History of Alabama–LSU football rivalry in Timeline

The Alabama–LSU football rivalry, often called the "First Saturday in November" or the "Saban Bowl," is a significant college football rivalry. Both the Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers are charter members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). From 1992 to 2023, both teams competed in the SEC's West Division, further intensifying the competition. This rivalry is known for its intensity and high stakes, contributing significantly to the landscape of college football.

1936: AP Poll Release

Since 1936, when the AP Poll began being released continuously, the Crimson Tide and Tigers have met 7 times when both have been ranked in the top 5.

1964: Annual Series Begins

In 1964, Alabama and LSU began playing each other on an annual basis, a series that has continued uninterrupted since then.

1965: Alabama's Dominance in Baton Rouge Begins

From 1965 to 1998, Alabama went 16–1–1 against LSU in Baton Rouge, marking a period of dominance in those games.

1980: Legion Field Home Game Exception

In 1980, Alabama played its home game against LSU at a location other than Legion Field in Birmingham, which was the typical venue.

1981: Alabama's Home Game Struggles Begin

Since 1981, Alabama has gone 9–12 in games played in Alabama, indicating a period of struggle in home games against LSU.

1982: Post-Bear Bryant Era Begins

Since Bear Bryant's retirement in 1982, Alabama leads the series 26–16–1 against LSU, showcasing the program's performance in the post-Bryant era.

1986: Last Neutral Site Game Before 2012

The 2012 BCS National Championship Game marked the first time since 1986 that Alabama and LSU played in a location other than Baton Rouge or Tuscaloosa.

1988: Home Game Moved to Bryant–Denny Stadium

In 1988, Alabama began playing its home game in the series at Bryant–Denny Stadium on their Tuscaloosa campus, and LSU won the first game after the move.

1992: Alternating Campuses Schedule Begins

From 1992 to 2025, the Alabama-LSU contests in odd-numbered years were played in Tuscaloosa, and even-numbered years in Baton Rouge.

1992: SEC West Division Formation

In 1992, both Alabama and LSU became charter members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and their sports teams competed in the SEC's West Division.

1998: End of Alabama's Dominance in Baton Rouge

From 1965 to 1998, Alabama went 16–1–1 against LSU in Baton Rouge, marking a period of dominance, which ended in 1998.

October 25, 2003: Most Points Given Up Since Then

The 46 points given up by the 'Bama defense in 2019 was the most points scored in the Nick Saban era and the most given up by any Alabama team since October 25, 2003, against Tennessee.

2005: Overtime Games Era Begins

From 2005 to 2014, four games were decided in overtime.

2005: First Overtime Game in Tuscaloosa

In 2005, Alabama and LSU played an overtime game in Tuscaloosa, marking one of two such occurrences in that city.

2005: Top 5 Ranking Meeting

In 2005, the Crimson Tide and Tigers met when both were ranked in the top 5. This was one of seven such meetings since 1936.

2007: "Saban Bowl" Era Begins

In 2007, the Alabama-LSU meeting was highly anticipated after Alabama hired Nick Saban, who had previously coached LSU to a National Championship, leading to the game being dubbed the "Saban Bowl".

2008: First Overtime Game in Baton Rouge

In 2008, Alabama and LSU played the first of three overtime games in Baton Rouge, showcasing the rivalry's intensity.

2009: Rivalry Intensity Survey

A 2009 poll of SEC fan bases showed that over 60% of LSU fans considered Alabama their most bitter rival, while Alabama fans prioritized the Iron Bowl and the Third Saturday in October.

2011: Second Overtime Game in Tuscaloosa

In 2011, Alabama and LSU played their second overtime game in Tuscaloosa, adding to the series' history of close contests.

2011: LSU Beats Alabama in Regular Season

In 2011, No. 1 LSU defeated No. 2 Alabama 9–6 in overtime at Bryant–Denny Stadium on November 5.

2011: Series Record Sources

In 2011, sources for the Alabama-LSU series record included the 2011 Alabama Football Media Guide, 2011 LSU Football Media Guide, and College Football Data Warehouse.

2011: Top Two Ranked Teams

The 2011 and 2012 NCG games were the only times the teams were the top two in the rankings.

November 3, 2012: Alabama Defeats LSU at Tiger Stadium

On November 3, 2012, #1 Alabama defeated #5 LSU 21-17 at Tiger Stadium after a late touchdown by T.J. Yeldon. Key plays included a touchdown run by Jeremy Hill, a touchdown pass from Zach Mettenberger to Jarvis Landry, and a missed field goal by Drew Alleman.

2012: Alabama Wins BCS National Championship

In 2012, Alabama defeated LSU 21–0 in the BCS National Championship Game, marking the first time the teams played at a neutral location since 1986 and the first BCS Championship Game featuring two teams from the same conference.

November 8, 2014: Alabama Escapes with Overtime Win at LSU

On November 8, 2014, #5 Alabama defeated #16 LSU 20-13 in overtime at Tiger Stadium. LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye made a field goal to give LSU a 13-10 lead with 50 seconds left, but Adam Griffith tied the game with a field goal to force overtime. Blake Sims then found DeAndrew White in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

2014: Overtime Games Era Ends

From 2005 to 2014, four games were decided in overtime.

2014: Third Overtime Game in Baton Rouge

In 2014, Alabama and LSU played the third of three overtime games in Baton Rouge, adding to the series' legacy of dramatic matchups.

2019: LSU Snaps Losing Streak Against Alabama

In 2019, #1 LSU defeated #2 Alabama 46–41, snapping an eight-game losing streak in the series for LSU. The game featured Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa and ensured LSU's spot in the College Football Playoff. It also marked the first time since the founding of the Playoff that Alabama would not make an appearance.

2019: Most Recent Top 5 Meeting

In 2019, Alabama and LSU met as top-5 ranked teams, marking the most recent occurrence of such a matchup since 1936.

2022: Alabama Missed College Football Playoff

In 2019, the game set up the first time since the founding of the Playoff that Alabama would not make an appearance, which they not would not miss again until 2022.

2022: Third Overtime Game in Baton Rouge

In 2022, Alabama and LSU played the third overtime game in Baton Rouge.

2023: End of SEC West Division

In 2023, both Alabama and LSU were members of the SEC West Division when the conference was split into two divisions, marking the end of that divisional structure.

2025: Alternating Campuses Schedule Ends

From 1992 to 2025, the Alabama-LSU contests in odd-numbered years were played in Tuscaloosa, and even-numbered years in Baton Rouge, until the end of the schedule.