Turning of the Tide | Part 3: The Test

AL.com presents "Turning of the Tide", a three-part look back at the Alabama Crimson Tide's pivotal 2008 football season, and the role that particular team played in changing the face of Alabama football, and all of college football, as we know it today.

In the final part of the series, we take a look at how Alabama's loss to the Florida Gators in the 2008 SEC Championship set the Tide on a mission to come back even stronger in 2009.

[jeremiahtalkssports]

I was in college at Alabama during that 2008 year, and was able to be there and witness Saban's first championship at Alabama. Exciting time. Those guys who were there when Saban first arrived, like Rashad Johnson said, are forgotten by the masses, but it was necessary for them to embrace Saban's process and show that his way of doing things can work. After that, the 5 stars that he constantly brings in have seen what can happen if you buy in, which is why every recruiting class at Alabama under Saban so far has gotten at least one championship. Those 2008 guys really are the foundation. Roll Tide

[brandonhastings]

I have been a bama fan since the day i was born and I really cant express enough thanks and appreciation I have for this 2008 team they were truly the foundation to alabamas amazing run the last 10 years what a series this was but the story isnt over 2 more wins and true history is made I never see anothing college football coach winning 7 titles if saban pulls it off this year its the greatest run in sports history in my opinion roll tide roll.

[rt]

2008 the start, 2022 and still running. To the guys on 2008 team thanks for setting the standard, it was high but the later teams got it. You started it, and almost a decade later it survives, thanks. 2008 the yr the dynasty began.

[toadsage]

I was born in 92 so I just missed the last good Bama years and had to grow up as a fan eagerly awaiting the Saban era. The 2008 team made me realize that I could have hope as a Bama fan that when I watched a game I wouldn't be disappointed anymore.

[Rebel-Rouser]

Totally agree. That 2008 team was special and they laid the foundation.

[docsmoke]

Wish this series was endless !! Thanks for the uploads !

[jjkusaf]

Yep, that 2008 team was really the start of this spectacular run...they came up a bit short...but dang it was a solid team. It was a sign of things to come...

[markpaul]

I will never forget. I saw Bryants later years, the other coaches, Stallings(and he helped in his own way) I remember Coach Saban addressing the media the first time.

[franzhaas]

THE GOAT. I'M VERY THANKFUL THAT IN MY LIFE TIME I GET TO SEE THE GREATEST COLLAGE COUCH AND THE GREATEST COLLEGE TEAM OF ALL TIME. THIS IS HISTORY IN THE MAKING. YOU GET TO TELL YOUR GRAND KIDS ABOUT THIS. THE MAGNIFICENT RED TIDE. TEAMS COME AND GO BUT THE CRIMSON TIDE IS FOREVER!

[waynewilliams]

Met bear at last game in Memphis. I was 7yrs old an right before he left in a deep voice he said boy what do u want I'm tired. I was afraid 2 say anything. He took of his cap (not hat) his cap an signed it an handed it 2 me. As I left everyone looked at the cap
Folks followed us asking how much 4 it. In 2007 when I met saban I took off the cap an showed it to him he gave me his practice straw hat an said son DON'T EVER WEAR THAT CAP. Put it in a display case at ur home! He said wear mine not his cause that cap is priceless!

[sirtruckerw]

I remember all those moments..losing to ulm and it was homecoming..the Clemson game, I definitely remember the black out..loved it loved it..hadn't felt that kind of excitement since stallings retired..it felt great..still does..saban made a speech after Ulm they should have added saying this will never happen again..I believed him

[t-gotitanup]

Both 08 and 09 I was scared to face Alabama as a Gator fan we got the W in 08 but deep down I knew we were going to lose in 09 cause our offense was struggling and Alabama was suffocating teams with their defense and run heavy attack

[grsmith]

2008 every guy on that team built the last 5 titles... to the 2008 players thanks for the best run in college football. You guys built the champions we enjoy today. It all started in 08 and has run until today for what you guys worked hard and sweated and bled for. Real fans know this team stands on your shoulders and they were wide tough and mighty. THANK ROLL TIDE and be proud you did what so many of us would die for, to wear that crimson jersey that only a few ever earned or had the pride to wear... ROLL TIDE... the few... the the TIDE

[candymcdaniel]

This series is fantastic! Just highlights the fact that we need that Bama 30 for 30.

[alwayslookinround]

Awesome series of videos. I can't wait for the next one. I hope Coach Saban is making our team watch these. And tells them, This is what started this dynasty. And it's up to you to prove if you wanna be part of it. Right now! This year!

[ezmoney]

The hard work the players put in paid off they made the foundation of the coming Dynasty. Roll Tide Roll. Were still on that ROLL 2018 now championships 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017. Still going just like the energizer bunny RTR

[thegood]

Great video series.

Barrett needs to SLOW DOWN his annunciation if he is going to become a good professional sports journalist. Love the guy, but sometimes he can be a little hard to understand when that happens.

Mike Johnson, OTOH, could have a LONG career in the biz if he so chooses. He could be the next Trevor Matich.

[uofa]

This team will always be my favorite Bama team of all time. As someone else said: they laid the foundation. They broke the chain that had bound Bama for years. They lead us out of the darkness into the light of football greatness again. I doubt if there will ever be another more beloved Bama team. But I hope all the future Bama teams will always try to be their very best, if for no other reason than to make the Bear, Saban, this team and all of Bamanation proud. RTR🐘🏈🏆🙌👏🙂❤️‼️ #itsgreattobeacrimsontider #bornbredgrad

[jimmymemez]

I like the part where they don't talk about Utah beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl that year.

[ivanwithers]

Why wouldn't you cover the sugar bowl loss to Utah? That was a HUGE part of Alabama's comeback and a Historic game for both teams. I would have loved to see players experience in that game as well. And the fans.