Alabama Coaches Reflect on Past Matchups Against Western Kentucky: "It Wasn't the Most Enjoyable Day"

Alabama Coaches Share Experiences of Facing Western Kentucky

Alabama’s 2012 football team was a powerhouse, finishing the season with a 13-1 record. The only blemish was a loss to Texas A&M led by Johnny Manziel. Alabama went on to dominate Notre Dame in the national championship game. Earlier that season, they faced Western Kentucky (WKU) and won decisively.

Nick Sheridan, then the passing game coordinator for WKU and now Alabama’s offensive coordinator, recalls the game. "It wasn't the most enjoyable day for the Hilltoppers," Sheridan said. "But our players fought hard, and we had some talented players at WKU. Of course, Alabama had an exceptional team too."

WKU, coached by Willie Taggert at the time, had several players who would later play in the NFL. However, they were up against one of Alabama's strongest teams under Nick Saban, featuring stars like Chance Warmack, Barrett Jones, CJ Mosely, AJ McCarron, Eddie Lacy, and TJ Yeldon. The Crimson Tide won 35-0 and maintained their No. 1 ranking. WKU ended that season 7-6, finishing with a loss to Central Michigan in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

Sheridan was impressed by the Alabama game atmosphere, especially the crowd of 101,821 fans and the traditions like the famous "Call your mama" commercial featuring Bear Bryant. "The environment was incredible," Sheridan said. "You could feel the history and tradition of Alabama football."

WKU faced Alabama again in 2016 and managed to score a touchdown, but still lost 38-10. Bryan Ellis, now Alabama's tight ends coach, was in charge of the wide receivers and passing game for WKU in 2016. WKU went on to win the Conference USA championship and the Boca Raton Bowl that year.

Despite the loss, Ellis believes playing Alabama was beneficial for WKU. "They had a great team, and it helped us see where we stood," he said. "We started slow that year but ended up winning back-to-back championships, and I think facing Alabama played a part in that."

Ellis eventually became the offensive coordinator at WKU before joining Alabama's staff. He is prepared to use his experience to help Alabama win against WKU this Saturday. "I coach at Alabama now, and whatever it takes for us to win, we’ll do that," he stated.

Alabama and Western Kentucky are set to play at 6:05 p.m. CT this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with the game airing on ESPN.