1969 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1969 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 6–5 2–4 Bear Bryant 12th Danny Ford Alvin Samples Denny StadiumLegion Field Liberty Bowl L Lost 33–47 vs. Colorado The 1969 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1969 NCAA University Division football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 75th overall and 36th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 12th year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with six wins and five losses (6–5 overall, 2–4 in the SEC) and with a loss against Colorado in the Liberty Bowl. Alabama opened the season ranked No. 13 and defeated Virginia Tech at Blacksburg and 1969 Southern Miss Golden Eagles Southern Miss in the first regular season game played at Denny Stadium on AstroTurf. In their third game, the Crimson Tide defeated an Archie Manning led Ole Miss squad 33–32 in a record-breaking game before a nationally televised audience. Alabama then lost consecutive games for the first time during Bryant's tenure as head coach against Vanderbilt and Tennessee. After their loss to Tennessee, Alabama rebounded with victories at Clemson and at Mississippi State before they lost their third game of the season at LSU. They rebounded the next week with a homecoming victory over Miami but then lost to Auburn in the Iron Bowl. In the December that followed, Alabama lost 47–33 to Colorado in the Liberty Bowl. The 1969 season marked the 100th anniversary of the start of college football, and as such Alabama commemorated the event by altering their helmet design. Instead of the player number, the helmet for the 1969 season featured the number "100" inside a football to commemorate the anniversary of the first college football game.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060706aaa.html Crimson Tide uniforms changing through the years RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics October 16, 2013 Schedule 1969 AP September 20 w y y 13 Virginia Tech Lane Stadium Blacksburg, VA 17–13 42,000 September 27 w y 15 Southern Miss Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 63–14 50,035 October 4 w 15 Ole Miss 20 Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry ABC 33–32 62,858 October 11 l y 13 Vanderbilt Dudley Field Nashville, TN 10–14 34,000 October 18 l 20 Tennessee 7 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Third Saturday in October 14–41 72,443 October 25 w y y Clemson Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC rivalry 38–13 41,384 November 1 w y Mississippi State Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS rivalry 23–19 36,517 November 8 l y LSU 12 Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA rivalry 15–20 67,590 November 15 w y y Miami (FL) Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 42–6 57,596 November 29 l y Auburn 12 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl 26–49 72,303 December 13 l y y Colorado Memphis Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN Liberty Bowl ABC 33–47 50,144 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1969 1969 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics October 15, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111125000700/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html November 25, 2011 Game summaries Virginia Tech 1969 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team #13 Alabama 3 7 7 0 Virginia Tech 3 7 0 3 September 20 Lane StadiumBlacksburg, VA 42,000 Sources:Associated Press Fumble held key to Alabama's win Spartanburg Herald-Journal September 21, 1969 B5 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XIEsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K80EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2859%2C3799767 October 16, 2013Charles Land Hunter passes Tide over VPI, 17–13 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SRwoAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6788%2C4601015 The Tuscaloosa News September 21, 1969 October 16, 2013 To open the 1968 season, Alabama defeated the Virginia Tech (also then known as VPI) Gobblers 17–13 at Lane Stadium in a back-and-forth game between the teams.1969 Season Recap After Virginia Tech took an early 3–0 lead on a 19-yard Jack Simcsak field goal, Alabama responded later in the first with a 40-yard Richard Ciemny field goal that tied the game 3–3. Alabama then took a 10–3 lead on a one-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run in the second quarter. The Hokies were then able to tie the game 10–10 at halftime with a five-yard Al Kincaid touchdown run. In the third quarter, George Ranager scored what was the game-winning touchdown on a 10-yard run and a 45-yard Simcsak field goal in the fourth provided for the final margin in the 17–13 Crimson Tide victory. The 42,000 in attendance was the largest crowd to date to witness a football game in the commonwealth of Virginia and required the addition of 7,000 temporary seats to accommodate demand. Southern Miss 1969 Southern Miss Southerners football team Southern Miss 0 7 7 0 #15 Alabama 9 26 14 14 September 27 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 50,035 Sources:Bob Mayne Big bad Alabama chews up hapless Southern, 63–14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eHgpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2dYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3391%2C3498938 The Gadsden Times September 28, 1969 25 October 16, 2013Charles Land Tiders breeze to win, 63–14 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UBwoAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5034%2C6033844 The Tuscaloosa News September 28, 1969 October 16, 2013 After their close victory over Virginia Tech, Alabama dropped into the No. 15 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Southern Miss.Sheila Moran Associated Press Gators up, Cougars out in grid poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SxwoAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7352%2C5247337 The Tuscaloosa News September 23, 1969 6 October 16, 2013 In their home opener, Alabama defeated the Southerners 63–14 behind a ten-point rally in the fourth quarter. Alabama took a 9–0 first quarter lead on a five-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Pete Jilleba and a 25-yard Richard Ciemny field goal. After Frank Johnston cut the Crimson Tide lead to 9–7 with his one-yard touchdown run, Alabama scored 26 second quarter points that extended their lead to 35–7 at halftime. The four second-quarter touchdowns were scored on runs of 11-yards by George Ranager, one-yard by Hunter, six-yards by Johnny Musso and nine-yards by Bubba Sawyer. Alabama opened the third quarter with a two-yard Musso touchdown run, and then Southern scored their other touchdown on a six-yard Danny Palmer pass to Billy Mikel that made the score 42–14. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a pair of Neb Hayden touchdown runs from one and four-yards and by Benny Rippetoe on a four-yard run that made the final score 63–14. The game was the first played on an AstroTurf surface between Denny Field opponents as it was installed during the previous spring.Charles Land The age of AstroTurf 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d-whAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NpsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6414%2C2329803 The Tuscaloosa News July 14, 1968 October 16, 2013 Ole Miss 1969 Ole Miss Rebels football team #20 Ole Miss 7 0 13 12 #15 Alabama 7 7 7 12 October 4 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 62,858 Chris Schenkel (play-by-play), Bud Wilkinson (color) ABC Sources:Charles Land Tide's Hunter has last say The Tuscaloosa News October 5, 1969 13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KhwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4149%2C889167 October 16, 2013Ivan Maisel Ole Miss–Alabama game still legendary https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7099289/college-football-first-major-primetime-game-stands-out ESPN.com October 14, 2011 October 16, 2013 After their blowout victory over Southern Miss, Alabama retained their No. 15 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Ole Miss.Associated Press Top seven keep positions https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UhwoAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1819%2C6947304 The Tuscaloosa News September 30, 1968 10 October 16, 2013 Before a nationally televised, prime time audience, Alabama defeated the Rebels 33–32 in an offensive shootout that saw the offenses combined to set one NCAA and nine SEC records. After the teams traded first-quarter touchdown runs of one-yard by Johnny Musso and two-yards by Archie Manning, Alabama took a 14–7 halftime lead on a 17-yard Bubba Sawyer touchdown run. At the end of the third quarter, Alabama retained a 21–20 lead after the teams again traded touchdowns. The Rebels scored first on an 11-yard Manning pass to Floyd Franks, followed by a one-yard Musso run and a 17-yard Manning run. Both teams then traded fourth-quarter touchdowns with the Crimson Tide coming out on top 33–32. Ole Miss touchdowns were scored on a two-yard Manning pass to Riley Myers and a one-yard Manning run, and Alabama touchdowns were scored on a one-yard Scott Hunter run and 14-yard Hunter pass to George Ranager. Records set in this game included a new national record for passes completed between both teams with 55.Tide–Reb battle one for records The Tuscaloosa News October 6, 1969 9 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KhwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7120%2C1304260 October 16, 2013 Conference records set in the game by Rebels quarterback Archie Manning included most passing yards, attempts and completions in a single game by going 33 of 52 for 436 yards in addition to most total offense by a single player with 540 yards. Vanderbilt 1969 Vanderbilt Commodores football team #13 Alabama 3 0 7 0 Vanderbilt 0 7 0 7 October 11 Dudley FieldNashville, TN 34,000 Sources:Charles Land Tide falls to Vandy The Tuscaloosa News October 12, 1969 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LxwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5959%2C2378295 October 16, 2013Associated Press Brown tosses winning TD against lifeless Alabama 25 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iXgpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ydYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5754%2C1443981 The Gadsden Times October 12, 1969 October 16, 2013 After their victory over the Rebels, Alabama moved into the No. 13 position of the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Ben Olan Associated Press Longhorns climb to second place 10 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2978%2C1503901 The Tuscaloosa News October 7, 1969 October 16, 2013 At Nashville the Commodores upset Alabama 14–10 and ended a nine-game losing streak against the Crimson Tide. After Alabama took a 3–0 first quarter lead on a 19-yard Mike Dean field goal, Vanderbilt responded in the second quarter with an unexpected halfback pass by Doug Mathews from six yards out, to wingback David Strong, who was standing all alone in the end zone, giving them the halftime lead 7–3. Vanderbilt opened the second half with possession of the football. Mathews fumbled the ball and Alabama's defensive end, Wayne Rhodes made the recovery at the Vanderbilt 19-yard line. On the first play, George Ranger swept around the right end for a Crimson Tide touchdown. With just 1:35 elapsed in the third quarter, Dean's conversion gave Alabama a 10-7 margin. In the third quarter, Vanderbilt, chewed up the clock, combining on short passes and running the ball, cutting nine minutes off the clock in a 25-play drive. With the ball on the 1-yard line, the Commodores failed to get the ball into the end zone. Vanderbilt's field goal attempt, sailed to the left of the uprights.Gadsden Times - Google News Archive SearchThe Tuscaloosa News - Google News Archive Search The Commodores defense, led by Pat Toomay, put pressure on Alabama throughout the game. Vanderbilt began its march to the winning touchdown with 7:30 left in the game. Denny Painter began the drive at quarterback for Vanderbilt and hit Curt Chesley on passes of 18, 6, and 17 yards to get the drive rolling, then a key pass to David Strong of 19 yards extended the drive. Watson Brown, who turned down a scholarship from Bryant, came into the game for Painter in a first-down situation at the Tide's 21-yard line. On Brown's first play, he handed off to Mathews who bulled his way for 11 yards down to the 10, but on the next play, Daniel Lipperman failed to gain a yard on a running play, setting up a second-and-long situation. Brown turned to his right, faked a hand-off, quickly turned and threw a strike to tight end Jim Cunningham. Cunningham, stayed on the line of scrimmage, caught the ball and ran into the end zone. Pandemonium broke out in the stands as the crowd reacted to the dramatic finish. The conversion was successful and Vanderbilt took the lead, 14–10. However, there were still two minutes on the clock, plenty of time for gunslinger Scott Hunter (American football) to move the ball into scoring range. Vandys' defense forced Alabama into a fourth down situation on its own 21-yard line. On Alabama's final desperation pass attempt, Commodore defender Les Lyle broke through the line and slammed Hunter to the ground for a sack. Vanderbilt fans believed the game over, yet a flag was thrown on Lyle for being offsides. Alabama still needed two more yards for a first down, since the offsides penalty did not give Alabama the much-needed first down. The next play, defensive tackle, Buzz Hamilton exploded through the line hitting Hunter and forcing him to throw an underhanded pass that landed untouched on the ground. Vanderbilt won the game, 14–10. This would be Vanderbilt's last victory vs. Alabama until 1984, and the Commodores' last vs. the Crimson Tide in Nashville until 2024.https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2017/09/21/what-vanderbilt-football-can-learn-last-win-over-alabama-nashville-1969-bear-bryant-nick-saban/679555001/ What Vanderbilt football can learn from last win over Alabama in Nashville — in 1969 The Tennesseanhttp://www.vucommodores.com/sports/historycorner/spec-rel/092217aaa.html Vanderbilt Official Athletic Site - Vanderbilt University 2018-01-13 2018-01-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20180113203035/http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/historycorner/spec-rel/092217aaa.html dead https://bamahammer.com/2017/09/18/alabama-football-history-tide-versus-vanderbilt-football-games/ Alabama Football: History of Tide versus Vanderbilt football games 18 September 2017 Years later Watson Brown said in a 2007 interview of coach Bryant Coach Bryant, before the game, walked by and was cutting up with me. He said, "you couldn’t throw when I recruited you, you can’t throw now and you’ll never be able to throw." He just kept walking and patted me on the head. Then after we won the game, he found me in all the melee and it was melee. He gave me a hug and didn't say anything and strolled into the locker room. When I couldn’t play anymore and decided I wanted to coach, Coach Bryant really got me started and I called him for advice on every job I was offered until the day he died. He kind of took me under his wing and said, "I’ll help you go here, maybe don’t go here." It was real neat that I didn't play for him, but he took care of me until he passed away. Tennessee 1969 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October #7 Tennessee 21 3 3 14 #20 Alabama 0 0 0 14 October 18 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 72,443 Sources:Charles Land Tennessee tramples Bama, 41–14 The Tuscaloosa News October 19, 1969 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19691019&printsec=frontpage&hl=en October 16, 2013Tennessee scores couple of firsts in thrashing Alabama 41–14 2 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ipJBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gqkMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3748%2C940774 The Middlesboro Daily News October 20, 1969 October 16, 2013 After their loss at Vanderbilt, Alabama dropped from the No. 13 to No. 20 position of the AP Poll prior to their game against Tennessee.Ben Olan Associated Press LSU, Florida reach top 10 8 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7307%2C2990639 The Tuscaloosa News October 14, 1969 October 16, 2013 Against Tennessee, the Volunteers took a 34–0 lead into the fourth quarter en route to a 41–14 victory at Legion Field. Tennessee took a commanding 21–0 first quarter lead with three touchdowns. The first was scored on a five-yard Bobby Scott pass to Gary Kreis, the second on a 71-yard Bobby Majors punt return and the third on a 27-yard Jackie Walker fumble return. George Hunt made the halftime score 24–0 with his 22-yard field goal in the second and extended it to 27–0 with his 31-yard field goal in the third. After Scott brought the Volunteers' lead to 34–0 with his two-yard touchdown run in the fourth, Alabama scored their first points on a one-yard Johnny Musso run. The game then closed with a six-yard Richard Callaway run for Tennessee and a six-yard Musso run for a touchdown that made the final score 41–14. The loss was the first time Coach Bryant lost three consecutive games to the same opponent as Alabama's head coach. Clemson 1969 Clemson Tigers football team Alabama 14 14 0 10 Clemson 0 7 0 6 October 25 Memorial StadiumClemson, SC 41,384 Sources:Charles Land Tide rebounds in 38–13 win The Tuscaloosa News October 26, 1969 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5266%2C5671440 October 16, 2013Leslie Timms Alabama downs Clemson B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iYMsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=d80EAAAAIBAJ&pg=7247%2C4500459 Spartanburg Herald-Journal October 26, 1969 October 26, 2013 Clemson Football Media Guide - 1970 https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/fball_media/66/ Clemson University 1970 4 November 9, 2023 After their blowout loss at home against Tennessee, Alabama dropped from the No. 20 position out of the AP Poll altogether prior to their game at Clemson.Associated Press Tennessee vaults into third place 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7307%2C2990639 The Tuscaloosa News October 21, 1969 October 16, 2013 At Memorial Stadium, the Crimson Tide ended their two-game losing steak with this 38–13 win over the Tigers of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Alabama managed to take a 28–0 lead late into the second quarter before Clemson scored their first points of the game. The Crimson Tide scored first-quarter touchdowns on runs of 36-yards by George Ranager and nine-yards by Johnny Musso, and they scored second-quarter touchdowns on receptions of 40-yards by Ranager from Neb Hayden and 20-yards by Bubba Sawyer from Scott Hunter. Clemson then made the halftime score 28–7 after John McMakin caught a five-yard touchdown pass from Tommy Kendrick. After a scoreless third quarter, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 38–7 on a one-yard Musso touchdown run and a 39-yard Oran Buck field goal. The Tigers then closed the game with a two-yard Ray Yauger touchdown run that made the final score 38–13. The win was Bryant's 100th win at Alabama, making him only the second coach to win 100 games as head coach of the Crimson Tide. Mississippi State 1969 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team Alabama 10 0 0 13 Mississippi State 7 0 0 12 November 2 Memorial StadiumJackson, MS 36,517 Sources:Charles Land Crimson Tide tops State State, 23–19 The Tuscaloosa News November 2, 1969 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w0UgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6552%2C61796 October 16, 2013Associated Press Bama nips State 23–19 8 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RhksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hsYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5396%2C98802 The Florence Times November 2, 1969 October 16, 2013 At Jackson, Alabama defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 23–19 in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. After Richard Ciemny gave the Crimson Tide an early 3–0 lead with his 30-yard field goal, Don Dudley gave State a 7–3 lead with his 16-yard touchdown run. Pete Jilleba then scored for Alabama on a three-yard run that made the score 10–7 in favor of the Crimson Tide that held through the fourth after scoreless second and third quarters. In the fourth, both teams traded a pair of touchdowns with Alabama eventually winning the game 23–19. Crimson Tide touchdowns were scored on Johnny Musso runs of four and 25-yards and State touchdowns were scored on a six-yard Tommy Pharr run and a two-yard Pharr pass to Bob Young. LSU 1969 LSU Tigers football team Alabama 0 3 0 12 #12 LSU 0 3 10 7 November 8 Tiger StadiumBaton Rouge, LA 67,590 Sources:Charles Land LSU Tigers edge Tide 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xUUgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7147%2C1584517 The Tuscaloosa News November 9, 1969 October 16, 2013Ed Shearer Associated Press LSU nips Tide 9 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RBksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hsYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=849%2C1056658 The Florence Times November 9, 1969 October 16, 2013 Playing at night before a sold-out Tiger Stadium, Alabama was defeated by the LSU Tigers 20–15. After a scoreless first quarter, field goals of 30-yards by Mark Lumpkin for LSU and 26-yards by Oran Buck for Alabama made the halftime score 3–3. LSU then took a 13–3 lead in the third quarter after a one-yard Allen Shorey touchdown run and a 25-yard Lumpkin field goal. In the fourth, the teams traded touchdowns with the Tigers' ultimately winning 20–15. Fourth-quarter touchdowns were scored by LSU on a second one-yard Shorey run and by Alabama on Scott Hunter passes of 37-yards to Hunter Husband and 34-yards to David Bailey. Miami (FL) 1969 Miami Hurricanes football team Miami 0 0 6 0 Alabama 7 21 7 7 November 15 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 57,596 Sources:Charles Land Tide routs Miami, clinches bowl bid https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yEUgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5162%2C2864549 The Tuscaloosa News November 16, 1969 13 October 16, 2013Associated Press Alabama stampedes Miami https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=54VPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QgUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7397%2C2423970 Ocala Star-Banner November 16, 1969 2D October 16, 2013 On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defeated the Miami Hurricanes 42–6 and with their sixth victory of the season became bowl eligible. The Crimson Tide took a 7–0 lead in the first on a two-yard Scott Hunter touchdown run before they scored three in the second quarter. Alabama led 28–0 at halftime after a one-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run and Neb Hayden touchdown passes of 21-yards to Musso and 16-yards to George Ranager. After Miami scored their only points of the game early in the third on an eight-yard Kelly Cochrane touchdown pass to Joe Schmidt that made the score 28–6. Alabama then closed the game with a three-yard Phil Chaffin touchdown run in the third and on an 18-yard Stephen Doran touchdown reception from Benny Rippetoe in the fourth that made the final score 42–6. Auburn 1969 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl #12 Auburn 0 14 14 21 Alabama 3 7 7 9 November 29 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 72,303 Sources:Charles Land Auburn beats Bama 49–26 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19691129&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 30, 1969 October 16, 2013Associated Press Auburn trounces Alabama by 49–26 4B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OptJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jgwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=708%2C8362869 The News and Courier November 30, 1969 October 16, 2013 In their final regular season game, Alabama was defeated by the Auburn Tigers in the annual Iron Bowl game 49–26 at Legion Field. After Alabama took a 3–0 lead on a 32-yard Oran Buck field goal in the first quarter, Auburn went on to outscore the Crimson Tide 49 to 23 over the final three quarters of the game. In the second, Wallace Clark scored a pair of touchdowns on runs of one and three-yards for the Tigers and Hunter Husband scored for Alabama on a four-yard run that made the halftime score 14–10. In the third quarter, Auburn extended their lead to 28–10 on touchdown runs of four-yards by Pat Sullivan and one-yard by Mickey Zofko before George Ranager had a 100-yard kickoff return that made the score 28–17 as they entered the fourth quarter. After Buck connected on a 27-yard field goal early in the fourth for Alabama, Auburn scored three consecutive touchdowns that extended their lead to 49–20. These were scored by Zofko on a nine-yard run, by Clark on a three-yard run and by Connie Frederick on an 84-yard run. The Crimson Tide closed the game with a seven-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to David Bailey that made the final score 49–26. Colorado 1969 Colorado Buffaloes football team 1969 Liberty Bowl Liberty Bowl Alabama 0 19 14 0 Colorado 10 21 0 16 December 13 Memphis Memorial StadiumMemphis, TN 50,144 Source:Charles Land Buffaloes rumble past Tide, 47–33 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=axkfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5448%2C2563976 The Tuscaloosa News 1 December 14, 1969 October 16, 2013Associated Press Anderson, Colorado bomb Bama https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IXYyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4rUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3366%2C5890902 Palm Beach Post-Times D1 December 14, 1969 October 16, 2013 On November 17, Alabama accepted an invitation to play in the Liberty Bowl against an unnamed opponent at the time of its announcement.Charles Land Crimson Tide, Auburn to play in bowl games https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19691116&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News 1 November 17, 1969 October 16, 2013 The next week, Colorado of the Big Eight Conference defeated Kansas State in their regular season finale and accepted an invitation to play the Crimson Tide at the Liberty Bowl.UPI Colorado to face Tide in Liberty https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RxksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hsYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3784%2C3187209 The Florence Times 13 November 23, 1969 October 16, 2013 Against the Buffaloes, Alabama lost 47–33 and completed the first five-loss season during Bryant's tenure as head coach in the first all-time meeting between the schools. The Buffaloes took a 10–0 first quarter lead on a 13-yard Ward Walsh touchdown run and 30-yard Dave Haney field goal. After they extended their lead further to 17–0 on a three-yard Bobby Anderson touchdown run early in the second, Alabama responded with a pair of touchdown runs that cut the Colorado lead to 17–13. The first was on a 31-yard Scott Hunter run and the second on a six-yard George Ranager run. The teams then traded two more touchdowns on runs of 15-yards by Walsh for Colorado and two-yards by Johnny Musso before Steve Engel had 91-yard kickoff return that made the halftime score 31–19. The Crimson Tide then rallied and took a 33–31 lead in the third quarter on a pair of Neb Hayden touchdown throws. The first was to Griff Langston from 51-yards and the second to Musso from ten-yards. Colorado then responded with a pair of unanswered touchdowns and a safety in the fourth quarter and won the game 47–33. Touchdowns were scored on Anderson runs of two and three-yards with a combined quarterback sack of Hayden for a safety by Bill Brundige and Herb Orvis providing the final margin. NFL draft Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1969 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1971 and 1972 drafts. These players included the following: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team1971 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 30, 2013 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 6 140 Scott Hunter Scott Hunter (American football) Quarterback Green Bay Packers1972 NFL draft 3 62 Johnny Musso Running back Chicago Bears 11 266 David Bailey 1 Wide receiver Green Bay Packers 15 386 Robin Parkhouse 1 Linebacker Baltimore Colts 16 411 Steve Higginbottom 1 Defensive back Washington Redskins Freshman squad Prior to the 1972 NCAA University Division football season, NCAA rules prohibited freshmen from participating on the varsity team, and as such many schools fielded freshmen teams.Kersey Jason NCAA's decision to allow freshman eligibility changed football landscape http://newsok.com/ncaas-decision-to-allow-freshman-eligibility-changed-football-landscape/article/3704386 October 16, 2013 The Oklahoman August 27, 2012Delbert Reed Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410%2C4178967 The Tuscaloosa News January 21, 1972 6 October 16, 2013 The Alabama freshmen squad was led by coach Clem Gryska for the 1969 season and finished with a record of three wins and two losses (3–2).Mike Stewart Tiger frosh hand Bama 17–9 defeat https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=y0UgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5497%2C4389530 The Tuscaloosa News November 23, 1969 13 October 13, 2013 The Baby Tide opened their season with a 13–7 loss against Mississippi State at Scott Field.Charles Land State touchdown passes put Baby Tide down, 13–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KhwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4303%2C714699 The Tuscaloosa News October 4, 1969 5 October 16, 2013 After Alabama took a 7–0 lead on a one-yard Steve Wade run in the second, Billy Baker threw for both of the State touchdowns. The first was from 39-yards to Emil Petro in the third and the second was from 56-yards to Lewis Grubbs in the fourth for the 13–7 victory. In their second game, the Alabama freshmen defeated Vanderbilt 12–8 at Denny Stadium.Charles Land No high scores for frosh, but record is even now https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19691018&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News October 18, 1969 4 October 16, 2013 After a scoreless first, Butch Hobson gave Alabama a 7–0 halftime lead with his short touchdown run, and a pair of Randy Moore field goals in the second half accounted for the 12 Crimson points. The Commodores scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 44-yard Pete Power touchdown pass to Cliff Flemore. In their third game, the Alabama freshmen defeated Ole Miss 13–6 at Denny Stadium.Charles Land Sharpless, Moore spark Baby Tide win https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19691025&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News October 25, 1969 4 October 16, 2013 After a 30-yard Randy Moore field goal gave Alabama a 3–0 first quarter lead, Johnny Sharpless scored on an eight-yard touchdown run in the second for a 10–0 halftime lead. Moore connected on a 33-yard field goal in the third and then Ole Miss scored their only points in the final minute of the game on a one-yard Norris Weese touchdown run. After a 35–0 victory at Tennessee, the Baby Tide closed the season with a 17–9 loss to Auburn at Cliff Hare Stadium Personnel Varsity letter winners Player Hometown Position David Bailey Bailey, Mississippi Split end Jeff Beard Bessemer, Alabama Defensive tackle David Beddingfield Gadsden, Alabama Quarterback Bill Blair Nashville, Tennessee Defensive back Paul Boschung Tuscaloosa, Alabama Defensive tackle Oran Buck Oak Ridge, Tennessee Placekicker Phil Chaffin Huntsville, Alabama Fullback Richard Ciemny Anthony, Kansas Placekicker Hugh Clay Gadsden, Alabama Guard Mike Dean Decatur, Georgia Defensive back Stephen Doran Murray, Kentucky Tight end Reid Drinkard Linden, Alabama Offensive guard Jim Duke Columbus, Georgia Defensive tackle Ken Emerson Columbus, Georgia Defensive back Charles Ferguson Cuthbert, Georgia Offensive guard Richard Ferguson Fort Payne, Alabama Offensive guard Danny Ford Gadsden, Alabama Offensive tackle Danny Gilbert Geraldine, Alabama Defensive back Don Gossett Knoxville, Tennessee Guard James Grammer Hartselle, Alabama Center Richard Grammer Hartselle, Alabama Center Mike Hand Tuscumbia, Alabama Linebacker Don Harris Vincent, Alabama Defensive tackle Neb Hayden Charlotte, North Carolina Quarterback Robert Higginbotham Hueytown, Alabama Defensive back Scott Hunter Prichard, Alabama Quarterback Hunter Husband Nashville, Tennessee Tight end Woodward Husband Nashville, Tennessee Linebacker Thomas Israel Haleyville, Alabama Guard Kenneth James Columbus, Georgia Tackle Pete Jilleba Madison, New Jersey Fullback Donny Johnston Birmingham, Alabama Halfback Griff Langston Birmingham, Alabama Split end Mickey Lee Enterprise, Alabama Fullback Frank Mann Birmingham, Alabama Placekicker Pete Moore Hopkinsville, Kentucky Fullback Johnny Musso Birmingham, Alabama Halfback Robin Parkhouse Orlando, Florida Defensive end George Ranager Meridian, Mississippi Split end Wayne Rhoads Jackson, Mississippi Defensive end Ronnie Roddam Birmingham, Alabama Center Jimmy Rosser Birmingham, Alabama Offensive tackle Terry Rowell Heidelberg, Mississippi Defensive tackle Alvin Samples Tarrant, Alabama Offensive guard Mike Sasser Brewton, Alabama Defensive back Bubba Sawyer Fairhope, Alabama Split end Buddy Seay Dadeville, Alabama Halfback Jim Simmons Yazoo City, Mississippi Tight end Robert Stanford Albany, Georgia Offensive tackle Rocky Stone Birmingham, Alabama Guard Ken Wilder Columbiana, Alabama Offensive tackle Steven Williams Moline, Illinois Defensive backReference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 187–201 Coaching staff Name Position Seasons atAlabama Alma mater Bear Bryant Head coach 12 Alabama (1936) Sam Bailey Assistant coach 12 Ouachita Baptist (1949) John David Crow Assistant coach 1 Texas A&M (1958) Ken Donahue Assistant coach 6 Tennessee (1951) Pat Dye Assistant coach 5 Georgia (1962) Jim Goostree Assistant coach 13 Tennessee (1952) Clem Gryska Assistant coach 10 Alabama (1948) Dude Hennessey Assistant coach 10 Kentucky (1955) Carney Laslie Assistant coach 13 Alabama (1934) Mal Moore Assistant coach 6 Alabama (1962) Dee Powell Assistant coach 7 Texas A&M (1957) Hayden Riley Assistant coach 12 Alabama (1948) Tom Rogers Assistant coach 4 Delta State (1956) Jack Rutledge Assistant coach 4 Alabama (1962) Jimmy Sharpe Assistant coach 7 Alabama (1962) Steve Sloan Assistant coach 2 Alabama (1966) Richard Williamson Assistant coach 6 Alabama (1963)Reference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203 References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/69-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1969 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics October 15, 2013 October 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131017104706/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/69-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 October 15, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130717112227/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf July 17, 2013 Specific Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football