We are 38 days until Alabama’s season opener against Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 2, 2023.
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The Crimson Tide’s first game will be at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but we highlight a running back that started the program’s turnaround in the Nick Saban era. Glen Coffee, a native Floridian, came to the University of Alabama in 2005 recruiting class under Mike Shula. He was one of several Shula recruits that put the Tide back into the national spotlight during Coach Saban’s second season in 2008. Coffee shared the backfield with a talented freshman, Mark Ingram, but led the backs in rushing attempts (233), rushing yards (1,383), and touchdowns (16). He carried the Tide to its first undefeated regular season (12-0) in the Saban era, an SEC Western Division title, and a berth in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. Alabama suffered a loss to Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators; however, Coffee’s excellence set it up for a long run of dominance that started in 2009.
38 days until Alabama football returns 😤 pic.twitter.com/HLqs3KT2bd
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) July 26, 2023
He became the first of several 1,000+ yard rushers under Saban.
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Coffee was also the first of several running backs Saban put into the National Football League.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
