3 Best Alabama Teams to Not Win a National Championship Under Nick Saban

Since Nick Saban has become head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, they have been the premier college football program in the country. They are always championship contenders and the team opponents circle on their schedules.

However, it's tough for teams to always win championships, These are the three best Alabama teams to not win a National Championship under Saban.

3. 2008 Alabama (12-2)

One year before winning the National Championship, the 2008 Alabama team nearly good enough to win it all. Averaging 30.1 point per game (No. 35 in NCAA), the offense was solid and led by their rushing attack. Glen Coffee led the backfield, with 1,383 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. However, freshman Mark Ingram was also solid, adding another 728 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. They lost in the Sugar Bowl, 31-17, to No. 7 Utah Utes.

2. 2018 Alabama (14-1)

The 2018 Alabama team made it to the National Championship game, but got embarrassed, 44-16, by the Clemson Tigers for their only loss of the season. The season featured five wins over ranked opponents, with three of the games being against top-five teams. Their 45.6 points per game was good enough for third in the country, as their elite offense was led by Tua Tagovailoa.

1. 2016 Alabama (14-1)

The best team to not win it all under Saban also suffered their only loss in the National Championship game. This was the tremendous last-second score by Deshaun Watson to lead Clemson to the championship. Jalen Hurts led the way for Alabama, passing for 2,780 yards and running for another 954. However, it really was the defense that shined in this season. Led by Reuben Foster and his 115 tackles, the '16 Crimson Tide defense ranked first in the nation, allowing just 13.7 points per game.

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