1961 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1961 Alabama Crimson Tide football Billy Neighbors (1961).png 175 Billy Neighbors during NC State game, 1961 Southeastern Conference SEC 1 1 11–0 7–0 Bear Bryant 4th Howard Schnellenberger 1st Billy Neighbors Pat Trammell Denny StadiumLegion FieldLadd Memorial Stadium Consensus national championNFF national champion Sugar Bowl championSEC co-champion Sugar Bowl W Won 10–3 vs. Arkansas The 1961 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1961 college football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 67th overall and 28th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his fourth year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Legion Field in Birmingham and Ladd Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. They finished season undefeated with eleven wins (11–0 overall, 7–0 in the SEC), with a victory over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl and as consensus national champions.http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2012/fbs.pdf Football Bowl Subdivision Records: Consensus National Champions National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2012 NCAA Division I Football Records 78 NCAA.org February 13, 2013 The 1961 national championship was the first of the six that Bear Bryant would win as head coach of the Crimson Tide.Gold Eli Eli Gold Crimson Nation: The Shaping of the South's Most Dominant Football Team https://books.google.com/books?id=QS5dAiMiPn8C&q=bear+bryant+first+national+championship+1961&pg=PA107 February 17, 2013 2005 Thomas Nelson Nashville, Tennessee 1418553999 107 Alabama opened the season with a win over Georgia on the road in week one, and then defeated Tulane in its first home game at Ladd Stadium in week two. After they won their second road game of the season at Vanderbilt, Alabama returned to Tuscaloosa where they defeated NC State in the first Denny Stadium game of the season. The next week, Alabama defeated Tennessee for the first time since the 1954 season in the first Legion Field game of the year. The Crimson Tide then defeated Houston in their final road game of the season and then returned home and defeated Mississippi State on homecoming in Tuscaloosa. The next week Alabama scored their most points in a game since the 1951 season when they defeated Richmond, 66–0. They then closed the regular season with wins over Georgia Tech and Auburn in the Iron Bowl. At the end of the regular season, they were ranked No. 1 in both the AP writers poll and the UPI coaches poll. The Crimson Tide then closed the season with a victory over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. Schedule 1961 AP September 23 w y 3 Georgia Sanford Stadium Athens, GA rivalry 32–6 44,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chattanooga-daily-times-alabama-whips-ge/133234081/ Chattanooga Sunday Times Alabama whips Georgia September 24, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com September 30 w 4 Tulane Ladd Memorial Stadium Mobile, AL 9–0 33,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85674328/alabama-wallops-tulane-in-90-arc-light/ The Selma Times-Journal Alabama wallops Tulane in 9–0 arc-light battle October 1, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com October 7 w y 4 Vanderbilt Dudley Field Nashville, TN 35–6 32,500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-macon-telegraph-alabama-mangles-vand/133234169/ The Macon Telegraph & News Alabama mangles Vanderbilt, 35–6 October 8, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com October 14 w y 3 NC State Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 26–7 30,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-nationally-ranke/133234342/ Asheville Citizen-Times Nationally rankes Alabama claws State, 26–7 October 15, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com October 21 w 5 Tennessee Legion Field Birmingham, AL Third Saturday in October ABC 34–3 48,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99703246/trammell-stars-as-tide-crushes-tennessee/ The Decatur Daily Trammell stars as Tide crushes Tennessee 34–3 October 22, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com October 28 w y y 4 Houston Rice Stadium Houston, TX 17–0 24,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tyler-courier-times-alabama-slaps-ho/133234460/ The Tyler Courier-Times Alabama slaps Houston, 17–0 October 29, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4 w y 4 Mississippi State Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 24–0 39,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-alabama-breaks-bul/133234558/ The Commercial Appeal Alabama breaks Bulldogs, 24–0 November 5, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com November 11 w y 2 Richmond Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL 66–0 28,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84027281/tide-romps-66-to-0-and-looks-to-tech/ The Birmingham News Tide romps 66 to 0 and looks to Tech November 12, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com November 18 w 2 Georgia Tech Legion Field Birmingham, AL rivalry 10–0 53,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-press-alabama-wins-100/133234697/ Daily Press Alabama wins, 10–0 November 19, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com December 2 w y 1 Auburn Legion Field Birmingham, AL Iron Bowl 34–0 54,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-huntsville-times-tide-rips-auburn-34/133234799/ The Huntsville Times Tide rips Auburn 34–0 in final bid for No. 1 December 3, 1961 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com January 1, 1962 w y y 1 Arkansas 9 Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA Sugar Bowl NBC 10–3 82,910 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-journal-alabamas-national/133234927/ The Knoxville Journal Alabama's national champs hogtie Arkansas, 10–3 January 2, 1962 October 10, 2023 Newspapers.com http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1961 1961 Alabama football schedule RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics February 13, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111125000700/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html November 25, 2011 Game summaries Georgia 1961 Georgia Bulldogs football team #3 Alabama 3 7 7 15 Georgia 0 0 0 6 September 23 Sanford StadiumAthens, Georgia 44,000 Sources:Charles Land Alabama swamps Georgia, 32–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7mI0AAAAIBAJ&pg=6143%2C2798886 The Tuscaloosa News September 24, 1961 1 February 13, 2013UPI Power-packed Tide, stuns Bulldogs in 32–6 romp https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lgMuAAAAIBAJ&pg=5429%2C2344083 Rome News-Tribune September 24, 1961 8 February 13, 2013 To open the 1961 season, the Crimson Tide defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 32–6 on the road at Athens.1961 Season Recap Alabama took a 10–0 halftime lead after Tim Davis connected on a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter and Mike Fracchia scored on a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. After a 37-yard Pat Trammell touchdown pass to Butch Wilson in the third, the Crimson Tide scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns that extended their lead to 32–0. Fracchia scored first on a two-yard run and was followed with a seven-yard Mal Moore touchdown pass to Red Wilkins. The Bulldogs then scored on a 12-yard Langdale Williams touchdown pass to Carlton Guthrie that ended Alabama's bid for a shutout and made the final score 32–6. Tulane 1961 Tulane Green Wave football team Tulane 0 0 0 0 #4 Alabama 6 0 0 3 September 30 Ladd StadiumMobile, Alabama 33,000 Sources:Charles Land Alabama nips Tulane 9 to 0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9mQ0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5616%2C9684 The Tuscaloosa News October 1, 1961 1 February 16, 2013Associated Press Bama turns fumbles into 9–0 victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HWMzAAAAIBAJ&pg=5292%2C517643 The Miami News October 1, 1961 7C February 16, 2013 After their victory over Georgia in their season opener, Alabama dropped one position in the polls to the No. 4 position.Ed Corrigan Associated Press Iowa on top in AP Poll https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8GI0AAAAIBAJ&pg=7050%2C3340673 The Tuscaloosa News September 26, 1961 9 February 16, 2013 At Mobile, the Crimson Tide shutout the Tulane Green Wave for the first time since the 1959 season in this 9–0 victory. Alabama scored their only touchdown in the first quarter on a 22-yard Pat Trammell pass to Tommy Brooker for a 6–0 lead. The Crimson Tide did not score again until a 25-yard Tim Davis field goal in the fourth quarter made the final score 9–0. Vanderbilt 1961 Vanderbilt Commodores football team #4 Alabama 13 15 7 0 Vanderbilt 0 6 0 0 October 7 Dudley FieldNashville, Tennessee 32,500 Sources:Barney Ballard Associated Press Tide rolls 35–6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=svAhAAAAIBAJ&pg=3266%2C901928 The Gadsden Times October 8, 1961 9 February 16, 2013Charles Land Tide engulfs Vandy, 35 to 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_GQ0AAAAIBAJ&pg=7049%2C1068591 The Tuscaloosa News October 8, 1961 9 February 16, 2013 After their victory over Tulane at Ladd Stadium, Alabama retained the No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.Don Weiss Associated Press Tide stays fourth https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=92Q0AAAAIBAJ&pg=6772%2C494666 The Tuscaloosa News October 3, 1961 10 February 16, 2013 Against the Commodores, the Crimson Tide won by a final score of 35–6 at Dudley Stadium in Nashville. Alabama took a 13–0 first quarter lead on touchdown runs of 66-yards by Mike Fracchia and eight-yards by Pat Trammell. Early in the second quarter, Trammell scored his second touchdown on a 16-yard run. This was followed with a 13-yard Henry Lesesne touchdown pass to Marion Starling for the Commodores and a one-yard Larry Wall touchdown run for Alabama that made the halftime score 28–6. Trammell then scored the final touchdown of the game in the third on a three-yard run that made the final score 35–6. NC State 1961 NC State Wolfpack football team NC State 0 7 0 0 #3 Alabama 0 12 0 14 October 14 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 30,000 Sources:Charles Land Bama beats State at own game https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AmU0AAAAIBAJ&pg=7261%2C2107196 The Tuscaloosa News October 15, 1961 10 February 16, 2013Tom Dygard Associated Press Trammell leader as Tide rallies, 26–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_iEsAAAAIBAJ&pg=1730%2C4998594 The Florence Times October 15, 1961 4-1 February 16, 2013 After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved up one position in the polls to the No. 3 spot prior to their first Denny Stadium game of the season.Jack Clary Associated Press Tide is No. three in nation https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_WQ0AAAAIBAJ&pg=4772%2C1542101 The Tuscaloosa News October 10, 1961 12 February 16, 2013 In what was their first non-conference game of the season, Alabama defeated the NC State Wolfpack 26–7 in Tuscaloosa. After a scoreless first quarter, the Wolfpack scored their only points of the game on a one-yard Roman Gabriel touchdown run for a 7–0 lead. The Crimson Tide responded with 26 unanswered points and won the game 26–7. Alabama touchdowns were scored on Pat Trammell passes of 12-yards to Richard Williamson and two-yards to Bill Battle in the second and on runs of five-yards by Trammell and 45-yards by Eddie Versprille in the fourth quarter. Tennessee 1961 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October Tennessee 3 0 0 0 #5 Alabama 14 6 7 7 October 21 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 48,000 Sources:Charles Land Tide smashes Vols, 34–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B2U0AAAAIBAJ&pg=6829%2C3092452 The Tuscaloosa News October 22, 1961 1 February 16, 2013Ted Smits Associated Press Tide slaughters Vols, 34 to 3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FiIsAAAAIBAJ&pg=1894%2C5753536 The Florence Times October 22, 1961 4-1 February 16, 2013 Prior to their game against Tennessee, Alabama dropped two positions in the polls to the No. 5 spot prior to their first Legion Field game of the season.Associated Press Spartans top poll, Tide 5th https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A2U0AAAAIBAJ&pg=3072%2C2566862 The Tuscaloosa News October 17, 1961 8 February 16, 2013 Against the Volunteers, Alabama won 34–3, and the victory was both the first for Alabama over Tennessee since the 1954 season and the largest since their 51–0 win in 1906. After Tennessee took an early 3–0 lead on a 53-yard George Shuford field goal, Alabama responded with 34 unanswered points. The Crimson Tide scored first-quarter touchdowns on a five-yard Mike Fracchia run and a nine-yard Pat Trammell pass to Butch Wilson and a pair of Tim Davis field goals in the second quarter for a 20–3 halftime lead. They then closed the game with touchdown runs of eight-yards by Billy Richardson in the third and one-yard by Trammell in the fourth quarter. After their win, Alabama was formally extended an invitation to compete in the inaugural National Trophy Bowl at Washington, D.C., only to later decline the invitation.Associated Press Tide gets bowl bid https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B2U0AAAAIBAJ&pg=6095%2C3092106 The Tuscaloosa News October 22, 1961 1 February 16, 2013 Houston 1961 Houston Cougars football team #4 Alabama 0 10 7 0 Houston 0 0 0 0 October 28 Rice StadiumHouston, Texas 24,000 Sources:Charles Land Stubborn Houston falls, 17–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DWU0AAAAIBAJ&pg=7052%2C4202936 The Tuscaloosa News October 29, 1961 9 February 16, 2013Max B. Skelton Associated Press Crimson Tide wins 17–0 to remain undefeated https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FSIsAAAAIBAJ&pg=1748%2C6660729 The Florence Times October 29, 1961 4-1 February 16, 2013 After their victory over Tennessee, the Crimson Tide moved up into the No. 4 position in the polls prior to their road game at Houston.Hand Jack Associated Press Spartans up lead; Tide climbs notch https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CWU0AAAAIBAJ&pg=6149%2C3564147 The Tuscaloosa News October 24, 1961 8 February 16, 2013 In the first night game of the year, Alabama defeated a tough Cougars squad 17–0 at Rice Stadium. After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 10–0 halftime lead on a 33-yard Tim Davis field goal and a five-yard Pat Trammell touchdown pass to Bill Oliver in the second quarter. Trammell then made the final score 17–0 with his two-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Mississippi State 1961 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team Mississippi State 0 0 0 0 #4 Alabama 14 3 0 7 November 4 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 39,000 Sources:Associated Press Alabama wins seventh in row https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=F50yAAAAIBAJ&pg=3557%2C1942878 The Miami News November 5, 1961 2C February 16, 2013Tom Dygard Associated Press Tide scores 24–0 win on soggy grid as Fracchia stars https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=L_0rAAAAIBAJ&pg=1091%2C667890 The Florence Times November 5, 1961 4-1 February 16, 2013 After their road shutout at Houston, Alabama returned to play Mississippi State in Tuscaloosa as the No. 4 ranked team for the second consecutive week.Rathet Mike Associated Press Tide stays fourth https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D2U0AAAAIBAJ&pg=7035%2C4634041 The Tuscaloosa News October 31, 1961 8 February 16, 2013 On what was homecoming in Denny Stadium, the Crimson Tide shutout the Bulldogs 24–0. Alabama took a 14–0 first quarter lead on touchdown runs of four-yards by Billy Richardson and one-yard by Pat Trammell, and after a 26-yard Tim Davis field goal in the second quarter led 17–0 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, the Crimson Tide closed the game with a one-yard Larry Wall touchdown run in the fourth quarter and made the final score 24–0. Richmond 1961 Richmond Spiders football team Richmond 0 0 0 0 #2 Alabama 14 20 13 19 November 11 Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama 28,000 Sources:Charles Land Alabama stuns Richmond, 66–0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qxYfAAAAIBAJ&pg=6964%2C1508798 The Tuscaloosa News November 12, 1961 9 February 16, 2013UPI Alabama crushes Richmond 66 to 0 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wINJAAAAIBAJ&pg=5763%2C2213129 The News and Courier November 12, 1961 3D February 16, 2013 Prior to their game against Richmond, the Crimson Tide moved into the No. 2 position in the weekly polls.Jack Hand Associated Press Texas takes top spot; Alabama ranked second https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=phYfAAAAIBAJ&pg=6946%2C926201 The Tuscaloosa News November 7, 1961 10 February 16, 2013 In what was the only all-time meeting against the Spiders, Alabama won 66–0 and scored the most points in a game since their 89–0 win over Delta State in 1951. The Crimson Tide took a 34–0 halftime lead after first-quarter touchdown runs of one-yard by Pat Trammell and 30-yards by Larry Wall and second-quarter touchdowns on a four-yard Trammell pass to Richard Williamson and runs of 12 and one-yard by Wall. Alabama then closed the game with five second half touchdowns and won 66–0. Touchdowns were scored in the third quarter on a 66-yard Benny Nelson punt return and a 26-yard Jack Hurlbut pass to Red Wilkins and in the fourth quarter on runs of three-yards by Eddie Versprille, two-yards by Marlin Mooneyham and on a 28-yard Mal Moore pass to Jimmy Dill. Georgia Tech 1961 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team Georgia Tech 0 0 0 0 #2 Alabama 0 7 3 0 November 18 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 53,000 Sources:Alabama rips Tech https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rxYfAAAAIBAJ&pg=7135%2C2396902 The Tuscaloosa News November 19, 1961 9 February 16, 2013UPI Alabama trips Tech https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UeguAAAAIBAJ&pg=6928%2C2189750 Rome News-Tribune November 19, 1961 8 February 16, 2013 For their game at Legion Field against Georgia Tech, the Crimson Tide remained in the No. 2 position in the national polls.Ed Corrigan Associated Press Tide stays Number 2 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rRYfAAAAIBAJ&pg=6181%2C1839228 The Tuscaloosa News November 14, 1961 9 February 16, 2013 Against the Yellow Jackets, Alabama won in a 10–0 shutout to move their record to nine wins and zero losses. After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide scored their only touchdown on a 16-yard Mike Fracchia run for a 7–0 lead. Tim Davis then made the final score 10–0 with his 32-yard field goal in the third quarter. Auburn 1961 Auburn Tigers football team Iron Bowl Auburn 0 0 0 0 #1 Alabama 7 17 7 3 December 2 Legion FieldBirmingham, Alabama 54,000 Sources:Ed Watkins Bama heads to Sugar Bowl with 34–0 win over Auburn https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ShsfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5202%2C229183 The Tuscaloosa News December 3, 1961 13 February 16, 2013Griffin John Chandler Alabama vs. Auburn: Gridiron Grudge Since 1893 2001 Hill Street Press Athens, Georgia 1-58818-044-1 166–168 1961: Alabama wins the national championship After their win over Tech combined with No. 1 Texas' loss to TCU, the Crimson Tide moved into the No. 1 position in the polls prior to their game against Auburn.Jack Hand Associated Press Tide becomes No. 1 eleven https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Qv0rAAAAIBAJ&pg=2918%2C2533899 The Florence Times November 21, 1961 2-2 February 16, 2013 Against the Tigers in the annual Iron Bowl game at Legion Field, Alabama shutout Auburn for the third consecutive season, this time by a score of 34–0 and completed an undefeated regular season. After Billy Richardson gave Alabama a 7–0 first quarter lead with his 11-yard touchdown run, they scored 17 second quarter points and took a 24–0 halftime lead. In the second, Pat Trammell scored on a one-yard run, Tim Davis connected on a 35-yard field goal and Trammell threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Richard Williamson. Alabama then closed the game with a six-yard Richardson touchdown run in the third and a 34-yard field goal in the fourth to win 34–0. Arkansas 1961 Arkansas Razorbacks football team 1962 Sugar Bowl #9 Arkansas 0 0 3 0 #1 Alabama 7 3 0 0 January 1, 1962 Tulane StadiumNew Orleans 82,910 Sources:Charles Land Mighty Tide rolls over Razorbacks, 10–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R_ocAAAAIBAJ&pg=7150%2C175186 The Tuscaloosa News January 2, 1962 9 February 16, 2013Associated Press Alabama proves right to No. 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5FRVAAAAIBAJ&pg=986%2C214104 The Miami News January 2, 1962 6C February 16, 2013 After the Crimson Tide was recognized as national champions by the major wire services, they defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 10–3 in the 1962 edition of the Sugar Bowl in what was the first all-time meeting between the schools. The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 halftime lead after they scored on a 12-yard Pat Trammell touchdown run in the first quarter and on a 32-yard Tim Davis field goal in the second quarter. Although Alabama was held scoreless in the second half, the Razorbacks only managed to score a 23-yard Mickey Cissell field goal in the third quarter that made the final score 10–3 in favor of Alabama. Awards After the season, several Alabama players were recognized for their on-field performances. Billy Neighbors was a unanimous selection to the 1961 College Football All-America Team at the tackle position.http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2012/Awards.pdf Award Winners National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 7 2011 NCAA Division I Football Records NCAA.org February 17, 2013 Second-team All-America selections included Lee Roy Jordan at center and Pat Trammell at quarterback.2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, p. 218 Additionally, Alabama had four players selected to the All-SEC First Team: Mike Fracchia at back, Jordan, Neighbors and Trammell.Vernon Butler Neighbors, Winston lead; Fracchia, Trammell picked Associated Press https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ShsfAAAAIBAJ&pg=7144%2C604659 The Tuscaloosa News December 5, 1961 10 February 17, 2013 Trammell was also selected as the SEC Most Valuable Player for the 1961 season and Neighbors won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy.2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, p. 220 In addition, Bear Bryant was recognized as the AP, UPI and coaches' SEC Coach of the Year. NFL/AFL Draft Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1961 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) between the 1962 and 1965 drafts. These players included the following: Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL/AFL team1962 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 17, 2013 July 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140715084011/http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school dead 4 43 Billy Neighbors Tackle Washington Redskins 5 69 Bill Rice 1 End St. Louis Cardinals 16 211 Tommy Brooker End Washington Redskins 16 219 Ray Abruzzese Running back Baltimore Colts1962 AFL drafthttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1962_AFL/draft.htm 1962 AFL Draft Sports Reference, LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com February 17, 2013 5 39 Bill Rice 1 End Houston Oilers 6 46 Billy Neighbors Guard Boston Patriots 17 131 Tommy Brooker End Dallas Texans 23 180 Ray Abruzzese Safety Buffalo Bills 24 187 Pat Trammell Quarterback Dallas Texans1963 NFL draft 1 6 Lee Roy Jordan Linebacker Dallas Cowboys 2 24 Butch Wilson Back Baltimore Colts 3 33 Mike Fracchia 1 Back St. Louis Cardinals1963 AFL drafthttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/draft.htm 1963 AFL Draft Sports Reference, LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com February 17, 2013 2 14 Lee Roy Jordan Linebacker Boston Patriots 6 41 Butch Wilson Tight end Oakland Raiders 7 55 Richard Williamson Richard Williamson (American football) End Boston Patriots1964 NFL draft 5 61 Benny Nelson 1 Halfback Detroit Lions 11 151 Eddie Versprille 1 Running back Cleveland Browns1964 AFL drafthttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1964_AFL/draft.htm 1964 AFL Draft Sports Reference, LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com February 17, 2013 12 94 Benny Nelson 1 Defensive back Houston Oilers 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 February 16, 2013 The Oklahoman August 27, 2012Delbert Reed Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RAdAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410%2C4178967 The Tuscaloosa News January 21, 1972 6 February 16, 2013 For the 1961 season, the Alabama freshmen squad was coached by Sam Bailey and finished their season with a record of two wins and one tie (2–0–1).Associated Press Tide frosh, Auburn play to 7–7 tie https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=phYfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5724%2C926025 The Tuscaloosa News November 7, 1961 10 February 16, 2013 The 1961 freshman squad was noted for its being led by Joe Namath at quarterback after he chose to attend Alabama after he received more than 50 athletic scholarship offers from other schools.Charles Land Tide frosh check-in https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3WI0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5891%2C619641 The Tuscaloosa News September 6, 1961 10 February 16, 2013 In their first game of the season, Alabama came from behind and defeated Mississippi State 20–14 before 3,500 fans at Denny Stadium.Namath, McKinney spark Baby Tide to 20–14 victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8GI0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5848%2C3337409 The Tuscaloosa News September 16, 1961 9 February 16, 2013 After the Bulldogs took a 7–0 first quarter lead on a six-yard Ray Reed pass to Tommy Inman, Alabama tied the game 7–7 on an eight-yard Namath touchdown run early in the second. The Crimson Tide then took a 13–7 halftime lead on a nine-yard Namath pass to Creed Gilmer late in the second. State retook a 14–13 lead in the third on an eight-yard Reed to Inman pass, but Alabama scored the game-winning touchdown on a 36-yard Ron McKinney run that made the final score 20–13. In their second game, the Baby Tide defeated Tulane 32–6 at Denny Stadium in a game they scored touchdowns in all four quarters.Paul Davis Baby Tide blasts Tulane freshman https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_GQ0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5819%2C1078261 The Tuscaloosa News October 8, 1961 11 February 16, 2013 After the Green Wave scored their only points on the first play of the game when Leon Verriere recovered the fumbled kickoff in the end zone for a touchdown, Alabama responded on the next drive and tied the game 6–6 after Namath threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ray Ogden. The Crimson Tide then took a 12–6 lead in the second quarter on a 26-yard Tommy Tolleson double reverse. Alabama then closed the game with a pair of Namath touchdown runs and a touchdown pass to Creed Gilmer in the second half that made the final score 32–6. In their final game of the season, Alabama tied the Auburn freshman team 7–7 before 7,000 fans in the rain at Cliff Hare Stadium. Both touchdowns came in the first quarter. Alabama took a 7–0 lead when Namath threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Creed Gilmer, and Auburn tied the game 7–7 on the kickoff that ensued after Tucker Frederickson returned it 92-yards for a touchdown. Personnel Varsity letter winners Player Number Position Weight Hometown Steve Allen 63 Guard 210 Athens, Alabama Bill Battle 84 End 197 Birmingham, Alabama Tom Bible 75 Tackle Piedmont, Alabama Tommy Brooker 81 End 212 Demopolis, Alabama Glynn Burleson 55 Linebacker 188 Pine Hill, Alabama James Cain Tackle Pensacola, Florida Cotton Clark 45 Halfback 185 Kansas, Alabama Elbert Cook 51 Linebacker 185 Jacksonville, Florida Curtis Crenshaw 88 Tackle 202 Mobile, Alabama Ingram Culwell 11 Halfback, Punter 187 Tuscaloosa, Alabama Tim Davis 40 Placekicker 165 Columbus, Georgia Mike Fracchia 30 Fullback 185 Memphis, Tennessee Butch Henry 80 End 201 Selma, Alabama Darwin Holt 32 Linebacker 174 Gainesville, Texas Mike Hopper 86 End 178 Huntsville, Alabama Lee Roy Jordan 54 Linebacker 202 Excel, Alabama Al Lewis 78 Guard 219 Covington, Kentucky Gary Martin 42 Halfback 173 Dothan, Alabama Duff Morrison 24 Halfback 189 Memphis, Tennessee Billy Neighbors 73 Tackle 229 Northport, Alabama Benny Nelson 28 Halfback 173 Huntsville, Alabama John O'Linger 52 Center 187 Scottsboro, Alabama Bill Oliver 21 Defensive back 170 Livingston, Alabama James Patton 82 End 182 Tuscumbia, Alabama Charley Pell 69 Tackle 199 Albertville, Alabama Bob Pettee 62 Guard 186 Bradenton, Florida William Rice 70 Guard 218 Troy, Alabama Billy Richardson 35 Halfback 172 Jasper, Alabama Norbie Ronsonet End Biloxi, Mississippi Jack Rutledge 60 Guard 198 Birmingham, Alabama Jimmy Sharpe 61 Guard 191 Montgomery, Alabama Pat Trammell 12 Quarterback 193 Scottsboro, Alabama Eddie Versprille 31 Fullback 181 Norfolk, Virginia Larry Wall 36 Fullback 179 Fairfax, Alabama Red Wilkins 85 End 198 Bay Minette, Alabama Richard Williamson 83 End 181 Fort Deposit, Alabama Butch Wilson 20 Halfback 204 Hueytown, Alabama Jimmy Wilson 64 Guard 198 Haleyville, AlabamaReference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 187–201Vandy, Tide Lineups The Tennessean October 7, 1961 10 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-vandy-tide-lineups/154258725/ Newspapers.com Coaching staff Name Position Seasons atAlabama Alma mater Bear Bryant Head coach 4 Alabama (1936) Sam Bailey Assistant coach 4 Ouachita Baptist (1949) Charlie Bradshaw Assistant coach 4 Kentucky (1950) Phil Cutchin Assistant coach 4 Kentucky (1943) Jim Goostree Assistant coach 5 Tennessee (1952) Clem Gryska Assistant coach 2 Alabama (1948) Dude Hennessey Assistant coach 2 Kentucky (1955) Pat James Assistant coach 4 Kentucky (1951) Carney Laslie Assistant Head coach, 4 Alabama (1934) Hayden Riley Assistant coach 4 Alabama (1948) Howard Schnellenberger Assistant coach 1 Kentucky (1956) Gene Stallings Assistant coach 4 Texas A&M (1957)Reference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203 References General http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/61-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1961 Season Recaps RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics February 17, 2013 April 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140425163843/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/61-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 17, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130717112227/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf July 17, 2013 Specific Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons Category:College football national champions Category:College football undefeated seasons Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons Category:Sugar Bowl champion seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football