Looking Back At Five Iconic Saban Era Moments Before The Kalen DeBoer Era Officially Begins

We are just a few days away from Alabama's 2024 season opener as they host Western Kentucky.

As we get ready for the new era of Alabama football , fans anticipate what new head coach Kalen DeBoer will produce with a brand new coaching staff, and see lots of new names coming through Tuscaloosa. Needless to say, there is still much excitement and hope.

But, as many other fans in sports do, we love looking back at what once was. With that being said, here are five iconic moments that took place during the Nick Saban era.

5. Terrence Cody's FG block as time expired vs. Tennessee

During a very close battle against unranked Tennessee in Alabama's 2009 championship season, Tide fans sat on the edge of their seats. Four seconds remained in regulation, and Tennessee was lined up for a potential game-winning field goal. This play would have undoubtedly altered Alabama's championship aspirations.

Then, Mt. Cody happened. After already blocking one field goal earlier in the game, DL Terrence Cody would break through the line, reach his left arm up, and block the field goal as time expired.

This led Alabama to a close 12-10 win, keeping their national championship hopes alive, as they were the top ranked team in the country.

4. Kenyan Drake's kickoff return against Clemson in 2015

In a massive back-and-forth matchup, Alabama and Clemson produced one of the most memorable national championship games in history.

During the season, however, Alabama faced huge criticism about their QB room, where there seemed to be no clear No. 1 guy.

Then, Ole Miss happened. In a big upset, Ole Miss would leave Tuscaloosa with a win, capitalizing on numerous mistakes from the Tide. But, Jake Coker solidified himself as the starter for the rest of the year as the Tide's QB.

The rest is history. Derrick Henry would go on to produce a phenomenal season, and was awarded the Heisman Trophy, while Alabama marched into the playoffs with a commanding win against Michigan State , setting up the national championship game against Clemson.

And yet, the play most remembered from that season was Kenyan Drake's kickoff return for a touchdown as time dwindled in the 4th quarter.

One team needed the big play. Alabama already converted a sneaky onside kick in the 3rd quarter, but the Drake return was the icing on the cake. After that moment, I knew this team wouldn't be defeated.

3. Bryce Young's Heisman drive against Auburn in 2021

Oh boy, this game still has to be one of the most frustrating Alabama games in recent memory.

It's 2021, and Bryce Young is leading the Tide to a remarkable season. However, there's just something about the Iron Bowl.

It never matters who is ranked where, because this rivalry always seems so close and very back-and-forth.

Alabama's offense averaged nearly 40 points per game in 2021. They were a force. But they found themselves down 10-3 with the game quickly approaching its end.But, as Young lined up at his own three-yard line with just under two minutes on the clock and his best receiver out with an injury, the Heisman moment began.

Young would deliver strike after strike to keep the ball moving down the field, until a 28-yard strike landed in Ja'Corey Brooks' hands for a touchdown with under 30 seconds remaining in the game.

The Tide would go on to win the game by converting a 2-point conversion in the 4th overtime. My frustration quickly turned to joy, as I let out a scream of relief.

2. Jalen Milroe's "Gravedigger" play against Auburn in 2023

The Iron Bowl is one of the most historic rivalries in college football, and seemingly always produces iconic moments.

This rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in college football history, such as Auburn's "Kick-Six," Bryce Young's Heisman Trophy-winning drive, and now Jalen Milroe's "Gravedigger" pass to former Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond .

For Alabama fans, the "Kick-Six" play is forever haunting, and Auburn fans still talk about it today. And as they should, it was a monumental play.

Now, Tide fans have something to brag about.

Having a 4th-and-goal on the 31 yard-line is typically not ideal. However, this is where Milroe found himself. It came down to one last desperation heave, and Milroe would deliver.

With no defensive pressure, and the OL making sure he had all the time he needed, Milroe would deliver a strike to the near corner of the endzone, where Bond was able to catch it. Just 33 seconds remained on the clock, and Alabama found themselves leading 27-24.

This momentum would ride all the way to the SEC Championship, where they ended up stunning the Bulldogs and snatching their playoff bid.

1. DeVonta Smith's catch against Georgia in 2018

Now, this game was an emotional one for Tide fans.

Despite having all of the confidence in the world in Jalen Hurts heading into the game, it was clear he wasn't at his best. However, no one truly expected Saban to pull him in favor of a young Tua Tagovailoa.

However, the freshman southpaw revived the team and got them back in it.

After only giving up a FG on the first overtime possession, Alabama now had the chance to win it all with a touchdown.

On first down, Tagovailoa would attempt to make something out of nothing, only to be sacked for a 16 yard loss. A moment that led to many fans immediately thinking it was over. Then, "2nd and 26" happened.

DeVonta Smith was streaking open, and Tagovailoa delivered a perfect ball, and the rest was history.

In true Saban fashion, Tagovailoa revealed that the head coach was still mad at him after the game for taking the sack.

Tide fans will always remember Saban's amazing legacy, but now it's time to make new memories.