1974 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1974 Alabama Crimson Tide football AlabamaFootballClassicLogo.png Southeastern Conference SEC 2 5 11–1 6–0 Bear Bryant 17th Bud Moore 1st Wishbone Ken Donahue 1st 5–2 Sylvester Croom Ricky Davis Denny StadiumLegion Field SEC champion Orange Bowl L Lost 11–13 vs. Notre Dame The 1974 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1974 NCAA Division I football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 80th overall and 41st season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 17th year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with eleven wins and one loss (11–1 overall, 6–0 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. As they entered the 1974 season, the Crimson Tide were one of the favorites to compete for the national championship. In their first game of the season, Alabama narrowly escaped with a win at Maryland in what was Bryant's first visit to College Park since he resigned as the Terrapins' head coach after their 1945 season. They followed with victories over Southern Miss, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss before they played in their closest game of the season against Florida State. Although the Crimson Tide entered their contest against the 0-4 Seminoles as a heavy favorite, they trailed for nearly the entire game until Bucky Berrey connected on the game-winning field goal from 36-yards out with only 0:33 left in the game. It was the closest Florida State would come to victory until scoring their only win at Miami in their ninth game to break a 20-game losing streak dating back to 1972. In their next game, Alabama defeated rival Tennessee. After the Vols scored on a second quarter touchdown run, the Crimson Tide defense did not surrender another for 17 consecutive quarters against TCU, Mississippi State, LSU, and Miami. Alabama then closed the season with an Iron Bowl victory over Auburn, but then failed to capture the national championship after they lost to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. The loss extended their winless streak in bowl games to eight (0–7–1), which ended the following year. Schedule 1974 AP September 14 w y y 3 Maryland 14 Byrd Stadium College Park, MD 21–16 54,412 September 21 w y 5 Southern Miss Legion Field Birmingham, AL 52–0 65,181 September 28 w 4 Vanderbilt Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 23–10 58,419 October 5 w y 3 Ole Miss Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS rivalry ABC 35–21 45,500 October 12 w y 3 Florida State Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 8–7 58,394 October 19 w y 4 Tennessee Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Third Saturday in October 28–6 74,286 October 26 w y 4 TCU Legion Field Birmingham, AL 41–3 63,191 November 2 w y 4 Mississippi State 17 Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 35–0 59,069 November 9 w 3 LSU Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry ABC 30–0 70,364 November 16 w y y 2 Miami (FL) Miami Orange Bowl Miami, FL 28–7 26,265 November 29 w y 2 Auburn 7 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl ABC 17–13 71,224 January 1, 1975 l y y 2 Notre Dame 9 Miami Orange Bowl Miami, FL Orange Bowl NBC 11–13 71,801 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1974 1974 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics July 5, 2014 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 Maryland 1974 Maryland Terrapins football team #3 Alabama 7 7 7 0 #14 Maryland 0 6 3 7 September 14 Byrd StadiumCollege Park, Maryland 54,412 Sources:Al Browning Terps pull plug, Alabama seals a leak https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NV80AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6374%2C2995205 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives B1 September 15, 1974 July 5, 2014Ray Kennedy Rare scare for the Bear https://www.si.com/vault/1974/09/23/617740/rare-scare-for-the-bear Sports Illustrated SI.com September 23, 1974 July 5, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Calvin Culliver 7-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Alabama Calvin Culliver 73-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 14–0 2 Maryland Steve Mike-Mayer 32-yard field goal Alabama 14–3 2 Maryland Steve Mike-Mayer 35-yard field goal Alabama 14–6 3 Maryland Steve Mike-Mayer 40-yard field goal Alabama 14–9 3 Alabama Richard Todd 1-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 21–9 4 Maryland Louis Carter 1-yard run (Steve Mike-Mayer kick) Alabama 21–16 yes As they entered their first game of the 1974 season, Alabama was ranked as the USA's No. 3 team and Maryland, coached by Bryant disciple Jerry Claiborne, as the No. 14 team in the AP Poll.Associated Press Notre Dame rises, Alabama sits at No. 3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MV80AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2138%2C2253096 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives 13 September 11, 1974 July 4, 2014 Before what was then the largest crowd to ever attend a college football game in the state of Maryland, the Crimson Tide entered the game as a two-touchdown favorite, but struggled to a 21–16 win over the Terrapins.1974 Season Recap Alabama took a 14–0 lead in the second quarter behind a pair of Calvin Culliver touchdown runs. He scored one in each of the first two quarter with the first from seven and the second from 73-yards. The Terrapins responded with a pair of Steve Mike-Mayer field goals from 32 and 35-yards in the second and one from 40-yards in the third that cut the lead to 14–9. After Richard Todd extended the Crimson Tide lead to 21–9 with his one-yard touchdown run in the third, Louis Carter made the final score 21–16 with his one-yard touchdown run for Maryland in the fourth. This game also marked the first for coach Bryant at College Park since he resigned as the Terrapins' head coach after their 1945 season. For his two touchdown, 169 yard performance, Culliver was recognized as the AP Southeastern Back of the Week.Mike McKenzie Calvin Culliver carries the ball to SE back honors https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N180AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7119%2C3638817 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives 9 September 17, 1974 July 5, 2014 Southern Miss 1974 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team Southern Miss 0 0 0 0 #5 Alabama 7 14 7 24 September 21 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 65,181 Sources:Mike McKenzie 52 to zero: What more can anybody say? 1B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O180AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6433%2C4300857 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News September 22, 1974 July 5, 2014Associated Press Alabama rolls to 52–0 win B2 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ji8sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_ssEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5134%2C4479443 Google News Archives Spartanburg Herald-Journal September 22, 1974 July 5, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Richard Todd 11-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Alabama Russ Schamun 42-yard pass from Richard Todd (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 14–0 2 Alabama Randy Billingsley 5-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 21–0 3 Alabama Jack O'Rear 30-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 28–0 4 Alabama Danny Ridgeway 27-yard field goal Alabama 31–0 4 Alabama Ralph Stokes 25-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 38–0 4 Alabama Rick Watson 11-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 45–0 4 Alabama John Boles 50-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 52–0 yes After their closer than expected victory over Maryland, Alabama dropped into the No. 5 position of the AP Poll prior to their game against Southern Miss.Associated Press Tide drops two spots; ND is No. 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N180AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5363%2C3640345 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives 9 September 17, 1974 July 4, 2014 Against the Golden Eagles the Crimson Tide amassed 643 yards of total offense en route to this 52–0 victory at Legion Field. Alabama took a 7–0 first quarter lead on an 11-yard Richard Todd touchdown run. They then extended it to 21–0 at halftime behind a 42-yard Todd touchdown pass to Russ Schamun and a five-yard Randy Billingsley touchdown run. A 30-yard Jack O'Rear touchdown run in the third made the score 28–0 as they entered the fourth quarter. In the final period, Danny Ridgeway connected on a 27-yard field goal and touchdowns were scored on runs of 25, 11 and 50-yards by Ralph Stokes, Rick Watson and John Boles respectively. Vanderbilt 1974 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Vanderbilt 3 0 0 7 #4 Alabama 7 3 10 3 September 28 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 58,419 Sources:Steve Martin Vandy proves it can play too 1A https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QV80AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5612%2C5660906 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News September 29, 1974 July 5, 2014Randy Johnson Alabama passing is key factor in 23–10 victory over Vandy 37 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IaofAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jdYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=680%2C5371408 Google News Archives The Gadsden Times September 29, 1974 July 5, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Calvin Culliver 85-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 1 Vanderbilt Mark Adams 20-yard field goal Alabama 7–3 2 Alabama Bucky Berrey 36-yard field goal Alabama 10–3 3 Alabama Russ Schamun 14-yard pass from Richard Todd (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 17–3 3 Alabama Bucky Berrey 42-yard field goal Alabama 20–3 4 Alabama Danny Ridgeway 27-yard field goal Alabama 23–3 4 Vanderbilt Walter Overton 26-yard pass from Fred Fisher (Mark Adams kick) Alabama 23–10 yes After their victory over Southern Miss, Alabama moved into the No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Associated Press Winning Irish take drop, Alabama moves to fourth 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PF80AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5544%2C4980564 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News September 24, 1974 July 5, 2014 Against the Commodores, Vanderbilt, coached by Steve Sloan, the starting quarterback for the Tide's 1965 national championship team, kept it close, but ultimately fell to the Crimson Tide 23–10 in the first Tuscaloosa game of the season. After Calvin Culliver gave Alabama a 7–0 lead with his 85-yard touchdown run, Mark Adams connected on a 20-yard field goal for Vanderbilt that made the score 7–3 at the end of the first quarter. A 36-yard Bucky Berrey field goal in the second quarter gave the Crimson Tide a 10–3 halftime lead. In the third, Richard Todd threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Russ Schamun and Berrey connected on a 42-yard field goal that made the score 20–3 as the teams entered the final quarter. In the fourth, Danny Ridgeway connected on a 27-yard field goal for Alabama and Fred Fisher threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Walter Overton for the Commodores that made the final score 23–10. Ole Miss 1974 Ole Miss Rebels football team #3 Alabama 7 7 14 7 Ole Miss 0 7 14 0 October 5 Memorial StadiumJackson, Mississippi 45,500 Sources:Al Browning Willie Shelby has the last laugh in Tide win Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 6, 1974 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TEYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6578%2C784989 July 5, 2014Associated Press Alabama gains victory over Ole Miss, 35–21 12 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4AsdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=J5cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5253%2C696113 Google News Archives Daily News October 6, 1974 July 5, 2014 yes 1 Alabama James Taylor 3-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Ole Miss Kenneth Lyons 9-yard run (Stephen Lavinghouze kick) 7–7 2 Alabama Willie Shelby 3-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 14–7 3 Ole Miss Kenneth Lyons 1-yard run (Stephen Lavinghouze kick) 14–14 3 Ole Miss Gary Turner 42-yard interception return (Stephen Lavinghouze kick) Ole Miss 21–14 3 Alabama Willie Shelby 58-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) 21–21 3 Alabama Rick Watson 8-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 28–21 4 Alabama Richard Todd 1-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 35–21 yes After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved into the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Ole Miss.Associated Press Tide third in college... https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19741001&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 1, 1974 10 July 5, 2014 Playing before a televised audience, the Crimson Tide defeated the Rebels 35–21 at Jackson. Alabama took an early 7–0 lead on a three-yard James Taylor run in the first quarter. After the Rebels tied the game 7–7 on a nine-yard Kenneth Lyons touchdown run in the second, the Crimson Tide responded with a three-yard Willie Shelby touchdown run for a 14–7 halftime lead. In the third, Ole Miss briefly took a 21–14 lead after touchdowns were scored on a one-yard Lyons run and a 42-yard Gary Turner interception return. Alabama responded with a pair of third quarter touchdowns of their own on runs of 58-yards by Shelby and eight-yards by Rick Watson. A one-yard Richard Todd touchdown run in the fourth quarter made the final score 35–21. Florida State 1974 Florida State Seminoles football team Florida State 7 0 0 0 #3 Alabama 0 0 3 5 October 12 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 58,394 Sources:Al Browning Prayer vs. The Bear Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 13, 1974 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UUYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3285%2C2327277 July 5, 20141974 Flashback: Alabama 8, Florida State 7 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092707aaa.html RollTide.com July 5, 2014 yes 1 Florida State Larry Key 6-yard run (Ahmet Askin kick) Florida State 7–0 3 Alabama Bucky Berrey 44-yard field goal Florida State 7–3 4 Alabama Joe Downey ran out of the back of the end zone for safety Florida State 7–5 4 Alabama Bucky Berrey 36-yard field goal Alabama 8–7 yes After their victory over Ole Miss, Alabama retained their No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Florida State.Associated Press Alabama remains third https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TUYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2901%2C1563195 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 8, 1974 11 July 5, 2014 Against the Seminoles, the Crimson Tide trailed until the final minute of regulation when Bucky Berrey converted the game-winning field goal for the 8–7 victory. The Seminoles took the opening kickoff and drove 78-yards on nine plays for a 7–0 lead behind a six-yard Larry Key touchdown run. Florida State, which was 0-11 in 1973 and would finish 1974 1-10, continued to hold their touchdown lead through the third quarter when the Crimson Tide scored their first points on a 44-yard Berrey field goal. With just 1:27 left in the game, Seminoles head coach Darrell Mudra elected to take an intentional safety instead of attempting a punt out of the endzone. He made this decision as Alabama had been close on a couple of previous attempts to block punts during the game, and did not want a block to occur in the endzone. Down now 7–5, the Crimson Tide drove into field goal territory and Berrey hit the game winner from 36-yards out with only 0:33 left in the game. Tennessee 1974 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October #4 Alabama 0 7 14 7 Tennessee 0 6 0 0 October 19 Neyland StadiumKnoxville, Tennessee 74,286 Sources:Al Browning Tide answers some dissenters' questions https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19741020&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives B-1 October 20, 1974 August 2, 2014UPI Shelby, Culliver lead Alabama on 28–6 route https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bcFLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=STMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7110%2C2801553 Rome News-Tribune Google News Archives 2C October 20, 1974 August 2, 2014 yes 2 Alabama Willie Shelby 13-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Tennessee Stanley Morgan 64-yard run (Ricky Townsend kick failed) Alabama 7–6 3 Alabama Willie Shelby 19-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 14–6 3 Alabama Calvin Culliver 30-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 21–6 4 Alabama Calvin Culliver 6-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–6 yes After their closer than expected victory over Florida State, Alabama dropped into the No. 4 position prior to their game at Tennessee.Associated Press Alabama drops a notch 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UUYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3604%2C2944408 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 15, 1974 August 2, 2014 Both Willie Shelby and Calvin Culliver each scored a pair of touchdowns for the Crimson Tide in this 28–6 victory over the Volunteers. After a scoreless first, Alabama took a 7–0 on a 13-yard touchdown run by Willie Shelby in the second quarter. Tennessee responded with their only points on a 64-yard Stanley Morgan touchdown run and made the halftime score 7–6. The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 21–6 at the end of the third behind touchdown runs of 19-yards by Shelby and 30-yards by Calvin Culliver. Culliver then scored the final points of the game with his six-yard touchdown run that made the final score 28–6. TCU 1974 TCU Horned Frogs football team TCU 0 3 0 0 #4 Alabama 14 7 7 13 October 26 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 63,191 Sources:Steve Martin Frogs flunk it, 41–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WkYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5736%2C5581528 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 27, 1974 1A August 2, 2014Jim Furlong Alabama carves Frogs, 41–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EaofAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rNYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4799%2C5472921 Google News Archives The Gadsden Times October 27, 1974 37 August 2, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Robert Fraley 4-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 1 Alabama Rick Watson 1-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 14–0 2 TCU Tony Biasatti 30-yard field goal Alabama 14–3 2 Alabama George Pugh 5-yard pass from Robert Fraley (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 21–3 3 Alabama Ozzie Newsome 15-yard pass from Robert Fraley (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 28–3 4 Alabama Jerry Brown 15-yard pass from Jack O'Rear (Run failed) Alabama 34–3 4 Alabama Jack O'Rear 21-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 41–3 yes After their victory over Tennessee, Alabama retained their No. 4 position prior to their out of conference match-up against Texas Christian University (TCU) at Legion Field.Associated Press Alabama remains fourth https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19741022&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 22, 1974 8 August 2, 2014 Against the Horned Frogs of the Southwest Conference, Alabama won 41–3 for their first all-time victory over TCU. The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 lead in the first quarter behind touchdown runs of four and one-yard by Robert Fraley and Rick Watson before TCU scored their only points on a 30-yard Tony Biasatti field goal in the second. Alabama responded with a five-yard Robert Fraley touchdown pass to George Pugh just prior to the break that made the score 21–3 at halftime. The Crimson Tide continued their scoring with three second half touchdowns en route to their 41–3 victory. Ozzie Newsome scored on a 15-yard Fraley pass in the third and Jack O'Rear threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Brown and scored on a 21-yard run in the fourth. Mississippi State 1974 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team #17 Mississippi State 0 0 0 0 #4 Alabama 6 13 0 16 November 2 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 59,069 Sources:Al Browning Tide dunks 'Dogs https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jEYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EZ0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5685%2C205167 The Florence Times Google News Archives 1 November 3, 1974 August 22, 2014Jimmy Smothers Defense shines in Tide romp https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a6ofAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ltYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3656%2C252616 The Gadsden Times Google News Archives 37 November 3, 1974 August 22, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Robert Fraley 1-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick failed) Alabama 6–0 2 Alabama Calvin Culliver 1-yard run (2-point run failed) Alabama 12–0 2 Alabama Richard Todd 2-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 19–0 4 Alabama Randy Billingsley 7-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick failed) Alabama 25–0 4 Alabama Bucky Berrey 42-yard field goal Alabama 28–0 4 Alabama Ray Sewell 5-yard run (Ron DiChiara kick) Alabama 35–0 yes As they entered their game against Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No. 4 position in the AP Poll and the Bulldogs were in the No. 17 position.Associated Press Alabama remains fourth, Ohio State remains on top 8 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W0YgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5534%2C6332165 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 29, 1974 August 22, 2014 On homecoming and before what was then the largest crowd in the history of Denny Stadium, the Crimson Tide shutout Mississippi State 35–0 for the second consecutive season. Alabama took a 6–0 first quarter lead behind a one-yard Robert Fraley touchdown run. They then extended it to 19–0 at halftime behind touchdown runs of one-yard by Calvin Culliver and two-yards by Richard Todd. After a scoreless third, the Crimson Tide closed the game with 16 fourth quarter points for the 35–0 win. Touchdowns were scored in the final period on runs of seven-yards by Randy Billingsley and five-yards by Ray Sewell with a 42-yard Bucky Berrey field goal providing for the final margin. LSU 1974 LSU Tigers football team LSU 0 0 0 0 #3 Alabama 7 16 0 7 November 9 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 70,364 ABC Sources:Al Browning Cook gets a nice birthday present https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jUYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EZ0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=6374%2C1935225 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives B1 November 10, 1974 August 22, 2014Associated Press Alabama clinches tie for SEC title https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9wciAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tMwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5708%2C3822565 Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal Google News Archives 2C November 10, 1974 August 22, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Calvin Culliver 1-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Alabama Danny Ridgeway 20-yard field goal Alabama 10–0 2 Alabama Ricky Davis 29-yard fumble return (2-point pass failed) Alabama 16–0 2 Alabama Richard Todd 3-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 23–0 4 Alabama Jack O'Rear 2-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 30–0 yes After their victory over Mississippi State, Alabama moved into the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their nationally televised game against LSU.Associated Press Crimson Tide up to third in AP Poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jEYgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EZ0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5284%2C1031866 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 5, 1974 11 August 22, 2014 With their 30–0 victory over the rival Tigers, the Crimson Tide secured both a share of the 1974 conference championship and a place in the Orange Bowl. Alabama took a 7–0 first quarter lead behind a one-yard Calvin Culliver touchdown run. They extended it further to 23–0 at halftime after points were scored on a 20-yard Danny Ridgeway field goal, a 29-yard Ricky Davis fumble return and on a three-yard Richard Todd touchdown run. After a scoreless third, the Crimson Tide closed with a two-yard Jack O'Rear touchdown run in the fourth for the 30–0 win. For their performances, Willie Shelby was recognized as the SEC Back of the Week and Leroy Cook was recognized as the SEC Lineman of the Week.Mike McKenzie Tide's Cook, Shelby sweep AP honors https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19741112&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 12, 1974 9 August 22, 2014 Miami (FL) 1974 Miami Hurricanes football team #2 Alabama 14 7 0 7 Miami 0 0 0 7 November 16 Orange BowlMiami, Florida 26,265 Sources:Mike McKenzie 50,000 who stayed away made Tide win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k0YgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EZ0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=6438%2C3328157 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 17, 1974 B1 August 22, 2014Associated Press Tide stifles Miami, 28–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o84hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=n54FAAAAIBAJ&pg=4160%2C789085 Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal Google News Archives B1 November 17, 1974 August 22, 2014 yes 1 Alabama George Pugh 8-yard pass from Richard Todd (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 1 Alabama Jerry Brown 8-yard pass from Richard Todd (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 14–0 2 Alabama Gary Rutledge 12-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 21–0 4 Miami Johnny Williams 1-yard run (Chris Dennis kick) Alabama 21–7 4 Alabama Willie Shelby 62-yard punt return (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 28–7 yes As they entered their game against Miami, Alabama moved into the No. 2 position in the AP Poll.Associated Press Tide is second, Sooners No. 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19741112&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 12, 1974 9 August 22, 2014 Before a relatively small crowd (one-third the size of the sellout crowd which jammed the Orange Bowl the next day to watch the Miami Dolphins defeat the Buffalo Bills), Alabama defeated the Hurricanes 28–7 and secured Bryant's 150th victory as head coach of the Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide opened the game with a pair of eight-yard Richard Todd touchdown passes to George Pugh and Jerry Brown for a 14–0 lead. They then extended their lead to 21–0 at halftime behind a 12-yard Gary Rutledge touchdown run in the second quarter. After a scoreless third, Miami scored their only points on a one-yard Johnny Williams touchdown run in the fourth that marked the first touchdown scored against the Crimson Tide defense in 17 quarters. Alabama responded with a 62-yard Willie Shelby punt return late in the fourth that made the final score 28–7. Auburn 1974 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl #2 Alabama 7 3 7 0 #7 Auburn 0 7 0 6 November 29 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 71,224 ABC Sources:Al Browning Tide douses fired-up Auburn, 17–13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=m0YgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EZ0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=7174%2C6309616 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives 1 November 30, 1974 August 22, 2014Harold Stout Alabama tips Auburn, 17–13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=riUsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_ccEAAAAIBAJ&pg=827%2C6312824 The Florence Times-Daily Google News Archives 2 November 30, 1974 August 22, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Willie Shelby 45-yard pass from Richard Todd (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 7–0 2 Alabama Bucky Berrey 36-yard field goal Alabama 10–0 2 Auburn Secdrick McIntyre 1-yard run (Chris Wilson kick) Alabama 10–7 3 Alabama Calvin Culliver 13-yard run (Danny Ridgeway kick) Alabama 17–7 4 Auburn Phil Gargis 2-yard run (2-point pass failed) Alabama 17–13 yes As they entered the annual Iron Bowl, Alabama retained the No. 2 position and Auburn the No. 7 in the AP Poll prior to their match-up at Legion Field.Associated Press Alabama remains in second spot https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19741125&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 26, 1974 11 August 22, 2014 Against the Tigers, the Crimson Tide were victorious as they edged out a 17–13 win at Birmingham. Alabama scored on a 45-yard Richard Todd touchdown pass to Willie Shelby in the first and on a 36-yard Bucky Berrey field goal in the second for a 10–0 lead. Auburn responded with a one-yard Secdrick McIntyre touchdown run late in the second that made the halftime score 10–7. The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 17–7 early in the third with their only second half points on a 13-yard Calvin Culliver touchdown run. The Tigers then brought the final margin to 17–13 with a two-yard Phil Gargis touchdown run in the fourth. Notre Dame 1975 Orange Bowl 1974 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team Orange Bowl #9 Notre Dame 7 6 0 0 #2 Alabama 0 3 0 8 January 1, 1975 Orange BowlMiami, Florida 71,801 NBC Sources:Mike McKenzie Mistakes spell defeat for Tide https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=P0cgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=E50EAAAAIBAJ&pg=7250%2C432410 13 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News January 2, 1975 August 22, 2014Associated Press Notre Dame ends Alabama's dream of championship with 13–11 victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SVYzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uPIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1483%2C4380844 17 Google News Archives The Gettysburg Times January 2, 1975 August 22, 2014 yes 1 Notre Dame Wayne Bullock 4-yard run (Dave Reeve kick) Notre Dame 7–0 2 Notre Dame Mark McLane 9-yard run (Dave Reeve kick failed) Notre Dame 13–0 2 Alabama Danny Ridgeway 21-yard field goal Notre Dame 13–3 4 Alabama Russ Schamun 48-yard pass from Richard Todd (2-point pass good) Notre Dame 13–11 yes Playing for what would have been a second consecutive UPI national championship against Notre Dame, Alabama was upset by the Fighting Irish 13–11 in the Orange Bowl. Notre Dame took a 13–0 lead behind touchdown runs of four-yards by Wayne Bullock in the first and nine-yards by Mark McLane in the second quarter. A 21-yard Danny Ridgeway field goal for Alabama made the halftime score 13–3. After a scoreless third, the Crimson Tide scored the final points of the game on a 48-yard Richard Todd touchdown pass to Russ Schamun that made the final score 13–11. Roster 1974 Alabama Crimson Tide y Bo Batey OG SO n Randy Billingsley 26 RB S n Duffy Boles 38 RB J n Joey Bolton RB SO n Jim Bradford OT SO n Jerry Brown TE J n Woody Buchanan OT SO n Sylvester Croom 59 C S y Calvin Culliver 33 FB SO n Bobby Davis OT SO n Bobby Duke RB SO n Donnie Faust RB SO n Les Fowler QB SO n Robert Fraley 12 QB J n David Gerasimchuk OG SO n Dennis Gramann HB SO n John Gunnels HB SO n Gary Hanrahan OG J n Joe Dale Harris 84 RB J n Bob Haught FB SO n Ronnie Kuykendall FB SO n John LaBue HB SO n Rand Lambert 58 C S n K. J. Lazenby C SO n Ralph McElreath OT SO n Barry McGee OT J n David McIntyre C SO n Rick McLain TE SO n Ray Maxwell OG J n Tom Nelson 28 TE J n Jack O'Rear QB SO n Gary Oser OT SO n Steve Patterson 71 OG S n Lefty Perry HB J n Buddy Pope OT J n George Pugh 88 TE J y George Pugh (American football) Mark Reese OG SO n Danny Ridgeway 15 QB J n John Rogers 61 OG S n Larry Ruffin OG J n Gary Rutledge 11 QB S n Russ Schamun 25 SE SO n Willie Shelby 30 RB J y Jimbo Smith HB J n Sid Smith C SO n Mike Stock RB J n Ralph Stokes 42 RB S n Sam Tate WR J n James Taylor 27 RB J n Chip Tillman OT SO n Richard Todd 14 QB J y Richard Todd (American football) Jim Ward HB SO n Jerry Washco OT J n Rick Watson FB SO n Richard Whitley 72 OG S n Darrell Owen WR SR n Tom Baggett SS SO n Ronnie Joe Barnes DT J n Bob Baumhower 91 DT SO y Ray Bolden 17 S J n Tom Bouck LB SO n Neil Callaway LB SO y Pete Cavan DB SO n Mike Christian DE SO n Danny Collins DE SO n Leroy Cook 98 DE J y John Crowe S SO n Ricky Davis 19 DB S y Ricky Davis (American football) Mike DuBose 54 LB S y Conley Duncan LB J n Thad Flanagan DB SO n Steve Ford DB J n Randy Hall 62 DT S n Charles Hannah DT SO n Paul Harris DE SO y Paul Harris (American football) Bill Harrison DT SO n Bill Henderson DT SO n Bruce Hodges DE SO n Colenzo Hubbard LB SO n Tim Hurst DT SO n Chuck Justice DB SO n Tyrone King J SO n Steve Kulback 66 DT J n Mark Lipari LB SO n Woodrow Lowe LB J y James McArthur DE SO n Sam Maddox DE SO n Greg Montgomery J SO n Danny Neal LB SO n John Niehaus DE SO n Alan Pizzitola S J n Mark Prudhomme SS J n Wayne Rhodes DB J y Mike Riley 23 DB S y Mike Riley (American football) Ronnie Robertson 55 LB S n John Sheehan LB SO n Jack Smalley LB SO n Dick Turpin DE J n Mike Washington 34 DB S y Mike Washington (cornerback) Gus White DT SO n Bucky Berrey PK SO n Mike Davis PK SO n Ron Dichiara PK J n Darrell Owen 82 WR SR n Rod Nelson PK SO n https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/rolltide.com/documents/2010/4/21/74-m-footbl-roster.pdf?timestamp=20160610120159 February 24, 2024 Bear Bryant (17th year, Alabama) Paul Crane (1st year, Alabama) Ken Donahue (11th year, Tennessee) Jim Goostree (18th year, Tennessee) Clem Gryska (15th year, Alabama) Curley Hallman (2nd year, Texas A&M) Dude Hennessey (15th year, Kentucky) Al Kincaid (1st year, Virginia Tech) Bobby Marks (3rd year, Texas A&M) Ken Martin (4th year, Alabama) John Mitchell (2nd year, Alabama) Bud Moore (3rd year, Alabama) Mal Moore (11th year, Alabama) Bill Oliver (4th year, Alabama) Dee Powell (11th year, Texas A&M) Jack Rutledge (9th year, Alabama) References:http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/74-m-footbl-roster.pdf 1974 Season Roster RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics August 2, 2014 June 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130626043111/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/74-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 1974 squad were selected in the NFL draft in the 1975, 1976 and 1977. These players included: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team1975 NFL draftNational Football League http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school Draft History by School–Alabama August 22, 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 3 53 Mike Washington Mike Washington (cornerback) Defensive back Baltimore Colts 8 195 Ricky Davis Ricky Davis (American football) Defensive back Cincinnati Bengals1976 NFL draft 1 6 Richard Todd Richard Todd (American football) Quarterback New York Jets 4 108 Wayne Rhodes Defensive back Chicago Bears 5 131 Woodrow Lowe Linebacker San Diego Chargers 5 138 Willie Shelby Running back Cincinnati Bengals 10 290 Leroy Cook Defensive end Dallas Cowboys 12 341 Joe Dale Harris 1 Wide receiver Cincinnati Bengals1977 NFL draft 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 Broncos References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/74-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1974 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics July 5, 2014 August 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115503/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/74-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 July 5, 2014 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 Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football