1932 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1932 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southern Conference SoCon 8–2 5–2 Frank Thomas 2nd Johnny Cain Denny StadiumLegion FieldCramton Bowl The 1932 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1932 Southern Conference football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 39th overall and 11th and final season as a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon). The team was led by head coach Frank Thomas, in his second year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, at Legion Field in Birmingham and at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. They finished the season with a record of eight wins and two losses (8–2 overall, 5–2 in the SoCon). After opening the season with consecutive home victories over Southwestern and Mississippi State, Alabama traveled to George Washington and defeated the Colonials before the largest crowd to ever witness a football game in Washington, D. C. to that point. After a loss to Tennessee, Alabama rebounded with victories over Ole Miss, Kentucky and VPI (Virginia Tech) on homecoming. Following their second loss against Georgia Tech, the Crimson Tide completed their season with an upset victory over Vanderbilt and an intersectional win over Saint Mary's at San Francisco. Schedule September 24 w y Southwestern (TN) Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 45–6 6,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71698568/alabama-crushes-lynx-45-to-6/ The Birmingham News Alabama crushes Lynx, 45 to 6 September 25, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com October 1 w Mississippi State Cramton Bowl Montgomery, AL rivalry 53–0 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71698996/cain-leads-tides-surge-over/ The Montgomery Advertiser Cain leads Tide's surge over Mississippi State, 53–0 October 2, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com October 8 w y y George Washington Griffith Stadium Washington, DC 28–6 26,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71699332/alabama-beats-gwu-by-score-of-28-to-6/ The Baltimore Sun Alabama beats G.W.U. by score of 28 to 6 October 9, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com October 15 l Tennessee Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry 3–7 20,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71699772/volunteers-beat-crimson-tide-7-to-3/ The Knoxville Journal Volunteers beat Crimson Tide, 7 to 3 October 16, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com October 22 w Ole Miss Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 24–13 5,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71700127/stubborn-ole-miss-eleven-holds-alabama/ The Clarion-Ledger Stubborn Ole Miss eleven holds Alabama to 24–13 score October 23, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com October 29 w y Kentucky McLean Stadium Lexington, KY 12–7 10,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71700441/alabama-wears-kentucky-down-to-win-by/ The Courier-Journal Alabama wears Kentucky down to win by 12–7 score October 30, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com November 5 w y VPI Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 9–6 11,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71700965/alabamas-tide-rides-over-virginia-tech/ The Times Dispatch Alabama's Tide rides over Virginia Tech to win, 9 to 6 November 6, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com November 12 l y Georgia Tech Grant Field Atlanta, GA rivalry 0–6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71701296/jackets-stop-red-elephants-in-great/ The Atlanta Constitution Jackets stop red elephants in great fight November 13, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com November 24 w Vanderbilt Legion Field Birmingham, AL 20–0 18,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71701677/vanderbilt-suffers-worst-defeat-in/ Nashville Banner Vanderbilt suffers worst defeat in twelve years, bowing to Alabama, 20–0 November 25, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com December 3 w y y Saint Mary's Kezar Stadium San Francisco, CA 6–0 20,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23301251/cains-71-yard-run-beats-gaels/ Oakland Tribune Cain's 71-yard run beats Gaels December 4, 1932 February 21, 2021 Newspapers.com https://rolltide.com/sports/2016/6/10/sports-m-footbl-archive-m-footbl-archive-1932-html.aspx?id=245 1932 Alabama football archives RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics February 20, 2021 Game summaries Southwestern (TN) 1932 Southwestern Lynx football team SouthwesternPresbyterian 0 0 0 6 Alabama 7 6 12 20 September 24 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 6,000 Source:Powerful Tide engulfs fighting Lynx 45 to 6 Casper Green https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KHE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6198%2C3273462 The Tuscaloosa News September 25, 1932 8 March 27, 2012 In the first game of the 1932 season, Alabama defeated the Southwestern Lynx (now the Rhodes Lynx), 45–6 before 6,000 fans at Denny Stadium. In the game, Johnny Cain scored two touchdowns and Foy Leach, Larry Hughes, Bob Seawall, Dixie Howell and McDaniel each scored one touchdown in the victory. Mississippi State 1932 Mississippi State Maroons football team Mississippi State 0 0 0 0 Alabama 7 14 19 13 October 1 Cramton BowlMontgomery, Alabama Source:Tide swamps Staters, 53 to 0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LXE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6268%2C3588327 The Tuscaloosa News October 2, 1932 8 March 27, 2012 Against their long-time rival, the Mississippi State Maroons, Alabama was victorious in their conference opener 53–0 at the Cramton Bowl. In the game, Johnny Cain scored three touchdowns and Hillman Holley, Howard Chappell, Erskine Walker, Larry Hughes and Bob Turner each scored one touchdown in the victory. The Maroons only crossed midfield one in the game. George Washington 1932 George Washington Colonials football team Alabama 7 7 7 7 GeorgeWashington 0 6 0 0 October 8 Griffith StadiumWashington, D.C. 26,000 Source:Tide engulfs Colonials, 28 to 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M3E-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6636%2C3863729 The Tuscaloosa News October 9, 1932 8 March 27, 2012 In what was the first road game of the season, Alabama defeated the George Washington Colonials 28–6 at Griffith Stadium. In the game, Johnny Cain scored a rushing touchdown in each of the four quarters, with Hillman Holley successfully converting all four extra point attempts. Clarence McCarver scored the only points of the game for the Colonials with his second-quarter touchdown run. The 26,000 fans that attended the game marked the largest to attend a football game in Washington.Here's how the Crimson Tide drowned George Washington University 28–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NXE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6217%2C3924220 The Tuscaloosa News October 10, 1932 8 March 27, 2012 Tennessee 1932 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October Tennessee 0 0 0 7 Alabama 0 3 0 0 October 15 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 20,000 Source:Vols turn back muddy Tide 7–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OXE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6180%2C4160400 The Tuscaloosa News October 16, 1932 8 March 27, 2012 Against the rival Tennessee, Alabama was defeated by the Volunteers, 7–3 at Legion Field in rainy conditions.1932 Season Recap Alabama scored its only points of the game when Hillman Holley connected on a 12-yard field goal in the second quarter to take a 3–0 lead. Alabama held their lead through the fourth quarter when Johnny Cain had a punt of only 12-yards from his own endzone to give Tennessee the ball at the 12-yard line. Three plays later, Beattie Feathers scored on a seven-yard touchdown run and with the extra point, the Volunteers took a 7–3 lead that they would not relinquish. Due to the poor weather conditions, the game was noted for both Alabama head coach Thomas and Tennessee head coach Robert Neyland calling for punt after punt, often on first and second down, in an attempt to gain field position advantage.Legends of Alabama Football Richard Scott 2004 Sports Publishing, LLC Champaign, Illinois 9781582612775 9 https://books.google.com/books?id=IH0LrFMKVTcC March 27, 2012 As a result, Feathers punted 21 times for Tennessee, and Cain punted 19 times for Alabama. Cain's 19 punts and 914 total yards still stand as the single game school records for punts and punting yardage.2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2011 University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/record-book.pdf March 27, 2012 23 September 16, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120916033456/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/record-book.pdf dead Ole Miss 1932 Ole Miss Rebels football team Ole Miss 0 0 7 6 Alabama 0 6 12 6 October 22 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama Source:Bama beats Ole Miss 24–13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=P3E-AAAAIBAJ&pg=5859%2C4426383 The Tuscaloosa News October 23, 1932 10 March 27, 2012 Against the rival Ole Miss, Alabama defeated the Rebels, 24–13 at Denny Stadium. Alabama scored first on a seven-yard Larry Hughes touchdown run in the second quarter to take a 6–0 lead. Johnny Cain extended the Alabama lead to 12–0 in the third with his 51-yard touchdown run only to have Ole Miss respond with an Earl Hudson touchdown run to cut the score to 12–7. Alabama then scored touchdowns on a 53-yard Erskine Walker touchdown run before Ole Miss scored on a one-yard Larry Hughes touchdown run to give the Crimson Tide an 18–13 lead. Alabama then scored on a Don Hutson touchdown run to make the final score 24–13. Kentucky 1932 Kentucky Wildcats football team Alabama 6 0 0 6 Kentucky 7 0 0 0 October 29 McLean StadiumLexington, Kentucky Source:Tide wind 12 to 7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RXE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6267%2C4690028 The Tuscaloosa News October 30, 1932 8 March 27, 2012 In their first conference road game of the season, Alabama defeated the Kentucky Wildcats, 12–7 at McLean Stadium. Alabama scored first on a six-yard Hillman Holley touchdown run to cap a drive that included a 60-yard Holley run. However, Holley then missed the extra point and Alabama took a 6–0 lead. Later in the quarter, Howard Chappell fumbled a Kentucky punt that was recovered by O. L. Davidson at the Wildcats 19-yard line. Ellis T. Johnson scored on the ensuing drive and with his extra point, Kentucky took a 7–6 lead. The Wildcats maintained their lead through the fourth quarter when Holley scored the game-winning touchdown on a 10-yard run for the 12–7 Alabama win. VPI 1932 VPI Gobblers football team VPI 0 6 0 0 Alabama 0 0 9 0 November 5 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 11,000 Source:Crimson tide regains its crest to beat Gobblers, 9 to 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SnE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6423%2C5005577 The Tuscaloosa News November 6, 1932 10 March 27, 2012 Against the Fighting Gobblers of VPI (now known as the Virginia Tech Hokies), Alabama won 9–6 on homecoming at Denny Field. After a scoreless first quarter, the Gobblers took a 6–0 lead in the second after Ray Mills threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Al Casey. In the third, the score was cut to 6–2 after a bad snap to Casey from the center resulted in a safety. Later in the quarter Alabama took a 9–6 lead that it held to the end of the game when Dixie Howell scored a touchdown on a nine-yard run. Georgia Tech 1932 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team Alabama 0 0 0 0 Georgia Tech 6 0 0 0 November 12 Grant FieldAtlanta, Georgia Source:Tornado stems Tide 6–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TXE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6341%2C5290330 The Tuscaloosa News November 13, 1932 8 March 26, 2012 Against the Georgia Tech Golden Tornado, Alabama lost 6–0 at Grant Field. The only points of the game were scored in the first quarter when Tech's C. M. Galloway scored on a 75-yard touchdown run. The game is notable for being the first Alabama football game that was broadcast live by way of telephonic broadcast to an audience at the University Gymnasium.Tide-Tech tilt will be broadcast in the gym https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TXE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6213%2C5251274 The Tuscaloosa News November 11, 1932 8 March 26, 2012 The broadcast was thought to be the first of its type ever made in the Southern United States, and a $.25 admission fee (equivalent to $US .25 1932 2US in the present day) was charged for entry to the broadcast. Vanderbilt 1932 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 Alabama 0 13 0 7 November 24 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 18,000 Source:"On to St. Mary's" Tide shouts after thrilling 20–0 victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WHE-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6360%2C5773406 The Tuscaloosa News November 25, 1932 6 March 26, 2012 In the days that led up to their game against Vanderbilt, many sportswriters did not give Alabama a chance against a favored Commodores squad.Vandy-Tide tilt will be battle of two shifts https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=U3E-AAAAIBAJ&pg=4441%2C5577504 The Tuscaloosa News November 20, 1932 10 March 26, 2012 However, Alabama went on and defeated Vanderbilt on Thanksgiving Day 20–0 at Legion Field before 18,000 spectators. After a scoreless first quarter, Jim Dildy recovered a Vanderbilt fumble at their 16-yard line. Alabama then scored a touchdown on the possession that ensued on a short run by Johnny Cain. Later in the quarter, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 13–0 after Dixie Howell threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ralph Gandy. Howell then scored the final points of the game in the fourth quarter with his 81-yard interception returned for a touchdown. Saint Mary's 1932 Saint Mary's Gaels football team Alabama 6 0 0 0 Saint Mary's 0 0 0 0 December 3 Kezar StadiumSan Francisco 20,000 Source:Cain leads Tide to victory with 71-yard touchdown https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X3E-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6219%2C6117547 The Tuscaloosa News December 4, 1932 8 March 26, 2012 In their final game of the 1932 season, Alabama defeated the Saint Mary's Gaels 6–0 before 20,000 fans at San Francisco's Kezar Stadium. On their second offensive possession, Johnny Cain scored the only points of the game with his 71-yard touchdown run. With the exception of Cain's long run, both defenses were dominant with both the Crimson Tide and Gaels only having allowed 113 yards of total offense. Dixie Howell also starred for Alabama with his average of 45 yards for his total of 16 punts he kicked in the game. Personnel Varsity letter winners Player Hometown Position Troy Barker Lineville, Alabama Guard Johnny Cain Montgomery, Alabama Fullback Howard Chappell Sylacauga, Alabama Back Joe Demyanovich Bayonne, New Jersey Fullback Jim Dildy Nashville, Arkansas Tackle Calvin Frey Arkadelphia, Arkansas Tackle Ralph Gandy Birmingham, Alabama End Newton Godfree Alexander City, Alabama Tackle Willis Hewes Russellville, Arkansas Center Hillman Holley Tuscaloosa, Alabama Back Ellis "Red" Houston Bessemer, Alabama Center Dixie Howell Hartford, Alabama Halfback Larry Hughes Tuscaloosa, Alabama Back Thomas Hupke East Chicago, Indiana Guard Don Hutson Pine Bluff, Arkansas End B'Ho Kirkland Columbia, Alabama Guard Carney Laslie Charlotte, North Carolina Tackle Foy Leach Siloam Springs, Arkansas End Bill Lee Eutaw, Alabama Tackle Frank Moseley Montgomery, Alabama Back Donald Sanford Parrish, Alabama Guard Williams Comer Sims Searight, Alabama Guard M. M. Swaim Tuscaloosa, Alabama Guard Erskine Walker Birmingham, Alabama HalfbackReference:2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2011 All-Time Tide Football Lettermen University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama 127–141 Coaching staff Name Position Seasons atAlabama Alma mater Frank Thomas Head coach 2 Notre Dame (1923) Paul Burnum Assistant coach 3 Alabama (1922) Hank Crisp Assistant coach 12 VPI (1920) Harold Drew Assistant coach 2 Bates (1916) Clyde "Shorty" Propst Assistant coach 8 Alabama (1924) Jennings B. Whitworth Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1931)Reference:2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2011 All-Time Assistant Coaches University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama 142–143 References General http://www.rolltide.com/datadump/fls_files/files/football/1930s/1932.pdf 1932 Season Recap RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics March 26, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120604185951/http://www.rolltide.com/datadump/fls_files/files/football/1930s/1932.pdf 2012-06-04 dead Specific Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football