1972 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1972 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southeastern Conference SEC 4 7 10–2 7–1 Bear Bryant 15th Wishbone 5–2 Terry Davis Robin Parkhouse Denny StadiumLegion Field SEC champion Cotton Bowl Classic L Lost 13–17 vs. Texas The 1972 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 78th overall season and 39th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 15th year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished the season with ten wins and two losses (10–2 overall, 7–1 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Alabama opened the season with a non-conference victory over Duke. They then shut out Kentucky in their conference opener, and then easily won their next three games, over Vanderbilt, Georgia and Florida. In a top-ten match-up against rival Tennessee, they scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns en route to a 17–10 victory. Next, the Crimson Tide defeated Southern Miss and Mississippi State to set up a top-ten match-up against LSU. With a 35–21 victory over the Tigers, Alabama captured the SEC championship for the 1972 season. The Crimson Tide next defeated Virginia Tech on homecoming and set up another top ten match-up Iron Bowl to close the regular season. Auburn defeated Alabama behind a pair of fourth-quarter blocked-punt returns in a game referred to as simply "Punt Bama Punt". The Crimson Tide then closed their season with a second-consecutive defeat, this time against Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Schedule 1972 AP September 9 w y 7 Duke Legion Field Birmingham, AL 35–12 71,281 September 23 w 7 Kentucky Legion Field Birmingham, AL 35–0 71,433 September 30 w 6 Vanderbilt Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 48–21 56,179 October 7 w y 4 Georgia Sanford Stadium Athens, GA rivalry 25–7 60,013 October 14 w 3 Florida Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 24–7 57,631 October 21 w y 3 Tennessee 10 Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Third Saturday in October 17–10 72,049 October 28 w y 2 Southern Miss Legion Field Birmingham, AL 48–11 57,090 November 4 w 2 Mississippi State Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 58–14 57,171 November 11 w 2 LSU 6 Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry ABC 35–21 72,039 November 18 w y y 2 Virginia Tech Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 52–13 57,162 December 2 l y 2 Auburn 9 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl 16–17 72,386 January 1, 1973 l y y 4 Texas 7 Cotton Bowl Dallas, TX Cotton Bowl Classic CBS 13–17 70,000 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1972 1972 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics February 10, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111125000700/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html November 25, 2011 Rankings 1972 NCAA University Division football rankings AP 0 14 7 5 7 6 4 3 3 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (3) 2 (5) 2 (5) 2 (4) 4 7 Coaches 0 13 7 5 (2) 6 (1) 5 (1) 3 (1) 3 (1) 3 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2) 3 (2) 2 (3) 2 (3) 2 (3) 4 Game summaries Duke 1972 Duke Blue Devils football team Duke 0 12 0 0 #7 Alabama 14 0 7 14 September 9 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 71,281 Sources:Delbert Reed Tide leaves Devils Blue as expected B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6511%2C1463618 The Tuscaloosa News September 10, 1972 February 12, 2014Steve Martin Bama unleashes host of runners 13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_t8pAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6tcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3340%2C1081122 The Gadsden Times September 10, 1972 February 12, 2014 Alabama opened the 1972 season ranked as the No. 7 team in the preseason AP Poll as they entered their game against Duke.Associated Press Devaney "stirred" by poll 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4670%2C852992 The Tuscaloosa News September 5, 1972 February 12, 2014 At Legion Field, the Crimson Tide scored 21 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 35–12 victory over the Blue Devils to open the 1971 season.1972 Season Recap Alabama opened the game with a 14–0 lead after they scored on their first two possessions, on a pair of touchdown runs of eight-yards by Paul Spivey and one-yard by Joe LaBue. However, Duke was able to make the halftime score 14–12 after they scored on a pair of Robert Albright touchdown passes. The first was from 11-yards to Mark Landon and the second to Mike Bomgardner from eight-yards out. After Terry Davis extended the Crimson Tide lead to 21–12 with his two-yard run in the third, Alabama closed the game with a pair of touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. The first was scored by Steve Bisceglia on a 39-yard run and the second by Wilbur Jackson on a 12-yard run. In the game, Alabama outgained the Blue Devils in rushing yards 333 to 156. Kentucky 1972 Kentucky Wildcats football team Kentucky 0 0 0 0 #7 Alabama 14 0 7 14 September 23 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 71,433 Source:Delbert Reed Galloping Tide leaves Cats behind, 35–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6367%2C4100658 The Tuscaloosa News September 24, 1972 B1 February 12, 2014Associated Press Alabama, Tennessee breeze to easy victories https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uN1VAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LuEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6532%2C5851152 Eugene Register-Guard September 24, 1972 7B February 12, 2014 Coming off their bye week, the Crimson Tide retained their No. 7 team in the AP Poll prior to their game against Kentucky.Associated Press Trojans easily on top https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4455%2C3234659 The Tuscaloosa News September 19, 1972 13 February 12, 2014 In what was the first meeting against the Wildcats since their victory in 1947, Alabama won 35–0 at Birmingham. The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 lead in the first quarter after Terry Davis threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler and then scored himself on a three-yard run. Still up only 14–0 as the teams entered the second half, Alabama extended their lead to 21–0 on a three-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. The first came on a nine-yard Bisceglia run and the second on a 48-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Ralph Stokes that made the final score 35–0. In their previous meeting, Kentucky was led by head coach Bear Bryant, who since that time had moved on and was Alabama's head coach for this game. Vanderbilt 1972 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Vanderbilt 7 0 7 7 #6 Alabama 6 28 7 7 September 30 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 56,179 Sources:Delbert Reed Tide runs Vandy down, wins 48–21 The Tuscaloosa News October 1, 1972 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wl40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6286%2C97947 February 12, 2014Associated Press Bama crushes Vanderbilt, 48–21 B2 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yj8sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CMwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1381%2C75765 Spartanburg Herald-Journal October 1, 1972 February 12, 2014 After their victory over Kentucky, Alabama moved into the No. 6 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Herschel Nissenson Associated Press USC keeps grid lead 9 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19720926&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News September 26, 1972 February 12, 2014 Behind a 28-point second quarter, the Crimson Tide defeated the Commodores 48–21 in the first Denny Stadium game of the season. After Alabama took a 6–0 lead on a four-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run, Vanderbilt responded and took a 7–6 lead on a one-yard Walter Overton later in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide responded with four touchdowns in the second quarter and took a 34–7 halftime lead. The points were scored on runs of three and 16-yards by Ellis Beck, one-yard by Terry Davis and one-yard by Steve Dean. In the second half, both teams traded touchdowns in each of the final two quarters. In the third, Gary Rutledge scored on a seven-yard run for Alabama and Steve Burger responded for Vanderbilt with his three-yard run. Finally in the fourth quarter, Rutledge scored on a five-yard run for the Crimson Tide and Stephen Lainhart followed with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Douglas Martin for the Commodores that made the final score 48–21. Georgia 1972 Georgia Bulldogs football team #4 Alabama 7 0 12 6 Georgia 0 0 0 7 October 7 Sanford StadiumAthens, GA 60,013 Sources:Delbert Reed Tiders finally bag a Bulldog, 25–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xl40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7232%2C1291738 The Tuscaloosa News October 8, 1972 B1 February 12, 2014Earl Gault Bama avalanches rival 'Dogs, 25–7 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1z8sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CMwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4560%2C1366439 Spartanburg Herald-Journal October 8, 1972 February 12, 2014 After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved into the No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Georgia.Associated Press USC still tops, Alabama No. 4 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w140AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1864%2C526923 The Tuscaloosa News October 3, 1972 February 12, 2014 Playing for the first time since a loss to Georgia in 1965, the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 25–7 in their first road game of the season. Alabama scored their only points in the first half on a five-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Terry Davis first threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler and later scored on a one-yard run that made the score 19–0. After Jimmy Poulos scored Georgia's only points with his 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth, Alabama closed the game with a two-yard Steve Bisceglia that made the final score 25–7. Florida 1972 Florida Gators football team Florida 7 0 0 0 #3 Alabama 7 3 7 7 October 14 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 57,631 Sources:Delbert Reed Revived Tide defense skins Gators 1B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yl40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4040%2C2442019 The Tuscaloosa News October 15, 1972 February 12, 2014Harold Stout Tide overcomes deficit to clip Florida, 24–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Zs4yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rMcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1224%2C2767951 The Florence Times October 15, 1972 25 February 12, 2014 After their victory over Georgia, Alabama moved into the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Florida.Herschel Nissenson Associated Press Tide edges into third https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=x140AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2691%2C1884052 The Tuscaloosa News October 10, 1972 11 February 12, 2014 Against the Gators, the Crimson Tide rallied from an early 7–0 deficit and defeated Florida 24–7 at Denny Stadium. Florida took an early 7–0 lead behind a 60-yard Nat Moore touchdown run. However, the Gators were unable to score again as Alabama responded with 24 unanswered points. After a 13-yard Paul Spivey touchdown run tied the game 7–7 later in the first, a 31-yard Bill Davis field goal in the second gave the Crimson Tide a 10–7 halftime lead. They then closed the game with a pair of touchdown runs that made the final score 24–7. The first came on a four-yard Terry Davis run in the third and then on a one-yard Ralph Stokes run in the fourth. Tennessee 1972 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October #3 Alabama 0 3 0 14 #10 Tennessee 0 0 7 3 October 21 Neyland StadiumKnoxville, TN 72,049 Sources:Jack Harris Alabama, Auburn 'come home late' The Florence Times October 22, 1972 25 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bc4yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rMcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1188%2C4022004 February 13, 2014UPI Alabama downs Tennessee 17–10 3C https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=92g0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=yAkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4371%2C4953162 Star-News October 22, 1972 February 12, 2014 After their victory over Florida, Alabama retained their No. 3 position and Tennessee moved into the No. 10 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Neyland Stadium.Associated Press Tide still third; Auburn 15th 12 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zF40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2460%2C3092581 The Tuscaloosa News October 17, 1972 February 13, 2014 Against the Volunteers, Alabama scored two touchdowns in the final 2:39 of the game for a 17–10, come-from-behind victory at Knoxville. After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 3–0 lead into halftime after Bill Davis connected on a 31-yard field goal in the second. Tennessee then took a 7–3 lead on a two-yard Condredge Holloway touchdown run in the third, and extended it to 10–3 with a 36-yard Ricky Townsend field goal in the fourth quarter. With 2:39 left in the game, Alabama took possession at the Vols 48-yard line, and three plays later Wilbur Jackson scored on a two-yard run. On the Tennessee possession that ensued, John Mitchell recovered a Holloway fumble at the Vols' 17-yard line. On the next play, Terry Davis gave Alabama a 17–10 lead with his touchdown run with just over one minute left in the game. Southern Miss 1972 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team Southern Miss 0 3 0 8 #2 Alabama 7 0 21 20 October 28 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 57,090 Sources:Delbert Reed Tide grid explosion was for real 1B https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1140AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4066%2C4727920 The Tuscaloosa News October 29, 1972 June 29, 2014Robin Stone The Tide came back, won 48–11 17 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C78fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4dcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=839%2C4106891 The Gadsden Times October 29, 1972 June 29, 2014 After their come-from-behind victory over Tennessee, Alabama moved into the No. 2 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Southern Miss.Herschel Nissenson Associated Press Tide jumps to second https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721024&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News October 24, 1972 9 June 29, 2014 Although they only led the Golden Eagles 7–3 at halftime, 41 second half points resulted in a 48–11 Alabama victory at Legion Field. In what was a very low scoring first half, the Crimson Tide scored on a two-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run and the Golden Eagles on a 32-yard Ricky Palmer field goal for a 7–3 halftime score. Alabama then dominated the second half and scored five offensive touchdowns in six total possessions en route to the 48–11 victory. Third quarter touchdowns were scored on runs of 12, 16 and five-yards by Bisceglia, Wilbur Jackson and Paul Spivey. Southern Miss responded with their lone points of the second half early in the fourth when Buddy Palazzo connected with Marshall Veal on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with touchdowns on a 64-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Wayne Wheeler, a 15-yard Robin Cary interception return and on a 13-yard Robert Fraley pass to Pete Pappas for the 48–11 win. Mississippi State 1972 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team Mississippi State 0 6 8 0 #2 Alabama 17 13 7 21 November 4 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 57,171 Sources:Delbert Reed Crimson Tide drowns Dogs, 58–14 The Tuscaloosa News November 5, 1972 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3806%2C611756 June 29, 2014UPI Second-ranked Tide rolls to 58–14 win 2C https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xUcxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4UMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4562%2C4699083 Rome News-Tribune November 5, 1972 June 29, 2014 As they entered their game against Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No. 2 position in the AP Poll.Associated Press USC tops list, Alabama second 11 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721031&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News October 31, 1972 June 29, 2014 Against the Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide won 58–14 en route to their 25th consecutive victory at Denny Stadium. Alabama took a 17–0 lead in the first quarter behind touchdown runs of 28 and one-yard by Terry Davis and Steve Bisceglia and a 22-yard field goal by Bill Davis. After the Bulldogs responded with a one-yard Wayne Jones touchdown run early in the second, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 30–6 at halftime behind a 15-yard David McMakin blocked punt return and one-yard Ellis Beck touchdown run. In the third, both teams traded touchdowns. Alabama scored first on a 44-yard Davis pass to Wayne Wheeler and State followed with a 47-yard Frank Dowsing punt return that made the score 37–14. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a trio of fourth quarter touchdowns on a 20-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Wheeler and runs of one and two-yards by Robert Fraley and Vern Wilmot. LSU 1972 LSU Tigers football team #6 LSU 7 0 7 7 #2 Alabama 0 7 14 14 November 11 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 72,039 Sources:Delbert Reed Hot hand for Terry B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721110&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 12, 1972 June 29, 2014UPI Davis sparks Alabama past unbeaten Louisiana State 2C https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gLgsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2wkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3409%2C2717760 Star-News November 12, 1972 June 29, 2014 After their victory over Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No. 2 position and LSU was in the No. 6 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up at Birmingham.Herschel Nissenson Associated Press Huskers gaining in poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ERwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6231%2C968698 The Tuscaloosa News November 7, 1972 11 June 29, 2014 Playing in a regionally televised game on ABC, Alabama defeated the previously undefeated Tigers 35–21 at Legion Field and captured the 1972 conference championship. LSU took a 7–0 first quarter lead on a 21-yard Bert Jones touchdown pass to Jimmy LeDoux. Alabama responded with a 25-yard Terry Davis touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler in the second that tied the game 7–7 at halftime. In the third, the Crimson Tide took a 21–7 lead behind touchdowns scored on a 29-yard Davis pass to Wheeler and on a 25-yard Davis run. LSU then cut the lead to 21–14 on a five-yard Jones pass to Charles Williamson later in the quarter. In the fourth, Alabama scored on touchdown runs of one and 52-yards by Steve Bisceglia and Joe LaBue, and LSU scored on a three-yard Jones run that made the final score 35–21. Virginia Tech 1972 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team Virginia Tech 0 0 6 7 #2 Alabama 14 17 7 14 November 18 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, AL 57,162 Sources:Associated Press Gobbler coach humble after 52–13 thrashing 13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PAksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6cYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4766%2C3595083 The Florence Times November 19, 1972 June 29, 2014Delbert Reed Crimson defenders throttle Gobblers The Tuscaloosa News November 19, 1972 B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721117&printsec=frontpage&hl=en June 29, 2014 After their victory over LSU, Alabama retained their No. 2 position prior to their match-up against Virginia Tech at Tuscaloosa.Associated Press Alabama second, USC still tops https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721110&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 14, 1972 12 June 29, 2014 After their 52–13 victory over the Hokies on homecoming at Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide accepted an invitation to play in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Alabama opened with a pair of first quarter touchdowns on runs of 67-yards by Wilbur Jackson and two-yards by Terry Davis. They next extended their lead to 31–0 at halftime behind a 36-yard Bill Davis field goal and touchdown runs of nine-yards by Jackson and two-yards by Randy Billingsley. After the Crimson Tide extended their lead on a one-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run in the third, the Hokies scored their first points on a five-yard J. B. Barber touchdown run that made the score 38–6. The game concluded after both teams traded touchdowns in the final quarter. After Gary Rutledge scored for Alabama with his one-yard run, Don Strock threw a ten-yard touchdown pass to Craig Valentine. The Crimson Tide then made the final score 52–13 after Robert Fraley threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Pete Pappas late in the fourth quarter. Auburn Punt Bama Punt 1972 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl #9 Auburn 0 0 0 17 #2 Alabama 0 9 7 0 December 2 Legion FieldBirmingham, AL 72,386 Sources:Delbert Reed Tiger miracle men stop Alabama run B1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721203&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News December 3, 1972 June 29, 2014Associated Press War Eagles upset No. 2 Bama, 17–16 B3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c2ssAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yMwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2467%2C320682 Spartanburg Herald-Journal December 3, 1972 June 29, 2014 As they entered their annual rivalry game against Auburn, Alabama retained their No. 2 position and the Tigers were in the No. 9 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 In what was one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry, Auburn won 17–16 after they scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns on blocked punt returns in a game subsequently deemed "Punt Bama Punt".Punt Bama Punt 8C https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f_sxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K-UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4059%2C2488382 TimesDaily November 18, 2006 June 29, 2014 After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 9–0 halftime lead after Steve Bisceglia scored on a three-yard touchdown run and Bill Davis connected on a 24-yard field goal. The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 16–0 after Wilbur Jackson scored on a six-yard touchdown run in the third before Auburn started their dramatic comeback in the fourth. The Tigers scored their first points on a 42-yard Gardner Jett field goal that cut the lead to 16–3. Late in the quarter, Bill Newton blocked a Greg Gantt punt and David Langner returned it 25-yards for an Auburn touchdown and cut the lead further to 16–10. After the Tigers defense forced another Alabama punt on the next series, Newton blocked a second Greg Gantt punt and Langner returned it 20-yards for the 17–16 victory. Texas 1973 Cotton Bowl Classic 1972 Texas Longhorns football team Cotton Bowl Classic #7 Texas 0 3 7 7 #4 Alabama 10 3 0 0 January 1 Cotton BowlDallas, TX 72,000 Source:Delbert Reed Wishbone defense Tide's top need in Cotton defeat https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eg4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7134%2C196674 The Tuscaloosa News 9 January 2, 1973 June 29, 2014UPI Texas shocks Alabama in Cotton, 17–13 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1rItAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xgkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2820%2C285053 Star-News January 2, 1973 June 29, 2014 In what was the finale of the 1972 season, Alabama was upset by the Texas Longhorns 17–13 in the Cotton Bowl. The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 first quarter lead behind a 50-yard Greg Gantt field goal and a 31-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run. Second quarter field goals of 24-yards by Billy Schott of Texas and 30-yards by Bill Davis of Alabama made the halftime score 13–3. In the third, the Longhorns scored on a three-yard Alan Lowry touchdown run and Lowey then scored the game-winning points with his 34-yard touchdown run in the fourth. NFL draft Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1972 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1973, 1974 and 1975 drafts. These players included: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team1973 NFL draftNational Football League http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school Draft History by School–Alabama February 2, 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 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 Guard Oakland Raiders1974 NFL draft 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 2 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 Ricky Davis (American football) Defensive back Cincinnati Bengals 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 freshman teams.Kersey Jason NCAA's decision to allow freshman eligibility changed football landscape http://newsok.com/ncaas-decision-to-allow-freshman-eligibility-changed-football-landscape/article/3704386 March 2, 2014 The Oklahoman August 27, 2012Delbert Reed Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410%2C4178967 The Tuscaloosa News January 21, 1972 6 March 2, 2014 The Alabama freshman squad was led by coach Clem Gryska for the 1972 season and finished with a record of four wins and one loss (4–1).Delbert Reed Bama frosh win late as usual https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721126&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 26, 1972 B1 March 2, 2014 The Baby Tide opened the season with a 14–7 loss to Georgia Tech before 7,000 fans at Grant Field.Bama frosh fall 14–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9xsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2371%2C5313997 The Tuscaloosa News September 30, 1972 5 March 2, 2014 Ray Bolden scored Alabama's only points with his two-yard touchdown run and the offense had six turnovers in the loss. Although they had eight fumbles in their game at Vanderbilt, the Baby Tide won the game 21–13.Alabama frosh victors https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0F40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6166%2C3675021 The Tuscaloosa News October 21, 1972 5 March 2, 2014 After Vandy took a 7–0 lead on a six-yard Larry Polston touchdown run in the first, Alabama responded three minutes later and tied the game when Alan Pizzitola returned an interception 25-yards for a score. The Commodores retook a 13–7 lead early in the second quarter after Ed Oaks threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Matt Gossage and retained their lead through halftime. The Baby Tide then closed the game with a pair of third quarter touchdown runs for the 21–13 victory. The first came on a six-yard Joey Bolton run and the second on a five-yard Willy Shelby run. In their first home game of the season, Alabama defeated Tennessee 34–21 at Denny Stadium.Charles Land Tide's frosh down Baby Vols https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721102&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The Tuscaloosa News November 4, 1972 6 March 2, 2014 With just over four minutes left in the game and the score tied 21–21, the Baby Tide scores a pair of late touchdowns after Tennessee turnovers for a 34–21 victory. Both touchdowns were scored by, Richard Todd first from 35-yards and the second from two-yards out. Against Tulane, Alabama rallied from a 10-point deficit with just under six minutes left in the game for a 21–20 victory at Denny Stadium.Bill Couchman Bama freshmen win a thriller https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EhwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5974%2C1635405 The Tuscaloosa News November 11, 1972 6 March 2, 2014 Alabama took a 7–0 lead on the third play of the game when Willy Shelby scored on an 82-yard touchdown run. However, The Green Wave responded with a pair of touchdowns on a one-yard Gary Rudick run and a 67-yard Wyatt Washington punt return that made the score 14–7 in their favor at the end of the first quarter. A 39-yard Mike Davis field goal cut the Tulane lead to 14–10 at halftime. After a one-yard Wally Harris touchdown run early in the fourth extended the Green Wave lead to 20–10, Alabama closed the game with a 29-yard Davis field goal and an 11-yard Mike Stock touchdown run for the 21–20 victory. In their final game at Auburn, the Baby Tide for the third consecutive game came from behind and defeated the Tigers 17–14. After a scoreless first, a 24-yard Mike Davis field goal gave Alabama a 3–0 lead in the second quarter. However, Auburn took a 7 halftime lead after Mitzie Jackson scored on a short run in the final second of the first half. The Tigers then extended their lead to 14–3 early in the third quarter when Jack Verucchi scored on a 40-yard touchdown run that capped their opening drive of the second half. Alabama then closed the game with touchdowns on a short Richard Todd run in the third and on a Stock run in the fourth. This game also marked the final played by a freshman team at Alabama as the NCAA changed their rules and allowed freshmen to compete with the varsity squad starting in 1973. Roster 1972 Alabama Crimson Tide y Ellis Beck 35 FB J n Randy Billingsley 22 RB SO n Steve Bisceglia 44 FB S n Duffy Boles 38 RB SO n Buddy Brown 65 OG J y Buddy Brown (offensive guard) Bob Bryan 70 OT SO n Richard Bryan 43 FB SO n Chip Burke 59 C SO n Wayne Cotton 47 TE J n Allen Cox 75 OT J n Sylvester Croom 94 TE SO y Terry Davis 10 QB S y Terry Davis (American football) Steve Dean 46 RB J n Mike Denson 79 OG J n Joe Doughty 41 RB SO n Warren Dyar 86 TE J n Mike Eckenrod 69 C J n Robert Fraley 12 QB SO n Tommy Ford 62 OG J n John Hannah 73 OT S y John Hannah (American football) Joe Dale Harris 84 RB SO n Butch Hobson 17 QB S y Bob Holmes 31 FB SO n Morris Hunt 60 OT J n Wilbur Jackson 80 WR J y Pat Keever 19 WR SO n David Knapp 39 RB S n Steve Kulback 66 OT SO n Joe LaBue 30 RB S n Rand Lambert 58 C SO n Jim Krapf 54 C S y Randy Moore 87 TE J n Phil Murphy 20 RB SO n Tom Nelson 28 TE SO n Pete Pappas 6 WR SO n Steve Patterson 71 OG SO n George Pugh TE F y George Pugh (American football) Pat Raines 53 C S n Danny Ridgeway 15 QB SO n John Rogers 61 OG SO n Rick Rogers 68 OG J n Gary Rutledge 11 QB SO n Billy Sexton 14 QB J n Johnny Sharpless 16 SE J n Paul Spivey 24 RB J n Steve Sprayberry 78 OT J n Tommy Steakley 34 WR S n Ralph Stokes 42 RB SO n Danny Taylor 88 WR J n James Taylor 27 RB SO n Wayne Wheeler 82 WR J n Richard Whitley 72 OG SO n Dexter Wood 92 WR J n Rudy Wooten 67 OT SO n Wayne Atkinson 21 S S n Ronnie Joe Barnes 96 DE SO n Jeff Blitz 25 LB J n Robin Cary 48 DB J n Dave Capan 98 DT SO n Andy Cross 52 LB S n John Croyle 83 DE J n Ricky Davis 19 DB SO y Ricky Davis (American football) Jimmy Dawson 37 DB SO n Joe Doughty 41 DB SO n Mike DuBose 57 LB SO y Doug Faust 76 DT J n Don Groves 91 DE SO n Randy Hall 62 DT SO n Wayne Hall 50 LB J n Ed Hines 89 DE S n Skip Kubelius 95 DT J n Darrell Owen 81 WR J n Greg Mantooth 99 DT SO n Rick Meadows 85 DE SO n Ray Maxwell 77 LB SO n Bob McKinney 26 DB S n David McMakin 18 DB J n Noah Miller 51 LB SO n John Mitchell 97 DE S y John Mitchell (American football coach) Butch Norman 90 DE J n Lanny Norris 40 DB S n Mark Prudhomme 33 SO S n Max Raines 74 DT J n Mike Riley 23 DB SO y Mike Riley (American football) Ronnie Robertson 55 LB SO n Jeff Rouzie 56 LB S n Robby Rowan 29 DB J n Chuck Strickland 36 LB J n Steve Wade 32 S S n Mike Washington 34 DB SO y Mike Washington (cornerback) David Watkins 93 DE SO n Gary Yelvington 49 LB SO n Bill Davis 1 PK J n Greg Gantt 8 PK J y https://rolltide.com/documents/2010/4/21/72-m-footbl-roster.pdf October 15, 2013 Bear Bryant (15th year, Alabama) Ken Donahue (9th year, Tennessee) Pat Dye (8th year, Georgia) Danny Ford (1st year, Alabama) Jim Goostree (16th year, Tennessee) Clem Gryska (13th year, Alabama) Dude Hennessey (13th year, Kentucky) Bobby Marks (1st year, Texas A&M) Ken Martin (2nd year, Alabama) Bud Moore (1st year, Alabama) Mal Moore (9th year, Alabama) Bill Oliver (2nd year, Alabama) Dee Powell (9th year, Texas A&M) Jack Rutledge (7th year, Alabama) Jimmy Sharpe (10th 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 February 10, 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 References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/72-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1972 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics February 10, 2014 October 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141021111607/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/72-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 February 10, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130717112227/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf July 17, 2013 Specific Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football