Alabama game by game

ALABAMA 34, CLEMSON 10: Then-ranked No. 24 Alabama upset No. 9 Clemson on the road, holding the Tigers to zero yards rushing in the rout. Both Mark Ingram and Glen Coffee ran for more than 90 yards, and the Tide also got outstanding performances from quarterback John Parker Wilson (22-for-30 with two TDs) and kicker Leigh Tiffin (4 for 5 field goals).

ALABAMA 20, TULANE 6: The Tide were outgained 318-172 by the displaced Green Wave (by Hurricane Gustav) but still eked out coach Nick Saban's 100th collegiate win. Javier Arenas keyed the victory with 212 return yards, which included an 87-yard punt return for a TD.

ALABAMA 41, WESTERN KENTUCKY 7: Wilson became the Tide's all-time leader in offense, passing Brodie Croyle after throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Six rushers ran for 20 or more yards as the Tide rolled up 281 yards rushing.

ALABAMA 49, ARKANSAS 14: The Tide crushed the Razorbacks thanks to two interceptions returned for touchdowns and Coffee's big day. The junior ran for 162 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. Three other rushers combined for 167 yards.

ALABAMA 41, GEORGIA 30: Instead of a blackout, it was a blowout. The No. 3 Bulldogs wore their black jerseys only to see the Tide lead 31-0 at halftime in Athens, Ga. Alabama, who became a BCS title contender with the win, didn't punt until halfway through the third quarter.

ALABAMA 17, KENTUCKY 14: In Tuscaloosa, Ala., a Tiffin field goal with 2:12 left in the game helped the No. 2 Crimson Tide keep their best national ranking in 15 years. Coffee led Alabama, rushing for 218 yards, which included a 78-yard touchdown.

ALABAMA 24, MISSISSIPPI 20: Wilson threw for two touchdowns on a season-high 219 yards, but the Tide needed a defensive stand to win after leading 24-3 at halftime. The Rebels were within one drive of getting their second-straight road upset after handing Florida its only loss of the season.

ALABAMA 29, TENNESSEE 9: On the road, the Tide crushed the Volunteers by using the run and the pass. Roy Upchurch and Coffee combined for 164 yards and two touchdowns, and Wilson threw for 188 yards on 17 of 24 passing and ran for a score.

ALABAMA 35, ARKANSAS STATE 0: In Tuscaloosa, Ala., the Tide suffered no letdown against the Sun Belt Conference's Red Wolves. Ingram led the way with 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns.