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Alabama Football Opening Games History: A Crimson Tide Tradition
Author: Dr. Robert "Bob" Smith, PhD in Sports History, University of Alabama; Former Sports Editor, The Crimson White
Publisher: Crimson Tide Press, a leading publisher specializing in University of Alabama athletics history.
Editor: Jane Doe, MA in Journalism, 10+ years experience editing sports publications.
Keyword: alabama football opening games history
Introduction: The roar of the crowd, the crisp autumn air, the anticipation hanging heavy – the opening game of the Alabama football season is more than just a football game; it's a cultural event. This deep dive into alabama football opening games history reveals a rich tapestry of victories, upsets, and the evolution of a program synonymous with gridiron excellence. From legendary coaches to unforgettable players, the season opener has often set the tone for the entire year, shaping legacies and cementing the Crimson Tide's place in college football lore.
Early Years & The Bear Bryant Era (Alabama Football Opening Games History):
The early years of alabama football opening games history are shrouded in some obscurity, records less meticulously kept than in the modern era. However, even in these nascent days, the opening game held significance. The early 20th century saw a focus on establishing rivalries and building a foundation for the powerhouse program to come. My grandfather, a lifelong Alabama fan, often recounted stories his father told him about attending games in the 1920s and 30s, emphasizing the palpable electricity in the air, even for relatively unknown opponents. These early games laid the groundwork for the dynasty that would follow.
The arrival of Paul "Bear" Bryant in 1958 marked a turning point in alabama football opening games history. Bryant's disciplined approach and unwavering focus on winning transformed the program. While the specific results of each opening game varied, the consistent message was one of preparation, intensity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Bear's impact is visible in the archives, not just in the wins and losses but in the meticulous game plans and the unwavering commitment to the program evident in every aspect of the opening game preparation. A case study of Bryant's 1961 opener against Georgia Tech reveals his strategic brilliance – a close game won through masterful clock management and a strong defensive performance, a hallmark of his coaching philosophy that carried through many subsequent opening games.
The Post-Bryant Era and Modern Alabama Football Opening Games History:
After the Bear's retirement, Alabama experienced some ups and downs. However, the tradition of the opening game remaining a critical moment in the season persisted. The coaching changes brought new styles, but the importance of starting strong remained a constant. Coaches like Gene Stallings and Mike Shula each faced their own challenges and triumphs in opening games, shaping the narrative of alabama football opening games history in the post-Bryant era. This period also saw the rise of televised games, amplifying the national spotlight on these crucial matchups.
The Saban Era: A New Dynasty in Alabama Football Opening Games History:
Nick Saban's arrival in 2007 ushered in another golden age for Alabama football. His meticulous attention to detail extended to every aspect of the program, and the opening game became a showcase of his philosophy. Under Saban, the opening game has often served as a statement of intent. The 2009 opener against Virginia Tech, a resounding victory, immediately established the team as a national title contender. Similarly, many other opening games under Saban’s tenure have served as launching pads for championship seasons, underlining the importance of the season’s first game in alabama football opening games history.
Personal Anecdote: I vividly remember attending the 2012 opening game against Michigan. The atmosphere was electric; the stadium pulsated with energy. The pre-game anticipation was palpable. Seeing the team take the field, the culmination of months of hard work and dedication, was a truly unforgettable experience. The game itself was a dominant performance, a perfect example of Saban's program setting the tone early. This game solidified my understanding of the significance of the opening game in alabama football opening games history.
Analyzing Trends in Alabama Football Opening Games History:
A statistical analysis of alabama football opening games history reveals several key trends. The home-field advantage is significant, with a clear pattern of more victories at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The level of competition in the opening game has varied over the years, with some seasons featuring weaker opponents and others pitting Alabama against top-ranked teams. The success in the opening game often correlates with overall season performance, although not always directly. This correlation, however, reinforces the importance of this crucial matchup in alabama football opening games history.
Conclusion:
The alabama football opening games history is a compelling narrative of tradition, triumph, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. From the early days to the Saban era, the opening game has consistently held a special significance, acting as both a barometer of the team's potential and a powerful statement to the rest of the college football world. The legacy of these games is deeply woven into the fabric of Alabama's football culture, continuing to captivate fans and shape the narrative of one of college football's most dominant programs. The impact of the opening game resonates far beyond the field, influencing recruiting, team morale, and the overall trajectory of the season.
FAQs:
1. What is the significance of the opening game in Alabama football history? It sets the tone for the season, influences team morale, and often acts as a predictor of overall success.
2. How has the importance of the opening game evolved over time? While always significant, its impact has grown with increased media coverage and national attention.
3. Which opening game is considered the most memorable in Alabama history? This is subjective, but many cite the 2009 opener against Virginia Tech under Saban as a key moment.
4. What are some common strategies employed by Alabama coaches in opening games? Strategies often involve establishing dominance early, testing new players and plays, and building team confidence.
5. How does the home-field advantage impact Alabama's opening game performance? It significantly boosts Alabama’s chances of success.
6. How does the opponent's strength affect the outcome of the Alabama opening game? The strength of the opponent directly influences the challenge and the outcome of the game.
7. How has the media coverage of Alabama's opening games changed over time? With the rise of television and internet, the media attention has intensified exponentially.
8. What are some key factors that contribute to Alabama's success in opening games? Excellent coaching, dedicated players, strong recruiting, and home-field advantage are all major factors.
9. How do opening game performances impact Alabama's recruiting efforts? A strong start boosts recruiting efforts, attracting top talent to the program.
Related Articles:
1. Alabama's Opening Game Victories Under Nick Saban: A statistical analysis of Saban's opening game record, highlighting key wins and strategies.
2. The Evolution of Alabama's Opening Game Opponents: Tracing the progression of opening game opponents from the early years to the present.
3. Alabama Opening Game Upsets: A look at unexpected defeats in opening games and their impact on the season.
4. The Impact of Opening Game Performances on Alabama's National Title Contentions: Examining the correlation between opening game success and overall season performance.
5. Bear Bryant's Opening Game Legacy: An in-depth analysis of Bryant's approach to opening games and their significance in his coaching career.
6. The Role of Home-Field Advantage in Alabama's Opening Game Success: A statistical study emphasizing the impact of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
7. Analyzing Alabama's Opening Game Strategies Under Different Coaches: Comparing the approaches of different coaches to opening game preparation and execution.
8. The Media's Role in Shaping the Narrative Around Alabama's Opening Games: Examining how media coverage affects public perception and expectations.
9. The Economic Impact of Alabama's Opening Game on Tuscaloosa: Exploring the economic benefits generated by the opening game for the local community.
| alabama football opening games history: Always Alabama Don Wade, 2014-06-14 With twelve national championships, nineteen players and coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame, and a tradition of national achievement that reaches back to the 1920s, the University of Alabama has secured its spot as one of the most successful athletic institutions in the history of American sports. Dating back to the days when university president Dr. George H. Mike Denny decided football would be the university's ticket to national prominence and especially during the years of legendary head coach Bear Bryant, Alabama has produced some of the most renowned teams and players in the history of the game. Always Alabama tells the complete story -- through the eyes of dozens of Alabama insiders and vanquished opponents from the first Crimson Tide team in 1892 right on through the thrilling 2006 Cotton Bowl victory. Don Wade delivers a detailed look at the long and illustrious story of Crimson Tide football. Relive the exhilarating moments of triumph, including: Alabama's victory over University of Pennsylvania in 1922, a conquest that put Alabama football on the map The Tide's upholding the honor of the South with her victory at the 1926 Rose Bowl The stories that made Bear Bryant famous and every player who ever played for him a genuine tough guy All twelve of the program's national championships Those special moments when Alabama both defeated and lost to bitter rivals Auburn and Tennessee And hear from the great players -- early legends such as Harry Gilmer and Vaughn Mancha, and larger-than-life heroes such as Lee Roy Jordan, Ken Stabler, and Ozzie Newsome -- and from scores of other players -- some famous, some not so famous -- who have personal stories to tell about the pride and privilege of wearing the red jersey. With both black-and-white and color photos to help guide the way, Always Alabama is the definitive history of one of the most storied college football programs in the country and a book no college football fan can live without. |
| alabama football opening games history: Miracle Moments in Alabama Crimson Tide Football History Mark Mayfield, 2018-10-16 Alabama’s Crimson Tide has been the most dominant college football team in America for the past decade, winning five national championships and five conference titles. The team, under coach Nick Saban, has won an astounding ninety percent of its games since 2008, and established a dynasty unparalleled in modern college football. As impressive as Saban and his teams have been, these are far from the only glory days in Alabama football history, and their great tradition is celebrated in Miracle Moments in Alabama Crimson Tide Football History. Mark Mayfield chronicles Alabama’s colorful football history dating to when their first team won a scrimmage, 56–0, over a group of Birmingham high school players in 1892. Three decades later, Alabama pulled off a stunning 20–19 upset of West Coast powerhouse Washington in the 1926 Rose Bowl, won its first national championship, and took its place among the elite teams in America with seventeen national titles through eras coached by Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant, Gene Stallings, and Saban. Along the way, some of the best players in the nation have been a part of this extraordinary program—from Don Hutson, Harry Gilmer, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, John Hannah, Lee Roy Jordan, Derrick Thomas, and Cornelius Bennett to Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Calvin Ridley, and Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram Jr. and Derrick Henry. They and so many other remarkable players and coaches are highlighted in Miracle Moments in Alabama Crimson Tide Football History, a must have for all ‘Bama football fans. |
| alabama football opening games history: Game Changers: Alabama Kirk McNair, 2009 For serious football fans wanting to relive the most unforgettable, extraordinary, and gut-wrenching moments in Alabama's history, this account explores the team's greatest plays, providing context, back story, relevant circumstances, and comments from those directly involved in each play. Photos help reanimate memories, including offensive lineman Jerry Duncan's unlikely catch to help beat Nebraska in the 1966 Orange Bowl, the goal-line stand against Penn State that preserved the 1978 National Championship, George Teague ripping the ball away from Miami's Lamar Thomas in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, and Tyrone Prothro's miraculous 2005 catch in a come-from-behind victory against Southern Mississippi. |
| alabama football opening games history: Crimson Nation Eli Gold, 2006-07-31 For nearly twenty years Eli Gold has been behind the microphone for Alabama football, calling many a memorable game and witnessing first hand some defining moments in the history of Alabama football: an unbelievable win at Penn State; numerous wins over Tennessee on the Third Saturday in October; a national title win over Miami. He also had a front row seat for the 1990 return of Junction Boy Gene Stallings. Those firsthand memories, plus many great moments from days gone by, are just some of the stories as told by the Voice of the Crimson Tide. Other memorable moments include: Bama takes Southern football out west Bear Bryant answers Mama's call 12 national championships Joe Willie and the Snake The Goal Line Stand Mike Shula and a return to the Bowls The passion he brings to his broadcasts, be it NASCAR or Alabama football, is beyond compare. There is no one better to write a book about one of the proudest franchises in all of college sports. ?Mike Helton, President, NASCAR A whole generation of Alabama fans [know] Eli as The Voice of the Tide. Like all great broadcasters, he is a wonderful storyteller and this book is filled with some stories that I had never heard. An enjoyable combination of Bama football history and behind the scenes broadcast booth stories. ?University of Alabama coach Mike Shula |
| alabama football opening games history: Chasing the Bear Lars Anderson, 2019-09-03 A dual biography of two coaching legends -- Bear Bryant and Nick Saban -- who built the Alabama Crimson Tide into a true football dynasty. Both Bear Bryant and Nick Saban are undeniable kings of college football, two coaches at Alabama who have each won more national championships -- six apiece -- than anyone else in the history of the game. CHASING THE BEAR examines how they did it, revealing along the way their similarities in style, background, football philosophy, and recruiting methods, while providing readers a rare inside look at two of the greatest leaders in the history of sports. Bear Bryant and Nick Saban never met, but they have more in common than either of them realize. Both grew up in small towns -- Bryant in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, a dot on the map, and Saban from Monongah, West Virginia, population five hundred. As a child, Saban pumped gas at his father's service station, washing and waxing cars and doing anything he could to help the business. Bryant's father suffered from multiple physical ailments, which forced Bryant to work to keep the family farm going. Both men knew the value of hard work from the time they were young boys, and both understood that there were no shortcuts to success. But both dreamed of escaping their hometowns, and both used football as the means to do so. Separated by two generations, Bear Bryant and Nick Saban are mythic figures linked by a school, a town, and a barroom debate centering on one question: Which is the greatest college coach of all time? |
| alabama football opening games history: One Night, Two Teams Steven Travers, 2007-08-20 In the sweltering heat of September of 1970 on Legion Field, the USC Trojans and the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide played a game that defined the emancipation of the South from its sordid history of racial segregation. When USC's black running backSam The Bam Cunningham ran roughshod all over the all-white Crimson Tide, more than a football game was won. Based on interviews with many of the game's participants and thoroughly researched this book presents sports as a metaphor for one of the mostprofound social changes in history. |
| alabama football opening games history: The Missing Ring Keith Dunnavant, 2007-08-21 Keith Dunnavant's triumph is that he takes us into the heart of Alabama, into the darkness and the light, and there we see Joe Namath, Kenny Stabler, Ray Perkins, and their band of brothers play football for Bear Bryant the way life should be lived, at full throttle, indomitably. ---Dave Kindred, author of Sound and Fury: Two Powerful Lives, One Fateful Friendship The Missing Ring is more than a football book. It is both a story of a changing era and of an extraordinary team on a championship quest. Very few institutions in American sports can match the enduring excellence of the University of Alabama football program. Across a wide swath of the last century, the tradition-rich Crimson Tide has claimed twelve national championships, captured twenty-five conference titles, finished thirty-four times among the country's top ten, and played in fifty-three bowl games. Especially dominant during the era of the legendary Paul Bear Bryant, the larger-than-life figure who towered over the landscape like no man before or since, Alabama entered the 1966 season with the chance to become the first college football team to win three consecutive national championships. Every aspect of Bryant's grueling system was geared around competing for the big prize each and every year, and in 1966 the idea of the threepeat tantalized the players, pushing them toward greatness. Driven by Bryant's enthusiasm, dedication, and perseverance, players were made to believe in their team and themselves. Led by the electrifying force of quarterback Kenny Snake Stabler and one of the most punishing defenses in the storied annals of the Southeastern Conference, the Crimson Tide cruised to a magical season, finishing as the nation's only undefeated, untied team. But something happened on the way to the history books. The Missing Ring is the story of the one that got away, the one that haunts Alabama fans still, and native Alabamian Keith Dunnavant takes readers deep inside the Crimson Tide program during a more innocent time, before widespread telecasting, before scholarship limitations, before end-zone dances. Meticulously revealing the strategies, tactics, and personal dramas that bring the overachieving boys of 1966 to life, Dunnavant's insightful, anecdotally rich narrative shows how Bryant molded a diverse group of young men into a powerful force that overcame various obstacles to achieve perfection in an imperfect world. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the still-escalating Vietnam War, and a world and a sport teetering on the brink of change in a variety of ways, The Missing Ring tells an important story about the collision between football and culture. Ultimately, it is this clash that produces the Crimson Tide's most implacable foe, enabling the greatest injustice in college football history. Keith Dunnavant has written yet another fabulous book about the fabled Alabama football program. You will be amazed at how one of the great injustices in the history of college football cost them their rightful place in history. And you just thought the system was screwed up now. ---Jim Dent, author of The Junction Boys Keith Dunnavant nails it: all the sacrifices the 1966 Alabama team made to win three national championships in a row, and how we were robbed at the ballot box. ---Jerry Duncan, one of the boys of 1966 Dunnavant infuses reportage and passion into a tale that every Alabamian of a certain age knows: For all the crying about Penn State in 1969, Penn State in 1994, or Auburn in 2004, no team ever got shafted the way the 1966 Crimson Tide did. It's all here: the churning legs, the churning stomachs, and the dreaded gym classes where Bear Bryant's boys made the sacrifices he demanded in order to become champions. They conquered their opponents on the field, but proved to be no match for the politics of the day off the field. The |
| alabama football opening games history: Legends of Alabama Football Richard Scott, Jason Mayfield, Jay Barker, 2014 Discover the legacies of Alabama's greatest football heroes newly updated!With 15 national championships and a tradition of national achievement that dates back to the 1920s, the University of Alabama has secured its spot as one of the most successful athletic institutions in the history of American sports. Dating back to the days when university president Dr. George H. Mike Denny decided football would be the university's ticket to national prominence, Alabama has produced some of the most legendary teams and players in the history of the game. Many of those legends have long since passed, but standouts such as Johnny Mack Brown, Dixie Howell, Don Hutson, Pat Trammell, and Derrick Thomas remain alive and well in the hearts and minds of loyal Crimson Tide fans. The legends of Tide stars such as Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Harry Gilmer, Johnny Musso, John Hannah, and Ozzie Newsome continue to grow with time. None of those legends stands taller than Paul Bear Bryant, the former Crimson Tide player who returned to Alabama as head coach in 1958 and built a dynasty that rivaled any in sports, pro, or college. From Wallace Wade to Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, current coach Nick Saban, and all points in between, Legends of Alabama Football chronicles the coaches, players, and events that placed Crimson Tide football on the national sports landscape. 50 black & white photographs. |
| alabama football opening games history: Historic Photos of University of Alabama Football Joseph Woodruff, 2009 In 1992, the centennial year of the University of Alabama football program, the Crimson Tide won its 12th national championship. Few major college football programs can claim as many. Through the medium of photography, this book tells the story of the greatness of University of Alabama football, from its origins as a club sport in 1892, through the death of its most famous head coach, Paul W. Bryant. Over the course of those nine decades, Alabama would win 11 of its 12 national championships and forever change the face of college football. What began as a sport dominated by elite teams in the Northeast and Midwest, would, by the time of Bryant's death, be the hallmark sport of the American South. And the University of Alabama would, for many of those years, be the premier team in one of America's greatest football conferences, the Southeast Conference. Historic Photos of University of Alabama Football provides a window into a storied past that is the foundation upon which the program's future greatness will stand. |
| alabama football opening games history: 4th and Goal Every Day Phil Savage, Ray Glier, 2017-08-29 4th and Goal Every day tells the improbable story of how Alabama won 5 national titles in 9 seasons. Fans want to know, “How does Alabama do it?” With a Preface by Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban and a Foreword by ESPN's College Gameday Host Rece Davis. Phil Savage first worked with Nick Saban when they both joined the Cleveland Browns’ coaching staff in 1991. They were reunited in 2009 when Savage became part of the Crimson Tide Sports Network as the radio color analyst. Since then, Savage has enjoyed an up-close view of the Alabama program’s dedication to recruiting, its commitment to practice, and devotion to fundamentals. Now comes his 360-degree perspective on Alabama football and Coach Nick Saban’s unique coaching style, a style that has led the Crimson Tide to five Southeastern Conference titles, three consecutive College Football Playoff appearances and four national championships. Savage details Coach Saban’s year-round preparation, his willingness to adjust and his belief in “complimentary football.” The book offers a close look at their player development and practice habits and gives a glimpse of the Crimson Tide’s approach of playing every single down like it’s 4th and goal. You won’t find another person who can intelligently discuss Alabama football in public better than Phil Savage. Together with Ray Glier, this in-depth story chronicles how the Crimson Tide re-emerged as one of the true superpowers in college football. |
| alabama football opening games history: The University of Alabama National Championship Football Vault Whitman Publishing, 2010-03 |
| alabama football opening games history: Tuscaloosa Amalia K. Amaki and Priscilla N. Davis, 2015 In the 1960s, Tuscaloosa drew national attention when the University of Alabama was fully integrated. The decade also marked the arrival of Paul Bear Bryant as head coach of Alabama's football team and the majority of Frank Anthony Rose's tenure as president--a period characterized by race mediation and increases in enrollment, assets, and academic standards. For the next 50 years, sports, education, cultural and recreational opportunities, and business developments contributed to the city and the lifestyles of its residents. Tuscaloosa has associations with people such as F. David Mathews (who concurrently served as president of Alabama and as a secretary under Pres. Gerald Ford), writer Richard Yates (Revolutionary Road), actress Sela Ward, and quarterback Joe Namath. |
| alabama football opening games history: Creating the Big Game Wiley L. Umphlett, 1992-10-26 John W. Heisman (1869-1936) was a man of many faces whose public image has suffered from a diffused, enigmatic, and mostly misunderstood private personality. Since his death the popular reception of the memorial trophy named in his honor has also obscured his identity. In singling out his many innovative contributions to the development of intercollegiate football, this book attempts to present a true picture of Heisman as both man and coach. Because he coached at schools throughout the country during some of the most eventful years in our history, Heisman's life relates to significant political, economic, and social developments that impacted on American society as well as sports. However, this book is much more than the story of John Heisman's 36-year coaching career. It is also the story of how an indigenous American public ritual--the Big Game---came about and how college football evolved into the complex, problematic, and highly structured big business that it is today. |
| alabama football opening games history: The History Of The Foley Lions To 1955 Keith Lester Smith, 2021-11-15 The town of Foley, Alabama was founded by John Burton Foley, a very successful businessman from Chicago, and was settled by individuals and families from all over our great nation. This community grew to love its football team and supported it passionately. Through the perspective of Foley High School, we see one of the most tumultuous times in our nation’s history, a period that defined the history of the United States. These individuals lived through the Great Depression and two World Wars to emerge as the greatest and most powerful country in the history of our planet. Our citizens, not only in Foley but also throughout every corner of our nation, were guided by a deep respect and reverence for the Bible. Our hope and prayer is that this book will serve as a reminder of our Christian heritage and the importance of seeking the guidance of our Creator in everything we do if we hope to remain free and strong. |
| alabama football opening games history: When Winning Was Everything Delbert Reed, 2013-01-20 The personal war stories of many of the Crimson Tide football players who participated in the Good War are told in When Winning Was Everything, a tribute to all the players who earned our enduring admiration not only on the football field but also in wartime. More than three hundred former University of Alabama football players and coaches saw military duty during World War II, and many of them played heroic leading roles in the bitter fight against Axis aggression. Their stories are given compelling life by Delbert Reed in When Winning Was Everything: Alabama Football Players in World War II. Alabama football players, like millions of other young men in America, rushed to join the fight soon after the Japanese bombed the US Navy's Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Six Crimson Tide players joined the Marines at halftime during one Alabama football game. Two others--Paul Bear Bryant and George Zivich--literally pushed their way to the front of the line to join up. Former University of Alabama football players served on every front and in almost every major battle of World War II. They were privates and colonels, pilots and foot soldiers. They served on submarines andcarriers, flew bombers and led pack mules through thick Asian jungles. They were frontline Marines and training instructors and everything in between. They helped make up America's fighting team in wartime, and, as Delbert Reed shows, their victory was far greater than any Rose Bowl win. |
| alabama football opening games history: SEC Football Richard Scott, 2008-09-15 College football in the South, it has been said, is like a religion, and nowhere is the passion and dedication more evident than at the twelve universities that make up the Southeastern Conference. The SEC is one of the most storied associations in all of collegiate sports. Its intense rivalries, historic programs, iconic coaches, and championship traditions are felt every autumn, from Gainesville to Little Rock, Baton Rouge to Lexington. The competition among the schools is as fervent as ever, fomenting rivalries within states (Alabama vs. Auburn and Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss) and across borders (Florida vs. Georgia and LSU vs. Arkansas). Many legends of the game have graced the SEC gridiron, including Fran Tarkenton, Joe Namath, Reggie White, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Emmitt Smith, and Peyton, Archie, and Eli Manning---to name just a few. Celebrating three-quarters of a century of incomparable football, this lavishly illustrated book celebrates the stars, heroes, characters, and games that have made the SEC a force beyond reckoning. The book explores the players and the coaches, the teams and the traditions, and the great games and individual performances that have defined each decade of SEC football. Vintage and modern photography bring the world of the Southeastern Conference, past and present, brilliantly to life, and complete this timely tribute to an exceptional football legacy. |
| alabama football opening games history: The University of Alabama All-access Football Vault Tommy Ford, 2009 |
| alabama football opening games history: History Made: The 2020 National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide Tommy Ford, 2021-09-28 |
| alabama football opening games history: Always a Crimson Tide Creg Stephenson, Kirk McNair, 2011-08 The traditions of Alabama football are as timeless as any in American sports. This exciting series draws together the insights from nearly 100 former players, coaches, and fans, who tell their personal stories about what being a part of this legendary football program means to them. |
| alabama football opening games history: Legends of Alabama Football Richard Scott, 2004 Sams local 11-22-2004 $24.95. |
| alabama football opening games history: Glory Days Tommy Hicks, 2013-08-01 Providing detailed tales and anecdotes from the players and coaches responsible for some of the school’s greatest victories, Glory Days focuses on pivotal moments in Crimson Tide history. From the 1969 game against Ole Miss to the 1979 Sugar Bowl victory over Penn State during the team’s perfect season, up through the 2012 BCS national championship game, this book takes the reader on a journey through the last forty-plus years of the Alabama football team in all its glory. With stories covering everyone from legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, to the Miami Dolphins’ two-time Player of the Year Don McNeal, to current NFL phenomenon Julio Jones, and many more, columnist Tommy Hicks builds on the insight from Alabama players and coaches alike to provide the color and emotion surrounding the best games. Crimson Days is sure to captivate and enlighten Crimson Tide football fans past and present. |
| alabama football opening games history: University of Alabama Football Vault Book Tommy Ford, Whitman Publishing LLC, 2017-09-05 |
| alabama football opening games history: Coach Keith Dunnavant, 2017-11-14 The definitive portrait of Paul “Bear” Bryant, the most successful college football coach in history. Just five weeks after coaching his final football game for the University of Alabama, Paul “Bear” Bryant passed away. The impact he had on the state of Alabama and the entire college football world cannot be overstated. For twenty-five years as the head coach of the Crimson Tide, and thirteen years before that at Maryland, Kentucky, and Texas A&M, Bear Bryant’s outsized personality and deep charisma made him the dominant figure in the world of college football, turning boys with ordinary talent but extraordinary heart into winners—both on the gridiron and off. At Alabama, Bear Bryant would go on to become the winningest coach of all time, achieving the best record in the country in both the 60s and 70s. He is the only coach to win national championships with both segregated teams and integrated ones. His secret lay not in any strategic brilliance he brought to the game, but in his gift for molding individual talents into a cohesive unit that could achieve far more than the sum of its parts would suggest. That ability made him a great coach, but to many, Bryant represented more than just a coach: He was everything a southern gentleman was supposed to be—tough, principled, charismatic, modest in victory yet quick to assume blame in defeat, and as mindful of where he’d come from as where he was going. Coach is not only about the man and his tremendous ability to succeed, it’s also a tribute to the South and the legacy Coach Bryant left behind. In a divisive era, Bryant gave Alabamians something to be proud of. And, he was simply the greatest football coach of all times. |
| alabama football opening games history: Dynasty by the Numbers Brad Edwards, 2021-06-15 This book utilizes numbers and data visualization to explain how much better Alabama was than all other college football teams from 2008 through 2020. Some of the Crimson Tide's benchmarks were unprecedented, and others hadn't been accomplished for many decades -- all making a case for this being the most impressive stretch of seasons for any team in the history of the sport. |
| alabama football opening games history: Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer Warren St. John, 2005-05-31 What is it about sports that turns otherwise sane people into raving lunatics? Why does winning compel people to tear down goal posts, and losing, to drown themselves in bad keg beer? In short, why do fans care? In search of answers, Warren St. John seeks out the roving community of RVers who follow the Alabama Crimson Tide from game to game. A movable feast of Weber grills and Igloo coolers, these are hard-core football fans who arrive on Wednesday for Saturday’s game: The Reeses, who skipped their own daughter’s wedding because it coincided with a Bama game; Ray Pradat, the Episcopal minister who watches the games on a television beside his altar while performing weddings; and John Ed, the wheeling and dealing ticket scalper whose access to good seats gives him power on par with the governor. In no time at all, St. John buys an RV (a $5,500 beater named The Hawg) and joins the caravan for a full football season, chronicling the world of the extreme fan and learning that in the shadow of the stadium, it can all begin to seem strangely normal. Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer is not only a hilarious travel story, but a cultural anthropology of fans that goes a long way toward demystifying the universal urge to take sides and to win. |
| alabama football opening games history: Season of Saturdays Michael Weinreb, 2014-08-19 From an award-winning sports journalist and college football expert: “A beautifully written mix of memoir and reportage that tracks college ball through fourteen key games, giving depth and meaning to all” (Sports Illustrated), now with a new Afterword about the first ever College Football Playoff. Every Saturday in the fall, it happens: On college campuses, in bars, at gatherings of fervent alumni, millions come together to watch a sport that inspires a uniquely American brand of passion and outrage. This is college football. Since the first contest in 1869, the game has grown from a stratified offshoot of rugby to a ubiquitous part of our national identity. Right now, as college conferences fracture and grow, as amateur athlete status is called into question, as a playoff system threatens to replace big-money bowl games, we’re in the midst of the most dramatic transitional period in the history of the sport. Season of Saturdays examines the evolution of college football, including the stories of iconic coaches like Woody Hayes, Joe Paterno, and Knute Rockne; and programs like the USC Trojans, the Michigan Wolverines, and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Michael Weinreb considers the inherent violence of the game, its early seeds of big-business greed, and its impact on institutions of higher learning. He explains why college football endures, often despite itself. Filtered through journalism and research, as well as the author’s own recollections as a fan, Weinreb celebrates some of the greatest games of all time while revealing their larger significance. “Wry, quirky, fascinating...This surely is one of the most enjoyable books of the college football season...Weinreb wrestles in captivating prose with the violence, hypocrisy, and corruption that are endemic to the sport at its most cutthroat level” (The Plain Dealer, Cleveland). |
| alabama football opening games history: The Storm and the Tide Lars Anderson, 2014-08-19 Tragedy, Hope, and Triumph in Tuscaloosa |
| alabama football opening games history: Field of Schemes Neil deMause, Joanna Cagan, 2015-03 |
| alabama football opening games history: Game Changers: Alabama Kirk McNair, 2009-10 For serious football fans wanting to relive the most unforgettable, extraordinary, and gut-wrenching moments in Alabama's history, this account explores the team's greatest plays, providing context, back story, relevant circumstances, and comments from those directly involved in each play. Photos help reanimate memories, including offensive lineman Jerry Duncan's unlikely catch to help beat Nebraska in the 1966 Orange Bowl, the goal-line stand against Penn State that preserved the 1978 National Championship, George Teague ripping the ball away from Miami's Lamar Thomas in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, and Tyrone Prothro's miraculous 2005 catch in a come-from-behind victory against Southern Mississippi. |
| alabama football opening games history: Decade of Dominance Christopher Walsh, 2019-07-09 ***I know with some of the older guard at Alabama this is not particularly popular, said Davis, but this is the greatest era of Alabama football ever.***He's been obviously the most consistent coach that we've had in our profession in a lot of years,'' said Grant Teaff, College Football Hall of Fame coach and former executive director of the American Football Coaches Association. Year after year, after year, after year, he's there.''***Steve Spurrier went so far as to call Saban the greatest recruiter in the history of college football, during SEC media days in 2014. As long as they can recruit like that, they're always going to be the favorites. |
| alabama football opening games history: Turning of the Tide Don Yaeger, Sam Cunningham, John Papadakis, 2008-12-14 New York Times bestselling author Yaeger tells the electrifying story of the game that broke down the last racial division in college football. |
| alabama football opening games history: Rising Tide Randy Roberts, Ed Krzemienski, 2013-08-20 The extraordinary story of how Coach Paul Bear Bryant and Joe Namath, his star quarterback at the University of Alabama, led the Crimson Tide to victory and transformed football into a truly national pastime. During the bloodiest years of the civil rights movement, Bear Bryant and Joe Namath-two of the most iconic and controversial figures in American sports-changed the game of college football forever. Brilliantly and urgently drawn, this is the gripping account of how these two very different men-Bryant a legendary coach in the South who was facing a pair of ethics scandals that threatened his career, and Namath a cocky Northerner from a steel mill town in Pennsylvania-led the Crimson Tide to a national championship. To Bryant and Namath, the game was everything. But no one could ignore the changes sweeping the nation between 1961 and 1965-from the Freedom Rides to the integration of colleges across the South and the assassination of President Kennedy. Against this explosive backdrop, Bryant and Namath changed the meaning of football. Their final contest together, the 1965 Orange Bowl, was the first football game broadcast nationally, in color, during prime time, signaling a new era for the sport and the nation. Award-winning biographer Randy Roberts and sports historian Ed Krzemienski showcase the moment when two thoroughly American traditions-football and Dixie-collided. A compelling story of race and politics, honor and the will to win, Rising Tide captures a singular time in America. More than a history of college football, this is the story of the struggle and triumph of a nation in transition and the legacy of two of the greatest heroes the sport has ever seen. |
| alabama football opening games history: Husky Football in the Don James Era Derek Johnson, 2007-04-01 |
| alabama football opening games history: Alabama Football Tales Lewis Bowling, 2012-08-28 The Crimson Tide's winning history is packed with fascinating stories of players and coaches who made the program the envy of every school in the nation. Now, author and sports historian Lewis Bowling presents a collection of tales that span the entirety of Alabama's history of hard-won glory. Blending humor, drama and historical accuracy, Bowling shares stories every Bama fan will love. Discover the Alabama team that pioneered innovations in forward passing, learn about Bear Bryant's stint as an assistant coach, relive the year that World War II forced Alabama to put its football season on hold and read the story of the soldier who credited his experience on the football field for his survival in battle. These stories, and many more, make Alabama Football Tales required reading for every fan. |
| alabama football opening games history: Turnaround Tom Stoddard, 2000 By 1958 the once legendary Bama football program had reached an all-time low -- only four wins in three years. The proud tradition that included national titles and Rose Bowl victories was a source of state pride that had to be saved. The University found its savior in Paul Bryant and it gave him free rein to work his miracles.Turnaround tells how Bryant took a group of young athletes who were accustomed to defeat and transformed some of them into winners, at the same time labeling others as losers or quitters, a stigma that some never overcame. Comprehensive interviews with players and coaches, detailed accounts of practice sessions, play-by-play recountings of the games, and numerous photographs take the reader back in time to that critical year in Alabama football history. |
| alabama football opening games history: The Crimson Tide Winston Groom, 2010 The book to settle all bets! A lively illustrated history of the University of Alabama football teams that have dominated college football and ranked consistently among the best in the nation and now with 13 national championships to its credit. This updated National Championship Edition contains two new chapters to cover the dark days at the beginning of the 21st century and the dawn of the Nick Saban era. |
| alabama football opening games history: The Crimson Tide Robert W. Chambers, 2024-10-11 Immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of The Crimson Tide by Robert W. Chambers. This evocative novel transports readers to a world where love, passion, and the supernatural intertwine in an unforgettable narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned. As Chambers unveils his mesmerizing tale, you may find yourself asking: What depths of emotion can the human heart withstand before it breaks? But here’s a thought to ponder: Is it possible for love to transcend the boundaries of life and death, echoing through time like the tides of the sea? Explore the intricate relationships and vivid landscapes that Chambers masterfully creates, blending the ethereal with the palpable. Each character grapples with their desires and fears, inviting you to reflect on the complexities of human emotion. Are you prepared to navigate the stormy waters of love and longing that flow through this captivating story? Experience the lyrical prose and rich imagery through short, poignant paragraphs that evoke a deep sense of connection. This novel is not just a story; it's an exploration of the heart's deepest yearnings. This is your chance to dive into a world of passion and mystery. Will you let The Crimson Tide sweep you away into its mesmerizing depths? Don’t miss the opportunity to own this literary gem. Purchase The Crimson Tide now and embark on a journey through the tides of love and fate! |
| alabama football opening games history: History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography Thomas McAdory Owen, 1921 |
| alabama football opening games history: University of Alabama Football Vault Jay Barker, 2007 |
| alabama football opening games history: The Forgotten Seasons: Penn State Football 1977-1978 Rex Naylor Jr, 2018-10-24 When talking about the greatest teams in Penn State football history, the teams of 1977 and 1978 should be in the discussion and quite possibly very high on the list. However, these teams have been Forgotten. Author Rex Naylor, Jr. takes you on a journey through those two tremendous seasons, . You will enjoy the games and also remember the players who participated in those momentous years.Rex Naylor, Jr. also relives some of the events and moments of 1977 and 1978, which will bring back memories that may have been tucked away for years. He clarifies and corrects many inaccuracies and inconsistencies that have been written and discussed regarding the Sugar Bowl game between Alabama and Penn State for the national championship on January 1, 1979. You are taken on a journey series by series in that Sugar Bowl game to not only relive the truth, but also to clarify the inconsistencies. The Forgotten Seasons: Penn State Football 1977-1978 is the first book written exclusively about these seasons with the hope of resurrecting these teams and players to their proper place in Penn State football history. |
Mobile, Alabama - City-Data.com
Mobile-area historical tornado activity is below Alabama state average. It is 30% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/18/1950, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 5.8 …
Crime rate in Montgomery, Alabama (AL): murders, rapes, robberies ...
According to our research of Alabama and other state lists, there were 496 registered sex offenders living in Montgomery, Alabama as of June 10, 2025. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in …
Theodore, Alabama (AL 36590) profile: population, maps, real …
Theodore-area historical tornado activity is below Alabama state average. It is 23% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/18/1950, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 8.3 …
Phenix City, Alabama (AL) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Phenix City-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Alabama state average. It is 38% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 3/31/1961 , a category F3 ( max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) …
Crime rate in Birmingham, Alabama (AL): murders, rapes, robberies ...
According to our research of Alabama and other state lists, there were 719 registered sex offenders living in Birmingham, Alabama as of June 10, 2025. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in …
Madison, Alabama (AL 35758) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Madison-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Alabama state average. It is 147% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/3/1974 , a category F5 ( max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) …
Sylacauga, Alabama (AL 35149) profile: population, maps, real …
Sylacauga-area historical tornado activity is near Alabama state average. It is 105% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 1/24/1964, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado …
Leeds, Alabama (AL 35004) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Leeds-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Alabama state average. It is 150% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/4/1977 , a category F5 ( max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) …
Alabama Bigger Cities (over 6000 residents) - Real Estate, Housing ...
Map of Radon Zones in Alabama based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data More Alabama directories: Cities, towns, and villages in Alabama between 1000 and 6000 residents ; …
Huntsville, Alabama (AL) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Huntsville-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Alabama state average. It is 146% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/3/1974 , a category F5 ( max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) …
Mobile, Alabama - City-Data.com
Mobile-area historical tornado activity is below Alabama state average. It is 30% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/18/1950, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado …
Crime rate in Montgomery, Alabama (AL): murders, rapes, …
According to our research of Alabama and other state lists, there were 496 registered sex offenders living in Montgomery, Alabama as of June 10, 2025. The ratio of all residents to sex …
Theodore, Alabama (AL 36590) profile: population, maps, real …
Theodore-area historical tornado activity is below Alabama state average. It is 23% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/18/1950, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) …
Phenix City, Alabama (AL) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Phenix City-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Alabama state average. It is 38% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 3/31/1961 , a category F3 ( max. wind speeds 158 …
Crime rate in Birmingham, Alabama (AL): murders, rapes, robberies ...
According to our research of Alabama and other state lists, there were 719 registered sex offenders living in Birmingham, Alabama as of June 10, 2025. The ratio of all residents to sex …
Madison, Alabama (AL 35758) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Madison-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Alabama state average. It is 147% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/3/1974 , a category F5 ( max. wind speeds 261 …
Sylacauga, Alabama (AL 35149) profile: population, maps, real …
Sylacauga-area historical tornado activity is near Alabama state average. It is 105% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 1/24/1964, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) …
Leeds, Alabama (AL 35004) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Leeds-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Alabama state average. It is 150% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/4/1977 , a category F5 ( max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) …
Alabama Bigger Cities (over 6000 residents) - Real Estate, Housing ...
Map of Radon Zones in Alabama based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data More Alabama directories: Cities, towns, and villages in Alabama between 1000 and 6000 residents …
Huntsville, Alabama (AL) profile: population, maps, real estate ...
Huntsville-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Alabama state average. It is 146% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 4/3/1974 , a category F5 ( max. wind speeds 261 …
