1976 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1976 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 9 11 9–3 5–2 Bear Bryant 19th Mal Moore 2nd Wishbone Ken Donahue 3rd 5–2 Thad Flanagan Charley Hannah Bryant–Denny StadiumLegion Field Liberty Bowl champion Liberty Bowl W Won 36–6 vs. UCLA The 1976 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1976 NCAA Division I football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 82nd overall and 43rd season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 19th year, and played their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with nine wins and three losses (9–3 overall, 5–2 in the SEC) and with a victory over UCLA in the Liberty Bowl. The Crimson Tide opened the season with an upset loss against Ole Miss. The loss ended a 20-game conference winning streak that dated back to their 1972 season. They rebounded from the loss with wins over both SMU and Vanderbilt, but then were shutout by Georgia in their fourth game. The shutout was the first for the Crimson Tide since their 1970 season, and with the loss Alabama also dropped out of the polls for the first time since 1970. The Crimson Tide again bounced back from the loss and won their next five games. These wins included victories over Southern Miss, Tennessee, Louisville, Mississippi State and LSU. Alabama next lost their third game of the season in a much anticipated match-up at Notre Dame. They then closed the season with a victory over rival Auburn and UCLA in the Liberty Bowl. Schedule 1976 AP September 11 l y 6 Ole Miss Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS rivalry 7–10 48,500 September 18 w y 14 SMU Legion Field Birmingham, AL 56–3 63,203 September 25 w 13 Vanderbilt Bryant–Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 42–14 58,414 October 2 l y 10 Georgia 6 Sanford Stadium Athens, GA rivalry 0–21 60,200 October 9 w y Southern Miss Legion Field Birmingham, AL 24–8 45,202 October 16 w y 20 Tennessee Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Third Saturday in October ABC 20–13 82,417 October 23 w y y 18 Louisville Bryant–Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 24–3 58,414 October 30 w 17 Mississippi State 18 Bryant–Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 34–17 53,617 November 6 w 15 LSU Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry 28–17 71,018 November 13 l y y 10 Notre Dame 18 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN ABC 18–21 59,075 November 27 w y 18 Auburn Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl 38–7 70,303 December 20 w y y 16 UCLA 7 Liberty Bowl Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN ABC 36–6 52,736 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1976 1976 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics August 26, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111125000700/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html November 25, 2011 Stadium renaming In September 1975, a bill sponsored by Alabama State Senator Bert Bank was passed by a margin of 88–0 to rename Denny Stadium to Bryant–Denny Stadium in honor of then head coach Bear Bryant.Ed Watkins University's stadium going to be renamed https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qi8dAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5631%2C349124 The Tuscaloosa News 1 September 5, 1975 August 27, 2014 The stadium was then officially renamed as part of the halftime ceremonies during the 1976 A-Day game.Al Browning The "man" receives new honor https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AnwhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TIoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2773%2C1922429 The Tuscaloosa News 1B April 11, 1976 August 27, 2014 At the time of its re-dedication, Bryant was quoted as saying "this is a tremendous honor and I am proud and humble." Game summaries Ole Miss 1976 Ole Miss Rebels football team #6 Alabama 0 0 7 0 Ole Miss 7 0 0 3 September 11 Veterans Memorial StadiumJackson, MS 48,500 Sources:Mike McKenzie Ole Miss upsets Bama, 10–7 The Tuscaloosa News September 12, 1976 1A https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2RgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5522%2C2629537 September 1, 2014Associated Press Alabama is shocked by Mississippi, 10–7 B2 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IXMsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=98sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6643%2C2129019 Spartanburg Herald-Journal September 12, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 1 Ole Miss George Stuart 24-yard interception return (Carl Langley kick) Ole Miss 7–0 3 Alabama Calvin Culliver 3-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) 7–7 4 Ole Miss Carl Langley 34-yard field goal Ole Miss 10–7 yes As they entered the 1976 season, the Crimson Tide were in the No. 6 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Ole Miss at Jackson. Against the Rebels, the Crimson Tide were upset by a final score of 10–7 that ended an overall eleven game winning streak and a 20-game conference winning streak that dated back to their 1972 season.1976 Season Recap Ole Miss scored their first points early in the game when George Stuart intercepted a Jeff Rutledge pass that was tipped by Gary Turner and returned it 24-yards for a 7–0 lead. The Rebels held their lead through the third quarter when Alabama tied the game 7–7 on a three-yard Calvin Culliver touchdown run. Ole Miss then responded early in the fourth with what was a 34-yard, game-winning field goal from Carl Langley that made the final score 10–7. For leading his team to the upset, Ole Miss head coach Ken Cooper was recognized by United Press International as the UPI National Coach of the Week.United Press International Upset of Alabama earns Cooper coaching honors 2C https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mYI0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=c44EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5617%2C2526309 Sarasota Journal September 15, 1976 September 1, 2014 SMU 1976 SMU Mustangs football team SMU 3 0 0 0 #14 Alabama 0 28 14 14 September 18 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 63,203 Sources:Steve Martin Tide steamrolls Mustangs, 56–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2hgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3729%2C4020343 The Tuscaloosa News 1A September 19, 1976 September 1, 2014Arthur Shaw Alabama finds the answer in O'Rear https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aEsnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K9YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1566%2C2605529 The Gadsden Times 27 September 19, 1973 September 1, 2014 yes 1 SMU John Dunlop 40-yard field goal SMU 3–0 2 Alabama Jack O'Rear 7-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 7–3 2 Alabama Jack O'Rear 19-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 14–3 2 Alabama Tony Nathan 6-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 21–3 2 Alabama Ozzie Newsome 45-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 28–3 3 Alabama Johnny Davis 17-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 35–3 3 Alabama Tony Nathan 7-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 42–3 4 Alabama Lou Ikner 11-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 49–3 4 Alabama Donald Faust 3-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 56–3 yes After their loss against Ole Miss, the Crimson Tide dropped into the No. 14 team prior to their game against Southern Methodist University (SMU).Associated Press Michigan No. 1; Tide falls to 14th https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2RgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2144%2C3151138 The Tuscaloosa News 8 September 14, 1976 September 1, 2014 At Legion Field, Alabama ran for 419 yards and eight touchdowns in this 56–3 victory over the Mustangs in what was the first all-time meeting between the schools. The Crimson Tide had a slow start to the game offensively, and trailed 3–0 at the end of the first quarter behind a 40-yard John Dunlop field goal for SMU. However, they responded with four touchdowns in the second quarter en route to a 28–3 halftime lead after backup quarterback Jack O'Rear took over for Jeff Rutledge after the Crimson Tide offense had three turnovers on their first three possessions. O'Rear scored first on runs of seven and 19-yards, followed by Tony Nathan on a six-yard run and finally by Rutledge on a 45-yard pass to Ozzie Newsome. Their scoring continued into the second half with a pair of touchdowns scored in each the third and fourth quarters. In the third, Johnny Davis scored on a 17-yard run and Nathan followed with his second touchdown of the game on a seven-yard run. In the fourth Lou Ikner scored first on an 11-yard run and Donald Faust made the final score 56–3 with his three-yard run late in the game. For the game, 65 players saw action on the field and Nathan led all runners with his 101 yards rushing. Vanderbilt 1976 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Vanderbilt 0 7 7 0 #13 Alabama 21 7 7 7 September 25 Bryant–Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 58,414 Sources:Steve Martin How Alabama scored in 42–14 victory 2B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2xgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4045%2C5351023 The Tuscaloosa News September 26, 1976 September 1, 2014Glenn Stephens United Press International Alabama turns off Vandy; Applies 42–14 shellacking 25 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=khwsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6MgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6006%2C5007689 The Florence Times September 26, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Jack O'Rear 52-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 7–0 1 Alabama Johnny Davis 8-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 14–0 1 Alabama Johnny Davis 8-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 21–0 2 Alabama Ozzie Newsome 27-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 28–0 2 Vanderbilt Jerry Hampton 5-yard run (Gregory Martin kick) Alabama 28–7 3 Alabama Calvin Culliver 2-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 35–7 3 Vanderbilt James Cox 43-yard pass from Jerry Hampton (Gregory Martin kick) Alabama 35–14 4 Alabama Peter Cavan 9-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 42–14 yes After their victory over SMU, Alabama moved into the No. 13 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Associated Press Michigan widens lead, Tide is 13th 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2xgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=1914%2C4382983 The Tuscaloosa News September 21, 1976 September 1, 2014 In their first Bryant–Denny game of the season, the Crimson Tide scored 21 first quarter points en route to a 42–14 victory over the Commodores at Tuscaloosa. Jack O'Rear scored first for Alabama with this 52-yard run. Johnny Davis followed with a pair of eight-yard touchdown runs that gave Alabama a 21–0 lead at the end of the first quarter. After Jeff Rutledge extended the Crimson Tide lead to 28–0 with his 27-yard touchdown pass to Ozzie Newsome, Vanderbilt made the halftime score 28–7 on a five-yard Jerry Hampton touchdown run. In the third, the Crimson Tide scored first on a two-yard Calvin Culliver touchdown run. However, the Commodores responded with their longest offensive play of the game when Hampton connected with James Cox on a 43-yard touchdown pass and made the score 35–14. Alabama then made the final score 42–14 with a nine-yard Peter Cavan touchdown reception from Rutledge in the fourth quarter. Georgia 1976 Georgia Bulldogs football team #10 Alabama 0 0 0 0 #6 Georgia 0 7 7 7 October 2 Sanford StadiumAthens, GA 60,200 Sources:Steve Martin Dogs junk Bama's title hopes 1A https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lWA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5609%2C275899 The Tuscaloosa News October 3, 1976 September 1, 2014Associated Press Georgia shuts out Alabama 1B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=h3woAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QsoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2807%2C467781 Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal October 3, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 2 Georgia Matt Robinson 3-yard run (Allan Leavitt kick) Georgia 7–0 3 Georgia Rayfield Williams 2-yard run (Allan Leavitt kick) Georgia 14–0 4 Georgia Ulysses Norris 6-yard pass from Matt Robinson (Allan Leavitt kick) Georgia 21–0 yes After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved into the No. 10 position and Georgia into the No. 6 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Athens.Associated Press Alabama moves up to No. 10 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2xgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=1997%2C5739688 The Tuscaloosa News September 28, 1976 September 1, 2014 Playing against the Bulldogs for the first time since their 1973 season, Georgia shut out the Crimson Tide, 21–0, and with the victory prevented Alabama from capturing its sixth consecutive SEC title. After a scoreless first quarter, Matt Robinson gave Georgia a 7–0 halftime lead with his three-yard touchdown run. The Bulldogs then closed the game with a two-yard Rayfield Williams touchdown run in the third and a six-yard Robinson touchdown pass to Ulysses Norris in the fourth for the 21–0 victory. The shutout was the first suffered by the Crimson Tide since a 24–0 loss against Tennessee in 1970, and was also the first for Alabama since the installation of the wishbone offense starting with their 1971 season.First scoreless game for Alabama wishbone 4B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lWA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3855%2C363032 The Tuscaloosa News October 3, 1976 September 1, 2014 Southern Miss 1976 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team Southern Miss 0 0 0 8 Alabama 14 7 0 3 October 9 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 45,202 Sources:Jim Furlong Tide "uninspired" in 24–8 victory 1A https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mmA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5338%2C1564816 The Tuscaloosa News October 10, 1976 September 1, 2014Associated Press Alabama sluggish but gets past Southern Miss 2C https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_estAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TDMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6568%2C1367380 Rome News-Tribune October 10, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Peter Cavan 26-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 7–0 1 Alabama John David Crow, Jr. 6-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 14–0 2 Alabama Ozzie Newsome 4-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 21–0 4 Alabama Bucky Berrey 27-yard field goal Alabama 24–0 4 USM John Pitts 4-yard pass from Charles Clancy (Clancy 2-point pass) Alabama 24–8 yes After their loss to Georgia, Alabama dropped out of the AP Poll prior to their game against Southern Miss for the first time since their 1970 season.Associated Press Alabama out of top 20 for first time since 1970 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lmA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=6805%2C750310 The Tuscaloosa News 6 October 5, 1976 September 1, 2014 Before one of the smaller crowds to attend a Crimson Tide game at Legion Field in many decades, Alabama defeated the Golden Eagles 24–8. The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 first quarter lead behind touchdown runs of 26 and six-yards by Peter Cavan and John David Crow Jr. They extended it further to 21–0 at halftime after Jeff Rutledge threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Ozzie Newsome in the second quarter. After a scoreless third, Bucky Berrey connected on a 27-yard field goal early in the fourth. Southern Miss then responded with their only points on a four-yard Charles Clancy touchdown pass to John Pitts that made the final score 24–8. Tennessee 1976 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October #20 Alabama 6 0 7 7 Tennessee 0 6 7 0 October 16 Neyland StadiumKnoxville, TN 82,417 Sources:Steve Martin Tide trips Volunteers, 20–13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nWA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5621%2C3079093 The Tuscaloosa News A1 October 17, 1976 September 1, 2014Associated Press O'Rear leads Alabama by Tennessee https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e3E0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=NMoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2303%2C282336 Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal 3B October 17, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Tony Nathan 11-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick failed) Alabama 6–0 2 Tennessee Jim Gaylor 24-yard field goal Alabama 6–3 2 Tennessee Jim Gaylor 40-yard field goal 6–6 3 Alabama Jack O'Rear 14-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 13–6 3 Tennessee Bobby Emmons 2-yard run (Jim Gaylor kick) 13–13 4 Alabama Calvin Culliver 7-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 20–13 yes After their victory over Southern Miss, Alabama reentered the AP Poll at the No. 20 position prior to their game against Tennessee.Associated Press Michigan remains atop poll 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=m2A0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3180%2C2075964 The Tuscaloosa News October 12, 1976 September 1, 2014 Before a nationally televised audience, the Crimson Tide defeated the heated rival Volunteers 20–13 at Neyland Stadium. Alabama took a 6–0 first quarter lead behind an 11-yard Tony Nathan touchdown run. Tennessee responded and tied the game 6–6 at halftime behind Jim Gaylor field goals of 24 and 40-yards in the second quarter. In the third, both teams traded touchdowns on runs of 14 yards by Jack O'Rear for Alabama and 2 yards by Bobby Emmons for Tennessee that made the score as they entered the fourth tied 13–13. In the fourth, Calvin Culliver scored the game-winning points with this seven-yard touchdown run that made the final score 20–13. Louisville 1976 Louisville Cardinals football team Louisville 0 3 0 0 #18 Alabama 0 14 10 0 October 23 Bryant–Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 58,414 Sources:Jim Furlong Tide shoots down Cards, 24–3 1A https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=omA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5331%2C4332153 The Tuscaloosa News October 24, 1976 September 1, 2014United Press International Davis' running leads Alabama over Louisville E2 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=I_4sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kM0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=2603%2C4311738 Palm Beach Post-Times October 24, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 2 Alabama Tony Nathan 10-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Alabama Johnny Davis 12-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 14–0 2 Louisville Pedro Posadas 46-yard field goal Alabama 14–3 3 Alabama Jack O'Rear 14-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 21–3 3 Alabama Bucky Berrey 27-yard field goal Alabama 24–3 yes After their win over Tennessee, Alabama moved into the No. 18 position of the AP Poll prior to their game against Louisville.Associated Press Alabama gains to 18th spot; Bulldogs 10th https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nWA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4426%2C3515488 The Tuscaloosa News 11 October 19, 1976 September 1, 2014 On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defeated the Cardinals 24–3 in what was the first all-time meeting between the schools. After a scoreless first, Alabama took a 14–0 lead behind touchdown runs of ten-yards by Tony Nathan and 12-yards by Johnny Davis. Louisville responded late in the quarter with their only points of the game on a 46-yard Pedro Posadas field goal that made the halftime score 14–3. The Crimson Tide then concluded their scoring in the third on a 14-yard Jack O'Rear touchdown run and a 27-yard Bucky Berrey field goal. Mississippi State 1976 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team #18 Mississippi State 14 3 0 0 #17 Alabama 0 12 15 7 October 30 Bryant–Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 53,617 Sources:Steve Martin Tide blows Bulldogs out, 34–17 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pmA0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5427%2C5642635 The Tuscaloosa News A1 October 31, 1976 September 1, 2014Associated Press Tide rolls past Mississippi St. https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Au8vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wvoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7124%2C8447731 The Ledger 5C October 31, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 1 MS State Duncan McKenzie 16-yard pass from Bruce Threadgill (Kinney Jordan kick) MS State 7–0 1 MS State Bruce Threadgill 12-yard run (Kinney Jordan kick) MS State 14–0 2 Alabama Ozzie Newsome 62-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (2-point pass failed) MS State 14–6 2 MS State Kinney Jordan 22-yard field goal MS State 17–6 2 Alabama Bucky Berrey 43-yard field goal MS State 17–9 2 Alabama Bucky Berrey 25-yard field goal MS State 17–12 3 Alabama Johnny Davis 27-yard run (2-point run) Alabama 20–17 3 Alabama Pete Cavan 25-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 27–17 4 Alabama Tony Nathan 4-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 34–17 yes As they entered their game against Mississippi State, Alabama moved into the No. 17 position and the Bulldogs into the No. 18 position in the AP Poll.Associated Press Big 8 coached frustrated 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o2A0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6J0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5405%2C4751341 The Tuscaloosa News October 26, 1976 September 1, 2014 At Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide overcame a 14–0 deficit, came-from-behind and defeated Mississippi State 34–17. Behind quarterback Bruce Threadgill, the Bulldogs took a 14–0 first quarter lead over the Crimson Tide. Threadgill first threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Duncan McKenzie and later scored himself on a 12-yard touchdown run. Alabama scored their first points early in the second quarter on a 62-yard Jeff Rutledge touchdown pass to Ozzie Newsome. Both teams then traded field goals to close the half with Kinney Jordan connecting from 22-yards for the Bulldogs and Bucky Berrey connecting from 43 and 25-yards for the Crimson Tide to make the halftime score 17–12 in favor of Mississippi State. Alabama took their first lead early in the third quarter on a 27-yard Johnny Davis touchdown run and extended it further to 27–17 later in the quarter on a 25-yard Pete Cavan touchdown run. Tony Nathan then concluded the scoring for the Crimson Tide with his four-yard touchdown run in the fourth that made the final score 34–17. LSU 1976 LSU Tigers football team LSU 0 3 7 7 #15 Alabama 0 14 7 7 November 6 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 71,018 Sources:Jim Furlong Surging Tide rolls past Tigers https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nkYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8Z0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=6832%2C995205 The Tuscaloosa News A1 November 7, 1976 November 1, 2014Jimmy Smothers Davis has greatest game; Alabama whips LSU 28–17 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Q6kfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NtYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1292%2C786541 The Gadsden Times 28 November 7, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 2 LSU Mike Conway 48-yard field goal LSU 3–0 2 Alabama Pete Cavan 7-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 7–3 2 Alabama Jeff Rutledge 9-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 14–3 3 Alabama Johnny Davis 13-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 21–3 3 LSU Pat Lyons 1-yard run (Mike Conway kick) Alabama 21–10 4 Alabama Johnny Davis 58-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 28–10 4 LSU Terry Robiskie 6-yard run (Mike Conway kick) Alabama 28–17 yes After their victory over Mississippi State, Alabama moved into the No. 15 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against LSU.Associated Press Crimson Tide climbs in poll to 15th place https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nEYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8Z0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3262%2C170334 The Tuscaloosa News November 2, 1976 13 September 1, 2014 Against the rival Tigers, Alabama won 28–17 behind a 130-yard, two touchdown performance by fullback Johnny Davis. After a scoreless first quarter, LSU took a 3–0 lead in the second on a 48-yard Mike Conway field goal. Alabama responded with a pair of touchdowns on runs of seven-yards by Pete Cavan and nine-yards by Jeff Rutledge en route to a 14–3 halftime lead. The Crimson Tide then maintained their lead through the second half as the teams traded touchdowns. In the third, Johnny Davis scored for the Crimson Tide with his 13-yard run and Pat Lyons scored for the Tigers with this one-yard run. In the fourth Davis scored again for Alabama on a 58-yard run and Terry Robiskie scored on a six-yard run that made the final score 28–17 in favor of the Crimson Tide. Notre Dame 1976 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team #10 Alabama 0 7 3 8 #18 Notre Dame 0 21 0 0 November 13 Notre Dame StadiumSouth Bend, IN 59,075 Sources:Steve Martin Tide rally falls short, Irish win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=okYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8Z0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5462%2C2305968 1A The Tuscaloosa News November 13, 1976 September 1, 2014Associated Press Notre Dame air attack too much for Alabama https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gtsvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v_oDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6902%2C3055724 5C The Ledger November 13, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 2 Notre Dame Dan Kelleher 56-yard pass from Rick Slager (Dave Reeve kick) Notre Dame 7–0 2 Notre Dame Al Hunter 2-yard run (Dave Reeve kick) Notre Dame 14–0 2 Alabama Jack O'Rear 1-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Notre Dame 14–7 2 Notre Dame Vagas Ferguson 17-yard run (Dave Reeve kick) Notre Dame 21–7 3 Alabama Bucky Berrey 38-yard field goal Notre Dame 21–10 4 Alabama Ozzie Newsome 30-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (2-point run good) Notre Dame 21–18 yes After their victory over LSU, Alabama moved into the No. 10 position and Notre Dame into the No. 18 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at South Bend.Associated Press Pitt takes No. 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19761109&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 9, 1976 11 September 1, 2014 In what was their first regular-season game against the Fighting Irish, Alabama was upset 21–18 after Notre Dame scored three second quarter touchdowns. The first quarter was scoreless, although Notre Dame missed on two golden scoring opportunities—one on a missed field goal, the other when freshman running back Vagas Ferguson's fumble in the end zone was recovered by Alabama for a touchback. The Irish took a 14–0 lead in the second quarter behind a 56-yard Rick Slager touchdown pass to Dan Kelleher and a two-yard Al Hunter touchdown run. Alabama responded with a one-yard Jack O'Rear touchdown run, but that was followed with a 17-yard Ferguson touchdown run that made the halftime score 21–7 in favor of Notre Dame. The Irish gained a stunning 366 yards in the first half, to 166 for Alabama. Although the Crimson Tide defense shutout the Irish in the second half, the offense was only able to score 11 points and lost 21–18. Alabama points were scored in the third on a 38-yard Bucky Berrey field goal and in the fourth on a 30-yard Jeff Rutledge touchdown pass to Ozzie Newsome. Auburn 1976 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl Auburn 0 0 0 7 #18 Alabama 0 14 21 3 November 27 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 70,303 Sources:Steve Martin Alabama belts Auburn, 38–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qkYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8Z0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5652%2C5937781 The Tuscaloosa News A1 November 28, 1976 September 1, 2014Associated Press Alabama stomps by Auburn 38–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dn0sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=38wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6814%2C5807389 Spartanburg Herald-Journal B3 November 28, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 2 Alabama Rick Watson 1-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Alabama Tony Nathan 14-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 14–0 3 Alabama Ozzie Newsome 42-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 21–0 3 Alabama Tony Nathan 10-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 28–0 3 Alabama Jeff Rutledge 11-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 35–0 4 Alabama Bucky Berrey 47-yard field goal Alabama 38–0 4 Auburn Foster Christy 1-yard run (Neil O'Donoghue kick) Alabama 38–7 yes As they entered the annual Iron Bowl, Alabama dropped into the No. 18 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up at Legion Field against Auburn.Associated Press Michigan gains, but not Trojans https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19761123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 23, 1976 11 September 1, 2014 In what was the first game coached by Doug Barfield as the head coach of the Tigers, the Crimson Tide were victorious with this 38–7 win at Birmingham. After a scoreless first, Alabama took a 14–0 lead into halftime after second quarter touchdowns were scored on runs of one-yard by Rick Watson and 14-yard by Tony Nathan. The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 35–0 with a trio of touchdowns in the third quarter. They were scored on a 42-yard Jeff Rutledge pass to Ozzie Newsome, a 14-yard Nathan run and on an 11-yard Rutledge run. A 47-yard Bucky Berrey field goal in the fourth extended the Alabama lead to 38–0. Auburn did manage to score late an prevent the shutout on a one-yard Foster Christy touchdown run late in the game. UCLA 1976 Liberty Bowl UCLA Bruins football Liberty Bowl #16 Alabama 17 7 3 9 #7 UCLA 0 0 0 6 December 20 Liberty Bowl Memorial StadiumMemphis, TN 52,736 ABC Sources:Steve Martin Scoreboard tells Tide story, 36–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OG00AAAAIBAJ&sjid=754EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5949%2C4148643 The Tuscaloosa News A1 December 21, 1976 September 1, 2014Associated Press Alabama crushes UCLA, 36–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8n9IAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Tm0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2251%2C2452040 14 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette December 21, 1976 September 1, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Bucky Berrey 37-yard field goal Alabama 3–0 1 Alabama Barry Krauss 44-yard interception return (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 10–0 1 Alabama Johnny Davis 2-yard run (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 17–0 2 Alabama Jack O'Rear 20-yard pass from Tony Nathan (Bucky Berrey kick) Alabama 24–0 3 Alabama Bucky Berrey 25-yard field goal Alabama 27–0 4 Alabama Bucky Berrey 28-yard field goal Alabama 30–0 4 UCLA Jim Brown 61-yard run (Kick failed) Alabama 30–6 4 Alabama Rick Watson 1-yard run (2-point pass failed) Alabama 36–6 yes Playing before the then-largest crowd to ever attend the Liberty Bowl, Alabama stunned the once-beaten UCLA Bruins 36–6 at Memphis in the first all-time meeting between the schools. Alabama took a 17–0 first quarter lead on a 37-yard Bucky Berrey field goal, a 44-yard Barry Krauss interception return and a two-yard Johnny Davis touchdown run. They then extended their lead to 24–0 at halftime on a second quarter halfback option play of 20-yards from Tony Nathan to Jack O'Rear. After a pair of Berrey field goals extended the Crimson Tide lead to 30–0, UCLA scored their only points in a 61-yard Jim Brown run in the fourth. Rick Watson then scored the final points of the game for Alabama with his one-yard touchdown run that made the final score 36–6. Roster 1976 Alabama Crimson Tide y Buddy Aydelette TE SO y Jeff Barnes HB SO n Wiley Barnes OT SO n Bo Batey OG S n Bruce Bolton 32 SE SO n Randy Bonner HB SO n Vince Booth 63 OG SO n Jim Bradford OT J n Woody Buchanan FB J n Pete Cavan HB J n John David Crowe, Jr. HB J n Bob Cryder OG J y Calvin Culliver 33 FB S n Johnny Davis 38 FB J y Johnny Davis (American football) Fred Dawson OG J n Donnie Faust FB J n Thad Flanagan 87 SE S n David Gerasimchuk OG S n Louis Green OG J n John Gunnels HB J n David Hannah OT SO n Bill Henderson TE J n Steve Higgins SE SO n Marty Hudson C SO n Tom Hufstetler 55 C SO n Tim Hurst OT J n Lou Ikner 30 HB SO n Kevin Jones 12 QB SO n Terry Jones 59 C J y Terry Jones (defensive tackle) John LaBue HB S n Buford Lambert OG S n Jeff Lamon TE SO n K. J. Lazenby OT S n Sam Maddox TE J n Jimmy McArthur TE J n Ralph McElreath OT S n David McIntyre OG S n Ozzie Newsome 82 SE J y Jack O'Rear 15 QB J n Gary Oser C J n Tom Parkerson OG SO n Skip Ramsey QB SO n Jeff Rutledge 11 QB SO y Russ Schamun SE S n Mike Sebastian 71 OT SO n Sid Smith C S n Mike Sutton 26 HB J n Chip Tillman OT S n John Turpin HB SO n Russ Waddell OG J n Bob Walker QB SO n Rick Watson FB S n Marty White QB SO n Phil Allman 34 DB SO n Bob Baumhower 91 DT S y Dale Bragan LB S n Neil Callaway LB S y Danny Collins 85 DE J n Kelvin Croom DB SO n Allen Crumbley DB SO n Jack Perdue DT SO n Mike Dottorey LB SO n Robert Durkee S SO n Les Fowler S J n Robert Gartman DE SO n Rickey Gilliand 92 DE SO n Andy Gothard DB S n Charley Hannah DT S y Paul Harris DE S y Paul Harris (American football) Bill Harrison DT S n Bruce Hodges DE J n Colenzo Hubbard LB S n Doug Johnson DE SO n Larry Knighton DT SO n Freddy Knighton NG SO n Mike Kramer 23 DB J n Barry Krauss 77 LB SO y Joe Latham S SO n Murray Legg 19 S SO n Marty Lyons 93 DT SO y Bobby Mikel DE SO n Dale Palmer LB SO n Calvin Parker 89 DE SO n Scott Price DB SO n Keith Pugh 4 S SO n Roger Roberts DT SO n David Sadler 62 NG J n Eric Schamun DB J n Jack Smalley 65 LB J n Barry Smith 52 S SO n Mike Tucker 21 DB S n Gus White LB S n Steve Whitman 45 DE SO n Rich Wingo 36 LB SO y Bucky Berrey 7 PK S n Alan McElroy 6 PK SO n http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/75-m-footbl-roster.pdf September 1, 2014 Bear Bryant (19th year, Alabama) Paul Crane (3rd year, Alabama) Sylvester Croom (1st year, Alabama) Ken Donahue (13th year, Tennessee) Clem Gryska (17th year, Alabama) Curley Hallman (4th year, Texas A&M) Dude Hennessey (17th year, Kentucky) Bobby Marks (5th year, Texas A&M) John Mitchell (4th year, Alabama) Mal Moore (13th year, Alabama) Bill Oliver (6th year, Alabama) Dee Powell (13th year, Texas ) Jeff Rouzie (1st year, Alabama) Jack Rutledge (11th year, Alabama) George White (2nd year, Jacksonville State) References:http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/76-m-footbl-roster.pdf 1976 Season Roster RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics September 1, 2014 September 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903103914/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/76-m-footbl-roster.pdf dead 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203 NFL draft Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1976 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1977, 1978 and 1979 drafts. These players included: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team1977 NFL draftNational Football League http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school Draft History by School–Alabama September 1, 2014 July 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140715084011/http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school dead 2 40 Bob Baumhower Nose tackle Miami Dolphins 3 57 Charley Hannah Offensive guard Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6 159 Paul Harris Paul Harris (American football) Linebacker Pittsburgh Steelers 8 212 Calvin Culliver 1 Running back Denver Broncos1978 NFL draft 1 18 Bob Cryder Guard New England Patriots 1 23 Ozzie Newsome Tight end Cleveland Browns 2 30 Johnny Davis Johnny Davis (American football) Running back Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11 284 Terry Jones Terry Jones (defensive tackle) Nose tackle Green Bay Packers1979 NFL draft 1 6 Barry Krauss Linebacker Baltimore Colts 1 14 Marty Lyons Defensive tackle New York Jets 3 61 Tony Nathan Running back Miami Dolphins 7 184 Rich Wingo Linebacker Green Bay Packers 9 246 Jeff Rutledge Quarterback Los Angeles Rams References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/76-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1976 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics August 26, 2014 September 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903103910/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/76-m-footbl-recaps.pdf dead http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2012 University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama August 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115208/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf March 4, 2016 dead Specific Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons Category:Liberty Bowl champion seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football