1964 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1964 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 1 1 10–1 8–0 Bear Bryant 7th Howard Schnellenberger 4th Gene Stallings 3rd Joe Namath Ray Ogden Denny StadiumLegion FieldLadd Stadium AP poll national championCoaches Poll national championSEC champion Orange Bowl L Lost 17–21 vs. Texas The 1964 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1964 NCAA University Division football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 70th overall and 31st season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his seventh year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Legion Field in Birmingham and Ladd Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. They finished the season with ten wins and one loss (10–1 overall, 8–0 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to Texas (a team Arkansas defeated in Austin, TX) in the Orange Bowl. As the major wire services at that time awarded their national champions prior to the bowl season, Alabama was also recognized as national champions by the AP and UPI before their loss to Texas. After the bowl games, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) named the undefeated Arkansas Razorbacks as the national champions. The Crimson Tide opened the season ranked in the No. 6 position with wins at Tuscaloosa against Georgia, against Tulane in Mobile and at Birmingham against Vanderbilt. After a victory over NC State in their first non-conference game of the season, Alabama defeated Tennessee in their first road game of the season at Neyland Stadium. The Crimson Tide then returned to Tuscaloosa where they defeated a Steve Spurrier-led Florida team on homecoming before their second road victory at Mississippi State at Jackson. Alabama then defeated LSU in a newly expanded Legion Field and captured the SEC championship, and the next week defeated Georgia Tech in what was the final game of their annual series. In the annual Iron Bowl against Auburn, the Crimson Tide completed an undefeated regular season with their victory and accepted a bid to play Texas in the Orange Bowl. Although recognized as national champions at the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama closed the season with a loss to the Texas Longhorns in the Orange Bowl. After the regular season in late November, quarterback Joe Namath was the first selection of the 1965 AFL draft, taken by the New York Jets. In addition to Namath, eleven other lettermen from the 1964 squad were selected in the 1965 NFL draft. Schedule 1964 AP September 19 w 6 Georgia Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 31–3 42,525 https://www.newspapers.com/article/ledger-enquirer-tide-sinks-dawgs-313/133684736/ The Sunday Ledger-Enquirer Tide sinks 'Dawgs, 31–3 September 20, 1964 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com September 26 w 6 Tulane Ladd Stadium Mobile, AL 36–6 30,011 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85682615/crimson-tide-overpowers-tulane-green-wav/ The Montgomery Advertiser Crimson Tide overpowers Tulane Green Wave, 36–6 September 27, 1964 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com October 3 w 4 Vanderbilt Legion Field Birmingham, AL 24–0 47,325 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montgomery-advertiser-tide-batters-v/133631159/ The Montgomery Advertiser Tide batters Vandy October 4, 1964 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com October 10 w y 3 NC State Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 21–0 37,827 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-nc-state-bows-210/133684860/ Lincoln Sunday Journal & Star NC State bows 21–0 to Alabama October 11, 1964 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com October 17 w y 3 Tennessee Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Third Saturday in October 19–8 48,627 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101275201/crimson-tide-captures-vols-198/ Johnson City Press Crimson Tide captures Vols, 19–8 October 18, 1964 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com October 24 w y 3 Florida 9 Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 17–14 43,200 https://www.newspapers.com/article/tallahassee-democrat-tide-comebacks-thwa/133684406/ Tallahassee Democrat Tide comebacks thwart Florida's hopes, 17–14 October 25, 1964 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com October 31 w y 3 Mississippi State Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS rivalry 23–6 44,350 https://www.newspapers.com/article/clarion-ledger-alabama-surge-defeats-mis/133632695/ The Clarion-Ledger Alabama surge defeats Miss. State U., 23 to 6 November 1, 1964 October 17, 2023 Newspapers.com November 7 w 3 LSU 8 Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry NBC 17–9 67,749 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-dothan-eagle-bama-nips-lsu-to-win-se/133685086/ The Dothan Eagle Bama nips LSU to win SEC title November 8, 1964 October 17, 2023 Newspapers.com November 14 w y y 2 Georgia Tech 10 Grant Field Atlanta, GA rivalry 24–7 53,505 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-greenville-news-second-rankes-alabam/133685204/ The Greenville News Second-ranked Alabama trounces Ga. Tech 24–7 November 15, 1964 October 17, 2023 Newspapers.com November 26 w y 2 Auburn Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl NBC 21–14 67,436 https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-tide-sinks-tough/133677090/ Birmingham Post-Herald Tide sinks tough Auburn, 21–14 November 27, 1964 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com January 1, 1965 l y y 1 Texas 5 Miami Orange Bowl Miami, FL Orange Bowl NBC 17–21 72,647 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123832322/big-plays-by-texas-hold-off-namath-rush/ The Miami News Big plays by Texas hold off Namath rush January 2, 1965 October 18, 2023 Newspapers.com http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1964 1964 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics May 11, 2013 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 1964 Georgia Bulldogs football team Georgia 0 3 0 0 #6 Alabama 7 7 10 7 September 19 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 42,525 Sources:Charles Land Namath fires Tide by Bulldogs, 31–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BRwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AZsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7338%2C2952687 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News September 20, 1964 9 May 11, 2013Hap Halbrooks Namath proves a sparkler in 31–3 Alabama victor https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oA4sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oMgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1040%2C2312641 Google News Archives The Florence Times September 20, 1964 25 May 11, 2013 To open the 1964 season, the Crimson Tide defeated Georgia 31–3 in what was the first game for Vince Dooley as head coach of the Bulldogs.1964 Season Recap After the Crimson Tide took a 7–0 lead on a five-yard Hudson Harris touchdown run in the first quarter, Georgia scored their only points early in the second on a 26-yard Robert Etter field goal. Alabama responded with the first of three Joe Namath touchdown runs from eight-yards out that gave the Crimson Tide a 14–3 halftime lead. Alabama closed the game with a 27-yard David Ray field goal and Namath touchdown runs of one and five-yards for the 31–3 victory. In the game, Namath completed 16 of 21 passes for 167 yards, ran for 55 yards, and scored three touchdowns. The 16 completions tied a school record with Harry Gilmer set during the 1946 season, and for his performance Namath was recognized as the AP's Back of the Week.Associated Press Alabama's Namath selected national back of week https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zwwOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-3wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7155%2C1178562 Google News Archives St. Petersburg Times September 23, 1964 2C May 11, 2013 Tulane 1964 Tulane Green Wave football team Tulane 0 0 0 6 #6 Alabama 0 10 10 16 September 26 Ladd StadiumMobile, AL 30,011 Source:Charles Land High Tide rolls by Greenies https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AZsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7103%2C4136088 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News September 27, 1964 9 May 11, 2013 At Mobile, the Crimson Tide defeated the Tulane Green Wave 36–6 in their annual Ladd Stadium game of the season. After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 10–0 halftime lead after David Ray connected on a 22-yard field goal and Joe Namath scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Ray extended the Crimson Tide lead to 20–0 with his 33-yard field goal and 33-yard touchdown reception from Namath in the third quarter. In the fourth, Frank Canterbury scored on a five-yard touchdown run, and Tulane responded with their only points of the game on an eight-yard David East touchdown pass to Lanis O'Steen. Alabama then closed the game with a one-yard Namath run that made the final score 36–6. Vanderbilt 1964 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 No. 4 Alabama 0 0 14 10 October 3 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 47,325 Sources:Ronnie Thomas Tide whips Vandy 24–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GAQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QNUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1832%2C332232 Google News Archives The Gadsden Times October 4, 1964 21 May 11, 2013Associated Press Alabama gets 24–0 victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZHVJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VwsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1789%2C724012 Google News Archives The News and Courier October 4, 1964 4D May 11, 2013 After their victory over Tulane, Alabama moved into the No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Dick Couch Associated Press Tide draws fourth spot in grid poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19640929&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News September 29, 1964 6 May 11, 2013 In the first Legion Field game of the season, the Crimson Tide shut out the Commodores, 24–0, at Birmingham. After a scoreless first half, Alabama took a 14–0 third-quarter lead on a two-yard Joe Namath touchdown pass to Hudson Harris and on a 15-yard Namath run. They then closed the game with a nine-yard Namath touchdown pass to Tommy Tolleson and a 28-yard David Ray field goal in the fourth quarter that made the final score 24–0. NC State 1964 NC State Wolfpack football team NC State 0 0 0 0 #3 Alabama 0 7 7 7 October 10 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 37,827 Sources:Charles Land Sloan sparks Alabama victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Bg4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5896%2C1632673 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 11, 1964 11 May 12, 2013UPI Alabama breaks State's bubble https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a3VJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VwsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3135%2C2041169 Google News Archives The News and Courier October 11, 1964 4D May 12, 2013 After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved up one position in the polls to the No. 3 spot prior to their first non-conference game of the season.Ted Meier Associated Press Tide climbs to third spot in national football poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BQ4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4964%2C976133 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 6, 1964 10 May 12, 2013 In a game that saw starting quarterback Joe Namath injured in the second quarter, backup Steve Sloan rallied the Crimson Tide to a 21–0 victory over the NC State Wolfpack in Tuscaloosa. After a scoreless first quarter, Namath twisted his knee with just over 6:00 remaining in the half. Sloan entered the game and led Alabama on a 69-yard drive that culminated with his one-yard touchdown run to give Alabama a 7–0 halftime lead. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a three-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run in the third and a 10-yard Sloan touchdown pass to Tommy Tolleson in the fourth that made the final score 21–0. Tennessee 1964 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October #3 Alabama 3 13 0 3 Tennessee 0 0 8 0 October 17 Neyland StadiumKnoxville, TN 48,627 Sources:Charles Land Tide handles Vols, 19–8 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Cw4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7334%2C2733178 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 18, 1964 9 May 12, 2013Associated Press Alabama beats Tennessee 19–8 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-eBXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GekDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5711%2C673694 Google News Archives The Spokesman-Review October 16, 1964 C4 May 12, 2013 In what was their first road game of the 1964 season, Alabama defeated the rival Tennessee Volunteers 19–8 at Neyland Stadium. David Ray gave the Crimson Tide an early 3–0 lead after he connected on a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter. Alabama then extended their lead to 16–0 at halftime with a pair of second-quarter touchdowns. The first came on a one-yard Steve Sloan run and the second after Wayne Cook blocked a Tennessee punt that Gaylon McCollough returned 22-yards for a touchdown. The Volunteers cut the Tide's lead in half to 16–8 with a seven-yard Hal Wantland touchdown run and two-point conversion in the third quarter. A 23-yard Ray field goal in the fourth quarter provided for the final 19–8 margin in the Alabama victory. Tom Fisher starred defensively for Tennessee with a blocked field goal, a blocked punt and an interception of a Sloan pass in defeat. Florida 1964 Florida Gators football team #9 Florida 0 7 7 0 #3 Alabama 0 7 0 10 October 24 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 43,200 Sources:Buddy Martin Crimson Tide nips Gators https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=y5xPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_AQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6733%2C5480738 Google News Archives Ocala Star-Banner October 25, 1964 17 May 12, 2013Charles Land Alabama fights off Gators, 17–14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dw4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6793%2C3939617 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 25, 1964 11 May 12, 2013 As they entered their 1964 homecoming game against Florida, Alabama was ranked No. 3 and Florida No. 9 in the AP Poll.Ed Watkins Victory puts the icing on homecoming cake https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dw4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4588%2C3879162 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 25, 1964 1 May 12, 2013 Against the Gators, Alabama rallied for a 17–14 comeback victory after they scored ten unanswered points in the fourth quarter. After a scoreless first quarter, Florida took a 7–0 second quarter lead when Steve Spurrier threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Randy Jackson. Alabama responded with a one-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run later in the quarter that tied the game 7–7 at halftime. In the third, the Gators retook the lead with a three-yard John Feiber touchdown run before the Crimson Tide started their fourth quarter rally. In the final period, a 30-yard Bowman touchdown run tied the game and a 21-yard David Ray field goal with just 3:06 left in the game. Spurrier then led the Gators on a drive that stalled at the Tide's seven-yard line where James Hall missed a field goal to tie the game and preserved the 17–14 Alabama win. Mississippi State 1964 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team #3 Alabama 3 6 14 0 Mississippi State 6 0 0 0 October 31 Mississippi Veterans Memorial StadiumJackson, MS 44,350 Sources:UPI Field goals lift Alabama, 23 to 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W3tJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fQsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3219%2C258532 Google News Archives The News and Courier November 1, 1964 2D May 12, 2013Charles Land Ray, Sloan spark Bama by Bulldogs, 23–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Fv0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6915%2C75827 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 1, 1964 13 May 12, 2013 At the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, a near sellout crowd saw David Ray connect on three field goals and Steve Bowman score on a pair of touchdown runs in this 23–6 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs took an early 6–0 lead after a seven-yard Price Hodges touchdown run capped a 64-yard opening drive for Mississippi State. Ray field goals of 34, 40 and 20-yards that followed gave the Crimson Tide a 9–6 halftime lead. Alabama then held the Bulldogs to only four offensive plays in the third quarter and scored on a pair of one-yard Bowman touchdown runs for the 23–6 win. LSU 1964 LSU Tigers football team #8 LSU 6 3 0 0 #3 Alabama 7 0 0 10 November 7 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 67,749 Source:Hap Halbrooks Tide downs LSU https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VCIsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D8gEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1219%2C1046152 Google News Archives The Florence Times November 8, 1964 27 May 12, 2013Charles Land Alabama wraps up SEC title with 17–9 win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7280%2C1101969 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 8, 1964 9 May 12, 2013 As they entered their game against LSU, Alabama remained in the No. 3 position with the Tigers in the No. 8 position for a top ten matchup.Murray Chass Associated Press Irish climb past Bucks as Alabama stays third https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4682%2C506035 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 3, 1964 6 May 12, 2013 Against the Tigers, Alabama rallied back for a 17–9 win that secured the 1964 SEC championship at Legion Field in Birmingham. LSU scored first and took an early 6–0 lead on a 13-yard Billy Ezell touchdown pass to Doug Moreau. The Crimson Tide responded later in the first quarter with a one-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run and took a 7–6 lead. Later, a 35-yard Moreau field goal in the second quarter gave the Tigers a 9–7 halftime lead that they retained through the fourth quarter when Alabama started their rally. In the fourth, the Tide took the lead with a 36-yard David Ray field goal and extended it to the final margin of 17–9 later in the quarter when Hudson Harris intercepted and Ezell pass and returned it 34-yards for the touchdown. The game was also the dedication of 13,000 additional seats at Legion Field, and the 67,749 in attendance made it the largest crowd to ever see a football game in the state of Alabama at that time. Georgia Tech 1964 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team #2 Alabama 0 14 3 7 #10 Georgia Tech 0 0 0 7 November 14 Grant FieldAtlanta, GA 50,332 Sources:Associated Press 'Bama routs Georgia Tech for 9th, 24–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2JMzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N-kFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2461%2C4744446 Google News Archives The Miami News November 15, 1964 C1 May 12, 2013Norman Bassett Quick striking Alabama dumps Tech 24–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6717%2C2191828 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 15, 1964 9 May 12, 2013 After their victory over LSU, Alabama moved into the No. 2 position and Georgia Tech, which exited the SEC following the 1963 season, into the No. 10 position in the AP poll prior to their game in Atlanta.Associated Press Tide challenging Irish for lead https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7143%2C1530651 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 6, 1964 9 May 12, 2013 In what was the final game of a series that stretched back nearly uninterrupted to the 1920s, Alabama defeated the Yellow Jackets 24–7 at Grant Field.Charles Land Tide, Tech write end to great series Saturday https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Hv0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7292%2C2042308 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 13, 1964 9 May 12, 2013 After a scoreless first quarter, an injured Joe Namath entered the game for the Crimson Tide and led them to a pair of touchdowns in just a 1:20 of playing time.Charles Land Namath tosses spark victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6981%2C2189571 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 15, 1964 9 May 12, 2013 After Alabama recovered a Tech fumble at their 49-yard line, Namath threw a 48-yard completion to David Ray and on the next play took a 7–0 lead on a one-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run. The Crimson Tide then recovered an onside kick on the kickoff that ensued on the Jackets' 48-yard line. On the next play, Namath passed for 45-yards to Ray Ogden and then threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Ray for the 14–0 halftime lead. After a 22-yard Ray field goal extended their lead to 17–0 in the third, Bowman scored on a four-yard fumble recovered for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Georgia Tech did manage to avoid the shutout late in the fourth when Jerry Priestley threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Giles Smith that made the final score 24–7. Auburn 1964 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl Auburn 0 7 0 7 #2 Alabama 6 0 8 7 November 26 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 67,436 Sources:Charles Land Tide does it the hard way again, 21–14 over Auburn https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7393%2C4445401 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 27, 1964 8 May 12, 2013Griffin John Chandler Alabama vs. Auburn: Gridiron Grudge Since 1893 2001 Hill Street Press Athens, Georgia 1-58818-044-1 175–177 1964: 10–0 Alabama wins another national championship In the week prior to their game against Auburn, Alabama retained their No. 2 ranking in the AP poll.Bob Green Associated Press Tide stays second https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jf0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4483%2C3993012 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 24, 1964 9 May 12, 2013 In the annual Iron Bowl game, Alabama defeated the Tigers 21–14 land secured their second undefeated regular season under coach Bryant. The Crimson Tide took an early 6–0 lead after Steve Bowman recovered an Auburn fumble on a failed punt attempt and returned it 39-yards for a touchdown. The Tigers responded with a three-yard Tucker Frederickson touchdown run in the second quarter for a 7–6 halftime lead. Alabama then took a 14–7 lead in the third after Ray Ogden returned the opening kickoff 107 yards for a touchdown. An Auburn fumble then set up the final scoring drive for Alabama in the fourth that culminated in a 23-yard Joe Namath touchdown pass to Ray Perkins for a 21–7 lead. The Tigers responded later with a 16-yard Tom Bryan touchdown pass to Jimmy Sidle that made the final score 21–14. Texas 1964 Texas Longhorns football team 1965 Orange Bowl Orange Bowl #5 Texas 7 14 0 0 #1 Alabama 0 7 7 3 January 1, 1965 Miami Orange BowlMiami, FL 72,647 Sources:Charles Land Longhorns hold off fighting Tide, 21–17 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News January 2, 1965 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19650101&printsec=frontpage&hl=en May 12, 2013Tommy Fitzgerald Big plays by Texas hold off Namath rush Google News Archives The Miami News January 2, 1965 1B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c7QzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=auoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1003%2C302021 May 12, 2013 Immediately after their Iron Bowl victory, Alabama accepted a bid to play Texas in the Orange Bowl.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2887%2C4450303 Orange Bowl bid offered, accepted The Tuscaloosa News 9 November 27, 1964 May 12, 2013 Although they were recognized as undefeated national champions at the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama lost to the Longhorns 21–17 in the game and finished the season 10–1. Texas took a 14–0 lead after touchdowns were scored on a 79-yard Ernie Koy run in the first and on a 69-yard Jim Hudson pass to George Sauer Jr. in the second quarter. The Crimson Tide responded with a seven-yard Joe Namath touchdown pass to Wayne Trimble, but a two-yard Koy touchdown run made the halftime score 21–7 in favor of Texas. Alabama closed the game with a 20-yard Ray Perkins touchdown reception in the third and with a 26-yard David Ray field goal in the fourth, but lost 21–17. National championship claim College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS The NCAA recognizes consensus national champions as the teams that have captured a championship by way of one of the major polls since the 1950 college football season.http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2012/FBS.pdf National Poll Champions 73 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2012 NCAA Division I Football Records NCAA.org May 12, 2013 Got 12? Here's how Alabama bumped up its claim to a dozen national titles http://blog.al.com/solomon/2010/01/got_12.html Jon Solomon The Birmingham News January 6, 2010 May 12, 2013 After No. 1 Notre Dame was upset by USC in their final game of the season, it was speculated that Alabama would move into the top position in the polls and claim the 1964 national championship.Mighty Irish fall, Bama No. 1 now? https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2435%2C4538659 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 29, 1964 1 May 12, 2013 As such, the Crimson Tide were voted into the No. 1 position in both the final AP and UPI polls and captured the national championship.Bama crowned best in nation https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UhAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CJsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6830%2C21745 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News December 1, 1964 1 May 12, 2013 On November 30, the final UPI poll was released with Alabama in the No. 1 position having claimed 33 first place votes and 333 total points in the poll ahead of No. 2 Arkansas. On December 1, the final AP poll was released with Alabama in the No. 1 position having claimed 34.5 first place votes ahead of the 11.5 first place votes awarded to No. 2 Arkansas. Although officially recognized as national champions at the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama went on to lose against Texas in the Orange Bowl.UPI Namath, Alabama won't soon forget Nobis & Co. https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wlgmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_nwDAAAAIBAJ&dq=alabama%201964%20national%20championship&pg=7211%2C1160806 Google News Archives St. Petersburg Times January 3, 1965 6C May 12, 2013 Due to this embarrassment, and the increasing number of top ranked teams participating in bowl games, 1964 was one of the final years the AP released its final poll before the completion of bowl season.Associated Press Spartans eye college title https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DcUiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y7cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3184%2C6874604 Google News Archives The Pal Beach Post November 24, 1965 16 May 12, 2013 The AP would permanently switch to a final poll conducted after the bowl games starting with the 1968 season. Arkansas defeated Nebraska in the 1965 Cotton Bowl Classic and was the only major team that finished the entire season undefeated, to include a victory over Texas in Austin. Arkansas was voted national champions by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the Helms Athletic Foundation after the bowl games. NFL/AFL Draft Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1964 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) between the 1965 and 1967 drafts. These players included the following: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL/AFL team1965 NFL draftNational Football League http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school Draft History by School–Alabama May 11, 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 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 May 11, 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 Tommy Tolleson Wide receiver Atlanta Falcons 15 226 Steve Bowman Steve Bowman (American football) 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 May 11, 2013 17 150 Tom Tolleson Tommy Tolleson Wide receiver New York Jets 20 179 Steve Bowman Steve Bowman (American football) Halfback Oakland Raiders1967 NFL/AFL draft 1 26 Leslie Kelley Running backLinebacker New Orleans Saints 4 82 Louis Thompson 1 Defensive tackle New York Giants 4 91 Wayne Trimble Defensive tackle San Francisco 49ers 9 230 Cecil Dowdy Linebacker Cleveland Browns 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 May 11, 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 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News January 21, 1972 6 May 11, 2013 For the 1964 season, the Alabama freshmen squad was coached by Sam Bailey and finished their season with a record of two wins and two losses (2–2).Charles Land Homan's dash starts 17–0 Baby Tide win over Tigers https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1185%2C3497837 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 22, 1964 11 May 11, 2013 Alabama opened the season with a 14–7 loss to Mississippi State in a game that saw the Baby Tide turn the ball over seven times.Charles Land State frosh deal Tide 14–7 defeat https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19641003&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 3, 1964 6 May 11, 2013 The Bulldogs took a 7–0 lead in the first quarter on a one-yard Walter Pennebaker touchdown run. Alabama tied the game 7–7 in the third quarter on a 46-yard Ken Stabler touchdown pass to Dennis Homan; however, Stabler threw an interception later in the third to Alton Ellis that he returned 73 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Two weeks later, Alabama won their first game of the season at New Orleans with a 13–6 victory over Tulane.Davis, Stabler lead fresh win https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dg4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1803%2C3854333 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News October 24, 1964 8 May 11, 2013 The Baby Tide scored on their first offensive play when Stabler threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Homan in the first quarter. Steve Davis kicked a 26-yard field goal on the next Alabama possession and another from 24 yards out in the third that made the score 13–0 in favor of the Tide. Paul Arnold scored Tulane's only points in the fourth quarter on a one-yard run and made the final score 13–6. In their third game, Alabama was shut out by Ole Miss, 14–0, at Hemingway Stadium.Associated Press UA freshmen fall to Rebs https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=H_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1895%2C2121246 Google News Archives The Tuscaloosa News November 14, 1964 7 May 11, 2013 In the game, Rebel touchdowns were scored on a pair of Carr Walker touchdown passes. The first came in the opening period to Milie Haile and the second on a 59-yard pass to Carl Pope in the third quarter. The next week, Alabama closed the season with a 17–0 victory over rival Auburn at Denny Stadium. The Baby Tide took a 14–0 first quarter lead on a 70-yard Homan punt return and on a one-yard Phil Schaeffer touchdown run that capped a 71-yard drive. Steve Davis provided for the final points of the game late in the fourth quarter n a 21-yard field goal that made the final score 21–0. Personnel Varsity letter winners Player Hometown Position Mickey Andrews Ozark, Alabama Halfback Tim Bates Tarrant, Alabama Linebacker Steve Bowman Pascagoula, Mississippi Fullback Frank Canterbury Birmingham, Alabama Halfback Wayne Cook Montgomery, Alabama Tight end Paul Crane Prichard, Alabama Center Tim Davis Columbus, Georgia Placekicker Cecil Dowdy Cherokee, Alabama Offensive tackle Ron Durby Memphis, Tennessee Tackle Grady Elmore Ozark, Alabama Halfback Wayne Freeman Fort Payne, Alabama Guard Buddy French Decatur, Alabama Placekicker Jim Fuller Fairfield, Alabama Tackle Creed Gilmer Birmingham, Alabama Defensive end Hudson Harris Tarrant, Alabama Halfback Mike Hopper Huntsville, Alabama End Dan Kearley Talladega, Alabama Defensive tackle Leslie Kelley Cullman, Alabama Fullback Frankie McClendon Guntersville, Alabama Tackle Gaylon McCollough Enterprise, Alabama Center Ken Mitchell Florence, Alabama Guard John Mosley Thomaston, Alabama Halfback Joe Namath Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Quarterback Ray Ogden Jesup, Georgia Halfback Ray Perkins Petal, Mississippi End David Ray Phenix City, Alabama Placekicker 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 Wayne Trimble Cullman, Alabama Quarterback Larry Wall Valley, Alabama FullbackReference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 187–201 Coaching staff Name Position Seasons atAlabama Alma mater Bear Bryant Head coach 7 Alabama (1936) Sam Bailey Assistant coach 7 Ouachita Baptist (1949) Ken Donahue Assistant coach 1 Tennessee (1951) Jim Goostree Assistant coach 8 Tennessee (1952) Clem Gryska Assistant coach 5 Alabama (1948) Dude Hennessey Assistant coach 5 Kentucky (1955) Pat James Assistant coach 7 Kentucky (1951) Carney Laslie Assistant coach 7Austin American, Sat Jan 26, 1957, "Bear Hires Line Coach From Army". UP Austin American, Sun Jan 27, 1957, Bear Picks No. 1 Aide, Oldsters Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Sports Report, by Gene Gregston,. Tuesday, Sep 17, 1957 Alabama (1934) Ken Meyer Assistant coach 2 Denison (1950) Mal Moore Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1962) Dee Powell Assistant coach 2 Texas A&M (1957) Hayden Riley Assistant coach 7 Alabama (1948) Howard Schnellenberger Assistant coach 4 Kentucky (1956) Jimmy Sharpe Assistant coach 2 Alabama (1962) Gene Stallings Assistant coach 7 Texas A&M (1957) Richard Williamson Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1963)Reference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203 References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/64-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1964 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics May 12, 2013 April 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140425163814/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/64-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 May 12, 2013 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