Nick Saban's Tenure in Review: Season #10 - 2016 Alabama Crimson Tide

Nick Saban entered his 10th season as Alabama's head coach (seemingly) at the height of his powers. He had just won his fourth national championship (and fifth overall) the previous year and brought his vaunted Crimson Tide into the 2016 season as the top-ranked team in the land. The defense was expected to be stout, despite the loss of long-time Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart to the Georgia Bulldogs, and the offense with Lane Kiffin at the helm was expected to be productive even with the question mark at QB.

What came next was one of the most dominant regular seasons in Alabama history followed by one of the most heartbreaking climaxes a team could have to end their season. Despite the disappointing way in which this season ends, it can't help but be noted that the 2016 Alabama Crimson Tide (the defense in particular) was among the most star-studded teams in college football history.

2016 Alabama Crimson Tide

Overall Record: 14 wins, 1 loss
SEC Record: 8 wins, 0 losses (1st in SEC West)
AP Poll Finish: #2
Coaches Poll Finish: #2

Offensive Coordinator: Lane Kiffin (first 14 games); Steve Sarkisian (final game)
Defensive Coordinator: Jeremy Pruitt
Permanent Captains: Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, Eddie Jackson, and Cam Robinson
Consensus 1st Team All-Americans: Cam Robinson (T), Jonathan Allen (DE), Reuben Foster (LB), and Minkah Fitzpatrick (CB)
1st Team All-SEC: Jalen Hurts (QB), ArDarius Stewart (WR), Cam Robinson (T), Jonathan Allen (DE), Reuben Foster (LB), Ryan Anderson (LB), Minkah Fitzpatrick (CB), and J.K. Scott (P)
Heisman Trophy: Jonathan Allen (CANDIDATE - #7)

Total Offense: 455.3 YPG (#34)
Total Defense: 261.8 YPG (#1)
Average Talent Ranking on Roster: #1 (Per Rivals)

Schedule

vs. #20 USC (W) 52-6 [Arlington, TX]
vs. Western Kentucky (W) 38-10
@ #19 Ole Miss (W) 48-43
vs. Kent State (W) 48-0
vs. Kentucky (W) 34-6 [Homecoming]
@ #16 Arkansas (W) 49-30
@ #9 Tennessee (W) 49-10
vs. #6 Texas A&M (W) 33-14
@ #13 LSU (W) 10-0
vs. Mississippi State (W) 51-3
vs. Chattanooga (W) 31-3
vs. #13 Auburn (W) 30-12 [Senior Day]
vs. #15 Florida (W) 54-16 [SEC Championship Game]
vs. #4 Washington (W) 24-7 [2016 Peach Bowl]
vs. #2 Clemson (L) 31-35 [2017 CFP National Championship Game]

Leading Passer
Jalen Hurts
240-382 62.8 Pct 2,780 Yds 23 TDs 9 INTs

Leading Rusher
Damien Harris
146 Att 1,037 Yds 7.1 Avg 2 TDs

Leading Receiver
ArDarius Stewart
54 Rec 864 Yds 16.0 Avg 8 TDs