1946 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1946 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 7–4 4–3 Frank Thomas 15th Game captains Denny StadiumLegion FieldCramton Bowl The 1946 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1946 college football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 52nd overall and 13th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Frank Thomas, in his 15th and final year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Legion Field in Birmingham and at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. They finished with a record of seven wins and four losses (7–4 overall, 4–3 in the SEC). After the Crimson Tide opened the season with four consecutive victories over 1946 Furman Paladins Furman, Tulane, South Carolina and Southwestern Louisiana, Alabama's 14-game winning streak was snapped when they lost to Tennessee 12–0. One week later, the Crimson Tide faced off against Kentucky and their young new coach, Bear Bryant, and won by a score of 21–7, before they lost consecutive games to Georgia and LSU. Alabama then closed the season with a victory over Vanderbilt, a loss to Boston College in their first game ever played in New England, and an upset victory over Mississippi State on homecoming in the season finale. Over the course of the season, Thomas was riddled with health issues that ultimately led to his resignation as head coach. In January 1947, Harold Drew was named as the 17th head coach of the Crimson Tide. Schedule 1946 AP September 20 w y Furman Legion Field Birmingham, AL 26–7 25,000 September 28 w y Tulane Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA 7–6 64,317 October 5 w y y South Carolina Carolina Stadium Columbia, SC 14–6 20,000 October 12 w y 6 Southwestern Louisiana Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 54–0 18,000 October 19 l y 7 Tennessee 9 Shields–Watkins Field Knoxville, TN Third Saturday in October 0–12 October 26 w 11 Kentucky Cramton Bowl Montgomery, AL 21–7 22,500 November 2 l y 15 Georgia 5 Sanford Stadium Athens, GA rivalry 0–14 30,000 November 9 l y LSU 19 Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA rivalry 21–31 46,000 November 16 w Vanderbilt Legion Field Birmingham, AL 12–7 November 23 l y y Boston College Braves Field Boston, MA 7–13 41,000 November 30 w y Mississippi State 19 Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 24–7 25,000 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1946 1946 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics September 9, 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111125000700/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html November 25, 2011 Rankings 1946 college football rankings AP 1 9 6 7 11 15 NR NR NR NR NR Game summaries Furman 1946 Furman Purple Hurricane football team Furman 7 0 0 0 Alabama 6 13 7 0 September 20 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 25,000 Source:Furman bows to Alabama, 26–7 Leroy Simms https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KO4-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6486%2C2692781 Spartanburg Herald September 21, 1946 5 September 8, 2012 To open the 1946 season, the Crimson Tide played the Furman Purple Hurricane, who fielded their first team since the 1942 season, on a Friday night at Legion Field.'46 Tide makes debut tonight https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WExBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6339%2C937831 The Tuscaloosa News September 20, 1946 9 September 8, 2012 Against the Purple Hurricane, Alabama won 26–7 before a crowd of 25,000 in Birmingham.1946 Season Recap In the first quarter, Alabama took a 6–0 lead after Norwood Hodges intercepted a Skeeter Coyle pass and returned it 27-yards for a touchdown. On the kickoff that ensued, Charlie Truluck returned it 95-yards to give Furman a 7–6 lead. The Crimson Tide responded with a pair of second-quarter touchdowns to take a 19–7 halftime lead. The first came on a 29-yard Harry Gilmer pass to Ted Cook and the second on a six-yard Johnny August run. Alabama then scored their final points of the game in the third quarter on a 15-yard Gilmer run. Tulane 1946 Tulane Green Wave football team Alabama 7 0 0 0 Tulane 0 6 0 0 September 28 Tulane StadiumNew Orleans, Louisiana 64,317 Source:Rain, mud mire Tide attack in 7–6 victory Norman Bassett https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6349%2C1271669 The Tuscaloosa News September 29, 1946 7 September 8, 2012 To open conference play, Alabama traveled to New Orleans and defeated the Tulane Green Wave 7–6 in what was described as a "torrential downpour" throughout the game. Alabama scored their only points on a two-yard Hal Self touchdown run in the first quarter, and Tulane scored on a 24-yard Jim Keeton pass to John Sims in the second quarter. At the time, the announced crowd of 64,317 in attendance for the game was the largest for a regular season game in the Southern United States. South Carolina 1946 South Carolina Gamecocks football team Alabama 0 7 0 7 South Carolina 6 0 0 0 October 5 Carolina StadiumColumbia, South Carolina 20,000 Source:Tide off stride but nips Gamecocks, 14–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZUxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6397%2C1591127 The Tuscaloosa News October 6, 1946 6 September 8, 2012 Against the South Carolina Gamecocks, Alabama won their third game of the season with this 14–6 at Carolina Stadium. The Gamecocks took a 6–0 first quarter lead after Bo Hagan threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Earl Dunham. Alabama responded with a one-yard Hal Smith touchdown run for a 7–6 halftime lead. After a scoreless third, the Crimson Tide closed the game with a one-yard Fred Grant touchdown run for the 14–6 win. Southwestern Louisiana 1946 Southwestern Louisiana Bulldogs football team SW Louisiana 0 0 0 0 #6 Alabama 6 14 13 21 October 12 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 18,000 Source:Norman Bassett 18,000 see rejuvenated Tide swamp SLI, 54–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6376%2C1895278 The Tuscaloosa News October 13, 1946 6 September 18, 2012 After they opened the season with three consecutive victories, Alabama was recognized with the No. 6 ranking in the first AP Poll for the 1946 season in the week that led to their game against the Southwestern Louisiana Institute.Sid Feder Associated Press Longhorns lead gridiorn poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=5041%2C1713027 The Tuscaloosa News October 8, 1946 7 September 18, 2012 Against the Bulldogs, that were led by former Tide great Johnny Cain, Alabama won their fourth game of the season with their 54–0 shutout at Denny Stadium.17,000 may see Tide–SLI tilt https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=akxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6408%2C1859552 The Tuscaloosa News October 11, 1946 9 September 18, 2012 Alabama took a 6–0 first-quarter lead after Lowell Tew scored on a 28-yard touchdown run. They extended their lead 20–0 at halftime after Johnny August threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Bob Hood and Lionel W. Noonan scored on a three-yard run. In the third quarter, Tew scored his second touchdown on a seven-yard run and Fred Grant scored on a three-yard run for a 34–0 lead. The Crimson Tide then concluded the afternoon with a trio of touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The touchdowns were scored on a Clem Welsh run, a 46-yard Norman Mosley punt return and an 87-yard D. Joe Gambrell reception from Theo Fakier for the 54–0 victory. Tennessee 1946 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October #7 Alabama 0 0 0 0 #9 Tennessee 0 6 6 0 October 19 Shields–Watkins FieldKnoxville, Tennessee Sources:Norman Bassett Vol twin drive blanks Tide 12 to 0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cUxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6357%2C2189568 The Tuscaloosa News October 20, 1946 6 September 18, 2012 Although they defeated Southwestern Louisiana in their previous game, Alabama dropped to the No. 7 position in the second AP Poll of the season.Alabama ranks No. 7 in poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bUxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=5854%2C2017068 Associated Press The Tuscaloosa News October 15, 1946 7 September 18, 2012 Against Tennessee, the Crimson Tide were shutout Volunteers 12–0 at Shields–Watkins Field. The Tennessee points were scored on short Bob Lund touchdown runs in the second and third quarters. Kentucky 1946 Kentucky Wildcats football team Kentucky 0 0 7 0 #11 Alabama 0 14 0 7 October 26 Cramton BowlMontgomery, Alabama 22,500 Source:Norman Bassett Gilmer leads Alabama to 21–7 win over Cats https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6427%2C2488188 The Tuscaloosa News October 27, 1946 7 September 19, 2012 After their loss against Tennessee, Alabama dropped four spots to the No. 11 ranking prior to their game against Kentucky.Army No. 1 in grid poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dExBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6386%2C2316199 Associated Press The Tuscaloosa News October 22, 1946 8 September 19, 2012 In Montgomery, the Crimson Tide defeated the Wildcats 21–7 at the Cramton Bowl. After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 14–0 halftime lead after touchdowns were scored on a one-yard Harry Gilmer run and on a 37-yard Gilmer pass to Hugh Morrow in the second quarter. Kentucky responded in the third with their only points when Bill Chambers intercepted a Gilmer pass and returned it 65-yards for a touchdown. The Crimson Tide then made the final score 21–7 in the fourth on an eight-yard Gilmer pass to Ted Cook. Georgia 1946 Georgia Bulldogs football team #15 Alabama 7 0 0 0 #5 Georgia 7 7 0 0 November 2 Sanford StadiumAthens, Georgia 30,000 Source:Norman Bassett Trippi throttles Alabama on two plays, 14–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fUxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6394%2C2817341 The Tuscaloosa News November 3, 1946 6 September 19, 2012 Although the Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky the previous week, Alabama dropped four spots to the No. 15 ranking for their game against Georgia.Army far ahead in grid poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eUxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=5161%2C2605669 Associated Press The Tuscaloosa News October 29, 1946 9 September 19, 2012 Against the Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide were shutout 14–0 before 30,000 fans at Sanford Stadium. Georgia All-American halfback Charley Trippi was responsible for both of the Bulldogs' touchdowns. The first came on a nine-yard Trippi pass to Dan Edwards and later on a 46-yard Trippi run. LSU 1946 LSU Tigers football team Alabama 7 0 0 14 #19 LSU 0 12 19 0 November 9 Tiger StadiumBaton Rouge, Louisiana 46,000 Source:L.S.U. outscores Tide in thrilling 31–21 win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6339%2C3121439 Associated Press The Tuscaloosa News November 10, 1946 6 September 19, 2012 To open conference play for the 1945 season, the Crimson Tide traveled to play LSU and left Baton Rouge with a 26–7 victory. Vanderbilt 1946 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Vanderbilt 0 0 0 7 Alabama 0 12 0 0 November 16 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama Source:Tiders throttle Vandy with 12 to 7 victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iUxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6452%2C3425513 The Tuscaloosa News November 17, 1946 6 September 25, 2012 Against the Vanderbilt Commodores, Alabama won 12–7 at Legion Field in Birmingham. After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 12–0 halftime lead after touchdowns were scored in the second quarter on a short Hal Self run and a 20-yard Harry Gilmer pass to Hugh Morrow. The Commodores scored their lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter on a one-yard Robert Berry touchdown run on fourth-and-goal to make the final score 12–7. Boston College 1946 Boston College Eagles football team Alabama 0 7 0 0 Boston College 0 7 0 6 November 23 Braves FieldBoston 41,000 Source:Karl S. Jr. Elebash Eagles clip Tide 13–7 in near freezing wind https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6338%2C3729645 The Tuscaloosa News November 24, 1946 6 September 25, 2012 Against the Boston College Eagles, Alabama lost 13–7 in what was the first game ever played by the Crimson Tide in New England.Light drill on tap for Tide https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6004%2C3547330 The Tuscaloosa News November 19, 1946 7 September 25, 2012 After a scoreless first quarter, each team scored second-quarter touchdowns. The Eagles scored first on a one-yard James Benedetto run and Alabama responded with a 38-yard Harry Gilmer pass to Ted Cook to make the halftime score 7–7. Boston then scored the game-winning touchdown early in the final period on a 39-yard Maurice Poissant run. The game marked the first time that an Alabama squad traveled to an away game by way of airplane.Crimson Tide flies to Boston https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ikxBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6439%2C3507524 The Tuscaloosa News November 18, 1946 7 September 26, 2012 Mississippi State 1946 Mississippi State Maroons football team #19 Mississippi State 0 0 0 7 Alabama 0 10 7 7 November 30 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 25,000 Source:Norman Bassett Tide rolls through State in decisive victory, 24–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lExBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6548%2C4033211 The Tuscaloosa News 6 December 1, 1946 September 25, 2012 On what was both homecoming and the final game of the season at Denny Stadium, Alabama upset the Mississippi State Maroons 24–7. After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 10–0 halftime lead after a six-yard Hugh Morrow field goal and a two-yard Lionel W. Noonan touchdown run in the second quarter. They extended their lead further to 17–0 in the third after John Wozniak returned a blocked punt 38-yards for a touchdown. The game then concluded with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. The first was scored by Alabama on a one-yard Harry Gilmer run and the second for State on a short Wallace Matulich run. Thomas resignation The struggles of the 1946 team might have been caused in part by the deteriorating health of coach Frank Thomas. High blood pressure left him bedridden for most of the 1946 season, unable to stand for long periods, and forced to ride in a trailer to conduct many Alabama practices.Legends of Alabama Football Scott Richard 2004 Sports Publishing LLC 978-1-58261-277-5 12–13 September 25, 2012 https://books.google.com/books?id=IH0LrFMKVTcC&q=Legends%20of%20Alabama%20Football&pg=PP1 After the 1946 season his ill health forced his resignation when he was only 48 years old, and Thomas later died in Tuscaloosa on May 10, 1954. During his fifteen seasons as head coach at Alabama, Thomas won four SEC championships and compiled an overall record of 115 wins, 24 losses and seven ties (115–24–7) record, for an 115 24 7 winning percentage.DeLassus David Frank W. Thomas Records by Year College Football Data Warehouse http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2321 September 25, 2012 October 15, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121015122414/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2321 dead Prior to the conclusion of the season, speculation began as to who would succeed Thomas as the head coach of the Crimson Tide. In early November, sources indicated that former Thomas player, and then head coach at Kentucky, Bear Bryant was to become the next head coach of the Crimson Tide.Bryant seen as Tide coach Associated Press https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g0xBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6357%2C3123269 The Tuscaloosa News 6 November 10, 1946 September 25, 2012 On November 11, Bryant stated that he had not been in contact about the Alabama job and indicated his focus was on the Wildcats.Bryant not contacted about Alabama job Associated Press https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hExBAAAAIBAJ&pg=4768%2C3180082 The Tuscaloosa News 2 November 11, 1946 September 25, 2012 After an exhaustive search, on January 14, 1947, former Thomas assistant and then head coach at Ole Miss, Harold Drew was introduced as the new head coach of the Crimson Tide.Drew signed as Crimson coach, Thomas director https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6_k-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6054%2C520334 The Tuscaloosa News 1 January 14, 1947 September 25, 2012 Personnel Varsity letter winners Player Hometown Position Johnny August Shadyside, Ohio Halfback Bill Baughman Jeannette, Pennsylvania Center Jim Bush Columbus, Georgia Guard Billy Cadenhead Greenville, Mississippi Halfback Jim Cain Eudora, Arkansas End Francis Cassidy Neff, Ohio Tackle Charles Compton Sylacauga, Alabama Tackle Ted Cook Birmingham, Alabama End James Corbitt Nashville, Tennessee Halfback Dick Flowers Mobile, Alabama Tackle Steve Fortunato Mingo Junction, Ohio Guard D. Joe Gambrell Talladega, Alabama Center Harry Gilmer Birmingham, Alabama Halfback Fred Grant Christiansburg, Virginia Fullback Jim Grantham Llano, Texas End Norwood Hodges Hueytown, Alabama Fullback Bob Hood Gadsden, Alabama Tackle Vaughn Mancha Birmingham, Alabama Center Ted McKosky Monessen, Pennsylvania Guard Hugh Morrow Birmingham, Alabama Quarterback Norman Mosley Blytheville, Arkansas Halfback Gordon Pettus Birmingham, Alabama Halfback T. Ray Richeson Russellville, Alabama Tackle James Robertson Scottsboro, Alabama Halfback Hal Self Decatur, Alabama Quarterback John Staples Owensboro, Kentucky Guard Lowell Tew Waynesboro, Mississippi Fullback Tom Whitley Birmingham, Alabama Tackle John Wozniak Fairhope, Pennsylvania GuardReference: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 15 Notre Dame (1923) Lew Bostick Assistant coach 3 Alabama (1939) Dixie Howell Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1935) Joe Kilgrow Assistant coach 3 Alabama (1937) Malcolm Laney Assistant coach 3 Alabama (1932) Tom Lieb Assistant coach 1 Notre Dame (1923)Reference:2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2011 All-Time Assistant Coaches University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama 142–143 After the season The 1947 NFL draft was held on December 16, 1946. The following Crimson Tide player was selected.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1947/draft.htm 1947 NFL Draft Listing Pro-Football-Reference.com November 29, 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide Round Pick Player Position NFL club 24 216 Bill Cadenhead Back Detroit Lions References General http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1946-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1946 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics September 19, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20140221195536/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1946-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 2014-02-21 dead Specific Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football