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How Every Alabama Coach Since Wallace Wade Fared During His First Trip to LSU’s Tiger Stadium

Michael SandersBy No Comments5 Mins Read
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November 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States; The Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

November 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States; The Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Football coach Kalen DeBoer got his first taste of the Alabama vs. LSU series this weekend. Behind Jalen Milroe’s sensational performanceTHE Crimson Tide completely dominated the Tigers45-13, on a rainy night in Baton Rouge.

LSU is celebrating 100 years of Tiger Stadium and on Saturday, DeBoer joined a long list of Alabama head coaches to earn their first trip to Tiger Stadium since the venue opened in 1924.

In fact, only one coach in the modern era of Alabama football hasn’t won on his first visit to one of college football’s most electric environments. It was Mike Shula, who lost in his first trip to Tiger Stadium as head coach in November 2004.

RELATED: How every Alabama football coach since Bear Bryant performed in Tennessee’s first game

From Nick Saban to Wallace Wade, who led the Crimson Tide to their first victory in the stadium 99 years ago, here’s a look at how former Alabama coaches fared on their first trips at Tiger Stadium. We also include their overall record in Baton Rouge and, where applicable, their team’s largest margin of victory.

Nick Saban (Alabama coach, 2007-2023)

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches his team warm up before playing against the Louisiana State University Tigers on November 11, 2008 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches his team warm up before playing against the Louisiana State University Tigers on November 11, 2008 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches his team warm up before playing against the Louisiana State University Tigers on November 11, 2008 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 8, 2008

Final score: Alabama 27, LSU 21 (overtime)

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 6-2

Largest margin of victory: Alabama 55, LSU 17 (December 15, 2020)

Mike Shula (Alabama coach, 2003-2006)

September 2, 2006; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Mike Shula watches his players during the Hawaii Warriors game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports © 2006 John David MercerSeptember 2, 2006; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Mike Shula watches his players during the Hawaii Warriors game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports © 2006 John David Mercer

September 2, 2006; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Mike Shula watches his players during the Hawaii Warriors game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports © 2006 John David Mercer

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 13, 2004

Final score: LSU 26, Alabama 10

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 0-2

Dennis Franchione (Alabama coach, 2001-02)

December 27, 2001: Alabama head coach Dennis Franchione presents the trophy during the postgame celebration of the Independence Bowl game against Iowa State at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. Alabama won 14-13. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesDecember 27, 2001: Alabama head coach Dennis Franchione presents the trophy during the postgame celebration of the Independence Bowl game against Iowa State at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. Alabama won 14-13. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

December 27, 2001: Alabama head coach Dennis Franchione presents the trophy during the postgame celebration of the Independence Bowl game against Iowa State at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, in Louisiana. Alabama won 14-13. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 16, 2002

Final score: Alabama 31, LSU 0

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-0

Largest margin of victory: 31 points (2002)

Mike DuBose (Alabama coach, 1997–2000)

October 24, 1998: Head coach Mike Dubose of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches the field during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Alabama 35-18. Mandatory credit: Scott Halleran /AllsportOctober 24, 1998: Head coach Mike Dubose of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches the field during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Alabama 35-18. Mandatory credit: Scott Halleran /Allsport

October 24, 1998: Head coach Mike Dubose of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches the field during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Alabama 35-18. Mandatory credit: Scott Halleran /Allsport

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 7, 1998

Final score: Alabama 22, LSU 16

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-1

Largest margin of victory: six points (1998)

Gene Stallings (Alabama coach, 1990–1996)

OCT 15, 1994: ALABAMA HEAD COACH GENE STALLINGS IS ON THE FIELD WITH HIS TEAM BEFORE THE CRIMSON TIDE'S 17-13 VICTORY OVER THE TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS AT NEYLAND STADIUM IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORTOCT 15, 1994: ALABAMA HEAD COACH GENE STALLINGS IS ON THE FIELD WITH HIS TEAM BEFORE THE CRIMSON TIDE'S 17-13 VICTORY OVER THE TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS AT NEYLAND STADIUM IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT

OCT 15, 1994: ALABAMA HEAD COACH GENE STALLINGS IS ON THE FIELD WITH HIS TEAM BEFORE THE CRIMSON TIDE’S 17-13 VICTORY OVER THE TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS AT NEYLAND STADIUM IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 9, 1991

Final score: Alabama 20, LSU 17

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 4-0

Largest margin of victory: Alabama 26, LSU 0 (November 9, 1996)

Bill Curry (Alabama coach, 1987–1989)

September 23, 1989: Coach Bill Curry of the Alabama Crimson Tide takes the field with his players before a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Alabama won the game 15-7.September 23, 1989: Coach Bill Curry of the Alabama Crimson Tide takes the field with his players before a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Alabama won the game 15-7.

September 23, 1989: Coach Bill Curry of the Alabama Crimson Tide takes the field with his players before a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Alabama won the game 15-7.

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 7, 1987

Final score: Alabama 22, LSU 10

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium:2-0

Largest margin of victory: Alabama 32, LSU 16 (November 11, 1989)

Ray Perkins (Alabama coach, 1983–1986)

Date and location unknown, 1986; USA; FILE PHOTO; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Ray Perkins speaks to his team during the 1986 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORKDate and location unknown, 1986; USA; FILE PHOTO; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Ray Perkins speaks to his team during the 1986 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Date and location unknown, 1986; USA; FILE PHOTO; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Ray Perkins speaks to his team during the 1986 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 5, 1983

Final score: Alabama 32, LSU 26

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-0-1

Largest margin of victory: six points (1983)

Bear Bryant (Alabama coach, 1958-1982)

Date and location unknown, 1981; USA; FILE PHOTO; Paul, head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide "Bear" Bryant on the field during the 1981 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORKDate and location unknown, 1981; USA; FILE PHOTO; Paul, head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide "Bear" Bryant on the field during the 1981 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Date and location unknown, 1981; USA; FILE PHOTO; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant on the field during the 1981 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 6, 1965

Final score: Alabama 31, LSU 7

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 8-1

Largest margin of victory: 24 points (1965)

JB “Ears” Whitworth (Alabama coach, 1955-57)

First trip to Tiger Stadium: September 28, 1957

Final score: LSU 28, Alabama 0

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 0-1

Harold “Red” Drew (Alabama coach, 1947–1954)

First trip to Tiger Stadium: November 20, 1948

Final score: LSU 26, Alabama 6

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 2-1

Largest margin of victory: Alabama 12, LSU 0 (September 25, 1954)

Frank Thomas (Alabama coach, 1931–1946)

First trip to Tiger Stadium: September 30, 1944

Final score: Alabama 27, LSU 27

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-1-1

Largest margin of victory: Alabama 26, LSU 7 (October 6, 1945)

Wallace Wade (Alabama coach, 1923–1930)

First trip to Tiger Stadium: October 10, 1925

Final score: Alabama 42, LSU 0

Overall record against LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-0

Largest margin of victory: 42 points (1925)

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This article was originally published on Roll Tide Wire: How Every Alabama Coach Since Wallace Wade Fared During His First Trip to LSU’s Tiger Stadium

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