The 2023 version of the Alabama Crimson Tide, while it did not accomplish the ultimate goal of winning a national championship, is still a team that made history in numerous ways and will be remembered fondly.
For one, it was the last iteration of a Nick Saban-coached Alabama team.
But beyond that, even according to Saban himself, the team improved more over the course of a season than any other team in the Nick Saban era.
Struggling mightily through the first month, the Tide strung together 11 consecutive wins, went undefeated in the SEC, and defeated Georgia in Atlanta to end the Bulldogs’ chance at a 3-peat.
For the team’s efforts, they were rewarded with a ring to commemorate an SEC title that seemed improbable, if not impossible, for large parts of the early portion of the year.
LANK. 💍👀
2023 SEC Champions!#RollTide pic.twitter.com/sc4ugu2QKp
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) April 15, 2024
A team and moment I’ll never forget ❤️🐘 pic.twitter.com/e5eDlbalTs
— CJ Dippre (@CjDippre) April 15, 2024
Alabama’s social media accounts also posted video from behind the scenes at A-Day with team captains giving Saban his ring, to which he noted the size of it and expressed his appreciation. He also addressed the team during their morning walk-through before the spring clash:
Carry the Torch. 👏#RollTide pic.twitter.com/rf0qP4OlAe
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) April 16, 2024
As Alabama enters a new era, the program gave a final nod to the accomplishments of Saban’s final team before turning the page to 2024 and the pursuit of more hardware.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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