John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports © 2006 John David Mercer
Considering Alabama boasts arguably the two greatest coaches in college football history, it’s easily forgotten that this team was in a pretty bad spot before Saban took over. In 2006, the final season under Mike Shula, the team went 6-7 and lost by two touchdowns to a superior LSU team, which finished the year with an 11-2 record and Sugar Bowl win.
JaMarcus Russell torched the Tide in this game, completing 18 of 21 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns. This was also the last time the Tigers faced an unranked Alabama team.
Despite how lopsided this series has been in recent years, LSU once had a tight hold on it. The Tigers won six of seven against the Crimson Tide in the 2000s in the years leading up to Saban’s hiring.
It will be unlikely to start a streak like that again, at least while Saban is still coaching, but winning this game in Year 1 would certainly send a strong message from Kelly.
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