1973 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1973 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 1 4 11–1 8–0 Bear Bryant 16th Wishbone 5–2 Wilbur Jackson Chuck Strickland Denny StadiumLegion Field Coaches Poll national championSEC champion Sugar Bowl L Lost 23–24 vs. Notre Dame The 1973 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1973 NCAA Division I football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 79th overall and 40th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 16th year at his alma mater and 29th overall as a head coach, 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, 8–0 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. Although they lost in the Sugar Bowl, Alabama was recognized as national champions by the Coaches' Poll (UPI) as their selection was made prior to bowl season at the time (the UPI started to issue its final poll after the bowl games beginning in 1974). Notre Dame was awarded the national championship by the Associated Press (AP). The Crimson Tide opened the season with a victory at Birmingham over California. The next week, they defeated Kentucky in what was Bryant's first game in Lexington since he resigned as head coach of the Wildcats after their 1953 season. After they defeated Vanderbilt for their second shutout of the season, Alabama defeated Georgia in the first Tuscaloosa game of the season and followed that with a victory at Florida before what was the largest crowd to date at Florida Field. Against Tennessee, Alabama defeated their rivals behind three fourth quarter touchdowns and extended their record to 6–0. The following week, the Crimson Tide shattered numerous offensive records with their 77–6 blowout win over Virginia Tech. After victories over both Mississippi State at Jackson and Miami on homecoming, Alabama then captured their third consecutive SEC championship with their win over LSU. Alabama closed the regular season with a win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, but lost to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. Schedule 1973 AP Poll September 15 w y 6 California Legion Field Birmingham, AL 66–0 71,119 September 22 w y 4 Kentucky Commonwealth Stadium Lexington, KY 28–14 53,209 September 29 w y 5 Vanderbilt Dudley Field Nashville, TN 44–0 34,500 October 6 w 3 Georgia Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 28–14 57,790 October 13 w y 3 Florida Florida Field Gainesville, FL rivalry 35–14 64,864 October 20 w 2 Tennessee 10 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Third Saturday in October ABC 42–21 72,226 October 27 w y 2 Virginia Tech Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 77–6 57,009 November 3 w y 2 Mississippi State Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS rivalry 35–0 46,000 November 17 w y y 2 Miami (FL) Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 43–13 58,404 November 22 w y 2 LSU 7 Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA rivalry ABC 21–7 67,748 December 1 w y 1 Auburn Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl ABC 35–0 69,418 December 31 l y y 1 Notre Dame 3 Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA Sugar Bowl ABC 23–24 85,161 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1973 1973 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics June 30, 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 California 1973 California Golden Bears football team California 0 0 0 0 #6 Alabama 14 7 17 28 September 15 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 7:30 pm Central 2:35 71,119 79°, wind NW 7 mph, partly cloudy Sources:Delbert Reed Tide explosion rips California 66–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19730914&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News B1 September 16, 1973 July 1, 2014Jimmy Smothers Alabama murders California 66–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o7gfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=utcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2503%2C2882984 The Gadsden Times September 16, 1973 July 1, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031050.0 Alabama–California: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org September 16, 1973 July 1, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714113651/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031050.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 1 5:19 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 2-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 1:16 Alabama Johnny Sharpless 32-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 2 5:25 Alabama George Pugh 16-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 3 7:37 Alabama James Taylor 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–0 3 4:04 Alabama Bill Davis 21-yard field goal Alabama 31–0 3 0:34 Alabama Darrell Owen 46-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 38–0 4 12:14 Alabama Paul Harris recovered fumble (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 45–0 4 10:01 Alabama John Boles 18-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 52–0 4 5:34 Alabama Willie Shelby 32-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 59–0 4 0:45 Alabama Willie Shelby 5-yard run (Ron Dichiara kick) Alabama 66–0 yes As they entered the 1973 season, Alabama was ranked as the No. 6 team in the first AP Poll prior to their season opener against California.Herschel Nissenson Associated Press Huskers challenging after early grid win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pUUgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3254%2C2217884 The Tuscaloosa News 9 September 11, 1973 July 1, 2014 Playing in the evening at Legion Field, the Crimson Tide utilized 70 players and set a school record for total offense with this 66–0 shutout of the Golden Bears. Alabama took a 14–0 first quarter lead behind touchdowns scored on a two-yard Wilbur Jackson run and a 32-yard pass from Gary Rutledge to Johnny Sharpless. They then extended their lead to 21–0 at halftime behind a 16-yard touchdown pass from Richard Todd to George Pugh. The Crimson Tide continued their dominance over the Golden Bears through the second half where they outscored their opponent 45–0. In the third, Alabama scored on a three-yard James Taylor run, a 21-yard Bill Davis field goal and on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Richard Todd to Darrell Owen. In the fourth, Alabama closed with touchdowns on a Harris fumble recovery, and 18-yard run by John Boles and runs of 32 and five-yards by Willie Shelby. The 667 yards of total offense set a new school record and the 66 points were the most scored by the Crimson Tide since their 66–0 victory over Richmond in 1961. Kentucky 1973 Kentucky Wildcats football team #4 Alabama 0 0 21 7 Kentucky 0 14 0 0 September 22 Commonwealth StadiumLexington, KY 1:33 pm Eastern 2:12 54,100 80°, windy, partly cloudy Sources:Associated Press 100-yard kickoff return rallies Tide 28–14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=h7oqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ymYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7124%2C3073203 Sarasota Herald-Tribune 2C September 23, 1973 July 1, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031055.0 Alabama–Kentucky: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org September 22, 1973 July 1, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163429/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031055.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 2 14:37 Kentucky Sonny Collins 4-yard run (Ron Steele kick) Kentucky 7–0 2 6:56 Kentucky Jack Alvarez 14-yard pass from Ernie Lewis (Ron Steele kick) Kentucky 14–0 3 14:44 Alabama Willie Shelby 100-yard kickoff return (Bill Davis kick) Kentucky 14–7 3 7:53 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) 14–14 3 4:24 Alabama Gary Rutledge 6-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–14 4 12:13 Alabama Willie Shelby 2-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–14 yes After their victory over California to open the season, Alabama moved from the No. 6 to No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Kentucky.Associated Press Tide jumps to fourth in latest grid poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qUUgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7202%2C3589841 The Tuscaloosa News 9 September 18, 1973 July 1, 2014 In what was Bear Bryant's first game at Lexington since he resigned as the Wildcats head coach following their 1953 season, the Crimson Tide came from behind and won 28–14.Delbert Reed Kentucky has chance to get even with Bear https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q0UgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6326%2C4099473 The Tuscaloosa News 1 September 22, 1973 July 1, 2014 After a scoreless first quarter, Kentucky took a 14–0 halftime lead behind second quarter touchdowns on a four-yard Sonny Collins run and a 14-yard Ernie Lewis pass to Jack Alvarez. The Crimson Tide started their comeback on the first play of the third quarter when Willie Shelby returned the second half kickoff 100-yards for a touchdown. Touchdown runs of three-yards by Wilbur Jackson and six-yards by Gary Rutledge gave Alabama a 21–14 lead as they entered the fourth quarter. In the fourth, Shelby scored his second touchdown on a two-yard run that made the final score 28–14. Vanderbilt 1973 Vanderbilt Commodores football team #5 Alabama 17 10 10 7 Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 September 29 Dudley FieldNashville, TN 7:34 pm Central 2:11 34,500 Fair Sources:Associated Press Bama romps over Vandy, 44–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rLgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=utcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5898%2C5289298 The Gadsden Times 29 September 30, 1973 July 2, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031059.0 Alabama–Vanderbilt: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org September 29, 1973 July 2, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714143321/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031059.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 1 11:41 Alabama Wayne Wheeler 14-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 7:04 Alabama Bill Davis 35-yard field goal Alabama 10–0 1 0:52 Alabama Randy Billingsley 13-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 17–0 2 9:05 Alabama Mike Stock 13-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 24–0 2 0:00 Alabama Bill Davis 22-yard field goal Alabama 27–0 3 6:05 Alabama Ellis Beck 4-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 34–0 3 2:06 Alabama Bill Davis 34-yard field goal Alabama 37–0 4 10:03 Alabama Mike Stock 1-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 44–0 yes After their closer than expected victory over Kentucky, Alabama dropped into the No. 5 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Herschel Nissenson Associated Press Tide slips to fifth in latest grid poll 9 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19730924&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News September 25, 1973 July 2, 2014 Against the Commodores, the Crimson Tide scored on eight of their eleven offensive possessions en route to a 44–0 shutout at Nashville. Alabama took a 17–0 lead in the first quarter behind a 14-yard Gary Rutledge touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler, a 35-yard Bill Davis field goal and a 13-yard Randy Billingsley touchdown run. They then extended their lead to 27–0 at halftime behind a 13-yard Mike Stock touchdown run and a 22-yard Davis field goal as time expired in the second quarter. Alabama closed the game with a four-yard Ellis Beck touchdown run and 34-yard Davis field goal in the third and a one-yard Stock run in the fourth for the 44–0 win. The game marked the first time Bryant coached against his former quarterback Steve Sloan who was the Commodores. Georgia 1973 Georgia Bulldogs football team Georgia 3 0 2 9 #3 Alabama 3 10 0 15 October 6 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 1:30 pm Central 2:29 57,790 85°, wind NE 4–10 mph, sunny Sources:Gary Carpenter Alabama charge halts upset-minded Bulldogs https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZAIsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4cYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=781%2C1067668 The Florence Times 17 October 7, 1973 July 3, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031051.0 Alabama–Georgia: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org October 6, 1973 July 3, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714184456/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031051.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 1 9:54 Alabama Bill Davis 24-yard field goal Alabama 3–0 1 6:23 Georgia Allan Leavitt 54-yard field goal 3–3 2 2:07 Alabama Randy Billingsley 8-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 10–3 2 0:57 Alabama Bill Davis 39-yard field goal Alabama 13–3 3 6:44 Georgia Kirk Price blocked punt for a safety Alabama 13–5 4 13:44 Georgia Allan Leavitt 37-yard field goal Alabama 13–8 4 10:02 Georgia Jimmy Poulos 8-yard run (2-point pass failed) Georgia 14–13 4 2:22 Alabama Gary Rutledge 8-yard run (2-point run good) Alabama 21–14 4 0:34 Alabama Randy Billingsley 17-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–14 yes After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved into the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Georgia.Associated Press Buckeyes advance to top poll spot 10 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YgIsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4cYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2344%2C118765 The Florence Times October 2, 1973 July 3, 2014 Playing in their first Denny Stadium game of the season, the Crimson Tide came-from-behind and defeated the Bulldogs 28–14 at Tuscaloosa. After each team traded first quarter field goals, Alabama took a 13–3 halftime lead behind an eight-yard Randy Billingsley touchdown run and a 39-yard Bill Davis field goal in the second quarter. In the third, Georgia cut the lead to 13–5 after Kirk Price blocked a Greg Gantt punt out of the endzone for a safety. The Bulldogs next scored early in the fourth on a 37-yard Allan Leavitt field goal and on an eight-yard Jimmy Poulos touchdown run and took a 14–13 lead. Alabama retook the lead late in the fourth on an eight-yard Gary Rutledge touchdown run. Their defense then forced four consecutive Georgia incompletions on the possession that ensued. Billingsley then gave the Crimson Tide the 28–14 win with his 17-yard run in the final minute of the game. Florida 1973 Florida Gators football team #3 Alabama 7 14 0 14 Florida 0 7 7 0 October 13 Florida FieldGainesville, FL 64,864 Sources:Ken Gladstone Gators tease Florida Field football fans https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G8AzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lQUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3237%2C3669977 Ocala Star-Banner D1 October 14, 1973 July 3, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031054.0 Alabama–Florida: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org October 13, 1973 July 3, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714143049/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031054.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 1 1:38 Alabama Tyrone King blocked punt recovery in endzone (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 2 9:20 Alabama Richard Todd 1-yard run (Bill Davis kick missed) Alabama 13–0 2 4:13 Alabama Calvin Culliver 11-yard run (2-point run good) Alabama 21–0 2 1:21 Florida Lee McGriff 16-yard pass from David Bowden (John Williams kick) Alabama 21–7 3 8:58 Florida Thomas Clifford 2-yard pass from David Bowden (John Williams kick) Alabama 21–14 4 9:45 Alabama Calvin Culliver 13-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–14 4 5:42 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 6-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–14 yes After their victory over Georgia, Alabama retained their No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Florida.Associated Press Top ten remains intact https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZAIsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4cYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2704%2C1347516 The Florence Times October 9, 1973 9 July 3, 2014 Before what was then the largest crowd in the history of Florida Field, the Crimson Tide defeated the Gators 35–14 at Gainesville. Alabama took a 7–0 lead in the first quarter after Tyrone King recovered a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown. They then extended their lead to 21–0 with second quarter touchdown runs from one-yard by Richard Todd and 11-yards by Calvin Culliver. Down by three scores, the Gators rallied with a pair of David Bowden touchdown passes that cut the Crimson Tide lead to 21–14 by the third quarter. The first was from 16-yards to Lee McGriff and the second from two-yards to Thomas Clifford. Alabama then closed the game with fourth quarter touchdown runs of 13-yards from Culliver and six-yards by Wilbur Jackson for the 35–14 win. Tennessee 1973 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October #10 Tennessee 7 7 7 0 #2 Alabama 14 7 0 21 October 20 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 12:02 pm Central 2:25 72,226 76°, wind W 3 mph, clear Chris Schenkel, Bud Wilkinson and Duffy Daugherty ABC Sources:Jack Harris Big play Bama thrashes Vols https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=ie8Y0QrpMWAC&dat=19731016&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Florence Times 13 October 21, 1973 July 3, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031052.0 Alabama–Tennessee: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org October 20, 1973 July 3, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714131325/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031052.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 1 14:46 Alabama Wayne Wheeler 80-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 6:57 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 1 3:07 Tennessee John Yarbrough 20-yard pass from Condredge Holloway (Ricky Townsend kick) Alabama 14–7 2 11:33 Alabama Darrell Owen 11-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–7 2 3:41 Tennessee Condredge Holloway 6-yard run (Ricky Townsend kick) Alabama 21–14 3 12:40 Tennessee Mitchell Gravitt 64-yard pass from Condredge Holloway (Ricky Townsend kick) 21–21 4 11:53 Alabama Robin Cary 64-yard punt return (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–21 4 8:34 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 80-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–21 4 6:46 Alabama Paul Spivey 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 42–21 yes After their victory over Florida, Alabama moved into the No. 2 position and Tennessee moved into the No. 10 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Legion Field.Associated Press Ohio State keeps atop AP rankings A8 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q3AsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4MsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2017%2C2936358 The Tuscaloosa News October 16, 1973 July 3, 2014 Against the Volunteers, the Crimson Tide scored three touchdowns in the final quarter of the game for a 42–21, victory at Birmingham before a nationally televised audience. Alabama opened the game with an 80-yard Gary Rutledge touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler for a 7–0 lead on their first offensive possession. After Wilbur Jackson extended their lead to 14–0 with his seven-yard run, Tennessee scored their first points on a 20-yard Condredge Holloway pass to John Yarbrough that made the score 14–7 at the end of the first. The Crimson Tide next took a 21–14 lead into halftime after Richard Todd threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Willie Shelby and Holloway scored on a six-yard run for the Vols. Tennessee then managed to tie the game 21–21 with the lone third quarter points on a 64-yard Holloway touchdown pass to Mitchell Gravitt. Alabama responded with three fourth quarter touchdowns en route to the 42–21 win. the first came on a 64-yard Robin Cary punt return, an 80-yard Wilbur Jackson run and a three-yard Paul Spivey run. Virginia Tech 1973 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team Virginia Tech 0 6 0 0 #2 Alabama 14 28 28 7 October 27 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 7:30 pm Central 2:35 57,009 65°, wind SW 4 mph Sources:Associated Press Alabama smacks VPI, 77–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZwIsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4cYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=717%2C5157791 The Florence Times 22 October 28, 1973 July 3, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031053.0 Alabama–Virginia Tech: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org October 27, 1973 July 3, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195431/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031053.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 1 10:26 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 51-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 5:50 Alabama Randy Billingsley 2-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 2 14:53 Alabama Ralph Stokes 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 2 13:56 Alabama Conley Duncan fumble recovery (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–0 2 8:37 Alabama Darrell Owen 28-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–0 2 0:58 Virginia Tech Phil Rogers 6-yard run (2-point pass failed) Alabama 35–6 2 0:45 Alabama James Taylor 80-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 42–6 3 13:53 Alabama Randy Billingsley 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 49–6 3 10:03 Alabama Richard Todd 9-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 56–6 3 5:49 Alabama Jack O'Rear 14-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 63–6 3 3:56 Alabama Calvin Culliver 86-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 70–6 4 8:25 Alabama Jack O'Rear 28-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 77–6 yes After their victory over Tennessee, Alabama retained their No. 2 position prior to their out of conference match-up against Virginia Tech at Denny Stadium.Associated Press State still No. 1, but Tide closing https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19731023&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News October 23, 1973 8 July 4, 2014 Against the Gobblers, the Crimson Tide set several team, conference and national offensive records with this 77–6 blowout at Tuscaloosa. Alabama opened the game with a pair of first quarter touchdown runs from 51-yards by Wilbur Jackson and two-yards from Randy Billingsley for a 14–0 lead. In the second, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 35–0 after Ralph Stokes scored on a seven-yard run, Conley Duncan recovered a fumble in the endzone and Richard Todd threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Darrell Owen before the Hokies scored their only points of the contest. With just under a minute to play in the first half, Phil Rogers scored Tech's only points with his six-yard touchdown run. However, Alabama responded on their next offensive play with an 80-yard James Taylor touchdown run for a 42–6 halftime lead. The Crimson Tide continued their scoring into the second half with another four touchdowns in the third quarter. They came on runs of seven-yards by Billingsley, nine-yards by Todd, 14-yards by Jack O'Rear and 86-yards by Calvin Culliver. O'Rear then scored the final points of the game with his 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth that made the final score 77–6. Records set in the game included the most total offensive yards in SEC history with 828 and the most rushing yards in NCAA history for a single game with 743. The 828 yards of total offense for the game also eclipsed the previous record of 667 yards set against California to open the season, and the 77 points also represented the first time the Crimson Tide reached 70 points in a game since their 1945 season. Additionally, four Alabama backs rushed for over 100 yards with 142 yards from Taylor, 138 from Jackson, 127 yards from Culliver and 102 yards from Todd. Mississippi State 1973 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team #2 Alabama 7 6 8 14 Mississippi State 0 0 0 0 November 3 Mississippi Veterans Memorial StadiumJackson, MS 8:15 pm Central 2:19 46,000 Clear and warm Sources:Associated Press Tide extends streak, blanks Bulldogs 35–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uf0rAAAAIBAJ&sjid=r8YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2387%2C393222 The Florence Times 9 November 4, 1973 July 4, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031058.0 Alabama–Mississippi State: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org November 3, 1973 July 4, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163034/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031058.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 1 14:28 Alabama Randy Billingsley 38-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 2 13:48 Alabama Bill Davis 33-yard field goal Alabama 10–0 2 4:09 Alabama Bill Davis 27-yard field goal Alabama 13–0 3 7:20 Alabama Willie Shelby 29-yard run (2-point pass good) Alabama 21–0 4 11:52 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 6-yard run (2-point pass failed) Alabama 27–0 4 8:32 Alabama Ralph Stokes 1-yard run (2-point pass good) Alabama 35–0 yes As they entered their game against Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No. 2 position in the AP Poll.Associated Press Tiders second again 9 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19731030&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News October 30, 1973 July 4, 2014 Favored by 28 points as they entered the game, the Crimson Tide shutout the Bulldogs 35–0 at Jackson. On the second offensive play of the game, Alabama took a 7–0 lead behind a 38-yard Randy Billingsley touchdown run. State then held the Crimson Tide to only a pair of Bill Davis field goals from 33 and 27-yards for a 13–0 Alabama lead at halftime. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with three second half touchdowns for the 35–0 win. Willie Shelby scored on a 29-yard run in the third and Wilbur Jackson and Ralph Stokes scored on runs of six and one-yard in the fourth. In the game, Sam Nichols missed a pair of field goals for the Bulldogs from 30 and 32-yards that would have prevented the shutout. Miami (FL) 1973 Miami Hurricanes football team Miami 0 0 6 7 #2 Alabama 15 7 7 14 November 17 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 58,404 Sources:Delbert Reed Hurricanes fail to stir up Crimson Tide https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ixgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6646%2C1952532 The Tuscaloosa News November 18, 1973 B1 July 4, 2014Hoyt Harwell Associated Press Alabama romps past Miami to clinch Sugar Bowl invitation https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jiQqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pEYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5053%2C2157375 Daily News November 18, 1971 18 July 4, 2014 yes 1 Alabama Greg Montgomery blocked punt for a safety Alabama 2–0 1 Alabama Gary Rutledge 2-yard run (2-point run failed) Alabama 8–0 1 Alabama John Sharpless 69-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 15–0 2 Alabama Willie Shelby 52-yard punt return (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 22–0 3 Miami Woody Thompson 3-yard run (2-point run failed) Alabama 22–6 3 Alabama Darrell Owen 9-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 29–6 4 Alabama James Taylor 5-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 36–6 4 Alabama John Boles 62-yard punt return (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 43–6 4 Miami Steve Marcantonio 78-yard pass from Coy Hall (Brian Selmer kick) Alabama 43–13 yes As they entered their game against Miami, Alabama retained their No. 2 position in the AP Poll for a fourth consecutive week.Associated Press Tide maintains hold on second https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19731113&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 13, 1973 9 July 4, 2014 On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defeated Hurricanes 43–13 and after the victory accepted an invitation to compete in the Sugar Bowl.Delbert Reed It's official: Tide–Irish in Sugar Bowl https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ixgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4122%2C1952129 The Tuscaloosa News November 18, 1973 B1 July 4, 2014 Alabama scored their first points early in the game when Greg Montgomery blocked a Miami punt out of the endzone for a safety. They then extended their lead to 15–0 by the end of the first behind a two-yard Gary Rutledge run and a 69-yard Rutledge pass to John Sharpless. Willie Shelby then made the halftime score 22–0 with his 52-yard punt return. Miami scored their first points early in the third on a three-yard Woody Thompson touchdown run. However, Alabama responded later in the quarter with a nine-yard Rutledge touchdown pass to Darrell Owen and made the score 29–6. In the final quarter, the Crimson Tide closed with a five-yard James Taylor touchdown run and a 62-yard John Boles punt return. The Hurricanes then scored the final points of the game on a 78-yard Coy Hall touchdown pass to Steve Marcantonio that made the final score 43–13. LSU 1973 LSU Tigers football team #2 Alabama 0 14 7 0 #7 LSU 0 0 0 7 November 22 Tiger StadiumBaton Rouge, LA 5:40 pm Central 2:25 67,730 ABC Sources:Delbert Reed Some Tide questions to be answered https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jxgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4870%2C2929455 The Tuscaloosa News 11 November 23, 1973 July 4, 2014http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031056.0 Alabama–LSU: Summary of Football Game Statistics NCAA.org November 22, 1973 July 4, 2014 PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152539/http://web1.ncaa.org/footballStatsArchive/FootballStats.pdf?id=6031056.0 July 14, 2014 dead yes 2 13:56 Alabama Gary Rutledge 19-yard run (Bill Davis kick miss) Alabama 6–0 2 6:52 Alabama George Pugh 49-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (2-point run good) Alabama 14–0 3 9:06 Alabama Wayne Wheeler 77-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 4 13:15 LSU Brad Davis 40-yard run (Rusty Jackson kick) Alabama 21–7 yes After their victory over Miami, Alabama retained their No. 2 position and LSU was in the No. 7 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up at Baton Rouge on Thanksgiving Day.Herschel Nissenson Associated Press Tide gains ground https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jRgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6067%2C2303734 The Tuscaloosa News November 20, 1973 9 July 4, 2014 Playing in a regionally televised game on ABC, Alabama defeated the previously undefeated Tigers 21–7 and secured both the 500th win in the history of Crimson Tide football and captured the 1973 conference championship. After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 14–0 halftime lead with a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter. The first came on a 19-yard Gary Rutledge run and the second on a 49-yard Rutledge pass to George Pugh. In the third, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 21–0 after Rutledge threw a 77-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler. LSU answered early in the fourth with their only points on a 40-yard Brad Davis run that made the final score 21–7. Auburn 1973 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl #1 Alabama 14 0 7 14 Auburn 0 0 0 0 December 1 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 5:13 pm Central 2:13 69,418 ABC Sources:Delbert Reed Little doubt about state champ now https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19731201&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News B1 December 2, 1973 July 4, 2014 yes 1 7:50 Alabama Randy Billingsley 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 1:31 Alabama Gary Rutledge 1-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 3 9:22 Alabama Gary Rutledge 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 4 12:48 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 14-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–0 4 1:49 Alabama James Taylor 8-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–0 yes As they entered their annual rivalry game against Auburn, Alabama moved into the No. 1 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up in the Iron Bowl.Associated Press USC tops, Tide 2nd https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FhwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2921%2C5253534 The Tuscaloosa News November 28, 1972 9 June 29, 2014 Seeking to avenge their loss from the previous season to the Tigers the Crimson Tide were dominant in this 35–0 shutout at Legion Field. Alabama took a 14–0 lead in the first quarter behind touchdown runs of seven-yards by Randy Billingsley and of one-yard by Gary Rutledge. After a scoreless second, Rutledge scored his second rushing touchdown early in the third on a three-yard run for a 21–0 lead. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with touchdown runs of 14-yards by Wilbur Jackson and eight-yards by James Taylor for the 35–0 win. Notre Dame 1973 Sugar Bowl 1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team Sugar Bowl #3 Notre Dame 6 8 7 3 #1 Alabama 0 10 7 6 December 31 Tulane StadiumNew Orleans, LA 85,161 Gene Calhoun (Big Ten Conference) Chris Schenkel, Bud Wilkinson and Howard Cosell ABC Sources:Chris Dufresne Memories of 1973 Sugar Bowl remain sweet and sour https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-jan-05-la-sp-0106-notre-dame-alabama-bcs-20130106-story.html Los Angeles Times January 5, 2013 July 4, 2014Dan O'Sullivan 1973–Notre Dame 24, Alabama 23 http://espn.go.com/abcsports/bcs/sugar/s/1973.html https://archive.today/20120707224337/http://espn.go.com/abcsports/bcs/sugar/s/1973.html dead July 7, 2012 ESPN.com December 13, 2002 July 4, 2014 yes 1 3:19 Notre Dame Wayne Bullock 6-yard run (Bob Thomas kick failed) Notre Dame 6–0 2 7:30 Alabama Randy Billingsley 6-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–6 2 7:17 Notre Dame Al Hunter 93-yard kickoff return (2-point pass good) Notre Dame 14–7 2 0:39 Alabama Bill Davis 33-yard field goal Notre Dame 14–10 3 11:02 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 5-yard-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 17–14 3 0:07 Notre Dame Eric Penick 12-yard run (Bob Thomas kick) Notre Dame 21–17 4 9:33 Alabama Richard Todd 25-yard pass from Mike Stock (Bill Davis kick failed) Alabama 23–21 4 4:26 Notre Dame Bob Thomas 19-yard field goal Notre Dame 24–23 yes At the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama was selected as national champions in the UPI Coaches' Poll.Alabama wins National Title in UPI Poll https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/603318462.html?dids=603318462:603318462&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+05%2C+1973&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Alabama+Wins+National+Title+in+UPI+Poll&pqatl=google https://web.archive.org/web/20121105103953/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/603318462.html?dids=603318462:603318462&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+05,+1973&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Alabama+Wins+National+Title+in+UPI+Poll&pqatl=google dead November 5, 2012 United Press International The Los Angeles Times B3 December 5, 1973 July 4, 2014 However, the Crimson Tide would not win the AP championship as they lost 24–23 against Notre Dame in what was a classic Sugar Bowl. Notre Dame checked into the locker room at halftime up 14–10, the big play coming on a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Al Hunter. Each team scored a touchdown in the third quarter, that left the Irish up 21–17 going into the fourth. Alabama took a 23–21 lead on a fleaflicker touchdown pass from running back Mike Strock back to quarterback Richard Todd. However, Bill Davis missed the extra point and Alabama was up by only two. Notre Dame drove the ball downfield and kicked a 19-yard field goal to go up 24–23 with 4:26 to go. Bama could not answer, but the punt left Notre Dame backed up to their own goal. With time ticking away and Notre Dame facing a third and eight, Alabama had a chance to get the ball back in excellent field position, but Irish QB Tom Clements threw a 35-yard pass to tight end Robin Webber and Notre Dame held on to win the game and the AP national championship. Roster 1973 Alabama Crimson Tide y Marvin Barron OT S n Bo Batey OG SO n Ellis Beck 35 FB S n Randy Billingsley 22 RB J n Duffy Boles 38 RB SO n Joey Bolton RB SO n Buddy Brown 65 OG S y Buddy Brown (offensive guard) Jerry Brown TE SO n Bob Bryan 70 OT J n Sylvester Croom 94 TE J y Steve Dean 46 RB S n Warren Dyar 86 TE S n Mike Eckenrod 69 C S n Robert Fraley QB J n Gary Hanrahan OG SO n Joe Dale Harris 84 RB SO n Bob Haught FB SO n John Hollis OT SO n Bob Holmes 31 FB SO n Morris Hunt 60 OT S n Wilbur Jackson 80 WR S y John LaBue HB SO n Buford Lambert OT SO n Rand Lambert 58 C J n Barry McGee OT SO n David McIntyre C SO n Rick McLain TE SO n Ray Maxwell OG SO n Randy Moore 87 TE S n Phil Murphy 20 RB J n Tom Nelson 28 TE SO n Butch Norman OT S n Pete Pappas 6 WR J n Steve Patterson 71 OG J n Buddy Pope OG SO n George Pugh TE SO y George Pugh (American football) Darrell Owen 82 WR SR n Danny Ridgeway 15 QB SO n John Rogers 61 OT J n Rick Rogers 68 OT S n Gary Rutledge 11 QB J n Russ Schamun SE SO n Johnny Sharpless 16 SE S n Willie Shelby RB SO y Sid Smith C SO n Paul Spivey 24 RB S n Steve Sprayberry 78 OT S n Mike Stock RB SO n Ralph Stokes 42 RB J n Sam Tate WR J n James Taylor 27 RB SO n Richard Todd QB SO y Richard Todd (American football) Jerry Washco OG SO n Rick Watson FB SO n Joe Weaver OG SO n Wayne Wheeler WR S y Wayne Wheeler (American football) Richard Whitley 72 OG J n Rudy Wooten 67 OT SO n Tom Baggett SS SO n Ray Bolden S SO n Tom Bouck LB SO n Robin Cary 48 DB S n Mike Christian DE SO n Leroy Cook DE SO y John Croyle 83 DE S n Ricky Davis 19 DB J y Ricky Davis (American football) Jimmy Dawson 37 LB J n Mike DuBose 57 LB J y Conley Duncan LB SO n Don Groves 91 DE J n Randy Hall 62 DT J n Wayne Hall 50 LB S n Bill Harrison DT SO n Tyrone King DB SO n Skip Kubelius 95 DT S n Steve Kulback 66 DT SO n Woodrow Lowe LB SO y David McMakin SS S n Noah Miller 51 DE J n Greg Montgomery LB SO n John Niehaus DE SO n Steve Patton DE F y Lefty Perry DB SO n Alan Pizzitola S SO n Mark Prudhomme SS SO n Max Raines 74 DT S n Wayne Rhodes DB SO y Mike Riley 23 DB J y Mike Riley (American football) Ronnie Robertson 55 LB J n Jeff Rouzie LB S n Larry Ruffin DT SO n John Sheehan LB SO n Chuck Strickland 36 LB S n Dick Turpin DE SO n Mike Washington 34 DB J y Mike Washington (cornerback) David Watkins 93 DE S n Gary Yelvington 49 LB J n Bucky Berrey PK SO n Bill Davis 1 PK S n Mike Davis PK SO n Greg Gantt 8 PK S y https://rolltide.com/documents/2010/4/21/73-m-footbl-roster.pdf July 5, 2014 Bear Bryant (16th year, Alabama) Ken Donahue (10th year, Tennessee) Pat Dye (9th year, Georgia) Danny Ford (2nd year, Alabama) Jim Goostree (17th year, Tennessee) Clem Gryska (14th year, Alabama) Curley Hallman (1st year, Texas A&M) Dude Hennessey (14th year, Kentucky) Bobby Marks (2nd year, Texas A&M) Ken Martin (3rd year, Alabama) John Mitchell (1st year, Alabama) Bud Moore (2nd year, Alabama) Mal Moore (10th year, Alabama) Bill Oliver (3rd year, Alabama) Dee Powell (10th year, Texas A&M) Jack Rutledge (8th year, Alabama) Jimmy Sharpe (11th year, Alabama) References:http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/72-m-footbl-roster.pdf 1972 Season Roster RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics July 5, 2014 July 14, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714172712/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/72-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 1973 squad were selected in the NFL draft in the 1974, 1975 and 1976. These players included: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team1974 NFL draftNational Football League http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school Draft History by School–Alabama July 4, 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 1 9 Wilbur Jackson Running back San Francisco 49ers 3 54 Wayne Wheeler Wayne Wheeler (American football) Wide receiver Chicago Bears 6 138 Mike Raines Defensive tackle San Francisco 49ers 8 187 Greg Gantt Punter New York Jets 16 392 Buddy Brown Buddy Brown (offensive guard) Guard New York Giants1975 NFL draft 3 53 Mike Washington Mike Washington (cornerback) Defensive back Baltimore Colts 8 195 Ricky Davis 1 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 Bengals References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/73-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1973 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics July 1, 2014 October 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141021053806/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/73-m-footbl-recaps.pdf dead http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/exec/records Alabama 1973–74 Football Game Results NCAA.org July 1, 2014 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 1, 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:College football national champions Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football