Nick Saban, Mark Ingram, and Urban Meyer Reflect on the Epic 2008-2009 Alabama-Florida Games

Urban Meyer has said that the games between his Florida team and Nick Saban’s Alabama team in the 2008 and 2009 SEC Championship Games were among the best he’s ever seen.

Saban, Meyer, former Alabama running back Mark Ingram, and Rob Stone discussed these memorable games on The Triple Option podcast, highlighting a key moment in SEC history.

Saban described the SEC Championship Game as nearly equivalent to a playoff game, praising both teams for their excellence. “Those were two great teams,” he said.

In the 2008 game, Tim Tebow shone brightly. He completed 5 of 5 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter, leading No. 4 Florida to a 31-20 victory over No. 1 Alabama. “Tebow was just fantastic in ‘08,” Saban recalled, noting difficulties in stopping Florida’s offense, especially in the second half. Tebow ended the game with 216 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 57 rushing yards. The Gators converted 7 of 13 third-down attempts.

For the 2009 rematch, which No. 2 Alabama won 32-13 against No. 1 Florida, Saban revealed a key strategy change. “We decided to rush five guys as much as possible to force Tebow to throw the ball,” Saban said. This strategy helped Alabama win despite Tebow’s 247 passing yards and one touchdown, along with an interception.

Meyer joked that Florida’s defense deserved some credit for Ingram winning the Heisman Trophy that year, as he had 189 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns.

Saban remembers the 2009 victory as one of his team’s greatest achievements. “That team came together as well as any I ever coached,” he said, acknowledging the challenge posed by Meyer’s exceptional Florida team.