1963 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1963 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 9 8 9–2 6–2 Bear Bryant 6th Howard Schnellenberger 3rd Gene Stallings 2nd Steve Allen Benny Nelson Denny StadiumLegion FieldLadd Stadium Sugar Bowl champion Sugar Bowl W Won 12–7 vs. Ole Miss The 1963 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1963 NCAA University Division football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 69th overall and 30th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his sixth year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Legion Field in Birmingham and Ladd Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. They finished season with nine wins and two losses (9–2 overall, 6–2 in the SEC) and with a victory over Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. The Crimson Tide opened the season with wins at Georgia, against Tulane in Mobile and at Vanderbilt en route to a 3–0 start. However, in their fourth game, Alabama was upset by Florida in what was coach Bryant's first loss at Denny Stadium as head coach. They rebounded the week that followed with a shutout victory over Tennessee and then won their next three games against Houston, Mississippi State and Georgia Tech. In the annual Iron Bowl against Auburn, the Crimson Tide were defeated for the first time by the Tigers since the 1958 season. Although they lost, immediately after the game Alabama accepted an invitation to play Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. Before the bowl, the Crimson Tide defeated Miami in their final game of the regular season. They then closed the season with a victory over Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. Schedule 1963 AP September 21 w y 3 Georgia Sanford Stadium Athens, GA rivalry 32–7 34,980 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-paducah-sun-bama-whips-georgia-327/133378459/ The Paducah Sun-Democrat Bama whips Georgia 32–7 in SEC duel September 22, 1963 October 12, 2023 Newspapers.com September 28 w 2 Tulane Ladd Stadium Mobile, AL 28–0 30,102 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85679535/crimson-tide-rolls-early-hangs-on-to-be/ The Montgomery Advertiser Crimson Tide rolls early, hangs on to beat Tulane September 29, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com October 5 w y 2 Vanderbilt Dudley Field Nashville, TN 21–6 23,848 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-jackson-sun-vandy-falls-to-alabama-i/133358929/ The Jackson Sun Vandy falls to Alabama in SEC game October 6, 1963 October 12, 2023 Newspapers.com October 12 l 3 Florida Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 6–10 42,309 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-decatur-daily-underdog-gators-in-10/133360882/ The Decatur Daily Underdog Gators in 10–6 football shocker over 3rd ranked Bama October 13, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com October 19 w 9 Tennessee Legion Field Birmingham, AL Third Saturday in October 35–0 53,454 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101271718/bama-passes-crush-tennessee-by-350/ The Courier-Journal Bama passes crush Tennessee by 35–0 October 20, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com October 26 w y 6 Houston Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 21–13 28,022 https://www.newspapers.com/article/waco-tribune-herald-injury-riddled-tide/133378632/ Waco Tribune-Herald Injury-riddled Tide pounds Houston, 21–13 October 27, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com November 2 w y 7 Mississippi State Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 20–19 42,508 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montgomery-advertiser-tides-bryant/133373795/ The Montgomery Advertiser Tide's Bryant proud after Alabama rally November 3, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com November 16 w 7 Georgia Tech Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry 27–11 53,938 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-infantry-wins-day-fo/133372769/ The Birmingham News Infantry wins day for Tide November 17, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com November 30 l y 6 Auburn 9 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl 8–10 54,152 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-auburn-gets-tide-orange/133378765/ The Nashville Tennessean Auburn gets Tide, Orange bid December 1, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com December 14 w y y 8 Miami (FL) Miami Orange Bowl Miami, FL CBS 17–12 25,472 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-miami-bows-to-alabama/133378826/ The Baltimore Sun Miami bows to Alabama December 15, 1963 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com January 1, 1964 w y y 8 Ole Miss 7 Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA NBC Sugar Bowl, rivalry 12–7 80,785 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal-davis-boots-bama/133378892/ The Selma Times-Journal Davis boots Bama over Rebels, 12–7 January 2, 1964 October 13, 2023 Newspapers.com http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1963 1963 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics March 22, 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 Georgia 1963 Georgia Bulldogs football team #3 Alabama 7 3 7 15 Georgia 7 0 0 0 September 21 Sanford StadiumAthens, GA 34,980 Sources:Charles Land Alabama whips Georgia, 32–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TRcfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-JoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3258%2C2896958 The Tuscaloosa News September 22, 1963 9 March 23, 2013Associated Press Crimson Tide powers over Georgia Bulldogs, 32 to 7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YpskAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dTEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5496%2C2253938 Rome News-Tribune September 22, 1963 8 March 23, 2013 To open the 1963 season, the Crimson Tide defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 32–7 on the road at Athens.1963 Season Recap The lone Georgia touchdown was set up in the first quarter when Ken Davis recovered a Joe Namath fumble at the Alabama 26-yard line. Seven plays later, Georgia led 7–0 after Fred Barber scored on a three-yard run. The Crimson Tide tied the game later in the quarter on a 47-yard Namath touchdown pass to Charles Stephens and then took a 10–7 halftime lead when Tim Davis connected on a 38-yard field goal in the second quarter. Mike Fracchia then scored the next pair of Alabama touchdowns on runs of five and one-yard before Preston Ridlehuber was tackled for a safety in the fourth quarter. A 41-yard Jack Hurlbut touchdown pass to Jimmy Dill late in the fourth made the final score 32–7. Tulane 1963 Tulane Green Wave football team Tulane 0 0 0 0 #2 Alabama 7 14 7 0 September 28 Ladd StadiumMobile, AL 30,102 Sources:Charles Land Tide rolls over Tulane, 28–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=URcfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-JoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2444%2C3860031 The Tuscaloosa News September 29, 1963 9 March 23, 2013Stan Atkins Associated Press Alabama rips Tulane 28–0 in second half https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0cwpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DQUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4947%2C5857308 Ocala Star-Banner September 29, 1963 16 March 23, 2013 After their victory over Georgia to open the season, Alabama up one spot in the AP Poll to the No. 2 position.Associated Press Tide second in grid poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TxcfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-JoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7150%2C3206803 The Tuscaloosa News September 24, 1963 8 March 23, 2013 At Mobile, the Crimson Tide shutout the Tulane Green Wave 28–0 in their annual Ladd Stadium game of the season. Alabama took a 7–0 lead in the first quarter after Joe Namath scored on a one-yard touchdown run. The extended their lead to 21–0 at halftime after Benny Nelson scored on a 33-yard run and by Billy Piper on a 51-yard interception return. A 20-yard Hudson Harris touchdown run in the third quarter provided for the final margin in this 28–0 Crimson Tide win. Vanderbilt 1963 Vanderbilt Commodores football team #2 Alabama 7 7 7 0 Vanderbilt 0 6 0 0 October 5 Dudley FieldNashville, TN 23,848 Sources:Hap Halbrooks Vandy tries, but fails https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mBksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jcYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1418%2C3621706 The Florence Times October 6, 1963 11 March 24, 2013Associated Press Benny Nelson paces Bama victory, 21–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8n0yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wukFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3636%2C2517171 The Miami News October 6, 1963 2C March 24, 2013 After their victory over Tulane, Alabama retained its No. 2 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.John Chandler Associated Press Sooners capture top spot in poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6g0fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_JoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4900%2C63558 The Tuscaloosa News October 1, 1963 9 March 24, 2013 At Nashville, the Crimson Tide defeated the Commodores 21–6 in a game that saw Benny Nelson score twice on long touchdown runs for Alabama. Midway through the first quarter, Nelson gave the Crimson Tide a 7–0 lead with his 50-yard touchdown run. Vanderbilt responded in the second quarter with a 25-yard Jon Cleveland touchdown pass to Toby Wilt; however the extra point was blocked and Alabama retained a 7–6 lead. Mike Fracchia then scored on a one-yard touchdown run that made the halftime score 14–6. Nelson then scored the final points of the game with his 97-yard kickoff return in the third quarter that made the final score 21–6. Florida 1963 Florida Gators football team Florida 3 0 0 7 #3 Alabama 0 0 0 6 October 12 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 42,309 Sources:Buddy Martin Biggest Gator victory yet https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2_YjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CQUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4039%2C2801272 Ocala Star-Banner October 13, 1963 25 March 24, 2013John Crittenden Florida holds on to upset Alabama https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-X0yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wukFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1168%2C4564963 The Miami News October 13, 1963 1C March 24, 2013 After their closer than expected victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama dropped from the No. 2 to the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Florida.Associated Press Bama third in grid poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8A0fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_JoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5744%2C1026934 The Tuscaloosa News October 8, 1963 10 March 24, 2013 In what was the first Tuscaloosa game of the season, the 17-point favorite Crimson Tide were upset by the Gators 10–6 in what was also coach Bryant's first loss as head coach at Denny Stadium. Bob Lyle gave the Gators an early 3–0 lead with his 42-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Alabama defense then produced a pair of goal line stands in the first half that resulted in a 3–0 Florida lead at halftime. After a scoreless third, Florida took a 10–0 lead in the fourth when Dick Kirk scored on a 42-yard touchdown run. With just over 2:00 left in the game, Joe Namath scored on a one-yard run to end the shutout bid, but Alabama still lost 10–6. Tennessee 1963 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October Tennessee 0 0 0 0 #9 Alabama 14 7 14 0 October 19 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 53,454 Sources:Charles Land Namath fires Tide to 35–0 win over Vols https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-Q0fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_JoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7275%2C2652052 The Tuscaloosa News October 20, 1963 11 March 24, 2013Associated Press Alabama crushes Tennessee 35–0 with bruising defense https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vnEsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2ssEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1613%2C2671109 Spartanburg Herald-Journal October 20, 1963 C2 March 24, 2013 Alabama dropped from the No. 3 position back into the No. 9 spot in the week leading into their game at Tennessee after their upset loss against Florida.Associated Press Texas climbs into college poll lead https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BBlWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BeMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6053%2C2444370 Eugene Register-Guard October 15, 1963 3B March 24, 2013 Against the Volunteers, Alabama shutout Tennessee 35–0 in the first Legion Field game of the season. The Crimson Tide took a 7–0 lead in the first quarter after Benny Nelson scored on a 36-yard touchdown run. Joe Namath then was responsible for the remaining four touchdowns scored on the afternoon. He first threw a 26-yard scoring pass to Jimmy Dill late in the first and then threw a three-yard pass to Charles Stephens in the second that gave Alabama a 21–0 halftime lead. In the third, Namath threw his third touchdown pass to Hudson Harris from five-yards out then scored himself on a one-yard run that made the final score 35–0. Houston 1963 Houston Cougars football team Houston 0 7 0 6 #6 Alabama 7 0 7 7 October 26 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 28,022 Sources:Ronnie Thomas Nelson, Namath pace Bama by snarling Cougars, 21–13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Fg0qAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Z9UEAAAAIBAJ&pg=764%2C2833818 The Gadsden Times October 27, 1963 21 March 24, 2013Associated Press Tide rises over tough Cougars, 21–13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c09SAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3nwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6863%2C3151285 St. Petersburg Times October 27, 1963 2C March 17, 2013 As a result of their shutout win over Tennessee, the Crimson Tide moved into the No. 6 position in the AP poll prior to their game against Houston.Associated Press Eyes of poll pretenders still look up to Texas https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DkxQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4lYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6976%2C3757601 The Evening Independent October 22, 1963 14A March 24, 2013 Against a winless Cougars squad, Alabama struggled to a 21–13 victory at Denny Stadium. After a seven-yard Joe Namath touchdown pass to Benny Nelson gave the Crimson Tide a 7–0 lead in the first, a 41-yard Jack Skrog touchdown pass to Mike Spratt in the second for Houston tied the game 7–7 at halftime. The Crimson Tide retook the lead in the third on a 35-yard Nelson touchdown run and extended it to 21–7 on a 12-yard Namath touchdown pass to Ray Ogden early in the fourth. The Cougars then cut the lead to 21–13 after Spratt scored on a 75-yard touchdown run, but were unable to complete the comeback in the loss. Mississippi State 1963 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team Mississippi State 0 12 7 0 #7 Alabama 3 10 0 7 November 2 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 42,508 Sources:United Press International Alabama wins, 20–19 on Namath passes https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0MAbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-E4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2014%2C714800 The Pittsburgh Press November 3, 1963 4-4 March 24, 2013Ronnie Thomas State washed by Tide https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rAcpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mdUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1475%2C210895 The Gadsden Times November 3, 1963 23 March 24, 2013 Although they did defeat Houston in their previous contest, Alabama dropped into the No. 7 ranking as they prepared to play Mississippi State.Hugh Jr. Fullerton Associated Press Auburn moves past Tide into fifth place in poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_Q0fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_JoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7170%2C4013613 The Tuscaloosa News October 29, 1963 9 March 24, 2013 On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide scored a game-winning touchdown in the final four minutes of the game and defeated the Bulldogs 20–19. After Alabama took an early 3–0 lead on a 43-yard Tim Davis field goal in the first, State responded and took a 12–3 lead in the second quarter. The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on a one-yard Dan Bland run and on a 45-yard Larry Swearengen interception return of a Joe Namath pass. Alabama responded later in the quarter with a 40-yard Namath touchdown pass to Jimmy Dill and a 31-yard Davis field goal and took a 13–12 halftime lead. After a four-yard Swearengen run gave the Bulldogs a 19–13 lead in the third quarter, Namath scored the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter with just over four minutes left in the game. The Davis extra point that ensued provided for the final margin in Alabama's 20–19 win. Georgia Tech 1963 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team Georgia Tech 0 3 8 0 #7 Alabama 7 7 0 13 November 16 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 53,938 Sources:Hap Halbrooks 'Bama hammers Tech, 27–11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YPorAAAAIBAJ&sjid=isYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2975%2C1731821 The Florence Times November 17, 1963 14 March 24, 2013Associated Press Mighty Bama crushes Tech in 27–11 tilt https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T38eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RMoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5452%2C3014842 Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal November 17, 1963 1B March 24, 2013 Coming off their bye week prior to their game against Georgia Tech, the Crimson Tide retained the No. 7 position in the AP poll.Associated Press Tide still seventh https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Mv0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6194%2C1567987 The Tuscaloosa News November 8, 1963 8 March 24, 2013 Behind strong performances on both sides of the ball, Alabama defeated the Yellow Jackets 27–11 at Legion Field. The Crimson Tide scored first on a 44-yard Ray Ogden touchdown run for a 7–0 first quarter lead. In the second, Tech scored on a 41-yard Billy Lothridge field goal and Alabama scored on a one-yard Benny Nelson touchdown run that made the halftime score 14–3. The Jackets responded with a two-yard Lothridge touchdown run in the third that cut the Crimson Tide lead to 14–11. Alabama then closed the game with fourth-quarter touchdowns scored on runs of six-yards by Nelson and one-yard by Joe Namath. Auburn 1963 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl #9 Auburn 3 0 7 0 #6 Alabama 0 0 8 0 November 30 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 54,152 Sources:Charles Land Hungry Tigers arrive, smite Tide 10–8 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7BkfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-5oEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7518%2C51260 The Tuscaloosa News December 1, 1963 9 March 24, 2013Griffin John Chandler Alabama vs. Auburn: Gridiron Grudge Since 1893 2001 Hill Street Press Athens, Georgia 1-58818-044-1 172–174 1963: Two great teams go toe to toe In the week prior to their game against Auburn, Alabama moved into the No. 6 position in the AP poll and the Tigers were in the No. 9 position.Associated Press Tide moves up to sixth https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ov0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3678%2C3758912 The Tuscaloosa News November 26, 1962 5 March 24, 2013 In the annual Iron Bowl game, Alabama was defeated by the Tigers for the first time since the 1958 season in this 10–8 loss at Legion Field. Auburn scored first on a 32-yard Woody Woodall field goal in the first quarter and maintained their 3–0 lead through halftime. The Tigers then extended their lead to 10–0 in the third quarter when Mailon Kent threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Tucker Frederickson. Benny Nelson then scored the only Alabama touchdown later in the quarter on an 80-yard run that made the final score 10–8. Although they lost, after the game the Crimson Tide officially accepted an invitation to play in the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss.It's Sugar for Tide, Orange for Auburn https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7BkfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-5oEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7518%2C51260 The Tuscaloosa News December 1, 1963 9 March 24, 2013 Miami (FL) 1963 Miami Hurricanes football team #8 Alabama 14 3 0 0 Miami 0 0 0 12 December 14 Orange Bowl StadiumMiami, FL 25,472 Sources:Tommy Fitzgerald Alabama overcomes Mira, Miami, 17–12 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0p8yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GuoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2420%2C6101075 The Miami News December 15, 1963 1B March 24, 2013Associated Press 'Bama withstands Mira passes for 17–12 win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9zMsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6MsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6244%2C2462568 Spartanburg Herald-Journal December 15, 1963 13C March 24, 2013 This game against the Miami was originally scheduled to be played on Friday, October 18, but was subsequently moved to December 7 in order to be televised on CBS.Tommy Devine U-M, Bama switch to December 14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cWBYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jz0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1698%2C5458042 The Miami News November 29, 1963 1 March 24, 2013 Due to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the annual Army–Navy Game was pushed back to December 7. As such, CBS requested the Miami-Alabama game be postponed to December 14 in order to avoid conflict that would result from televising both games on the same day.Associated Press Tide-Miami game shifted to December 14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ov0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7408%2C4243915 The Tuscaloosa News November 30, 1963 3 March 24, 2013 The rescheduling of this game also pushed back the start of the annual Orange Blossom Classic from the afternoon to evening of December 14. After their loss against Auburn, Alabama dropped into the No. 8 position in the final AP poll of the 1963 season.Mike Rathet Associated Press Texas nails down title; Alabama finished eighth https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8BkfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-5oEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5049%2C1561891 The Tuscaloosa News December 10, 1963 9 March 24, 2013 In the week that led to their game at Miami, coach Bryant suspended starting quarterback Joe Namath for both this game and the Sugar Bowl as he violated team rules.Charles Land Namath suspended, to miss Miami and Bowl https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8BkfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-5oEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7371%2C1498253 The Tuscaloosa News December 10, 1963 1 March 24, 2013 On homecoming at the Orange Bowl, Alabama survived a late Miami rally and defeated the Hurricanes 17–12. The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 first quarter lead after touchdowns were scored by Gary Martin on a 100-yard kickoff return and by Benny Nelson on a one-yard Benny Nelson run. A 35-yard Tim Davis field goal in the second quarter made the halftime score 17–0 in favor of the Crimson Tide. The score remained unchanged until Miami rallied with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns that made the final score 17–12. The first came on a nine-yard George Mira pass to Nick Spinelli and the second on a one-yard Pete Banaszak run. Ole Miss 1963 Ole Miss Rebels football team Alabama–Ole Miss football rivalry 1964 Sugar Bowl #8 Alabama 3 6 3 0 #7 Ole Miss 0 0 0 7 January 1, 1964 Tulane StadiumNew Orleans, LA 80,785 Sources:Charles Land Crimson Tide, Davis surprise Rebels 12–7 The Tuscaloosa News January 2, 1964 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=miUeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_ZoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7288%2C192670 March 24, 2013Associated Press Mississippi upset by Tide, 12–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9SoNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jGwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4774%2C420564 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette January 2, 1964 March 24, 2013 After their loss in the Iron Bowl on November 30, Alabama officially accepted an invitation to play the SEC champion Ole Miss Rebels for the first time since the 1944 season in a Sugar Bowl that featured a pair of SEC teams.How Alabama and Ole Miss met in the 1964 Sugar Bowl http://www.allstatesugarbowl.org/site361.php Allstate Sugar Bowl March 25, 2013 As each team entered the game, Mississippi finished in the No. 7 position and Alabama in the No. 8 position in the final AP poll of the season. With starting quarterback Joe Namath still suspended, the Crimson Tide offense struggled, but four Tim Davis field goals proved to be enough for Alabama to win 12–7 over the Rebels. Davis gave the Crimson Tide a 12–0 lead as then entered the fourth quarter after connecting from 31-yards in the first, 46 and 22-yards in the second and 48-yards in the third quarter. Ole Miss responded in the fourth quarter with their only points on a five-yard Perry Lee Dunn touchdown pass to Larry Smith that made the final score 12–7. For his four field goal performance, Davis was named the Sugar Bowl MVP.Davis top player Associated Press The Tuscaloosa News January 2, 1964 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=miUeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_ZoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3202%2C191731 March 24, 2013 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 March 24, 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 March 24, 2013 For the 1963 season, the Alabama freshmen squad was coached by Sam Bailey and finished their season with a record of three wins and one loss (3–1).Charles Land Kerr boots Tide by Rebs, 17–16 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19631116&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 16, 1963 5 March 24, 2013 After a 10–6 loss to Mississippi State to open the season, Alabama rebounded with a 3–0 victory over Tulane at Denny Stadium.Charles Land Alabama freshmen stop Tulane, 3–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19631026&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News October 27, 1963 11 March 24, 2013 Dudley Kerr scored the Tide's only points with his 29-yard field goal in the second quarter. In their third game, the Baby Tide defeated Auburn 21–14 at Cliff Hare Stadium.Associated Press Alabama freshmen beat Auburn, 21–14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Lf0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3734%2C625250 The Tuscaloosa News November 5, 1963 10 March 24, 2013 Alabama took an early 6–0 lead when Wayne Trimble threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kent Busbee in the first quarter. They extended it to 21–0 with second-quarter touchdowns scored by John Mosely on a pair of one-yard runs. Auburn responded with a 21-yard Tom Bryan touchdown run that made the halftime score 21–7. After a scoreless third, the Tigers made the final score 21–14 after Bryan threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Scotty Long. Alabama then closed the season with a 17–16 victory over a previously undefeated Ole Miss freshmen team in Tuscaloosa. The Rebels' scored on their opening possession on an 18-yard Joe Graves touchdown pass to James McCraney for a 7–0 lead. After a 41-yard Jimmy Keys field goal late in the second extended the Ole Miss lead to 10–0, Graves threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to McCraney with only 0:04 remaining in the first half for a 16–0 halftime lead. Alabama rallied in the third quarter with a pair of touchdowns that cut the Rebels' lead to 16–14. The first came when Louis Thompson recovered a Graves fumble in the endzone and the second on a 48-yard Wayne Trimble pass to Kent Busbee. A game-winning, 36-yard Dudley Kerr field goal late in the fourth quarter made the final score 17–16. Personnel Varsity letter winners Player Hometown Position Steve Allen Athens, Alabama Guard Mickey Andrews Ozark, Alabama Halfback Joe Elwood Bessemer, Alabama Tackle Ron Bird Covington, Kentucky Tackle Clark Boler Northport, Alabama Tackle Steve Bowman Pascagoula, Mississippi Fullback Paul Crane Prichard, Alabama Center Tim Davis Columbus, Georgia Placekicker Jimmy Dill Mobile, Alabama EndJohn Farner Attalla, Alabama Tackle Ron Durby Memphis, Tennessee Tackle Grady Elmore Ozark, Alabama Halfback Mike Fracchia Memphis, Tennessee Fullback Wayne Freeman Fort Payne, Alabama Guard Hudson Harris Tarrant, Alabama Halfback Butch Henry Selma, Alabama End Jack Hurlbut Houston, Texas Quarterback Dan Kearley Talladega, Alabama Defensive tackle Al Lewis Covington, Kentucky Guard Gary Martin Dothan, Alabama Halfback Frankie McClendon Guntersville, Alabama Tackle Gaylon McCollough Enterprise, Alabama Center Larry McGill Panama City, Florida Halfback Joe Namath Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Quarterback Benny Nelson Huntsville, Alabama Halfback Ray Ogden Jesup, Georgia Halfback Billy Piper Poplar Bluff, Missouri Halfback Jackie Sherrill Biloxi, Mississippi Fullback Jim Simmons Piedmont, Alabama Tackle Steve Sloan Cleveland, Tennessee Quarterback Charles Stephens Thomasville, Alabama End Tommy Tolleson Talladega, Alabama End Eddie Versprille Norfolk, Virginia Fullback Bill Wieseman Louisville, Kentucky Guard Steve Wright Louisville, Kentucky TackleReference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 187–201 Coaching staff Name Position Seasons atAlabama Alma mater Bear Bryant Head coach 6 Alabama (1936) Sam Bailey Assistant coach 6 Ouachita Baptist (1949) Jim Blevins Assistant coach 2 Alabama (1960) Jim Goostree Assistant coach 7 Tennessee (1952) Clem Gryska Assistant coach 4 Alabama (1948) Dude Hennessey Assistant coach 4 Kentucky (1955) Pat James Assistant coach 6 Kentucky (1951) Carney Laslie Assistant coach 7 Alabama (1934) Ken Meyer Assistant coach 1 Denison (1950) Charley Pell Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1962) Hayden Riley Assistant coach 6 Alabama (1948) Howard Schnellenberger Assistant coach 3 Kentucky (1956) Jimmy Sharpe Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1962) Gene Stallings Assistant coach 6 Texas A&M (1957)Reference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203 NFL/AFL draft Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1962 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) between the 1963 and 1965 drafts. These players included the following: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL/AFL team1964 NFL draftNational Football League http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school Draft History by School–Alabama March 24, 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 5 61 Benny Nelson Halfback Detroit Lions 5 69 Steve Wright Steve Wright (American football, born 1942) Tackle Green Bay Packers 11 151 Eddie Versprille 1 Running back Cleveland Browns1964 AFL drafthttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1964_AFL/draft.htm 1964 AFL Draft Sports Reference, LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com March 24, 2013 8 59 Steve Wright Steve Wright (American football, born 1942) Offensive tackle New York Jets 12 94 Benny Nelson Defensive back Houston Oilers1965 NFL draft 1 12 Joe Namath Quarterback St. Louis Cardinals 3 40 Ray Ogden End St. Louis Cardinals 9 120 Frank McClendon 1 Tackle Minnesota Vikings 10 131 Gaylon McCullough 1 Center Dallas Cowboys1965 AFL drafthttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/draft.htm 1965 AFL Draft Sports Reference, LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com March 24, 2013 1 1 Joe Namath Quarterback New York Jets 8 58 Ray Ogden Tight end Houston Oilers 19 147 Frank McClendon 1 Tackle Oakland Raiders1966 NFL draft 11 156 Steve Sloan Quarterback Atlanta Falcons 15 216 Tom Tolleson 1 Wide receiver Atlanta Falcons 15 226 Steve Bowman 1 Running back New York Giants1966 AFL drafthttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/draft.htm 1966 AFL Draft Sports Reference, LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com March 24, 2013 17 150 Tom Tolleson 1 Wide receiver New York Jets 20 179 Steve Bowman 1 Halfback Oakland Raiders References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/63-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1963 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics March 22, 2013 April 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140425164729/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/63-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 March 22, 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 Category:Sugar Bowl champion seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football