How every Alabama coach since Wallace Wade fared in first trip to LSU's Tiger Stadium

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; 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 won his first taste of the Alabama vs. LSU series over the weekend. Behind Jalen Milroe’s sensational performance, the Crimson Tide thoroughly dominated the Tigers, 45-13, on a rain-soaked 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 win their first trip to Tiger Stadium since the venue first opened in 1924.

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

From Nick Saban all the way back to Wallace Wade, who led the Crimson Tide to their first win in the stadium 99 years ago, here’s a look at how past Alabama coaches fared in their first road trips to Tiger Stadium. We also include their overall record in Baton Rouge and, when applicable, their team’s biggest 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 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 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: Nov. 8, 2008

Final Score: Alabama 27, LSU 21 (OT)

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 6-2

Largest Margin of Victory: Alabama 55, LSU 17 (Dec. 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 Mercer

First Trip to Tiger Stadium: Nov. 13, 2004

Final Score: LSU 26, Alabama 10

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 0-2

Dennis Franchione (Alabama coach, 2001-02)

27 Dec 2001 : Alabama head coach Dennis Franchione presents the trophy during post-game 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

First Trip to Tiger Stadium: Nov. 16, 2002

Final Score: Alabama 31, LSU 0

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-0

Largest Margin of Victory: 31 points (2002)

Mike DuBose (Alabama coach, 1997-2000)

24 Oct 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: Nov. 7, 1998

Final Score: Alabama 22, LSU 16

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-1

Largest Margin of Victory: six points (1998)

Gene Stallings (Alabama coach, 1990-1996)

15 OCT 1994: ALABAMA HEAD COACH GENE STALLINGS STANDS 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 — 15 OCT 1994: ALABAMA HEAD COACH GENE STALLINGS STANDS 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: Nov. 9, 1991

Final Score: Alabama 20, LSU 17

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 4-0

Largest Margin of Victory: Alabama 26, LSU 0 (Nov. 9, 1996)

Bill Curry (Alabama coach, 1987-1989)

23 Sep 1989: Coach Bill Curry of the Alabama Crimson Tide walks onto 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: Nov. 7, 1987

Final Score: Alabama 22, LSU 10

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium:2-0

Largest Margin of Victory: Alabama 32, LSU 16 (Nov. 11, 1989)

Ray Perkins (Alabama coach, 1983-1986)

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

First Trip to Tiger Stadium: Nov. 5, 1983

Final Score: Alabama 32, LSU 26

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-0-1

Largest Margin of Victory: six points (1983)

Bear Bryant (Alabama coach, 1958-1982)

Unknown date and location, 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 — Unknown date and location, 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: Nov. 6, 1965

Final Score: Alabama 31, LSU 7

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 8-1

Largest Margin of Victory: 24 points (1965)

J.B. “Ears” Whitworth (Alabama coach, 1955-57)

First Trip to Tiger Stadium: Sept. 28, 1957

Final Score: LSU 28, Alabama 0

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 0-1

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

First Trip to Tiger Stadium: Nov. 20, 1948

Final Score: LSU 26, Alabama 6

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 2-1

Largest Margin of Victory: Alabama 12, LSU 0 (Sept. 25, 1954)

Frank Thomas (Alabama coach, 1931-1946)

First Trip to Tiger Stadium: Sept. 30, 1944

Final Score: Alabama 27, LSU 27

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-1-1

Largest Margin of Victory: Alabama 26, LSU 7 (Oct. 6, 1945)

Wallace Wade (Alabama coach, 1923-1930)

First Trip to Tiger Stadium: Oct. 10, 1925

Final Score: Alabama 42, LSU 0

Overall Record vs. LSU at Tiger Stadium: 1-0

Largest Margin of Victory: 42 points (1925)

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: How every Alabama coach since Wallace Wade fared in first trip to LSU’s Tiger Stadium

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How every Alabama coach since Wallace Wade fared in first trip to LSU’s Tiger Stadium