The University of Alabama’s first two games had gone well. The Crimson Tide had powered through Wisconsin and Middle Tennessee, and sat No. 2 in the AP’s top 25. Everything appeared to be going according to plan.
That may have been exactly what the problem was.
UA lost 43-37 to Ole Miss that weekend. After four quarters against the Rebels and five turnovers, the season was in danger. The players knew it. The Crimson Tide held a players-only meeting in the days following the loss to set things straight.
“Ever since then, guys have been on each other,” senior linebacker Reggie Ragland said.