Do any of the Nick Saban's Alabama teams beat 2004 USC

[Blazers-1977]

I would say only 2011 and 2016 have a good chance to do so as 2011 had one of the most dominant defenses ever and if they managed to hold SC under 20 points they would have a 50/50 chance of taking that game and I would argue 2016 Bama was actually their best team, its just that they were defeated due to DeShaun Watson playing out of his mind in that title game(that title game was very very reminiscent of the 2006 Rose Bowl). Even then I still think SC pulls it out but very narrowly .


As for the rest of the teams 2009 Bama was great but I dont think they would stand a good chance against a team like 2004 SC(If texas was healthy they very much could lose that title game in 09), 2012 team would have lost to Oregon that year if there was a playoff and Oregon's team at least on offense was very similar to 2004 SC although our defense was worse(Which is why I think 2012 Oregon Offense+ 2019 Oregon Defense> 2004 USC) , 2015 Bama was a slightly worse version then their 2016 team so I think they would lose and any team since 2017 would get streamrolle by that SC team.


So I think 2004 USC probably remains the 2nd best team in the past 20 years behind 2001 Miami though I would add its no accident that both of these teams were this good by flagrantly violating NCAA rules .