Alabama's loss to Mississippi State on November 16 broke a 15-game winning streak Alabama had in the series, and was the Crimon Tide's first loss to the Bulldogs since a dramatic upset that Bulldogs posted over the top-ranked Tide in 1980. Following a victory in the annual Iron Bowl on November 23, Stallings announced his retirement, effective at the end of the season.[1]
Alabama kicked off the season with a commanding 21–7 victory over newly reclassified Division I opponent Bowling Green, extending their streak to six straight season-opening wins. The Crimson Tide’s balanced attack and stout defense set the tone early, with key plays that stifled Bowling Green’s offense and secured a confident start to the campaign.
Alabama’s defense dominated once again, holding Southern Miss to just 109 yards of offense as the Crimson Tide secured their sixth consecutive victory over the Golden Eagles.
In the first home game of the 1996 season at Bryant-Denny Stadium, a fierce shootout erupted as the Crimson Tide unleashed a relentless 21-point surge in the third quarter, overwhelming the Commodores and thrilling the crowd en route to a 36–26 victory
Former Alabama coach Bill Curry returned to Tuscaloosa for the first time since leaving Alabama for Kentucky in 1989. Despite being heavy underdogs, Curry's Wildcats forced a 7-7 tie at halftime which brought a chorus of boos from the homecoming crowd. The Crimson Tide then would use a 28 point third quarter to beat Kentucky.
For the second time in three games, Alabama defense would shut out its opponent. The Crimson tide offense went through one man Redshirt Freshman Shaun Alexander rushed for a School record 291 yards and all four Alabama touchdowns.
Alabama would pounce on Auburn early with 17 straight points to begin the game. Auburn would respond with 23 unanswered to lead by 6 late in the fourth quarter. Alabama would drive 74 yards to score on a 6-yard swing pass from Freddie Kitchens to Dennis Riddle to tie the game. Jon Brock extra point would give Alabama the one-point lead and eventual win to clinch the SEC West. After the game, Gene Stallings officially announced his retirement as Alabama head coach at the end of the season.
Alabama would be in its fourth SEC Championship game in five seasons and once again would face Florida, as they had the previous three meetings. The Gators would use nearly 500 yards of offense to win its fourth straight SEC title, a record that still holds to this day.
Two 4th quarter touchdowns proved to be enough as Alabama would win its 10th game of the season and the 70th and final for Gene Stallings as head coach.
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