC rival Tennessee, Florida, and Vanderbilt.{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2006 |title=SEC Football scheduling format |url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/126578/sec-football-scheduling-format.aspx |access-date=April 29, 2011 |website=SECsports.com |publisher=The Southeastern Conference}} Alabama did not play SEC opponents Georgia, Kentucky or South Carolina. The contest against Vanderbilt served as the 2011 homecoming game.{{Cite web |date=January 25, 2011 |title=Alabama football homecoming game set for October 8 vs. Vanderbilt |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/012511aab.html |access-date=January 12, 2012 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

Alabama played four non-conference games. The game against Penn State was originally scheduled to be played as part of the 2004 season, however the series was moved back to this season at the request of Alabama due to fallout from NCAA sanctions being levied on the program.{{Cite news |last=Rice |first=Jeff |date=September 8, 2010 |title=UA–Penn State series was delayed five years |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20100908/NEWS/100909664 |access-date=August 29, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} The non-conference schedule also included games against Kent State of the Mid-American Conference, North Texas of the Sun Belt Conference and Georgia Southern of the Southern Conference. Alabama had one bye week after the Tennessee game and prior to the first LSU game. On December 4, 2011, the final Bowl Championship Series standings were unveiled with a rematch between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=December 4, 2011 |title=It's official: Alabama vs. LSU in BCS Championship Game on Jan. 9 in New Orleans |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabama_ranked_no_2_in_latest_2.html |access-date=December 4, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 4, 2011 |title=LSU, Alabama to play for title |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7316817/lsu-tigers-alabama-crimson-tide-rematch-set-bcs-title-game |access-date=December 4, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=ESPN.com news services}} The Sagarin computer ratings calculated Alabama's 2011 strength of schedule to be the fifteenth most difficult out of the 246 Division I teams.{{Cite news |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Jeff Sagarin NCAA football ratings |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt11.htm |access-date=January 13, 2012 |work=USA Today}} The Cosgrove Computer Rankings calculated it as the twenty-ninth most difficult out of the 120 Division I FBS teams in its rankings.{{Cite web |title=2011–2012 College Football Season Final Congrove Computer Rankings |url=http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/2011_archive_computer_rankings.html |access-date=January 13, 2012 |publisher=College Football Poll.com}}

In addition to the weekly television coverage, radio coverage for all games was broadcast statewide on The Crimson Tide Sports Network (CTSN).2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, p. 207 The radio announcers for the 2011 season were Eli Gold with play-by-play, Phil Savage with color commentary, and Chris Stewart with sideline reports.

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 2011

| poll = AP Poll and BCS Standings after October 16 released prior to game

| timezone = Central

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 3

| time = 11:21 a.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = Kent State

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = SECN

| score = 48–7

| attend = 101,821

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 10

| time = 2:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Penn State

| opprank = 23

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Beaver Stadium

| site_cityst = University Park, PA

| tv = ABC

| score = 27–11

| attend = 107,846

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 17

| time = 6:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = North Texas

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = SECRN

| score = 41–0

| attend = 101,821

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 24

| time = 2:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 3

| opponent = Arkansas

| opprank = 14

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = CBS

| score = 38–14

| attend = 101,821

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 1

| time = 7:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Florida

| opprank = 12

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| tv = CBS

| score = 38–10

| attend = 90,888

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 8

| time = 6:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| homecoming = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = Vanderbilt

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = ESPNU

| score = 34–0

| attend = 101,821

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 15

| time = 5:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = Ole Miss

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Vaught–Hemingway Stadium

| site_cityst = Oxford, MS

| tv = ESPN2

| score = 52–7

| attend = 61,792

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 22

| time = 6:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 2

| opponent = Tennessee

| gamename = Third Saturday in October

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = ESPN2

| score = 37–6

| attend = 101,821

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 5

| time = 7:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| rank = 2

| opponent = LSU

| opprank = 1

| gamename = rivalry / College GameDay

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = CBS

| score = 6–9

| overtime = OT

| attend = 102,437

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 12

| time = 6:45 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Mississippi State

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| tv = ESPN

| score = 24–7

| attend = 57,871

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 19

| time = 1:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Georgia Southern

| opprank = 3 (FCS)

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = PPV

| score = 45–21

| attend = 101,821

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 26

| time = 2:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = Auburn

| opprank = 24

| gamename = Iron Bowl / College GameDay

| site_stadium = Jordan–Hare Stadium

| site_cityst = Auburn, AL

| tv = CBS

| score = 42–14

| attend = 87,451

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = January 9, 2012

| time = 7:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| neutral = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = LSU

| opprank = 1

| gamename = BCS National Championship Game / rivalry / College GameDay

| site_stadium = Mercedes-Benz Superdome

| site_cityst = New Orleans, LA

| tv = ESPN

| score = 21–0

| attend = 78,237

}}

}}

• Source: Rolltide.com: 2011 Alabama football schedule{{Cite web |title=2011 Alabama football schedule |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/alab-m-footbl-sched-11.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909024944/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/alab-m-footbl-sched-11.html |archive-date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=April 29, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{See also|2011 Kent State Golden Flashes football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= Kent State

|V1= 0

|V2= 0

|V3= 7

|V4= 0

|Host=#2 Alabama

|H1= 21

|H2= 3

|H3= 14

|H4= 10

|Location= Tuscaloosa, Alabama

|StartTime= 11:23 a.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:28

|Attendance= 101,821

|Weather= 96°, partly cloudy, winds ESE 9 mph

|Referee= Matt Moore

|TVAnnouncers= Dave Neal (play-by-play), Andre Ware (color), Cara Capuano (sideline)

|TVStation= SEC Network

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2011 |title=Alabama to open season against Kent State |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082911aaa.html |access-date=August 29, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2011 |title=Kent State vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua090311.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=September 3, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= 10:22 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=8:03 |Team=Alabama |Event=Marquis Maze 24-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 14–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:26 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 9-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 21–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=1:35 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 36-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 24–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:13 |Team=Kent State |Event=Justin Thompson 3-yard pass from Spencer Keith (Freddy Cortez kick) |Score=Alabama 24–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:16 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 31–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:04 |Team=Alabama |Event=Eddie Lacy 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 38–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=13:27 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jalston Fowler 49-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 45–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=5:27 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 32-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 48–7|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

File:Alabama on offense against Kent State 9-3-2011.jpg running the ball towards the endzone against the Kent State defensive line.]]

The Crimson Tide opened the 2011 season at home against Nick Saban's alma mater, the Kent State Golden Flashes of the Mid-American Conference.{{Cite news |last=Alexander |first=Elton |date=October 21, 2010 |title=Kent State to open 2011 football season at Alabama |url=http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2010/10/kent_state_to_open_2011_footba.html |access-date=August 29, 2011 |work=The Plain Dealer |publisher=Cleveland.com |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} In the meeting that was the first all-time against the Golden Flashes, the Crimson Tide won 48–7.{{Cite news |date=September 3, 2011 |title=AJ McCarron leads No. 2 Alabama over Kent State |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312460333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105115936/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312460333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 5, 2012 |access-date=September 3, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} After holding the Golden Flashes to a three-and-out on the opening possession, Trent Richardson scored the Crimson Tide's first touchdown on a one-yard run to give Alabama a 7–0 lead.{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2011 |title=Kent State vs Alabama: Play-by-play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua090311.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=September 3, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} After holding Kent State again to a three-and-out, Alabama responded with a four-play, 74-yard touchdown drive that featured a 48-yard Eddie Lacy reception and a 24-yard Marquis Maze touchdown reception from A. J. McCarron to take a 14–0 lead. The Tide scored their final points of the first quarter on a one-yard Richardson run to take a 21–0 lead into the second quarter. After only scoring on a 36-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal in the second quarter, Alabama led 24–0 at the half.

On the second Crimson Tide possession of the third quarter, Phillip Sims threw an interception to Norman Wolfe that was returned to the Alabama three-yard line. Two plays later, Kent State scored their only points of the game when Spencer Keith connected with Justin Thompson for a three-yard touchdown reception to cut the lead to 24–7. The Crimson Tide responded with touchdowns on the next two consecutive drives. Richardson and Lacy both scored on one-yard runs to extend Alabama's lead to 38–7 entering the fourth quarter. In the fourth, the Tide scored their final touchdown of the afternoon on a 49-yard Jalston Fowler run and their final points on a 32-yard Shelley field goal to make the final score 48–7. For the game, Alabama's defense was dominant in allowing −9 yards rushing and 90 yards of total offense against Kent State in the contest.{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2011 |title=Kent State vs Alabama: Team Statistics |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua090311.html#GAME.TEM |access-date=September 3, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} On offense, the Crimson Tide had 482 total yards with three different running backs scoring touchdowns and Maze totaling 118 yards receiving on eight catches with one touchdown.

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 Penn State Nittany Lions football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= #3 Alabama

|V1= 7

|V2= 10

|V3= 3

|V4= 7

|Host= #23 Penn State

|H1= 3

|H2= 0

|H3= 0

|H4= 8

|Location= University Park, Pennsylvania

|StartTime= 3:37 p.m.

|TimeZone= Eastern

|ElapsedTime= 3:20

|Attendance= 107,846

|Weather= 77°, partly sunny, winds N 5–10 mph

|Referee= Matt Austin

|TVAnnouncers= Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline)

|TVStation= ABC

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2011 |title=Football heads to Happy Valley to face Penn State |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090511aaa.html |access-date=September 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Penn State: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua091011.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=September 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= 7:26 |Team=Penn State |Event=Evan Lewis 43-yard field goal |Score= Penn State 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:25 |Team=Alabama |Event=Michael Williams 5-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:08 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 22-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 10–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:35 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 3-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 17–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:50 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 18-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 20–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:14 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 13-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score=Alabama 27–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:53 |Team=Penn State |Event=Silas Redd 1-yard run (Rob Bolden run) |Score= Alabama 27–11|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In what was the second consecutive meeting between the Crimson Tide and the Penn State Nittany Lions, and first at Happy Valley since 1989, Alabama won 27–11.{{Cite news |date=September 10, 2011 |title=AJ McCarron calmly leads No. 3 Alabama past No. 23 Penn State |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312530213 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103043020/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312530213 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 3, 2013 |access-date=September 13, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Penn State took the opening possession down the field and recorded a 43-yard field goal by Evan Lewis to take an early 3–0 lead by using all 3 of their timeouts.{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Penn State: Play-by-play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua091011.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=September 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Alabama took a 7–3 lead later in the first quarter after A. J. McCarron connected with Michael Williams for a five-yard touchdown reception to cap an 11-play, 69-yard drive. A 22-yard Jeremy Shelley kick extended the Crimson Tide lead to 10–3 early in the second quarter. Then after trading punts, Dre Kirkpatrick forced Andrew Szczerba to fumble the ball that was recovered by Alabama's DeQuan Menzie. Ten plays later, the Crimson Tide led 17–3 after a three-yard Trent Richardson touchdown run.

In the third quarter Shelley connected on an 18-yard field goal and Richardson scored his second rushing touchdown of the game midway through the fourth on a 13-yard run to give Alabama a 27–3 lead. The final points of the game came late in the fourth when Silas Redd scored on a one-yard touchdown for the Nittany Lions, and Rob Bolden converted the two-point conversion to bring the final score to 27–11.{{Cite news |last=Musselman |first=Ron |date=September 10, 2011 |title=No. 3 Alabama thumps No. 23 Penn State, 27–11 |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11253/1173780-143.stm |access-date=September 13, 2011 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |publisher=Post-Gazette.com}}

Trent Richardson ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns while Eddie Lacy ran for 85. A. J. McCarron threw for 163 yards and a touchdown. For his seven tackles, interception and fumble recovery, Mark Barron was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |title=SEC Football Players Of The Week for games of September 10 |url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/227914/sec-football-players-of-the-week.aspx |access-date=September 13, 2011 |publisher=SECdigitalnetwork.com}} The 107,846 fans in attendance were the most to ever see an Alabama squad compete on the gridiron, and the victory improved their all-time record against the Nittany Lions to 10–5.{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Penn State Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091011aaa.html |access-date=September 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The outcome was also noted as the final career loss for Joe Paterno as the Nittany Lions' head coach.{{Cite news |last=Kausler |first=Don Jr. |date=January 22, 2012 |title=Nick Saban reacts to Joe Paterno's death |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/nick_saban_reacts_to_joe_pater.html |access-date=February 14, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}}

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 North Texas Mean Green football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= North Texas

|V1= 0

|V2= 0

|V3= 0

|V4= 0

|Host= #2 Alabama

|H1= 10

|H2= 10

|H3= 7

|H4= 14

|Location= Tuscaloosa, Alabama

|StartTime= 6:38 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:10

|Attendance= 101,821

|Weather= 80°, partly cloudy, winds ENE 4 mph

|Referee= Ken Williamson

|TVAnnouncers=Bob Rathbun (play-by-play), Tim Couch (color), Kristina Akra (sideline)

|TVStation= Fox Sports South

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Football returns home to host North Texas |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091211aaa.html |access-date=September 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2011 |title=North Texas vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua091711.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=September 19, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=9:54 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 26-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:39 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 4-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 10–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:14 |Team=Alabama |Event=Eddie Lacy 43-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 17–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=8:11 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 37-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 20–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:39 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 58-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 27–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=13:01 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 71-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 34–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:49 |Team=Alabama |Event=Eddie Lacy 67-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 41–0 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In their meeting against the North Texas Mean Green, Alabama outgained their opponent 586 to 169 yards of total offense in Alabama's 41–0 victory.{{Cite news |date=September 17, 2011 |title=Trent Richardson, No. 2 Alabama roll over North Texas |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312600333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926051942/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312600333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=September 19, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} After a 26-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal gave the Crimson Tide a 3–0 lead, Trent Richardson scored their first touchdown of the evening on Alabama's second offensive possession to give them a 10–0 lead at the end of the first period.{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2011 |title=North Texas vs Alabama: Play-by-play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua091711.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=September 19, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite news |last=Hurt |first=Cecil |date=September 19, 2011 |title=Crimson Tide blows by Mean Green |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110919/NEWS/110919702/1011/SPORTS?Title=Crimson-Tide-blows-by-Mean-Green |access-date=September 19, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 20–0 by halftime after a 43-yard Eddie Lacy touchdown run and a 37-yard Shelley field goal in the second quarter.

North Texas opened the second half with a nine-play, 54-yard drive to set up a 42-yard Zach Olen field goal attempt. However, the kick was blocked by Robert Lester to preserve the shutout. Alabama extended their lead to 27–0 by the fourth quarter after Richardson scored his second touchdown of the evening on a 58-yard run. After Shelley missed a 42-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter, Richardson scored again with a 71-yard touchdown run on Alabama's next offensive possession to extend their lead to 34–0. Lacy scored the final points of the game midway through the fourth with his second touchdown of the evening on a 67-yard run to give Alabama the 41–0 victory.

Trent Richardson ran for a career-high 167 yards and three touchdowns and Eddie Lacy ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns and became the first pair of running backs to each run for 150 yards in a game.{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2011 |title=North Texas vs Alabama: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091811aae.html |access-date=September 19, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The shutout was the Crimson Tide's first since they defeated Chattanooga 45–0 in 2009 and improved Alabama's all-time record against the Mean Green to 4–0.

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 Arkansas Razorbacks football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= #14 Arkansas

|V1= 7

|V2= 0

|V3= 7

|V4= 0

|Host= #3 Alabama

|H1= 7

|H2= 10

|H3= 21

|H4= 0

|Location= Tuscaloosa, Alabama

|StartTime= 2:40 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:04

|Attendance= 101,821

|Weather= 80°, sunny, winds NNE 3 mph

|Referee= Hubert Owens

|TVAnnouncers= Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

|TVStation= CBS

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2011 |title=Football hosts Arkansas in Southeastern Conference opener |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091911aab.html |access-date=September 26, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2011 |title=Arkansas vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua092411.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=September 26, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=11:48 |Team=Alabama |Event=Michael Williams 37-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=1:18 |Team=Arkansas |Event=Dennis Johnson 10-yard pass from Tyler Wilson (Zach Hocker kick)| Score= 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:35 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 20-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 10–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:38 |Team=Alabama |Event=DeQuan Menzie 25-yard interception return (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=11:29 |Team=Alabama |Event=Marquis Maze 83-yard punt return (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 24–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:57 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 61-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 31–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=8:54 |Team=Arkansas |Event=Cobi Hamilton 19-yard pass from Tyler Wilson (Zach Hocker kick)| Score= Alabama 31–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:48 |Team=Alabama |Event=Eddie Lacy 4-yard run |Score= Alabama 38–14|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

File:Alabama on defense against Arkansas 9-24-2011.jpg snap for the Razorbacks at midfield.]]

After three consecutive victories to start the season, the Crimson Tide opened conference play against the Arkansas Razorbacks, and defeated them 38–14 at Bryant–Denny Stadium.{{Cite news |date=September 24, 2011 |title=Trent Richardson's big day helps Alabama overwhelm Arkansas |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312670333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926212540/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312670333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=September 26, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Alabama scored first with a trick play on their opening possession. After driving to the Arkansas 37-yard line, Cade Foster lined up for a 54-yard field goal attempt.{{Cite news |last=Hurt |first=Cecil |date=September 24, 2011 |title=Tide blows by Arkansas in SEC opener |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110926/NEWS/110929798/1011/sports01?Title=Tide-blows-by-Arkansas-in-SEC-opener |access-date=September 26, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} Alabama quarterback A. J. McCarron received the snap as the holder, and proceeded to throw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Michael Williams to give the Crimson Tide a 7–0 lead.{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2011 |title=Arkansas vs Alabama: Play-by-play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua092411.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=September 26, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The Razorbacks tied the game at 7–7 late in the first quarter when Tyler Wilson threw a ten-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Johnson. After an Arkansas goal line stand, Jeremy Shelley connected on a 20-yard field goal to give Alabama a 10–7 lead. On the ensuing Arkansas possession, the Crimson Tide scored when DeQuan Menzie intercepted a Wilson pass and returned it 25-yards for a touchdown to give Alabama a 17–7 lead at the half.{{Cite news |last=Kausler |first=Don Jr. |date=September 24, 2011 |title=DeQuan Menzie's pick six 'a big game-changer' |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/dequan_menzies_pick_six_a_big.html |access-date=September 26, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}}

After holding Arkansas scoreless on their first possession of the third quarter, Alabama's Marquis Maze returned a Dylan Breeding punt 83-yards for a touchdown and a 24–7 Crimson Tide lead. On Alabama's next possession, Trent Richardson caught a screen pass from McCarron and ran it 61-yards for a touchdown and extended the Alabama lead to 31–7. The Razorbacks scored on the following possession when Wilson threw his second touchdown pass of the afternoon after he connected on a 19-yard pass to Cobi Hamilton. Eddie Lacy then scored the final points of the game late in the third on a four-yard touchdown run to give the Crimson Tide the 38–14 victory. The Alabama defense only allowed 17 rushing and 226 of total offense to the Razorbacks in the victory. For his 235 all-purpose yards and touchdown reception, Trent Richardson was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite news |last=Kausler |first=Don Jr. |date=September 26, 2011 |title=Tide's Trent Richardson named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/tides_trent_richardson_named_t.html |access-date=September 26, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Razorbacks to 12–8 (15–7 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Arkansas Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092411aad.html |access-date=September 26, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 Florida Gators football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= #3 Alabama

|V1= 10

|V2= 14

|V3= 0

|V4= 14

|Host= #12 Florida

|H1= 10

|H2= 0

|H3= 0

|H4= 0

|Location= Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime= 8:00 p.m.

|TimeZone= Eastern

|ElapsedTime= 3:21

|Attendance= 90,888

|Weather= 72°, clear

|Referee= Marc Curles

|TVAnnouncers= Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

|TVStation= CBS

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2011 |title=Football heads to Florida for key road matchup |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092611aaa.html |access-date=October 2, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Florida: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua100111.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=October 2, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=14:41 |Team=Florida |Event=Andre Debose 65-yard pass from John Brantley (Caleb Sturgis kick)| Score= Florida 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=9:47 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 32-yard field goal |Score= Florida 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=5:19 |Team=Florida |Event=Caleb Sturgis 21-yard field goal |Score= Florida 10–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:52 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 5-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= 10–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:57 |Team=Alabama |Event=Courtney Upshaw 45-yard interception return (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 17–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=3:13 |Team=Alabama |Event=A. J. McCarron 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 24–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=12:25 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 35-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 31–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:45 |Team=Alabama |Event=Eddie Lacy 20-yard run |Score= Alabama 38–10|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In what was the first meeting as opposing head coaches between Nick Saban and his former assistant coach from both LSU and the Miami Dolphins, Will Muschamp, the Crimson Tide defeated the Florida Gators, 38–10 at The Swamp.{{Cite news |date=October 1, 2011 |title=Gators lose QB John Brantley, game to No. 3 Crimson Tide |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312740057 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004152436/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312740057 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Staples |first=Andy |date=September 28, 2011 |title=Student, teacher to meet as Florida takes on 'Bama in Swamp matchup |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/09/28/Muschamp.Saban/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930145126/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/09/28/Muschamp.Saban/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |work=Sports Illustrated |publisher=SI.com}} After receiving the opening kickoff, Florida scored their only touchdown of the game on their first offensive play from scrimmage.{{Cite news |last=Barlis |first=Jeff |date=October 1, 2011 |title=Sideline reports: Fast start, poor finish |url=http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20111001/ARTICLES/111009959/1136?Title=Sideline-reports-Fast-start-poor-finish |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005020649/http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20111001/ARTICLES/111009959/1136?Title=Sideline-reports-Fast-start-poor-finish |archive-date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |work=The Gainesville Sun |publisher=GatorSports.com}} The Gators took an early 7–0 lead when John Brantley threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Andre Debose. Alabama responded on the following drive with Jeremy Shelley connecting on a 32-yard field goal to cut the Florida lead to 7–3.{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Florida: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua100111.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=October 2, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The Gators responded with what turned out to be their final points of the game when Caleb Sturgis connected on a 21-yard field goal. Alabama's Marquis Maze then returned the ensuing kickoff 70-yards to the Florida 29-yard line and the Crimson Tide tied the game at 10–10 seven plays later on a five-yard Trent Richardson touchdown run.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=David |date=October 1, 2011 |title=Trent Richardson, defense lead No. 3 Alabama past Florida |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/sec/story/2011-10-01/alabama-florida-trent-richardson/50630146/1 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |work=USA Today |publisher=USAToday.com}}

Alabama extended their lead to 24–10 at halftime with a pair of second-quarter touchdowns. Courtney Upshaw scored a defensive touchdown early in the quarter after he intercepted a Brantley pass and returned it 45-yards for the score.{{Cite news |last=Kausler |first=Don Jr. |date=October 1, 2011 |title=Courtney Upshaw delivers the Tide's biggest plays |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/10/courtney_upshaw_delivers_the_t.html |access-date=October 2, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} A. J. McCarron scored later in the quarter on a one-yard quarterback sneak to cap a ten-play, 61-yard drive. Late in the quarter, the Gators did have a scoring opportunity by driving to the Alabama 13-yard line. However, the Alabama defense sacked Brantley on consecutive snaps for a loss of 22-yards and knocked Brantley out of the game with an injury. Sturgis then missed a 52-yard field goal attempt and Alabama led 24–10 at the half.

After a scoreless third quarter, a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns gave Alabama the 38–10 victory. Richardson scored his second touchdown of the game with 12:25 remaining on a 36-yard run and Eddie Lacy scored the final points of the game on a 20-yard run. For the game, Alabama's defense was dominant in only allowing 222 total yards of offense, with the 15 rushing yards being the fewest ever allowed against Florida in their all-time series.{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Florida: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100211aad.html |access-date=October 2, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Trent Richardson established a new career high for rushing yards in game with his 181 yards on 29 attempts. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Gators to 22–14 (23–14 without the NCAA vacation of the 2005 victory).

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 Vanderbilt Commodores football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= Vanderbilt

|V1= 0

|V2= 0

|V3= 0

|V4= 0

|Host= #2 Alabama

|H1= 7

|H2= 7

|H3= 13

|H4= 7

|Location= Tuscaloosa, Alabama

|StartTime= 6:02 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 2:59

|Attendance= 101,821

|Weather= 77°, Sunny

|Referee= Penn Wagers

|TVAnnouncers=Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Brian Griese (color), Allison Williams (sideline)

|TVStation= ESPNU

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2011 |title=Football to host Vanderbilt on Homecoming |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100311aaa.html |access-date=October 3, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2011 |title=Vanderbilt vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua100811.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=October 10, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=7:50 |Team=Alabama |Event=Brad Smelley 6-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Score= Alabama 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:21 |Team=Alabama |Event=DeAndrew White 5-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Score= Alabama 14–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=6:03 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 21–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:52 |Team=Alabama |Event=DeAndrew White 39-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick failed) | Score= Alabama 27–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=12:16 |Team=Alabama |Event=Darius Hanks 17-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Score= Alabama 34–0 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

For the 91st homecoming football game in Alabama history, the Crimson Tide defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 34–0 who made their first visit to Bryant–Denny Stadium since the 2006 season.{{Cite news |date=October 8, 2011 |title=AJ McCarron has career day as Alabama shuts out Vanderbilt |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312810333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010100343/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312810333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 10, 2011 |access-date=October 10, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} After a three-and-out on their opening drive, Alabama scored their first touchdown of the evening on a six-yard A. J. McCarron touchdown pass to Brad Smelley to complete a ten-play, 77-yard drive.{{Cite news |last=Zenor |first=John |date=October 8, 2011 |title=McCarron passes No. 2 Alabama past Vandy |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111008/APS/1110080861 |access-date=October 10, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com |agency=Associated Press}} On the following drive Vanderbilt had an opportunity to cut into the lead, but Carey Spear missed a 47-yard field goal to keep the Alabama lead at 7–0.{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2011 |title=Vanderbilt vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua100811.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=October 10, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Spear missed a second field goal later in the second quarter from 38-yards, and the Crimson Tide responded with their second touchdown drive of the game. McCarron threw his second touchdown pass of the game to DeAndrew White on a five-yard reception to give Alabama a 14–0 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Trent Richardson scored first on a one-yard touchdown run followed by a 39-yard McCarron touchdown pass to White on consecutive possessions. Following an unsuccessful extra point by Jeremy Shelley, Alabama led 27–0 entering the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth, DeMarcus Milliner intercepted a Jordan Rodgers pass and returned it 37-yards to the Commodores' 20-yard line. Three plays later, McCarron threw a 17-yard touchdown pass, his fourth of the day, to Darius Hanks to make the final score 34–0.

For the game, Trent Richardson ran for 107 yards to extend his streak of consecutive games rushing for at least 100 yards to five games.{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2011 |title=Vanderbilt vs Alabama: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100811aae.html |access-date=October 10, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The defense was dominant in completing their second shutout of the season and only allowing Vanderbilt 190 yards of total offense. The victory improved Alabama's all-time homecoming record to 77–13–1 and their record against the Commodores to 59–19–4 (61–18–4 without the NCAA vacations and forfeits).

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 Ole Miss Rebels football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= #2 Alabama

|V1= 7

|V2= 10

|V3= 28

|V4= 7

|Host= Ole Miss

|H1= 7

|H2= 0

|H3= 0

|H4= 0

|Location= Oxford, Mississippi

|StartTime= 5:00 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:03

|Attendance= 61,792

|Weather= 75°, fair, calm

|Referee= Marc Curles

|TVAnnouncers= Mark Jones (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (color), Jeannine Edwards (sideline)

|TVStation= ESPN2

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2011 |title=Football heads to Mississippi to face Rebels |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101011aaa.html |access-date=October 10, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Ole Miss: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua101511.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=October 15, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:38 |Team=Ole Miss |Event=Jeff Scott 1-yard run (Bryson Rose kick)| Score= Ole Miss 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=8:24 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 8-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:11 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 7-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 14–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=1:14 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 24-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=12:30 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 8-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 24–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:37 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 76-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 31–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=6:44 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jalston Fowler 8-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 38–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:08 |Team=Alabama |Event=Brandon Gibson 10-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Score= Alabama 45–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:08 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jalston Fowler 69-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Score= Alabama 52–7 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After Ole Miss took an early 7–0 lead, the Crimson Tide scored 52 unanswered points in their 52–7 victory over the Rebels at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium.{{Cite news |date=October 15, 2011 |title=Alabama ousts Mississippi as Trent Richardson rumbles for four TDs |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312880145 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715141013/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312880145 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} The Rebels scored their only points of the game on their first possession. Jeff Scott scored on a one-yard touchdown run to cap a 5-play, 72-yard drive to give Ole Miss their only lead of the game at 7–0.{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Ole Miss: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua101511.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=October 15, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Alabama responded on the following drive with the first of four Trent Richardson touchdowns of the evening on an eight-yard run to tie the game at 7–7. The Crimson Tide added ten points in the second quarter to take a 17–7 halftime lead. Richardson scored on a seven-yard touchdown and after Cade Foster missed a 53-yard field goal attempt, Jeremy Shelley connected for 24-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Alabama put the game away with four touchdowns. After five consecutive A. J. McCarron passes gained 65-yards, Richardson gained the final eight en route to his third touchdown of the evening. On the next Alabama possession, Richardson gained 16-yards and then scored a touchdown on a 76-yard run, the longest of his career, for a 31–7 lead.{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Ole Miss: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101511aab.html |access-date=October 15, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} On the first play ensuing Rebels possession, Courtney Upshaw forced a Randall Mackey fumble that was recovered by Ed Stinson at the Ole Miss 15-yard line. Two plays later, the Crimson Tide led 38–7 after Jalston Fowler scored on an eight-yard touchdown run. The final points of the quarter came on a ten-yard McCarron touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson, and the final points of the game came in the fourth quarter on a 69-yard Fowler touchdown run to make the final score 52–7.

Alabama's defense again had a strong performance in only allowing the Rebels 141 total yards of offense (28 rushing, 113 passing). Richardson set a new career high with his 183 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. For his performance, Richardson was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |title=SEC Football Players Of The Week for games of October 15 |url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/228703/sec-football-players-of-the-week.aspx |access-date=October 17, 2011 |publisher=SECdigitalnetwork.com}} The 52 total points were the most Alabama had scored in a SEC game since defeating Vanderbilt 59–28 in 1990. The victory was their eighth straight over Ole Miss and improved Alabama's all-time record against the Rebels 45–9–2 (49–8–2 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 Tennessee Volunteers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title= Third Saturday in October

|Visitor= Tennessee

|V1= 3

|V2= 3

|V3= 0

|V4= 0

|Host= #2 Alabama

|H1= 3

|H2= 3

|H3= 21

|H4= 10

|Location= Tuscaloosa, Alabama

|StartTime= 6:21 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:03

|Attendance= 101,821

|Weather= 63°, Sunny and clear, winds NNE 2 mph

|Referee= Ken Williamson

|TVAnnouncers= Mark Jones (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (color), Jeannine Edwards (sideline)

|TVStation= ESPN2

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2011 |title=Football to host rival Tennessee this weekend |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101711aaa.html |access-date=October 24, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Tennessee vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua102211.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=October 24, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=3:58 |Team=Tennessee |Event=Mike Palardy 40-yard field goal |Score= Tennessee 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=2:26 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 26-yard field goal |Score= 3–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:55 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 29-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 6–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:52 |Team=Tennessee |Event=Mike Palardy 52-yard field goal |Score= 6–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=11:08 |Team=Alabama |Event=A. J. McCarron 2-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 13–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=8:52 |Team=Alabama |Event=Kenny Bell 39-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Score= Alabama 20–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:17 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 12-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick)| Score= Alabama 27–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:22 |Team=Alabama |Event=Cade Foster 45-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 30–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:27 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Score= Alabama 37–6 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

File:Alabama on offense against Tennessee 10-22-2011.jpg

In the 2011 edition of the Third Saturday in October, Alabama entered the game as a 30-point favorite over the rival Tennessee Volunteers.{{Cite news |last=Zenor |first=John |date=October 21, 2011 |title=No. 2 Alabama heavily favored over rival Tennessee |url=http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/16128556/article-No--2-Alabama-heavily-favored-over-rival-Tennessee?instance=sports_top |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405081239/http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/16128556/article-No--2-Alabama-heavily-favored-over-rival-Tennessee?instance=sports_top |archive-date=April 5, 2012 |access-date=October 24, 2011 |work=The Anniston Star |publisher=AnnistonStar.com |agency=Associated Press}} At Bryant–Denny, the Volunteers were looking for the upset after tying the game 6–6 at halftime; however 31 unanswered points resulted in a 37–6 Crimson Tide victory to extend their overall record to 8–0.{{Cite news |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Alabama breaks halftime tie, goes on to pound Tennessee |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024051315/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 24, 2011 |access-date=October 24, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} The first half was dominated by both defenses with each only allowing a pair of field goals.{{Cite news |last=Strange |first=Mike |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Halftime: Tennessee 6, Alabama 6 |url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2011/oct/22/halftime-tennessee-6-alabama-6/?partner=RSS |access-date=October 24, 2011 |work=Knoxville News Sentinel |publisher=GoVolsXtra.com}} Mike Palardy connected from 40 and 52-yards for Tennessee and Jeremy Shelley connected from 26 and 29-yards for Alabama.

After holding the Volunteers to a three-and-out to open the second half, the Alabama offensive responded with their first of three third-quarter touchdowns with a two-yard A. J. McCarron touchdown run.{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Tennessee vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua102211.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=October 24, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} On the following Tennessee drive, the Alabama defense stopped quarterback Matt Simms on a fourth-and-one to give the Crimson Tide offense the ball on the Volunteers' 39-yard line. On the next play, McCarron threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Bell to extend the Alabama lead to 20–6. Trent Richardson then scored his first touchdown of the game on the following Alabama possession on a 12-yard run to cap a six-play, 63-yard drive.{{Cite news |last=McAlister |first=Brian |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Tennessee can't tackle Trent Richardson (Alabama Play of the Week) |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/10/tennessee_cant_tackle_trent_ri.html |access-date=October 24, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} Cade Foster scored early in the fourth quarter with his 45-yard field goal, and after a Dont'a Hightower interception, Richardson scored his second touchdown of the day on a one-yard run to make the final score 37–6.

In the game, Marquis Maze had 106 yards receiving on five catches and McCarron set a new career high with 284 yards passing.{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Tennessee vs Alabama: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102211aac.html |access-date=October 24, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} For his defensive performance, Hightower was named both the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week and the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Dont'a Hightower named Lott IMPACT Player of the Week |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102411aaa.html |access-date=October 24, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The victory was Alabama's fifth consecutive over Tennessee and improved their all-time record against the Volunteers to 48–38–7 (49–37–8 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 LSU vs. Alabama football game|2011 LSU Tigers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= #1 LSU

|V1= 0

|V2= 3

|V3= 0

|V4= 3

|VOT= 3

|Host= #2 Alabama

|H1= 0

|H2= 3

|H3= 3

|H4= 0

|HOT= 0

|Location= Tuscaloosa, Alabama

|StartTime= 7:14 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:21

|Attendance= 101,821

|Weather= 59°, Wind ESE 3 mph, Clear Skies

|Referee= Tom Ritter

|TVAnnouncers= Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

|TVStation= CBS

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2011 |title=Top ranked matchup set for Tuscaloosa on Saturday |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/103111aab.html |access-date=November 6, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2011 |title=LSU vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua110511.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=November 6, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=2 |Time=3:53 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 34-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=LSU |Event=Drew Alleman 19-yard field goal |Score= 3–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:56 |Team=Alabama |Event=Cade Foster 46-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 6–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:13 |Team=LSU |Event=Drew Alleman 30-yard field goal |Score= 6–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=OT |Time=15:00 |Team=LSU |Event=Drew Alleman 25-yard field goal | Score= LSU 9–6 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

File:Alabama on offense against LSU 11-5-2011.jpg

Coming off their bye and in what was hyped as the latest "Game of the Century" in college football, the LSU Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 9–6 in overtime.{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2011 |title=LSU kicks winning field goal in OT for defensive-minded win over Alabama |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313090333 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103104301/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313090333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 3, 2013 |access-date=November 6, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Bachman |first=Rachel |date=October 31, 2011 |title=Another Game of the Century |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB20001424052970204394804577008183103001136 |access-date=November 4, 2011 |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=WSJ.com}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=November 5, 2011 |title=It's finally here! No. 1 LSU visits No. 2 Alabama tonight in football's latest Game of the Century |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/its_finally_here_no_1_lsu_visi.html |access-date=November 5, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} After a scoreless first quarter that saw the Crimson Tide miss two field goals, and another blocked early in the second quarter, Alabama took a 3–0 lead midway through the second on a 34-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal.{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2011 |title=LSU vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua110511.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=November 6, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} LSU responded on their following possession by driving to the Alabama two-yard line and kicking a 19-yard Drew Alleman field goal as time expired to tie the game at 3–3 at halftime.{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2011 |title=LSU vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.lsusports.net/pdf8/796151.pdf?ATCLID=205328504&SPSID=27815&SPID=2164&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=5200 |access-date=November 6, 2011 |website=LSUSports.net |publisher=LSU Athletics Department |format=PDF}}

Just as the first half was dominated by both defenses, the second was no different with both Alabama and LSU only managing a pair of field goals. Alabama's came in the third on a 46-yard Cade Foster score and LSU's came in the fourth on a 30-yard Alleman score. In the overtime period, Foster missed a 52-yard field goal attempt and Alleman connected on a 25-yard attempt to give the Tigers the 9–6 victory. Both defenses held each offense to less than 300 yards of total offense with each having a pair of interceptions. With the loss, Alabama dropped to 4–8 all-time in overtime games and brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 45–25–5.{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2011 |title=LSU vs Alabama: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110611aad.html |access-date=November 6, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

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{{See also|2011 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= #4 Alabama

|V1= 0

|V2= 7

|V3= 3

|V4= 14

|Host= Mississippi State

|H1= 0

|H2= 0

|H3= 0

|H4= 7

|Location= Starkville, Mississippi

|StartTime= 6:45 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:06

|Attendance= 57,871

|Weather= 63°, partly cloudy, windy

|Referee= Hubert Owens

|TVAnnouncers= Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline)

|TVStation= ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2011 |title=Football heads to Starkville to face Mississippi State |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110711aaa.html |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Mississippi State: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua111211.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=2 |Time=9:59 |Team=Alabama |Event=Eddie Lacy 2-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:32 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 24-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 10–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=13:39 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 2-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 17–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=12:03 |Team=Miss State |Event=Chris Smith 12-yard pass from Tyler Russell (Derek DePasquale kick) |Score=Alabama 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:18 |Team=Alabama |Event=Eddie Lacy 32-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 24–7|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

A week after their loss to LSU, Alabama traveled to Starkville and defeated their long-time rival, the Mississippi State Bulldogs 24–7.{{Cite news |date=November 12, 2011 |title=Trent Richardson rushes for 127 yards as Alabama rebounds from loss |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313160344 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116060558/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313160344 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} After a pair of missed field goals, one from 19-yard by Cade Foster and the second from 31-yards by Jeremy Shelley, Alabama scored their first points in the second quarter.{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Mississippi State: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua111211.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Eddie Lacy capped a five-play, 52-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run to give the Crimson Tide a 7–0 lead. Later in the quarter Derek DePasquale missed a 41-yard field goal attempt for the Bulldogs, but on the ensuing Alabama possession Cameron Lawrence intercepted an A. J. McCarron pass and returned it to the Alabama four-yard line. However, the Alabama defense held the Bulldogs to only a field goal attempt which was then missed from 29-yards by Brian Egan to preserve a 7–0 halftime lead for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama extended their lead to 10–0 after Shelley connected on a 24-yard field goal early in the third quarter. Early in the fourth, Trent Richardson scored on a two-yard run for a 17–0 Crimson Tide lead. However, on the ensuing kickoff was returned 68-yards to the Alabama 22-yard line by John Fulton, and four plays later the Bulldogs cut the score to 17–7 after Tyler Russell threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Smith. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with an eleven-play, 73-yard drive, all on the ground, with Lacy scoring his second touchdown of the night from 32 yards out to give Alabama the 24–7 victory. The 127 rushing yards gained by Richardson was his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the season.{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Mississippi State: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111211aab.html |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against the Bulldogs to 74–18–3 (76–17–3 without NCAA vacations and forfeits).

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{{See also|2011 Georgia Southern Eagles football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= Georgia Southern

|V1= 0

|V2= 14

|V3= 7

|V4= 0

|Host= #3 Alabama

|H1= 10

|H2= 14

|H3= 14

|H4= 7

|Location= Tuscaloosa, Alabama

|StartTime= 1:07 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 2:55

|Attendance= 101,821

|Weather= 63°, mostly cloudy, winds SSE 11 mph

|Referee= Matt Moore

|TVAnnouncers= Chris Stewart (play-by-play), Tyler Watts (color), Tom Roberts (sideline)

|TVStation= CTSN

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2011 |title=Football hosts Georgia Southern in home finale |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111411aaa.html |access-date=November 15, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2011 |title=Georgia Southern vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua111911.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=November 19, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=11:48 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 32-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=5:12 |Team=Alabama |Event=Dre Kirkpatrick 55-yard blocked field goal return (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 10–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:56 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 4-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 17–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:36 |Team=GA Southern |Event=Dominique Swope 89-yard run (Adrian Mora kick) |Score= Alabama 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=6:16 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 24–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:56 |Team=GA Southern |Event=Jonathan Bryant 39-yard pass from Jaybo Shaw (Adrian Mora kick) |Score=Alabama 24–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:17 |Team=Alabama |Event=Brad Smelley 34-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score=Alabama 31–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:03 |Team=GA Southern |Event=Laron Scott 95-yard kickoff return (Adrian Mora kick) |Score=Alabama 31–21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:36 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 38–21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:44 |Team=Alabama |Event=Brad Smelley 4-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score=Alabama 45–21|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Against the triple option attack of the Georgia Southern Eagles, ranked No. 3 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Alabama defense gave up the most total yards, rushing yards and points of the season in their 45–21 victory at Bryant–Denny Stadium.{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2011 |title=Trent Richardson scores 3 TDs to lift Alabama past Georgia Southern |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313230333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122024014/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313230333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2011 |access-date=November 20, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Deas |first=Tommy |date=November 19, 2011 |title=UA defense on its heels most of the game |url=http://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1296277 |access-date=November 20, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} After receiving the opening kickoff, the Crimson Tide drove to the Eagles' 14-yard line where Jeremy Shelley connected on a 32-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead.{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2011 |title=Georgia Southern vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua111911.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=November 20, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} On their opening possession, Georgia Southern had a nine-play, 49-yard drive to set up a 42-yard field goal attempt. However, the Adrian Mora attempt was blocked by Dont'a Hightower and returned by Dre Kirkpatrick 55-yards for a touchdown and a 10–0 Crimson Tide lead. In the second quarter, A. J. McCarron threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Trent Richardson to complete a ten-play, 71-yard drive for a 17–0 lead. However, the Eagles responded on their next offensive play when Dominique Swope scored on an 82-yard touchdown run to cut the Alabama lead to 17–7.{{Cite news |last=Barnidge |first=Noell |date=November 19, 2011 |title=Eagles swept away by Tide |url=http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/291/article/36464/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203003153/http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/291/article/36464/ |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2011 |work=Statesboro Herald |publisher=StatesboroHerald.com}} Both teams then traded touchdowns when Richardson scored on a one-yard run for Alabama and Jaybo Shaw threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Bryant for Georgia Southern. After Cade Foster missed a 47-yard field goal attempt late, Alabama led 24–14 at halftime.

After forcing a punt to open the second half, Alabama scored a touchdown on its opening possession with a 34-yard touchdown reception by Brad Smelley from McCarron. However, on the ensuing kickoff, Laron Scott returned it 95-yards for a touchdown to cut the lead again to 31–21. Alabama responded on the following drive with Richardson accounting for 46 yards of it on seven carries with a one-yard touchdown run for a 38–21 Alabama lead. In the fourth quarter, Alabama stopped the Eagles at the Crimson Tide eight-yard line after an incomplete Shaw pass on fourth down. From there the Alabama offense began a 15-play, 92-yard drive that took 8:36 to complete with McCarron throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to Smelley for the final points in their 45–21 win. For the game, Richardson had 175 yards on the ground with a pair of rushing touchdowns and one receiving.{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2011 |title=Georgia Southern vs Alabama: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111911aab.html |access-date=November 20, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} His one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave Richardson the Alabama single-season rushing touchdown record breaking the previous mark of 19 set by Shaun Alexander in 1999.

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{{See also|2011 Auburn Tigers football team|Iron Bowl}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title= Iron Bowl

|Visitor= #2 Alabama

|V1= 14

|V2= 10

|V3= 3

|V4= 15

|Host= Auburn

|H1= 7

|H2= 0

|H3= 7

|H4= 0

|Location= Auburn, Alabama

|StartTime= 2:39 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:14

|Attendance= 87,451

|Weather= 70°, partly cloudy, winds SE 10 mph

|Referee= Matt Austin

|TVAnnouncers= Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

|TVStation= CBS

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2011 |title=Football heads to Auburn for Iron Bowl matchup |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112111aaa.html |access-date=November 26, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Auburn: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/au12.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=November 26, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=6:33 |Team=Alabama |Event=Kenny Bell 41-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=4:25 |Team=Alabama |Event=Brad Smelley 35-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 14–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:04 |Team=Auburn |Event=Kenneth Carter recovered fumble in end zone (Cody Parkey kick) |Score= Alabama 14–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:11 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 5-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score= Alabama 21–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=1:44 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 30-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 24–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=14:49 |Team=Auburn |Event=Ontario McCalebb 83-yard kickoff return (Cody Parkey kick) |Score=Alabama 24–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=8:47 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 28-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 27–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:38 |Team=Alabama |Event=Dee Milliner 35-yard interception return (A. J. McCarron to Michael Williams pass) |Score=Alabama 35–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:40 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jalston Fowler 15-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) |Score=Alabama 42–14 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After the loss against the Auburn Tigers the previous year, in which the Crimson Tide surrendered a 24-point lead, for nearly a year reminders of the defeat and the phrase "never again" were utilized by the team as even greater motivation to win in an already heated rivalry.{{Cite news |last=Kausler, Jr. |first=Don |date=November 22, 2011 |title=Crimson Tide never again wants to see or hear 'Never Again' |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/crimson_tide_never_again_wants.html |access-date=November 27, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}}{{Cite news |last=Deas |first=Tommy |date=November 26, 2011 |title=Signs remind Alabama of last year's meltdown against Auburn |url=http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20111126/WIRE/111129898/-1/opinion01?Title=Signs-remind-Alabama-of-last-year-8217-s-meltdown-against-Auburn |access-date=November 27, 2011 |work=The Gadsden Times |publisher=GadsdenTimes.com}} With a potential berth in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game on the line, the Alabama defense did not allow an offensive touchdown in their 42–14 victory on The Plains.{{Cite news |date=November 26, 2011 |title=Alabama stomps Auburn behind Trent Richardson's 203 yards |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313300002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129051127/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313300002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 29, 2011 |access-date=November 27, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} After trading a pair of three-and-outs to open the game, Alabama scored their first points of the game when A. J. McCarron threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Bell for a 7–0 lead.{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Auburn: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/au12.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=November 27, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Following a ten-yard Steven Clark punt on the ensuing Auburn possession, Alabama got the ball on the Tigers' 35-yard line. On the next play, McCarron threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Brad Smelley for a 14–0 lead. On the first play of Alabama's fourth offensive possession, Corey Lemonier forced a McCarron fumble that was recovered for a touchdown by Kenneth Carter to cut the Crimson Tide lead to 14–7 at the end of the first quarter. A pair of long drives in the second quarter resulted in a five-yard Trent Richardson touchdown reception and a 30-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal to give Alabama a 24–7 halftime lead.

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Onterio McCalebb scored a touchdown on an 83-yard return to cut the Alabama lead to 24–14.{{Cite news |last=Long |first=A. Stacy |date=November 27, 2011 |title=McCalebb's TD gave Auburn glimmer of hope |url=http://decaturdaily.com/stories/McCalebbs-TD-gave-Auburn-glimmer-of-hope,88257 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527232543/http://decaturdaily.com/stories/McCalebbs-TD-gave-Auburn-glimmer-of-hope,88257 |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2011 |work=The Decatur Daily |publisher=DecaturDaily.com}} Alabama responded on their next possession with a 28-yard Shelley field goal for a 27–14 lead entering the fourth quarter. On the third play of the fourth quarter, Auburn's Clint Moseley threw an interception to DeMarcus Milliner that was returned 35-yards for a touchdown and after a successful two-point conversion, Alabama led 35–14.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=November 26, 2011 |title=Dee Milliner's pick-6 third of the season for Alabama |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_notes_dee_milliners_pi.html |access-date=November 27, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} After getting the ball back on downs late in the quarter, Jalston Fowler scored on a 15-yard touchdown run, to cap a drive that included a 57-yard Richardson run, and made the final score 42–14.

In the game, Richardson set a new career high with his 203 rushing yards and tied Mark Ingram II for the most 100-yard rushing games in a season with nine.{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2011 |title=Alabama vs Auburn: Postgame Notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112611aab.html |access-date=November 27, 2011 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} The defense held Auburn to 140 total yards of offense, with only 78 yards on the ground, and zero offensive touchdowns in the victory. The victory brought Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 41–34–1.

{{clear}}

{{See also|2011 LSU Tigers football team|2012 BCS National Championship Game}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title= Allstate BCS National Championship

|Visitor= #2 Alabama

|V1= 3

|V2= 6

|V3= 6

|V4= 6

|Host= #1 LSU

|H1= 0

|H2= 0

|H3= 0

|H4= 0

|Location= New Orleans, Louisiana

|StartTime= 7:30 p.m.

|TimeZone= Central

|ElapsedTime= 3:01

|Attendance= 78,237

|Weather= Indoors

|Referee= Scott Novak

|TVAnnouncers= Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (sideline)

|TVStation= ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2011 |title=Alabama BCS National Championship Game notes |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121911aaa.html |access-date=January 12, 2012 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2012 |title=Alabama vs LSU: Scoring Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua010912.html#GAME.SUM |access-date=January 12, 2012 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=5:00 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 23-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:18 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 34-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 6–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 41-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 9–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=12:49 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 35-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 12–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:22 |Team=Alabama |Event=Jeremy Shelley 44-yard field goal |Score= Alabama 15–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:36 |Team=Alabama |Event=Trent Richardson 34-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick failed) |Score=Alabama 21–0 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

On December 4, 2011, the final Bowl Championship Series standings were unveiled with a rematch between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game. In the game, the Crimson Tide defeated the Tigers 21–0 to clinch their second BCS Championship in three years.{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2012 |title=Alabama's D embarrasses LSU as five FGs, late TD seal national title |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320090099 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110080056/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320090099 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 10, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Whiteside |first=Kelly |date=January 10, 2012 |title=Alabama blanks LSU for BCS title |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/story/2012-01-10/alabama-blanks-lsu-for-bcs-championship/52475006/1 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=USA Today |publisher=USAToday.com}} The first points of the game were set up after Marquis Maze returned a Brad Wing punt 49-yards to the LSU 26-yard line in the first quarter.{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2012 |title=Alabama vs LSU: Play-by-Play Summary |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua010912.html#GAME.PLY |access-date=January 12, 2012 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}} Five plays later, Jeremy Shelley connected on a 23-yard field goal to give Alabama a 3–0 lead. After his first attempt was blocked by the Tigers' Michael Brockers, Shelley connected on second-quarter field goals of 34 and 41 yards to give the Crimson Tide a 9–0 halftime lead.

Shelley extended the Crimson Tide lead to 12–0 after he converted a 35-yard field goal on Alabama's first possession of the second half. He then missed a 41-yard field goal attempt wide right before he connected on a 44-yard attempt to give the Crimson Tide a 15–0 lead at the end of the third quarter. Midway through the fourth quarter, the LSU offense crossed the 50-yard line for the first time of the game only to be pushed back to the 50 after Dont'a Hightower sacked Jordan Jefferson on a fourth down play to give possession back to Alabama.{{Cite news |last=Carey |first=Jack |date=January 10, 2012 |title=Alabama defense stifles LSU, pitches shutout |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/sec/story/2012-01-09/Courtney-Upshaw-alabama-lsu-bcs/52475062/1 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=USA Today |publisher=USAToday.com}} On that possession, the Crimson Tide scored the only touchdown of the game on a 34-yard Trent Richardson run to make the final score 21–0.

In the game, Alabama outgained LSU in total offense 384 to 92 yards, and the shutout was the first ever completed in a BCS game since the advent of the BCS in 1998. Jeremy Shelley established the all-time bowl record with seven field goal attempts and tied the all-time bowl record with five made.{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2012 |title=Alabama's Shelley redeems kickers in national title rematch with LSU |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/ncaa/01/09/alabama.jeremy.shelley.ap/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119161930/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/ncaa/01/09/alabama.jeremy.shelley.ap/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 19, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=Sports Illustrated |publisher=SI.com |agency=Associated Press}} For their performances, Courtney Upshaw was named the defensive player of the game and A. J. McCarron was named the offensive player of the game.{{Cite news |last=Maisel |first=Ivan |date=January 10, 2012 |title=AJ McCarron displays maturity in win |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls11/story/_/id/7445443/allstate-bcs-national-championship-game-aj-mccarron-leads-alabama-crimson-tide |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}}

McCarron became the first sophomore quarterback to lead a team to a BCS National Title.{{cite web | last=Jacobi | first=Adam | title=2013 BCS Championship: AJ McCarron Cements Reputation as Best BCS Title Game QB | website=Bleacher Report | date=2013-01-07 | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1475062-2013-bcs-championship-aj-mccarron-cements-reputation-as-best-bcs-title-game-qb | access-date=2024-11-11}}

{{See also|2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}

Entering the 2011 season, the Crimson Tide was ranked No. 2 in the AP and Coaches' Preseason Polls.{{Cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Preseason |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/1 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}} Alabama dropped no further than to No. 3 in any of the rankings through week nine when they were ranked No. 2 for their November 5 game against LSU.{{Cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 10 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/10 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}} After their 9–6 loss against the Tigers, Alabama dropped to No. 4 in all but the BCS standing where they dropped to No. 3.{{Cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 11 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/11 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}} The Crimson Tide regained their No. 2 ranking in all of the polls after Oklahoma State was upset by Iowa State, and retained the No. 2 position through the end of the regular season to qualify for the BCS National Championship Game.{{Cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 13 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/13 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}}{{Cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 15 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/15 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}} After their victory over LSU in the BCS National Championship Game, Alabama was selected No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches' Polls.{{Cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Postseason |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/final |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}}

{{NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

| finalpollweek = 15 | harrisfirstweek = 6 | bcsfirstweek = 7

| AP_pre = 2

| coaches_pre = 2

| AP_1 = 3

| coaches_1 = 2

| AP_2 = 2

| coaches_2 = 2

| AP_3 = 3

| coaches_3 = 2

| AP_4 = 3

| coaches_4 = 2

| AP_5 = 2

| coaches_5 = 3

| AP_6 = 2

| coaches_6 = 3

| harris_6 = 2

| AP_7 = 2

| coaches_7 = 3

| harris_7 = 2

| bcs_7 = 2

| AP_8 = 2

| coaches_8 = 2

| harris_8 = 2

| bcs_8 = 2

| AP_9 = 2

| coaches_9 = 2

| harris_9 = 2

| bcs_9 = 2

| AP_10 = 4

| coaches_10 = 4

| harris_10 = 4

| bcs_10 = 3

| AP_11 = 3

| coaches_11 = 3

| harris_11 = 3

| bcs_11 = 3

| AP_12 = 2

| coaches_12 = 2

| harris_12 = 2

| bcs_12 = 2

| AP_13 = 2

| coaches_13 = 2

| harris_13 = 2

| bcs_13 = 2

| AP_14 = 2

| coaches_14 = 2

| harris_14 = 2

| bcs_14 = 2

| AP_15 = 1

| coaches_15 = 1

}}*Source: ESPN.com: 2011 NCAA Football Rankings{{Cite web |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/1 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |website=ESPN.com}}

File:2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team at the White House.jpg after winning the national championship on April 19, 2012.]]

Following the victory against LSU for the national championship, the team arrived at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport on the afternoon of January 10. Several hundred fans were there to greet them upon their arrival.{{Cite news |last=Grayson |first=Wayne |date=January 10, 2012 |title=Tide faithful cheer return of national champions |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20120110/NEWS/120119985 |access-date=January 22, 2012 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} On January 21, a public national championship celebration at Bryant–Denny Stadium was attended by approximately 32,000 spectators.{{Cite news |date=January 21, 2012 |title=Bama fans celebrate national title |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7487438/alabama-crimson-tide-fans-players-gather-celebrate-national-title |access-date=January 22, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Speakers at the event included head coach Nick Saban and university president Robert Witt. All of the championship trophies were available for public viewing.

As part of the A-Day celebrations on April 14, the 2011 team captains Trent Richardson, Dont'a Hightower and Mark Barron were honored at the Walk of Fame ceremony at the base of Denny Chimes.{{Cite news |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=April 14, 2012 |title=Trent Richardson, Mark Barron, Dont'a Hightower honored at Walk of Fame ceremony |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/04/trent_richardson_mark_barron_d.html#incart_hbx |access-date=April 14, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} On April 19, the team made their trip to the White House, where President Barack Obama offered congratulatory remarks for their championship season and recognized the team for their community service given in Tuscaloosa after the April 2011 tornadoes.{{Cite news |last=Deas |first=Tommy |date=April 13, 2012 |title=Alabama football team to visit White House Thursday |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20120413/NEWS/120419903/1007?Title=Alabama-football-team-to-visit-White-House-Thursday |access-date=April 13, 2012 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}}

After their victory over LSU in the BCS National Championship Game, Alabama's final team statistics were released. On the defensive side of the ball, of the 120 FBS teams, the Crimson Tide was ranked at the top of all major defensive categories in conference and nationally.{{Cite news |last=Solomon |first=Jon |date=January 10, 2012 |title=Alabama defensive beatdown is one for the ages |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/alabama_defensive_beatdown_is.html |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=The Birmingham News |publisher=AL.com}} They ranked first in total defense (183.62 yards per game), scoring defense (8.15 points per game), passing defense (111.46 yards per game) and rushing defense (72.15 yards per game).{{Cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Week 20 |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?org=8&year=2011&week=20 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |publisher=NCAA.org}} It marked the first time that a single defense ranked first in all four major, team defensive categories since the 1986 Oklahoma squad. Individually, Dont'a Hightower led the team with 85 total tackles, 45 of which were assisted, and Mark Barron was the leader with 43 solo tackles.{{Cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Tackles |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2011/Internet/ranking_summary/2011000000008tackles.html |access-date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=NCAA.org}} Courtney Upshaw was tied for sixteenth nationally, fourth in conference and first on the team with 9.5 quarterback sacks.{{Cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Sacks |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2011/Internet/ranking_summary/2011000000008sacks.html |access-date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=NCAA.org}} Upshaw was also eighteenth nationally, second in conference and first on the team with 18 tackles for loss.{{Cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Tackles for loss |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2011/Internet/ranking_summary/2011000000008tacklesloss.html |access-date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=NCAA.org}} DeMarcus Milliner led the team with three of Alabama's thirteen total interceptions of the season.{{Cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Interceptions |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2011/Internet/ranking_summary/2011000000008int.html |access-date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=NCAA.org}}

On offense, of the 120 FBS teams, Alabama ranked sixteenth in rushing offense (214.46 yards per game), twentieth in scoring offense (34.85 points per game), 31st in total offense (429.62 yards per game) and 69th in passing offense (215.15 yards per game). In conference, they ranked first in rushing offense, second in total offense, third in scoring offense and fourth in passing offense.

Individually, Trent Richardson led the SEC and the team offensively with 1,679 total yards rushing, an average of 129.15 rushing yards per game, an average of 160.23 all-purpose yards per game, 21 rushing touchdowns and an average of 11.08 points per game. A. J. McCarron led the team in passing offense and completed 219 of 328 passes for 2,634 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.{{Cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Passing |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2011/Internet/ranking_summary/2011000000008pass.html |access-date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=NCAA.org}} Marquis Maze led the team with 56 receptions for 627 yards, and Brad Smelley led the team with four touchdown receptions.{{Cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Receiving |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2011/Internet/ranking_summary/2011000000008recv.html |access-date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=NCAA.org}}

Following the SEC Championship Game, multiple Alabama players were recognized for their on-field performances with a variety of awards and recognitions. At the team awards banquet on December 4, Mark Barron, Dont'a Hightower and Trent Richardson were each named the permanent captains of the 2011 squad.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=December 4, 2011 |title=Trent Richardson named Alabama's MVP and joins Mark Barron and Dont'a Hightower as a permanent captain |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/trent_richardson_named_alabama.html |access-date=January 15, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} At that time Richardson was also named the 2011 most valuable player with Barron, Hightower and Courtney Upshaw named defensive players of the year and A. J. McCarron and Marquis Maze named the offensive players of the year.

The SEC recognized several players for their individual performances with various awards. Trent Richardson was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=December 5, 2011 |title=Alabama's Trent Richardson named 2011 All-SEC Offensive Player of the Year |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabamas_trent_richardson_name.html |access-date=December 5, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} In addition to Richardson, Mark Barron, Barrett Jones, Courtney Upshaw and William Vlachos were named to the AP All-SEC First Team. Josh Chapman, Dont'a Hightower and Dre Kirkpatrick were named to the AP All-SEC Second Team. Barron, Hightower, Jones, Richardson, Upshaw and Vlachos were named to the Coaches' All-SEC First Team.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=December 6, 2011 |title=Alabama places 11 on 2011 Coaches' All-SEC Football Team |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabama_places_11_on_2011_coac.html |access-date=December 6, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} Chapman, Kirkpatrick, Marquis Maze (as both a wide receiver and return specialist) and Chance Warmack were named to the Coaches' All-SEC Second Team. Cyrus Kouandjio and Vinnie Sunseri were both named to Freshman All-SEC Team.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=December 8, 2011 |title=Cyrus Kouandjio and Vinnie Sunseri named to 2011 Freshman All-SEC Football Team |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/cyrus_kouandjio_and_vinnie_sun.html |access-date=December 8, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} The SEC named Richardson the Offensive Player of the Year.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=December 7, 2011 |title=SEC Individual Awards: Alabama's Trent Richardson and Barrett Jones honored |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/sec_individual_awards_alabamas.html |access-date=December 7, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} Jones earned the Jacobs Blocking Trophy and was also named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

After the season, a number of Alabama players were named as national award winners and finalists. Trent Richardson was named a finalist to win the Heisman Trophy, along with Wisconsin's Montee Ball, Baylor's Robert Griffin III, Stanford's Andrew Luck and LSU's Tyrann Mathieu.{{Cite news |date=December 5, 2011 |title=Five finalists named for Heisman |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7320637/finalists-named-77th-annual-heisman-trophy |access-date=December 5, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=ESPN.com news services}} He finished third in the Heisman voting with 978 points, behind Griffin (1,687 points) and Luck (1,407 points).{{Cite news |date=December 10, 2011 |title=Robert Griffin III wins Heisman Trophy |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7339011/robert-griffin-iii-baylor-bears-wins-77th-heisman-trophy |access-date=December 10, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Richardson won the Doak Walker Award and was also named a finalist for the Maxwell Award;{{Cite news |title=27 finalists announced for The Home Depot College Football Awards |url=http://www.espncollegefootballawards.com/2011finalists.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122184959/http://www.espncollegefootballawards.com/2011finalists.php |archive-date=January 22, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2011 |work=ESPN.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 9, 2011 |title=Tide's Richardson, Jones nab national awards |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111209/NEWS/111209757/1015/sports?Title=Tide-s-Richardson-Jones-nab-national-awards |access-date=December 9, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} Dont'a Hightower was named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Butkus Award, the Lott Trophy and the Lombardi Award;{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=November 22, 2011 |title=Alabama linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw named Butkus Award finalists |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_linebackers_donta_high_1.html |access-date=December 5, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}}{{Cite news |last=Kausler |first=Don Jr. |date=November 29, 2011 |title=Tide's Dont'a Hightower among four Lott Trophy finalists |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/tides_donta_hightower_among_fo.html |access-date=December 5, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}}{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2011 |title=Hightower, Upshaw are Lombardi finalists |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111111/NEWS/111119781 |access-date=December 5, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}} Courtney Upshaw was named a finalist for the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award; Barrett Jones won the Outland Trophy, the Wuerffel Trophy and the ARA Sportsmanship Award;{{Cite news |date=December 7, 2011 |title=Tide's Jones is All-SEC, awarded Wuerffel Trophy |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111207/NEWS/111209815/1015/SPORTS?Title=Tide-8217-s-Jones-is-All-SEC-awarded-Wuerffel-Trophy |access-date=December 7, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}}{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=January 19, 2012 |title=Alabama's Barrett Jones to be presented ARA Sportsmanship Award tonight |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/alabamas_barrett_jones_to_be_p.html |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} Mark Barron was named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy;{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=November 17, 2011 |title=Alabama safety Mark Barron named Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_safety_mark_barron_nam.html |access-date=December 5, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} and William Vlachos was named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. Assistant head and linebackers coach Sal Sunseri was also named a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award.{{Cite news |last=Kausler |first=Don Jr. |date=November 28, 2011 |title=Alabama assistant coach Sal Sunseri one of five finalists for Frank Broyles Award |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_assistant_coach_sal_su.html |access-date=December 5, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} The team as a whole was honored with the Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award as a result of their collective efforts to assist in the rebuilding of Tuscaloosa following the April 27, 2011, tornado.{{Cite news |last=Deas |first=Tommy |date=November 22, 2011 |title=Alabama wins Disney Spirit Award for efforts following storm |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111122/news/111129968 |access-date=December 7, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=TuscaloosaNews.com}}

In addition to the individual awards, several players were also named to various national All-American Teams. Barron, Hightower, Jones, DeQuan Menzie and Richardson were named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America Team.{{Cite news |date=December 5, 2011 |title=AFCA announces 2011 FBS Coaches' All-America Team |url=http://www.afca.com/article/article.php?id=1201 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207035843/http://www.afca.com/article/article.php?id=1201 |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=December 5, 2011 |publisher=AFCA.com |agency=American Football Coaches Association}} Barron, Hightower, Jones and Richardson were named to the Walter Camp All-America Team.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 2011 |title=122nd edition of the Walter Camp All-America Team announced |url=http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/2011_walter_camp_fbs_all_america_teams_announced/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425083958/http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/2011_walter_camp_fbs_all_america_teams_announced/ |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |access-date=December 9, 2011 |publisher=WalterCamp.org |agency=Walter Camp Football Foundation}} Upshaw and Vlachos were both named to the Walter Camp All-America Second Team. Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, Jones, Richardson and Upshaw were named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America Team.{{Cite news |date=December 10, 2011 |title=FWAA names 2011 All-America Team |url=http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2011/allamerica111210.html |access-date=December 10, 2011 |publisher=SportsWriters.net |agency=Football Writers Association of America}} Barron, Hightower, Jones and Richardson were named to the Associated Press All-American First Team; Upshaw and Kirkpatrick were named to the Associated Press All-American Second Team.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=December 14, 2011 |title=Alabama places six on Associated Press All-American team |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabama_places_six_on_associat.html |access-date=December 14, 2011 |publisher=AL.com}} Barron, Jones, Richardson and Upshaw were named to the Sporting News (TSN) All-America Team.{{Cite news |date=December 14, 2011 |title=Sporting News All-American team |url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-12-14/sporting-news-all-american-team |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108064812/http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-12-14/sporting-news-all-american-team |archive-date=January 8, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2012 |work=Sporting News |publisher=aol.sportingnews.com}} Of the seven Alabama players selected, Barron, Jones and Richardson were each recognized as unanimous All-American selections, and Hightower was recognized as a consensus All-American selection.{{Cite news |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=January 5, 2012 |title=SEC Football by the Numbers: Alabama has four more consensus All-Americans, South Carolina finally gets its third |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/sec_football_by_the_numbers_al_3.html |access-date=January 13, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}}

Several Alabama players were selected by postseason all-star games. Mark Barron, Josh Chapman, Marquis Maze, DeQuan Menzie, Courtney Upshaw and William Vlachos were selected to play in the Merrill Lynch Senior Bowl.{{Cite news |last=Scalici |first=Matt |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Six Tide players earn Senior Bowl invites |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/six_tide_players_earn_senior_b.html |access-date=January 13, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} On January 17, Brad Smelley became the seventh member of Alabama's team to receive an invitation to the Senior Bowl.{{Cite news |last=Scalici |first=Matt |date=January 18, 2012 |title=Brad Smelley accepts Senior Bowl invite |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/brad_smelley_accepts_senior_bo.html |access-date=January 19, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} Darius Hanks was selected to play in the East–West Shrine Game.{{Cite news |title=2012 2012 East–West Shrine Game roster |url=http://www.shrinegame.com/Teams/2012Roster.aspx |access-date=January 17, 2012 |publisher=ShrineGame.com}} Alabama did not have players participate in the Casino del Sol College All-Star Game or the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

In the weeks following the conclusion of the season, several changes were made to the Alabama coaching staff. On December 13 offensive coordinator Jim McElwain was introduced as the head coach with the Colorado State Rams.{{Cite news |last=Schlabach |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Schlabach |date=December 12, 2011 |title=Jim McElwain in as CSU coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7346447/colorado-state-rams-hire-alabama-crimson-tide-coordinator-jim-mcelwain-football-coach-sources-say |access-date=December 12, 2011 |work=ESPN.com}} He stayed with Alabama through the BCS National Championship Game and began his transition as the Rams' head coach from Tuscaloosa.{{Cite news |date=January 10, 2012 |title=Colorado State coach Jim McElwain arrives in town |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/ncaa/wires/01/10/2060.ap.fbc.csu.mcelwain.arrives.1st.ld.writethru.0584/index.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119142045/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/ncaa/wires/01/10/2060.ap.fbc.csu.mcelwain.arrives.1st.ld.writethru.0584/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=Sports Illustrated |publisher=SI.com |agency=Associated Press}} On January 13, assistant head and linebackers coach Sal Sunseri was named as the defensive coordinator with the Tennessee Volunteers.{{Cite news |last=Low |first=Chris |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Sal Sunseri to run Vols defense |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7458507/alabama-crimson-tide-sal-sunseri-leaving-job-tennessee-volunteers |access-date=January 13, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}} On January 18, 2012, Alabama officials announced the hires of both Doug Nussmeier from the Washington Huskies as offensive coordinator and of Lance Thompson from Tennessee as outside linebackers coach.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Izzy |date=January 18, 2012 |title=Alabama announces the hires of Doug Nussmeier, Lance Thompson |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/alabama_announces_the_hires_of.html |access-date=January 19, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}}

{{See also|2012 NFL draft}}

Of all the draft-eligible juniors, Dont'a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick and Trent Richardson declared their eligibility for the 2012 NFL draft on January 12.{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Joe |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Trent Richardson, Dre Kirkpatrick go pro |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7455537/trent-richardson-dre-kirkpatrick-alabama-crimson-tide-enter-nfl-draft |access-date=January 12, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} At the time of their announcement, each was projected as a first round pick. In February 2012, nine Alabama players, six seniors and three juniors, were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.{{Cite news |last=Scalici |first=Matt |date=February 7, 2012 |title=9 Alabama players invited to NFL Scouting Combine |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/02/9_alabama_players_invited_to_n.html |access-date=February 7, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} The invited players were safety Mark Barron, defensive tackle Josh Chapman, wide receivers Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze, linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw, cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie, and running back Trent Richardson. Mark Barron, Dont'a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick, Trent Richardson and Courtney Upshaw were each invited to attend the Draft at Radio City Music Hall.{{Cite news |date=April 12, 2012 |title=26 players to attend NFL draft |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7807331/2012-nfl-draft-andrew-luck-robert-griffin-iii-26-players-invited-draft |access-date=April 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In the draft, Alabama tied a school record with four players selected in the first round.{{Cite news |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Alabama lands 2 in the top 10 for second straight year, has 4 of 5 invitees selected in 1st round |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/04/alabama_lands_2_in_the_top_10.html |access-date=April 28, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} The first round selections were Richardson (3rd Cleveland Browns), Barron (7th Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Kirkpatrick (17th Cincinnati Bengals) and Hightower (25th New England Patriots). Upshaw was the third player selected in the second round (35th Baltimore Ravens).{{Cite news |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=April 27, 2012 |title=At last, Courtney Upshaw goes to the Baltimore Ravens with 3rd pick in 2nd round |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/04/at_last_courtney_upshaw_goes_t.html |access-date=April 28, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} Chapman was the first player selected in the fifth round (136th Indianapolis Colts) and Menzie was the eleventh player selected in the fifth round (146th Kansas City Chiefs).{{Cite news |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=April 28, 2012 |title=Final roundup: Alabama's Chapman, Menzie, Smelley drafted on final day as Tide sends 8 to NFL |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/04/final_roundup_alabamas_chapman.html |access-date=April 29, 2012 |publisher=AL.com}} Brad Smelley was the eighth and final Alabama player selected in the 2012 Draft in the seventh round (247th Cleveland Browns). In the days after the draft, six players from the 2011 squad that were not drafted signed as undrafted free agents.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2012 |title=Undrafted free-agent deals for all 32 NFL teams |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/undrafted-free-agent-deals-for-all-32-nfl-teams-09000d5d828bb384 |access-date=June 20, 2012 |website=NFL.com}} These players included Alfred McCullough (Baltimore Ravens), Marquis Maze (Pittsburgh Steelers), Alex Watkins (Tennessee Titans), Jerrell Harris (Atlanta Falcons), William Vlachos (Tennessee Titans) and Darius Hanks (Washington Redskins).

;General

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