1970 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1970 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 6–5–1 3–4 Bear Bryant 13th Danny Gilbert Dave Brungard Denny StadiumLegion Field Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl T Tied 24–24 vs. Oklahoma The 1970 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 76th overall and 37th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 13th year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with six wins five losses and one tie (6–5–1 overall, 3–4 in the SEC) and with a tie against Oklahoma in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. As a result of a newly enacted rule by the NCAA that allowed teams to schedule an eleventh regular season game, Alabama opened the season against USC. Led by Sam Cunningham, the Trojans defeated the Crimson Tide 42–21 at Legion Field to open the season. Alabama rebounded from the loss and defeated 1970 Virginia Tech Hokies Virginia Tech and Florida in consecutive games that set up a top-twenty match-up against Ole Miss. Led by Archie Manning, the Rebels defeated the Crimson Tide 48–23 after a 22-point fourth quarter at Jackson. Alabama defeated Vanderbilt in their next game, but then were shut out for the first time since their 1959 season with a 24–0 loss at Tennessee. They again rebounded with a pair of consecutive victories. The first was against Houston, in what was also the first game Alabama played indoors, and the second on homecoming against Mississippi State. After a loss to LSU, the Crimson Tide defeated Miami in their final road game of the season. The win also made Alabama bowl-eligible, and as such an invitation to play Oklahoma in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl was accepted in the week leading to the Iron Bowl. Against Auburn, the Crimson tide surrendered a 17-point lead and closed the regular season with a 33–28 loss to their rival. A month later, Alabama ended their season with a 24–24 tie against the Sooners. The 1970 season is also notable for being the first fully integrated team at Alabama. Although several African American students competed during spring practice in 1967, Wilbur Jackson became the first African American awarded a scholarship to play for Alabama, and he competed as a member of the freshman squad in 1970.Zac Al-Khateeb Jackson, Mitchell paved the way http://cw.ua.edu/2011/02/27/jackson-mitchell-paved-the-way/ CW.UA.edu The Crimson White February 27, 2011 January 26, 2014Alabama Sports Hall of Fame – Wilbur Jackson http://ashof.org/index.php?src=directory&view=company&srctype=detail&refno=379&category=Football Alabama Sports Hall of Fame January 26, 2014 Schedule 1970 AP September 12 l y 16 USC 3 Legion Field Birmingham, AL 21–42 72,175 September 19 w y Virginia Tech Legion Field Birmingham, AL 51–18 53,958 September 26 w Florida 13 Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 46–15 58,138 October 3 l y 17 Ole Miss 7 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS rivalry ABC 23–48 46,812 October 10 w Vanderbilt Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 35–11 49,038 October 17 l y Tennessee 14 Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Third Saturday in October 0–24 64,947 October 24 w y y Houston 15 Houston Astrodome Houston, TX 30–21 46,869 October 31 w y Mississippi State Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 35–6 58,843 November 7 l 19 LSU 11 Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry ABC 9–14 60,371 November 14 w y y Miami (FL) Miami Orange Bowl Miami, FL 32–8 25,469 November 28 l y Auburn 11 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl 28–33 71,747 December 31 t y y Oklahoma 20 Houston Astrodome Houston, TX Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl ABC 24–24 53,822 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1970 1970 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics January 20, 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 USC 1970 USC Trojans football team #3 USC 12 10 10 10 #16 Alabama 0 7 6 8 September 12 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 72,175 Sources:Charles Land Tough Trojans top Tide, 42–21 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QyseAAAAIBAJ&pg=6062%2C1863107 The Tuscaloosa News September 13, 1970 January 20, 2014Ronnie Thomas Tide drubbed 42–21 by USC 17 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oycsAAAAIBAJ&pg=1109%2C2057392 The Florence Times September 13, 1970 January 20, 2014 After the NCAA enacted a rule that allowed its member institutions to schedule an eleventh regular season game, in January 1970 the Crimson Tide agreed to a home-and-home series with the University of Southern California (USC).Charles Land Tide to open against Southern Cal next fall 13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SioeAAAAIBAJ&pg=6890%2C72738 The Tuscaloosa News February 1, 1970 January 20, 2014 At Legion Field, the Trojans outgained Alabama on the ground 485 to 32 yards en route to a 42–21 victory that opened the 1970 season.1970 Season Recap USC took a 12–0 first quarter lead behind a pair of Sam Cunningham touchdowns as they outgained the Crimson Tide 102 to 10 in total yards in the quarter. After a 32-yard, Ron Ayala field goal extended the Trojans' lead to 15–0, a one-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run cut the USC lead to 15–7 early in the second quarter. However, the Trojans responded on the drive that ensued with a seven-yard Charlie Evans touchdown run that made the halftime score 22–7. The Trojans continued their dominance of the game into the second half as they extended their lead to 32–7 in the third quarter. Jimmy Jones first threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Clarence Davis and Ayala next connected on a 25-yard field goal. Alabama then responded with a six-yard Neb Hayden touchdown pass to David Bailey that made the score 32–13 at the end of the third quarter. The Trojans closed the game with a 27-yard Ayala field goal and a six-yard Mike Rae touchdown pass to Bill Holland. Alabama then made the final score 42–21 on a second, one-yard Musso touchdown run. The game became referred to as the "Cunningham game" by many Alabama fans and is often cited as being the turning point towards the full integration of the Crimson Tide football team beginning with the 1971 season.Darren Everson The game that changed Alabama https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748704107104574572340901355488 WSJ.com The Wall Street Journal December 4, 2009 January 20, 2014Yaeger Don Turning of the Tide: How One Game Changed the South 2008 Hachette Digital, Inc. 978-1-5999-5236-9 https://books.google.com/books?id=DDKTqu7TepMC&pg=PP1 January 20, 2014 However, Alabama football had actually begun integrating in 1967, when five black students attempted to walk-on.Attempt to Integrate Alabama College Football – YouTube Moreover, the team was already integrated by 1970, as Wilbur Jackson was a freshman on the team. This game was also the first Alabama played on Poly-Turf at Legion Field as it was installed during the previous summer.Associated Press Poly-Turf for Legion 7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2kUgAAAAIBAJ&pg=3431%2C3964209 The Tuscaloosa News May 19, 1970 January 20, 2014 Virginia Tech 1970 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team Virginia Tech 0 6 12 0 Alabama 17 13 14 7 September 19 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 53,958 Sources:Ronnie Thomas Tigers, Tide get initial win 17 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mycsAAAAIBAJ&pg=1232%2C3302761 The Florence Times September 20, 1970 January 21, 2014Charles Land Bama romps by Gobblers 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xSUeAAAAIBAJ&pg=5880%2C3241391 The Tuscaloosa News September 20, 1970 January 21, 2014 The 51 points scored by Alabama against Virginia Tech, were the most allowed by a Hokies team coached by Jerry Claiborne in this 51–18 victory at Legion Field. The Crimson Tide took control of the game early as they raced out to a 17–0 lead in the first quarter. After Richard Ciemny connected on a 36-yard field goal, Dave Brungard scored on a 21-yard run and was followed with a 14-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Jerry Cash. Alabama extended their lead further to 30–0 after Johnny Musso threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to David Bailey and Tommy Wade had a 71-yard punt return for a score. The Hokies managed to score late in the period on an eight-yard Gil Schwabe touchdown pass to Perry Tiberio that made the halftime score 30–6. Much to the surprise of coach Bryant, Virginia Tech rallied early in the third quarter and scored a pair of touchdowns that brought the score to 30–18.Bill Plott Bryant surprised 14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xSUeAAAAIBAJ&pg=5912%2C3309687 The Tuscaloosa News September 20, 1970 January 21, 2014 John Dobbins scored first for the Hokies on a one-yard run and was followed with a four-yard Rich Matijevich touchdown reception from Schwabe. The Crimson Tide responded with three unanswered touchdowns to close the game first on 20-yard Brungard run, next on a 10-yard Hunter pass to Joe LaBue and finally on a 36-yard Buddy Seay run. Florida 1970 Florida Gators football team #13 Florida 0 7 0 8 Alabama 10 7 7 22 September 26 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 58,138 Sources:Associated Press Gators fizzle as Crimson Tide rolls https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=34ZPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6516%2C4255553 Ocala Star-Banner September 27, 1970 D1 January 21, 2014Charles Land Tide rolls by Gators https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=USseAAAAIBAJ&pg=5288%2C4725487 The Tuscaloosa News September 27, 1970 1 January 21, 2014 As they entered conference opener against Florida, the Gators were ranked No. 13 in the AP Poll.Associated Press Texas gaining ground https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19700922&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News September 23, 1970 6 January 21, 2014 In the game, Alabama led throughout and after a 22-point fourth quarter defeated the Gators 46–15 in the first Denny Stadium game of the season. The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 first quarter lead behind a one-yard Neb Hayden touchdown run and a 33-yard Richard Ciemny field goal before the Gators responded with a nine-yard John Reaves touchdown pass to Michael Rich early in the second quarter. Alabama responded with a 15-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Dave Brungard that made the halftime score 17–7. After a 10-yard Neb Hayden touchdown pass to Griff Langston in the third extended the Crimson Tide lead to 24–7, they outscored Florida 22–8 in the fourth quarter for the 46–15 victory. In the final period Crimson Tide touchdowns were scored on runs of six-yards by Johnny Musso, three-yards by Buddy Seay and 13-yards by Terry Davis. The Gators scored their final points on a one-yard Leonard George touchdown run. Ole Miss 1970 Ole Miss Rebels football team #17 Alabama 0 9 8 6 #7 Ole Miss 14 12 0 22 October 3 Memorial StadiumJackson, MS 46,812 Sources:Charles Land Archie, Ole Miss crush Bama The Tuscaloosa News October 4, 1970 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EiweAAAAIBAJ&pg=6768%2C420584 January 21, 2014Associated Press Mississippi dumps Alabama 6B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PqlVAAAAIBAJ&pg=4615%2C495871 Eugene Register-Guard October 4, 1970 January 21, 2014 After their victory over Florida, Alabama reentered the AP Poll at the No. 17 position and Ole Miss dropped from No. 5 to No. 7 in the week prior to their match-up at Jackson.Associated Press Buckeyes retain top spot https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UyseAAAAIBAJ&pg=5814%2C5320023 The Tuscaloosa News September 29, 1970 6 January 21, 2014 Against the Rebels, the Crimson Tide were defeated 48–23 behind a strong performance by Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning before a nationally televised audience. The Rebels took a 14–0 first quarter lead after Manning threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Garland Reed and later scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Alabama scored their first points on a 36-yard Richard Ciemny field goal early in the second quarter. However, on the kickoff that ensued, Vernon Studdard returned it 101-yards for a touchdown and extended the Ole Miss lead to 20–3 after the conversion failed. Both teams then traded touchdowns to close the first half. Manning connected from 14-yards to Reed for the Rebels and Neb Hayden connected from 15-yards to Jerry Cash for Alabama that made the halftime score 26–9. The Crimson Tide were able to cut the Ole Miss lead to 26–17 on a ten-yard Hayden pass to Johnny Musso in the third quarter. The Rebels responded in the fourth with three touchdowns and outscored Alabama 22–6 in the quarter en route to the 48–23 victory. Ole Miss points were scored on an eight-yard Manning pass to Studdard, a 14-yard Manning run and on a one-yard William. R. Knight run; Alabama scored their lone touchdown on a 19-yard Hayden pass to Stephen Doran. Vanderbilt 1970 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Vanderbilt 0 0 3 8 Alabama 7 7 21 0 October 10 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 49,038 Sources:Charles Land Bama wins third The Tuscaloosa News October 11, 1970 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GSweAAAAIBAJ&pg=5888%2C1891288 January 25, 2014Bob Mayne Sweet Tide revenge, Alabama rolls 35–11 25 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A60fAAAAIBAJ&pg=944%2C817091 The Gadsden Times October 11, 1970 January 25, 2014 After their loss against the Rebels, Alabama out of the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Ken Rappoport Associated Press Auburn climbs to ninth in latest grid ranking 7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FCweAAAAIBAJ&pg=3603%2C1074277 The Tuscaloosa News October 6, 1970 January 25, 2014 Against the Commodores, Alabama out-rushed Vandy 344 to 71 yards en route to a 35–11 victory at Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 lead into halftime after touchdowns were scored on a two-yard George Ranager run in the first and on an 11-yard Neb Hayden pass to David Bailey in the second quarter. After Alabama extended their lead to 28–0 in the third quarter on a 93-yard Buddy Seay kickoff return and a two-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run, Vanderbilt scored their first points on a 31-yard Robert Bayless field goal. The game then closed with touchdown on a four-yard Neb Hayden run for the Crimson Tide in the third and on a four-yard Steve Burger run for Vanderbilt in the fourth quarter. Tennessee 1970 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October Alabama 0 0 0 0 #14 Tennessee 7 0 7 10 October 17 Neyland StadiumKnoxville, TN 64,947 Sources:Charles Land Frustrating day for Crimson Tide The Tuscaloosa News October 18, 1970 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19701017&printsec=frontpage&hl=en January 25, 2014Associated Press Vols humble mighty Tide 1C https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8YZPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4006%2C7682450 Ocala Star-Banner October 18, 1970 January 25, 2014 At Tennessee, Alabama quarterbacks collectively threw eight interceptions in this 24–0 loss to the Volunteers. Tennessee took a 7–0 lead into halftime after they scored the only first half points on a one-yard Bobby Scott touchdown run. The Vols then closed the game with a four-yard Don McLeary touchdown run in the third, a 35-yard George Hunt field goal and a 22-yard Jackie Walker interception return in the fourth quarter. Scott Hunter threw five and Neb Hayden threw three interceptions in the game. Hunter's five and the eight combined stand as school records for interceptions in a single game. The shutout loss was their first since their 7–0 loss against Penn State during their 1959 season that ended a 115-game streak. Houston 1970 Houston Cougars football team Alabama 3 14 3 10 #15 Houston 7 7 7 0 October 24 AstrodomeHouston, TX 46,869 Sources:Charles Land Tide tops Houston late, 30–21 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pygeAAAAIBAJ&pg=5426%2C4595980 The Tuscaloosa News October 25, 1970 1 January 25, 2014Associated Press Tide tops Houston https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KRQsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3882%2C3922968 The Florence Times October 25, 1970 19 January 25, 2014 In what was the first game the Crimson Tide played indoors, Alabama upset the Houston Cougars 30–21 on homecoming at the Astrodome.Cecil Hurt Bama debuts new facility https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z7UfAAAAIBAJ&pg=1542%2C260395 The Gadsden Times October 2, 1986 D1 January 25, 2014 After Richard Ciemny gave Alabama an early 3–0 lead with his 28-yard field goal, the Cougars responded with a 13-yard Gary Mullins touchdown pass to Elmo Wright that made the score 7–3 at the end of the first quarter. The Crimson Tide then retook a 17–7 lead with a pair of second quarter touchdowns. The first came on an 18-yard Johnny Musso pass to David Bailey and the second on a 36-yard Dave Brungard run. The Cougars managed their second touchdown on a three-yard Mullins to Wright pass that made the halftime score 17–14. Houston then took a 21–17 lead early in the third quarter on a one-yard Tom Mozisek run. After a 34-yard Ciemny field goal bought Alabama within one point of the lead later in the quarter, his 40-yard field goal in the fourth gave the Crimson Tide a 23–21 lead. Steve Higginbotham then made the final score 30–21 late in the game after he returned an interception 80-yards for a touchdown. Mississippi State 1970 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team Mississippi State 0 0 0 6 Alabama 7 14 14 0 October 31 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 58,843 Sources:Charles Land Salty Alabama brings it in The Tuscaloosa News November 1, 1970 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aT0eAAAAIBAJ&pg=6574%2C72400 January 25, 2014Associated Press Tide rambles over Bulldogs C1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vYNPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4305%2C84213 Ocala Star-Banner November 1, 1970 January 25, 2014 On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 35–6. After the Crimson Tide took a 7–0 lead on a 13-yard Johnny Musso run in the first, a pair of second quarter touchdowns made the halftime score 21–0. The pair were scored on running plays of ten-yards by George Ranager and one-yard by Musso. Alabama then scored their final pair of touchdowns in the third on runs of 14-yards Dave Brungard and three-yards by Musso. Up 35–0, Alabama closed the game with many of its reserves seeing playing time in the fourth quarter. It was in that period that the Bulldogs ended the bid for a shutout when Joe Reed threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to David Smith and made the final score 35–6. LSU 1970 LSU Tigers football team #11 LSU 0 7 7 0 #19 Alabama 3 0 0 6 November 7 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 60,371 Sources:Charles Land Tiger defense handles Tide B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19701108&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 8, 1970 January 26, 2014Associated Press Bengals put clamps on Alabama 9B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9pFJAAAAIBAJ&pg=991%2C2009305 The News and Courier November 8, 1970 January 26, 2014 July 2026 InternetArchiveBot After their victory over Mississippi State, Alabama reentered the AP Poll at the No. 19 position and LSU was in the No. 11 position in the week prior to their match-up at Birmingham.Ken Rappoport Associated Press Tide back in top 20 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SCUeAAAAIBAJ&pg=5401%2C753249 The Tuscaloosa News November 3, 1970 6 January 26, 2014 Playing in a regionally televised game, Alabama was defeated by the Tigers 14–9 at Legion Field. Richard Ciemny gave Alabama an early 3–0 lead with his 23-yard field goal in the first, but the Tigers responded with a two-yard Arthur Cantrelle touchdown run in the second quarter that gave LSU a 7–3 halftime lead. The Tigers extended their lead further to 14–3 after Felix Lee threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy LeDoux in the third quarter. Although the Crimson Tide defense had a goal line stand that prevented a late LSU score, the offense only scored once more on a ten-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to David Bailey that made the final score 14–9. Miami (FL) 1970 Miami Hurricanes football team Alabama 0 14 7 11 Miami 0 0 0 8 November 14 Orange BowlMiami, FL 25,469 Sources:Ed Darling Defenders boost Tide to victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dj0eAAAAIBAJ&pg=6644%2C3061986 The Tuscaloosa News November 15, 1970 B1 January 26, 2014Associated Press Bama lumbers past Miami https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zt0pAAAAIBAJ&pg=2070%2C4008984 Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal November 15, 1970 2D January 26, 2014 After their loss to LSU, Alabama again dropped out of the AP Poll for the week of their game at Miami.Herschel Nissenson Surprise! Look who's on top now https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cT0eAAAAIBAJ&pg=1633%2C2186642 The Tuscaloosa News November 10, 1970 6 January 26, 2014 On homecoming in Miami, Alabama defeated Hurricanes 32–8 at the Orange Bowl and with their sixth victory of the season became bowl eligible. After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 14–0 halftime lead after they scored a pair of second quarter touchdowns. The first came when Lanny Norris intercepted a Kelly Cochrane pass and returned it 31-yards for the first score followed with the second on a 21-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Jerry Cash later in the quarter. After George Ranager extended the Alabama lead to 21–0 with his five-yard run in the third, Miami scored their only points on a four-yard Cochrane pass to Steve Schaap early in the fourth quarter that made the score 21–8. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a 32-yard Richard Ciemny field goal and a four-yard Cash touchdown run that made the final score 32–8. Auburn 1970 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl #11 Auburn 0 10 7 16 Alabama 17 0 0 11 November 28 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 71,747 Sources:Charles Land Super Sullivan puts down Tide 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YSUeAAAAIBAJ&pg=5846%2C5856927 The Tuscaloosa News November 29, 1970 January 26, 2014Jimmy Smothers The Tigers come back to beat Bama, 33–28 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X6ofAAAAIBAJ&pg=914%2C3550805 The Gadsden Times November 29, 1970 January 26, 2014 In their final regular season game, the Auburn Tigers rallied from a 17-point, first quarter deficit and defeated Alabama 33–28 in the annual Iron Bowl at Legion Field. The Crimson Tide took a 17–0 first quarter lead behind a 14-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run, a 31-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to David Bailey and a 26-yard Richard Ciemny field goal. Auburn responded with a one-yard Pat Sullivan touchdown run and a 26-yard Gardner Jett field goal in the second quarter that made the halftime score 17–10. Sullivan then tied the game 17–17 with his seven-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. With the game tied as the teams entered the fourth quarter, both traded field goals and made the score 20–20 before Sullivan threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Robby Robinett that gave the Tigers their first lead of the game. Alabama responded with a 54-yard Hunter touchdown pass to George Ranager, then made a two-point conversion and took a 28–27 lead. However, Sullivan led Auburn to the game-winning touchdown scored on a three-yard Wallace Clark run for the 33–28 victory. Oklahoma 1970 Oklahoma Sooners football team 1970 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl Bluebonnet Bowl Alabama 7 7 3 7 Oklahoma 7 14 0 3 December 31 AstrodomeHouston, TX 53,822 Source:Ed Darling Tide–Sooner deadlock some kind of game https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZhQfAAAAIBAJ&pg=7091%2C58932 The Tuscaloosa News 11 January 1, 1971 January 26, 2014Associated Press Anderson, Oklahoma tie 24–24 in Bluebonnet Bowl https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_plIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1082%2C76112 The News and Courier 2B January 1, 1971 January 26, 2014 July 2026 InternetArchiveBot On November 21, Alabama accepted an invitation to play in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl against Oklahoma of the Big Eight Conference on New Year's Eve.Ed Darling Tide, Sooners in Bluebonnet https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fT0eAAAAIBAJ&pg=6624%2C4437657 The Tuscaloosa News B1 November 22, 1970 January 26, 2014 Against the Sooners, Alabama played to a 24–24 tie in the 12th annual Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. After the Crimson Tide took an early 7–0 lead on a four-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Randy Moore, the Sooners scored the next three touchdowns en route to a 21–7 lead. After Joe Wylie scored on a two-yard run in the first, Greg Pruitt scored a pair of second quarter touchdowns on long runs of 58 and 25 yards. Alabama responded with a five-yard Hunter touchdown pass to David Baily and made the halftime score 21–14. After a 20-yard Richard Ciemny field goal in the third brought the Crimson Tide within four points of the Sooners, they took a 24–21 lead on a 25-yard Hunter touchdown pass to Johnny Musso in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma managed to tie the game 24–24 late in the fourth on a 42-yard Bruce Derr field goal. However, Alabama had a chance to win as time expired, but the 34-yard Ciemny attempt sailed wide left and the game ended in the tie. NFL draft Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1970 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1971, 1972 and 1973 drafts. These players included: 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 January 21, 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 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 Redskins1973 NFL draft 1 4 John Hannah John Hannah (American football) Offensive guard New England Patriots 7 174 John Mitchell John Mitchell (American football coach) Defensive end San Francisco 49ers 12 309 Jim Krapf 1 Guard Oakland Raiders 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 January 25, 2014 The Oklahoman August 27, 2012Delbert Reed Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RAdAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410%2C4178967 The Tuscaloosa News January 21, 1972 6 January 25, 2014 The Alabama freshmen squad was led by coach Clem Gryska for the 1970 season and finished undefeated with a record of five wins and zero losses (5–0).Charles Land Baby Tiders cap unbeaten campaign https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fT0eAAAAIBAJ&pg=2403%2C4436409 The Tuscaloosa News November 22, 1970 B1 January 25, 2014 The 1970 squad was notable as the team included Wilbur Jackson, the first African American to compete on scholarship for the Crimson Tide.Charles Land Tide frosh open here Monday https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EiweAAAAIBAJ&pg=4776%2C426195 The Tuscaloosa News October 4, 1970 B2 January 25, 2014Phillip Marshall Jackson made history as first black Tide football player The Gadsden Times July 23, 2006 C7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SQ8vAAAAIBAJ&pg=1166%2C2324904 January 25, 2014 The Baby Tide opened their season on a Monday afternoon with a 24–7 victory over Mississippi State at Denny Stadium.Charles Land Baby Tiders impressive https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FCweAAAAIBAJ&pg=7210%2C1070379 The Tuscaloosa News October 6, 1970 6 January 25, 2014 After Alabama scored their first points on a 28-yard Paul Spivey touchdown run, State responded with their only points on a 27-yard Paul Millsaps touchdown pass to Bill Buckley that made the score 7–7 at the end of the first quarter. The Baby Tide responded with a 34-yard Greg Gantt field goal in the second and took a 10–7 halftime lead. Alabama closed the game with touchdowns on a one-yard David McMakin run in the third and a ten-yard Mike Harter run in the fourth quarter. Wilbur Jackson saw limited playing time only on special teams due to an ankle injury and the Bulldogs had six turnovers in the loss. In their second contest, Alabama defeated Vanderbilt 38–7 at Dudley Field in Nashville.Kirk McNair Spivey, Baby Tidesmen crush Commodores 38–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oCgeAAAAIBAJ&pg=7230%2C3265769 The Tuscaloosa News October 17, 1970 7 January 25, 2014 Paul Spivey starred for the Baby Tide in the game with four touchdowns and 112 rushing yards on 20 carries in the victory. Against Ole Miss, Alabama rallied from a 20-point, first quarter deficit and defeated the Rebels 41–28 at Oxford.Kirk McNair Alabama freshmen battle back for 41–28 victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IyweAAAAIBAJ&pg=7203%2C4564623 The Tuscaloosa News October 24, 1970 6 January 25, 2014 The Rebels took their 20–0 on a trio of touchdowns scored by Mickey Fratesi when he returned the opening kickoff 100-yards and on touchdown runs 11-yards by Gene Allen and one-yard by Fratesi. Alabama responded in the second with Paul Spivey touchdown runs of 19 and 12-yards that made the halftime score 20–14. They then took a 21–20 lead early in the third after Gary Rutledge threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Geary Eason. Touchdown runs of seven-yards by Richard Bryan and four-yards by Rutledge extended the Alabama lead to 35–20 at the end of the third quarter. After Alabama scored their final points on a 22-yard Mike Harter touchdown run, Ole Miss made the final score 41–28 after they had a safety and scored on a 31-yard Kenny Lyons touchdown pass to Danny Harris. Against Tennessee, the Baby Tide won 28–20 behind a strong performance by defensive back Jimmy Dawson.Charles Land Dawson keys Tide win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SyUeAAAAIBAJ&pg=7202%2C1573168 The Tuscaloosa News November 7, 1970 5 January 25, 2014 The game was tied 7–7 at halftime after Paul Spivey scored on a two-yard run in the first for Alabama and Chip Howard threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Steve Chancey in the second quarter for Tennessee. After the teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, and Gary Rutledge went on and scored the game-winning touchdown on a short run with just over one minute left in the game for the 28–20 victory. Alabama then closed the season with a 9–3 victory over rival Auburn before 7,000 fans at Denny Stadium. After the teams traded first half field goals, Gary Rutledge scored the game-winning touchdown on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter. Roster 1970 Alabama Crimson Tide y Wayne Adkinson HB SO n David Bailey SE J n Ellis Beck FB SO n Clarence Brasher C SO n Dave Brungard FB S n Clyde Butler OT S n Jesse Causey FB SO n Jerry Cash E S n Phil Chaffin FB S n Don Cokely OT J n Jerry Cooper OT SO n Wayne Cotton OG SO n Allen Cox OT SO n Terry Davis QB SO y Terry Davis (American football) Steve Dean TB SO n Ken Deaton C J n Reid Drinkard OG S n Stephen Doran TE S n Mike Eckenrod OG SO n Tommy Ford OG SO n Jimmy Grammer C S n Woody Garner OG J n Mike Hand OG S n John Hannah OT SO y John Hannah (American football) Neb Hayden QB S n Larry Helm TB S n Butch Hobson QB SO y Jimmy Horton SE SO n Morris Hunt OG SO n Scott Hunter QB S y Scott Hunter (American football) Woodward Husband OG S n Ken James OT S n Joe LaBue TB SO n Griff Langston SE S n Lane Lawley SE S n Randy Moore TE SO n Johnny Musso TB J y Ricky Pitalo QB SO n Pat Raines C SO n George Ranager SE S n Ron Richardson TB J n Benny Rippetoe QB J n Jimmy Rosser OT J n Bubba Sawyer SE J n Buddy Seay TB S n Billy Sexton QB SO n Johnny Sharpless QB SO n Jim Simmons TE J n Rod Steakley SE S n Tommy Stringfellow TB J n Buddy Talley SE SO n Carey Varnado C SO n Larry Waldron OG J n Wayne Wheeler SE SO n Jack White OG J n Dexter Wood SE SO n Marvin Barron DL SO n Jeff Beard DL J n Eddie Bentley DB S n Bill Blair DB S n Jeff Blitz DB SO n Buddy Brown DL SO y Buddy Brown (offensive guard) Richard Burke DL SO n Andy Cross LB SO n John Croyle DE SO n Mike Denson DL SO n Ken Emerson DB S n Doug Faust DL SO n Danny Gilbert LB S n Wayne Hall LB SO n Don Harris DL S n Steve Higginbotham DB J n Ed Hines DE J n David Knapp DB SO n Jim Krapf LB SO n Tom Lusk DE SO n Bob McKinney DB SO n Lanny Norris DB SO n Robin Parkhouse DE J n Jim Patterson DL J n Alec Pittman LB J n Cecil Quick DE SO n Wayne Rhoads DE S n Jeff Rouzie LB SO n Robby Rowan DB SO n Terry Rowell DL J n Bobby Stanford LB J n Billy Strickland LB S n Tom Surlas LB J n Carl Tayloe DB SO n Chris Tyra DE SO n Reid Underwood LB SO n Steve Wade DB SO n Tommy Wade DB S n Mitchell Weaver DL SO n Steve Williams DB J n Glenn Woodruff LB SO n Richard Ciemny PK S n Frank Mann PK S n http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/79-m-footbl-roster.pdf October 15, 2013 Bear Bryant (13th year, Alabama) John David Crow (2nd year, Texas A&M) Ken Donahue (7th year, Tennessee) Pat Dye (6th year, Georgia) Jim Goostree (14th year, Tennessee) Clem Gryska (11th year, Alabama) Dude Hennessey 11th year, Kentucky) Mal Moore (7th year, Alabama) Dee Powell (7th year, Texas A&M) Tom Rogers (5th year, Delta State) Jack Rutledge (5th year, Alabama) Jimmy Sharpe (8th year, Alabama) Steve Sloan (3rd year, Alabama) Richard Williamson (7th year, Alabama) References:http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/70-m-footbl-roster.pdf 1970 Season Roster RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics January 20, 2014 February 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140202203258/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/70-m-footbl-roster.pdf dead 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203 References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/70-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1970 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics January 20, 2014 February 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140202203255/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/70-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 January 20, 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 Alabama Crimson Tide football