1970 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

1970 Alabama Crimson Tide football
Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl co-champion
Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, T 24–24 vs. Oklahoma
Conference	Southeastern Conference
Record	6–5–1 (3–4 SEC)
Head coach	Bear Bryant (13th season)
Captains	Danny Gilbert Dave Brungard
Home stadium	Denny Stadium Legion Field
Seasons ←  1969 1971  →

1970 Southeastern Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team	W		L		T			W		L		T
No. 7 LSU $	5	–	0	–	0			9	–	3	–	0
No. 4 Tennessee	4	–	1	–	0			11	–	1	–	0
No. 10 Auburn	5	–	2	–	0			9	–	2	–	0
No. 20 Ole Miss	4	–	2	–	0			7	–	4	–	0
Florida	3	–	3	–	0			7	–	4	–	0
Georgia	3	–	3	–	0			5	–	5	–	0
Alabama	3	–	4	–	0			6	–	5	–	1
Mississippi State	3	–	4	–	0			6	–	5	–	0
Vanderbilt	1	–	5	–	0			4	–	7	–	0
Kentucky	0	–	7	–	0			2	–	9	–	0
$ – Conference champion Rankings from AP Poll

The 1970 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 76th overall and 37th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 13th year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with six wins five losses and one tie (6–5–1 overall, 3–4 in the SEC) and with a tie against Oklahoma in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl.

As a result of a newly enacted rule by the NCAA that allowed teams to schedule an eleventh regular season game, Alabama opened the season against USC. Led by Sam Cunningham, the Trojans defeated the Crimson Tide 42–21 at Legion Field to open the season. Alabama rebounded from the loss and defeated Virginia Tech and Florida in consecutive games that set up a top-twenty match-up against Ole Miss. Led by Archie Manning, the Rebels defeated the Crimson Tide 48–23 after a 22-point fourth quarter at Jackson.

Alabama defeated Vanderbilt in their next game, but then were shut out for the first time since their 1959 season with a 24–0 loss at Tennessee. They again rebounded with a pair of consecutive victories. The first was against Houston, in what was also the first game Alabama played indoors, and the second on homecoming against Mississippi State. After a loss to LSU, the Crimson Tide defeated Miami in their final road game of the season. The win also made Alabama bowl-eligible, and as such an invitation to play Oklahoma in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl was accepted in the week leading to the Iron Bowl. Against Auburn, the Crimson tide surrendered a 17-point lead and closed the regular season with a 33–28 loss to their rival. A month later, Alabama ended their season with a 24–24 tie against the Sooners.

The 1970 season is also notable for being the first fully integrated team at Alabama. Although several African American students competed during spring practice in 1967, Wilbur Jackson became the first African American awarded a scholarship to play for Alabama, and he competed as a member of the freshman squad in 1970. ^{[1] [2]}

Schedule

Date	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 12	No. 3 USC *	No. 16	Legion Field Birmingham, AL		L 21–42	72,175
September 19	Virginia Tech *		Legion Field Birmingham, AL		W 51–18	53,958
September 26	No. 13 Florida		Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)		W 46–15	58,138
October 3	at No. 7 Ole Miss	No. 17	Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS (rivalry)	ABC	L 23–48	46,812
October 10	Vanderbilt		Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL		W 35–11	49,038
October 17	at No. 14 Tennessee		Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN (Third Saturday in October)		L 0–24	64,947
October 24	at No. 15 Houston *		Houston Astrodome Houston, TX		W 30–21	46,869
October 31	Mississippi State		Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)		W 35–6	58,843
November 7	No. 11 LSU	No. 19	Legion Field Birmingham, AL (rivalry)	ABC	L 9–14	60,371
November 14	at Miami (FL) *		Miami Orange Bowl Miami, FL		W 32–8	25,469
November 28	vs. No. 11 Auburn		Legion Field Birmingham, AL (Iron Bowl)		L 28–33	71,747
December 31	vs. No. 20 Oklahoma *		Houston Astrodome Houston, TX (Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl)	ABC	T 24–24	53,822
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

^[3]

Game summaries

USC

See also: 1970 USC Trojans football team

1 2 3 4 Total •#3 USC 12 10 10 10 42 #16 Alabama 0 7 6 8 21 Date: September 12 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 72,175 Sources: [4] [5]

After the NCAA enacted a rule that allowed its member institutions to schedule an eleventh regular season game, in January 1970 the Crimson Tide agreed to a home-and-home series with the University of Southern California (USC). ^[6] At Legion Field, the Trojans outgained Alabama on the ground 485 to 32 yards en route to a 42–21 victory that opened the 1970 season. ^{[4] [5] [7]} USC took a 12–0 first quarter lead behind a pair of Sam Cunningham touchdowns as they outgained the Crimson Tide 102 to 10 in total yards in the quarter. ^{[4] [5]} After a 32-yard, Ron Ayala field goal extended the Trojans' lead to 15–0, a one-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run cut the USC lead to 15–7 early in the second quarter. However, the Trojans responded on the drive that ensued with a seven-yard Charlie Evans touchdown run that made the halftime score 22–7. ^{[4] [5]}

The Trojans continued their dominance of the game into the second half as they extended their lead to 32–7 in the third quarter. Jimmy Jones first threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Clarence Davis and Ayala next connected on a 25-yard field goal. ^{[4] [5]} Alabama then responded with a six-yard Neb Hayden touchdown pass to David Bailey that made the score 32–13 at the end of the third quarter. ^{[4] [5]} The Trojans closed the game with a 27-yard Ayala field goal and a six-yard Mike Rae touchdown pass to Bill Holland. ^{[4] [5]} Alabama then made the final score 42–21 on a second, one-yard Musso touchdown run. ^{[4] [5]}

The game became referred to as the "Cunningham game" by many Alabama fans and is often cited as being the turning point towards the full integration of the Crimson Tide football team beginning with the 1971 season. ^{[8] [9]} However, Alabama football had actually begun integrating in 1967, when five black students attempted to walk-on. ^[10] Moreover, the team was already integrated by 1970, as Wilbur Jackson was a freshman on the team. This game was also the first Alabama played on Poly-Turf at Legion Field as it was installed during the previous summer. ^[11] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Southern Cal to 2–1. ^[12]

Virginia Tech

See also: 1970 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team

1 2 3 4 Total Virginia Tech 0 6 12 0 18 •Alabama 17 13 14 7 51 Date: September 19 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 53,958 Sources: [13] [14]

The 51 points scored by Alabama against Virginia Tech, were the most allowed by a Hokies team coached by Jerry Claiborne in this 51–18 victory at Legion Field. ^{[7] [13] [14]} The Crimson Tide took control of the game early as they raced out to a 17–0 lead in the first quarter. After Richard Ciemny connected on a 36-yard field goal, Dave Brungard scored on a 21-yard run and was followed with a 14-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Jerry Cash. ^{[13] [14]} Alabama extended their lead further to 30–0 after Johnny Musso threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to David Bailey and Tommy Wade had a 71-yard punt return for a score. ^{[13] [14]} The Hokies managed to score late in the period on an eight-yard Gil Schwabe touchdown pass to Perry Tiberio that made the halftime score 30–6. ^{[13] [14]}

Much to the surprise of coach Bryant, Virginia Tech rallied early in the third quarter and scored a pair of touchdowns that brought the score to 30–18. ^[15] John Dobbins scored first for the Hokies on a one-yard run and was followed with a four-yard Rich Matijevich touchdown reception from Schwabe. ^{[13] [14]} The Crimson Tide responded with three unanswered touchdowns to close the game first on 20-yard Brungard run, next on a 10-yard Hunter pass to Joe LaBue and finally on a 36-yard Buddy Seay run. ^{[13] [14]} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Virginia Tech to 6–0. ^[16]

Florida

See also: 1970 Florida Gators football team

1 2 3 4 Total #13 Florida 0 7 0 8 15 •Alabama 10 7 7 22 46 Date: September 26 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 58,138 Sources: [17] [18]

As they entered conference opener against Florida, the Gators were ranked No. 13 in the AP Poll. ^[19] In the game, Alabama led throughout and after a 22-point fourth quarter defeated the Gators 46–15 in the first Denny Stadium game of the season. ^{[7] [17] [18]} The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 first quarter lead behind a one-yard Neb Hayden touchdown run and a 33-yard Richard Ciemny field goal before the Gators responded with a nine-yard John Reaves touchdown pass to Michael Rich early in the second quarter. ^{[17] [18]} Alabama responded with a 15-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Dave Brungard that made the halftime score 17–7. ^{[17] [18]}

After a 10-yard Neb Hayden touchdown pass to Griff Langston in the third extended the Crimson Tide lead to 24–7, they outscored Florida 22–8 in the fourth quarter for the 46–15 victory. ^{[17] [18]} In the final period Crimson Tide touchdowns were scored on runs of six-yards by Johnny Musso, three-yards by Buddy Seay and 13-yards by Terry Davis. The Gators scored their final points on a one-yard Leonard George touchdown run. ^{[17] [18]} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Florida to 10–5. ^[20]

Ole Miss

See also: 1970 Ole Miss Rebels football team

1 2 3 4 Total #17 Alabama 0 9 8 6 23 •#7 Ole Miss 14 12 0 22 48 Date: October 3 Location: Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS Game attendance: 46,812 Sources: [21] [22]

After their victory over Florida, Alabama reentered the AP Poll at the No. 17 position and Ole Miss dropped from No. 5 to No. 7 in the week prior to their match-up at Jackson. ^[23] Against the Rebels, the Crimson Tide were defeated 48–23 behind a strong performance by Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning before a nationally televised audience. ^{[7] [21] [22]} The Rebels took a 14–0 first quarter lead after Manning threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Garland Reed and later scored on a one-yard touchdown run. ^{[21] [22]} Alabama scored their first points on a 36-yard Richard Ciemny field goal early in the second quarter. However, on the kickoff that ensued, Vernon Studdard returned it 101-yards for a touchdown and extended the Ole Miss lead to 20–3 after the conversion failed. ^{[21] [22]} Both teams then traded touchdowns to close the first half. Manning connected from 14-yards to Reed for the Rebels and Neb Hayden connected from 15-yards to Jerry Cash for Alabama that made the halftime score 26–9. ^{[21] [22]}

The Crimson Tide were able to cut the Ole Miss lead to 26–17 on a ten-yard Hayden pass to Johnny Musso in the third quarter. ^{[21] [22]} The Rebels responded in the fourth with three touchdowns and outscored Alabama 22–6 in the quarter en route to the 48–23 victory. Ole Miss points were scored on an eight-yard Manning pass to Studdard, a 14-yard Manning run and on a one-yard William. R. Knight run; Alabama scored their lone touchdown on a 19-yard Hayden pass to Stephen Doran. ^{[21] [22]} The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Ole Miss to 21–5–2. ^[24]

Vanderbilt

See also: 1970 Vanderbilt Commodores football team

1 2 3 4 Total Vanderbilt 0 0 3 8 11 •Alabama 7 7 21 0 35 Date: October 10 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 49,038 Sources: [25] [26]

After their loss against the Rebels, Alabama out of the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt. ^[27] Against the Commodores, Alabama out-rushed Vandy 344 to 71 yards en route to a 35–11 victory at Tuscaloosa. ^{[7] [25] [26]} The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 lead into halftime after touchdowns were scored on a two-yard George Ranager run in the first and on an 11-yard Neb Hayden pass to David Bailey in the second quarter. ^{[25] [26]} After Alabama extended their lead to 28–0 in the third quarter on a 93-yard Buddy Seay kickoff return and a two-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run, Vanderbilt scored their first points on a 31-yard Robert Bayless field goal. ^{[25] [26]} The game then closed with touchdown on a four-yard Neb Hayden run for the Crimson Tide in the third and on a four-yard Steve Burger run for Vanderbilt in the fourth quarter. ^{[25] [26]} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 27–17–4. ^[28]

Tennessee

See also: 1970 Tennessee Volunteers football team

Third Saturday in October

1 2 3 4 Total Alabama 0 0 0 0 0 •#14 Tennessee 7 0 7 10 24 Date: October 17 Location: Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Game attendance: 64,947 Sources: [29] [30]

At Tennessee, Alabama quarterbacks collectively threw eight interceptions in this 24–0 loss to the Volunteers. ^{[7] [29] [30]} Tennessee took a 7–0 lead into halftime after they scored the only first half points on a one-yard Bobby Scott touchdown run. ^{[29] [30]} The Vols then closed the game with a four-yard Don McLeary touchdown run in the third, a 35-yard George Hunt field goal and a 22-yard Jackie Walker interception return in the fourth quarter. ^{[29] [30]}

Scott Hunter threw five and Neb Hayden threw three interceptions in the game. Hunter's five and the eight combined stand as school records for interceptions in a single game. ^[29] The shutout loss was their first since their 7–0 loss against Penn State during their 1959 season that ended a 115-game streak. ^[29] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 23–23–7. ^[31]

Houston

See also: 1970 Houston Cougars football team

1 2 3 4 Total •Alabama 3 14 3 10 30 #15 Houston 7 7 7 0 21 Date: October 24 Location: Astrodome Houston, TX Game attendance: 46,869 Sources: [32] [33]

In what was the first game the Crimson Tide played indoors, Alabama upset the Houston Cougars 30–21 on homecoming at the Astrodome. ^{[7] [32] [33] [34]} After Richard Ciemny gave Alabama an early 3–0 lead with his 28-yard field goal, the Cougars responded with a 13-yard Gary Mullins touchdown pass to Elmo Wright that made the score 7–3 at the end of the first quarter. ^{[32] [33]} The Crimson Tide then retook a 17–7 lead with a pair of second quarter touchdowns. The first came on an 18-yard Johnny Musso pass to David Bailey and the second on a 36-yard Dave Brungard run. The Cougars managed their second touchdown on a three-yard Mullins to Wright pass that made the halftime score 17–14. ^{[32] [33]}

Houston then took a 21–17 lead early in the third quarter on a one-yard Tom Mozisek run. ^{[32] [33]} After a 34-yard Ciemny field goal bought Alabama within one point of the lead later in the quarter, his 40-yard field goal in the fourth gave the Crimson Tide a 23–21 lead. ^{[32] [33]} Steve Higginbotham then made the final score 30–21 late in the game after he returned an interception 80-yards for a touchdown. ^{[32] [33]} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Houston to 6–0. ^[35]

Mississippi State

See also: 1970 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

1 2 3 4 Total Mississippi State 0 0 0 6 6 •Alabama 7 14 14 0 35 Date: October 31 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 58,843 Sources: [36] [37]

On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 35–6. ^{[7] [36] [37]} After the Crimson Tide took a 7–0 lead on a 13-yard Johnny Musso run in the first, a pair of second quarter touchdowns made the halftime score 21–0. The pair were scored on running plays of ten-yards by George Ranager and one-yard by Musso. ^{[36] [37]} Alabama then scored their final pair of touchdowns in the third on runs of 14-yards Dave Brungard and three-yards by Musso. ^{[36] [37]} Up 35–0, Alabama closed the game with many of its reserves seeing playing time in the fourth quarter. It was in that period that the Bulldogs ended the bid for a shutout when Joe Reed threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to David Smith and made the final score 35–6. ^{[36] [37]} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Mississippi State to 42–10–3. ^[38]

LSU

See also: 1970 LSU Tigers football team

1 2 3 4 Total •#11 LSU 0 7 7 0 14 #19 Alabama 3 0 0 6 9 Date: November 7 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 60,371 Sources: [39] [40]

After their victory over Mississippi State, Alabama reentered the AP Poll at the No. 19 position and LSU was in the No. 11 position in the week prior to their match-up at Birmingham. ^[41] Playing in a regionally televised game, Alabama was defeated by the Tigers 14–9 at Legion Field. ^{[7] [39] [40]} Richard Ciemny gave Alabama an early 3–0 lead with his 23-yard field goal in the first, but the Tigers responded with a two-yard Arthur Cantrelle touchdown run in the second quarter that gave LSU a 7–3 halftime lead. ^{[39] [40]} The Tigers extended their lead further to 14–3 after Felix Lee threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy LeDoux in the third quarter. ^{[39] [40]} Although the Crimson Tide defense had a goal line stand that prevented a late LSU score, the offense only scored once more on a ten-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to David Bailey that made the final score 14–9. ^{[39] [40]} The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against LSU to 20–10–4. ^[42]

Miami (FL)

See also: 1970 Miami Hurricanes football team

1 2 3 4 Total •Alabama 0 14 7 11 32 Miami 0 0 0 8 8 Date: November 14 Location: Orange Bowl Miami, FL Game attendance: 25,469 Sources: [43] [44]

After their loss to LSU, Alabama again dropped out of the AP Poll for the week of their game at Miami. ^[45] On homecoming in Miami, Alabama defeated Hurricanes 32–8 at the Orange Bowl and with their sixth victory of the season became bowl eligible. ^{[7] [43] [44]} After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 14–0 halftime lead after they scored a pair of second quarter touchdowns. The first came when Lanny Norris intercepted a Kelly Cochrane pass and returned it 31-yards for the first score followed with the second on a 21-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Jerry Cash later in the quarter. ^{[43] [44]}

After George Ranager extended the Alabama lead to 21–0 with his five-yard run in the third, Miami scored their only points on a four-yard Cochrane pass to Steve Schaap early in the fourth quarter that made the score 21–8. ^{[43] [44]} The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a 32-yard Richard Ciemny field goal and a four-yard Cash touchdown run that made the final score 32–8. ^{[43] [44]} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Miami to 8–2. ^[46]

Auburn

See also: 1970 Auburn Tigers football team

Iron Bowl

1 2 3 4 Total •#11 Auburn 0 10 7 16 33 Alabama 17 0 0 11 28 Date: November 28 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 71,747 Sources: [47] [48]

In their final regular season game, the Auburn Tigers rallied from a 17-point, first quarter deficit and defeated Alabama 33–28 in the annual Iron Bowl at Legion Field. ^{[7] [47] [48]} The Crimson Tide took a 17–0 first quarter lead behind a 14-yard Johnny Musso touchdown run, a 31-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to David Bailey and a 26-yard Richard Ciemny field goal. ^{[47] [48]} Auburn responded with a one-yard Pat Sullivan touchdown run and a 26-yard Gardner Jett field goal in the second quarter that made the halftime score 17–10. ^{[47] [48]}

Sullivan then tied the game 17–17 with his seven-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. ^{[47] [48]} With the game tied as the teams entered the fourth quarter, both traded field goals and made the score 20–20 before Sullivan threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Robby Robinett that gave the Tigers their first lead of the game. ^{[47] [48]} Alabama responded with a 54-yard Hunter touchdown pass to George Ranager, then made a two-point conversion and took a 28–27 lead. ^{[47] [48]} However, Sullivan led Auburn to the game-winning touchdown scored on a three-yard Wallace Clark run for the 33–28 victory. ^{[47] [48]} The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Auburn to 18–16–1. ^[49]

Oklahoma

See also: 1970 Oklahoma Sooners football team and 1970 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl

Bluebonnet Bowl

1 2 3 4 Total Alabama 7 7 3 7 24 Oklahoma 7 14 0 3 24 Date: December 31 Location: Astrodome Houston, TX Game attendance: 53,822 Source: [50] [51]

On November 21, Alabama accepted an invitation to play in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl against Oklahoma of the Big Eight Conference on New Year's Eve. ^[52] Against the Sooners, Alabama played to a 24–24 tie in the 12th annual Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. ^{[7] [50] [51]} After the Crimson Tide took an early 7–0 lead on a four-yard Scott Hunter touchdown pass to Randy Moore, the Sooners scored the next three touchdowns en route to a 21–7 lead. After Joe Wylie scored on a two-yard run in the first, Greg Pruitt scored a pair of second quarter touchdowns on long runs of 58 and 25 yards. ^{[50] [51]} Alabama responded with a five-yard Hunter touchdown pass to David Baily and made the halftime score 21–14. ^{[50] [51]}

After a 20-yard Richard Ciemny field goal in the third brought the Crimson Tide within four points of the Sooners, they took a 24–21 lead on a 25-yard Hunter touchdown pass to Johnny Musso in the fourth quarter. ^{[50] [51]} Oklahoma managed to tie the game 24–24 late in the fourth on a 42-yard Bruce Derr field goal. However, Alabama had a chance to win as time expired, but the 34-yard Ciemny attempt sailed wide left and the game ended in the tie. ^[50] The tie brought Alabama's all-time record against Oklahoma to 1–0–1. ^[53]

NFL Draft

Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1970 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1971, 1972 and 1973 drafts. These players included:

Year	Round	Overall	Player name	Position	NFL team
1971 NFL draft [54]	6	140	Scott Hunter	Quarterback	Green Bay Packers
1972 NFL draft [54]	3	62	Johnny Musso	Running back	Chicago Bears
	11	266	David Bailey	Wide receiver	Green Bay Packers
	15	386	Robin Parkhouse	Linebacker	Baltimore Colts
	16	411	Steve Higginbottom	Defensive back	Washington Redskins
1973 NFL draft [54]	1	4	John Hannah	Offensive guard	New England Patriots
	7	174	John Mitchell	Defensive end	San Francisco 49ers
	12	309	Jim Krapf	Guard	Oakland Raiders

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. ^{[55] [56]} The Alabama freshmen squad was led by coach Clem Gryska for the 1970 season and finished undefeated with a record of five wins and zero losses (5–0). ^[57] The 1970 squad was notable as the team included Wilbur Jackson, the first African American to compete on scholarship for the Crimson Tide. ^{[58] [59]}

The Baby Tide opened their season on a Monday afternoon with a 24–7 victory over Mississippi State at Denny Stadium. ^[60] After Alabama scored their first points on a 28-yard Paul Spivey touchdown run, State responded with their only points on a 27-yard Paul Millsaps touchdown pass to Bill Buckley that made the score 7–7 at the end of the first quarter. The Baby Tide responded with a 34-yard Greg Gantt field goal in the second and took a 10–7 halftime lead. ^[60] Alabama closed the game with touchdowns on a one-yard David McMakin run in the third and a ten-yard Mike Harter run in the fourth quarter. ^[60] Wilbur Jackson saw limited playing time only on special teams due to an ankle injury and the Bulldogs had six turnovers in the loss. ^[60] In their second contest, Alabama defeated Vanderbilt 38–7 at Dudley Field in Nashville. ^[61] Paul Spivey starred for the Baby Tide in the game with four touchdowns and 112 rushing yards on 20 carries in the victory. ^[61]

Against Ole Miss, Alabama rallied from a 20-point, first quarter deficit and defeated the Rebels 41–28 at Oxford. ^[62] The Rebels took their 20–0 on a trio of touchdowns scored by Mickey Fratesi when he returned the opening kickoff 100-yards and on touchdown runs 11-yards by Gene Allen and one-yard by Fratesi. ^[62] Alabama responded in the second with Paul Spivey touchdown runs of 19 and 12-yards that made the halftime score 20–14. ^[62] They then took a 21–20 lead early in the third after Gary Rutledge threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Geary Eason. Touchdown runs of seven-yards by Richard Bryan and four-yards by Rutledge extended the Alabama lead to 35–20 at the end of the third quarter. ^[62] After Alabama scored their final points on a 22-yard Mike Harter touchdown run, Ole Miss made the final score 41–28 after they had a safety and scored on a 31-yard Kenny Lyons touchdown pass to Danny Harris. ^[62]

Against Tennessee, the Baby Tide won 28–20 behind a strong performance by defensive back Jimmy Dawson. ^[63] The game was tied 7–7 at halftime after Paul Spivey scored on a two-yard run in the first for Alabama and Chip Howard threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Steve Chancey in the second quarter for Tennessee. ^[63] After the teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, and Gary Rutledge went on and scored the game-winning touchdown on a short run with just over one minute left in the game for the 28–20 victory. ^[63] Alabama then closed the season with a 9–3 victory over rival Auburn before 7,000 fans at Denny Stadium. ^[57] After the teams traded first half field goals, Gary Rutledge scored the game-winning touchdown on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter. ^[57]

Roster

1970 Alabama Crimson Tide football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class HB Wayne Adkinson So SE David Bailey Jr FB Ellis Beck So C Clarence Brasher So FB Dave Brungard Sr OT Clyde Butler Sr FB Jesse Causey So E Jerry Cash Sr FB Phil Chaffin Sr OT Don Cokely Jr OT Jerry Cooper So G Wayne Cotton So OT Allen Cox So QB Terry Davis So TB Steve Dean So C Ken Deaton Jr G Reid Drinkard Sr TE Stephen Doran Sr G Mike Eckenrod So G Tommy Ford So C Jimmy Grammer Sr G Woody Garner Jr G Mike Hand Sr OT John Hannah So QB Neb Hayden Sr TB Larry Helm Sr QB Butch Hobson So SE Jimmy Horton So G Morris Hunt So QB Scott Hunter Sr G Woodward Husband Sr OT Ken James Sr TB Joe LaBue So SE Griff Langston Sr SE Lane Lawley Sr TE Randy Moore So TB Johnny Musso Jr QB Ricky Pitalo So C Pat Raines So SE George Ranager Sr TB Ron Richardson Jr QB Benny Rippetoe Jr OT Jimmy Rosser Jr SE Bubba Sawyer Jr TB Buddy Seay Sr QB Billy Sexton So QB Johnny Sharpless So TE Jim Simmons Jr SE Rod Steakley Sr TB Tommy Stringfellow Jr SE Buddy Talley So C Carey Varnado So G Larry Waldron Jr SE Wayne Wheeler So G Jack White Jr SE Dexter Wood So	Defense Pos. # Name Class DL Marvin Barron So DL Jeff Beard Jr DB Eddie Bentley Sr DB Bill Blair Sr DB Jeff Blitz So DL Buddy Brown So DL Richard Burke So LB Andy Cross So DE John Croyle So DL Mike Denson So DB Ken Emerson Sr DL Doug Faust So LB Danny Gilbert Sr LB Wayne Hall So DL Don Harris Sr DB Steve Higginbotham Jr DE Ed Hines Jr DB David Knapp So LB Jim Krapf So DE Tom Lusk So DB Bob McKinney So DB Lanny Norris So DE Robin Parkhouse Jr DL Jim Patterson Jr LB Alec Pittman Jr DE Cecil Quick So DE Wayne Rhoads Sr LB Jeff Rouzie So DB Robby Rowan So DL Terry Rowell Jr LB Bobby Stanford Jr LB Billy Strickland Sr LB Tom Surlas Jr DB Carl Tayloe So DE Chris Tyra So LB Reid Underwood So DB Steve Wade So DB Tommy Wade Sr DL Mitchell Weaver So DB Steve Williams Jr LB Glenn Woodruff So	Special teams Pos. # Name Class PK Richard Ciemny Sr PK Frank Mann Sr	Head coach Bear Bryant (13th year, Alabama) Coordinators/assistant coaches John David Crow (2nd year, Texas A&M) Ken Donahue (7th year, Tennessee) Pat Dye (6th year, Georgia) Jim Goostree (14th year, Tennessee) Clem Gryska (11th year, Alabama) Dude Hennessey 11th year, Kentucky) Mal Moore (7th year, Alabama) Dee Powell (7th year, Texas A&M) Tom Rogers (5th year, Delta State) Jack Rutledge (5th year, Alabama) Jimmy Sharpe (8th year, Alabama) Steve Sloan (3rd year, Alabama) Richard Williamson (7th year, Alabama) References: [64] [65] Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update: October 15, 2013

References

General

• "1970 Season Recaps" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
• "2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book" (PDF). Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 17, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2014.

Specific

1. Al-Khateeb, Zac (February 27, 2011). "Jackson, Mitchell paved the way". The Crimson White. CW.UA.edu. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
2. "Alabama Sports Hall of Fame – Wilbur Jackson". Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
3. "1970 Alabama football schedule". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original on November 25, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
4. Land, Charles (September 13, 1970). "Tough Trojans top Tide, 42–21". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
5. Thomas, Ronnie (September 13, 1970). "Tide drubbed 42–21 by USC". The Florence Times. p. 17. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
6. Land, Charles (February 1, 1970). "Tide to open against Southern Cal next fall". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 13. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
7. 1970 Season Recap
8. Everson, Darren (December 4, 2009). "The game that changed Alabama". The Wall Street Journal. WSJ.com. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
9. Yaeger, Don (2008). Turning of the Tide: How One Game Changed the South. Hachette Digital, Inc. ISBN   978-1-5999-5236-9 . Retrieved January 20, 2014.
10. Attempt to Integrate Alabama College Football – YouTube
11. "Poly-Turf for Legion". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. May 19, 1970. p. 7. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
12. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Southern California". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
13. Thomas, Ronnie (September 20, 1970). "Tigers, Tide get initial win". The Florence Times. p. 17. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
14. Land, Charles (September 20, 1970). "Bama romps by Gobblers". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
15. Plott, Bill (September 20, 1970). "Bryant surprised". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 14. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
16. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Virginia Tech". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
17. "Gators fizzle as Crimson Tide rolls". Ocala Star-Banner. Associated Press. September 27, 1970. p. D1. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
18. Land, Charles (September 27, 1970). "Tide rolls by Gators". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
19. "Texas gaining ground". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. September 23, 1970. p. 6. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
20. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Florida". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
21. Land, Charles (October 4, 1970). "Archie, Ole Miss crush Bama". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
22. "Mississippi dumps Alabama". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. October 4, 1970. p. 6B. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
23. "Buckeyes retain top spot". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. September 29, 1970. p. 6. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
24. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Mississippi". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
25. Land, Charles (October 11, 1970). "Bama wins third". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
26. Mayne, Bob (October 11, 1970). "Sweet Tide revenge, Alabama rolls 35–11". The Gadsden Times. p. 25. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
27. Rappoport, Ken (October 6, 1970). "Auburn climbs to ninth in latest grid ranking". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 7. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
28. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Vanderbilt". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
29. Land, Charles (October 18, 1970). "Frustrating day for Crimson Tide". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
30. "Vols humble mighty Tide". Ocala Star-Banner. Associated Press. October 18, 1970. p. 1C. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
31. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Tennessee". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
32. Land, Charles (October 25, 1970). "Tide tops Houston late, 30–21". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
33. "Tide tops Houston". The Florence Times. Associated Press. October 25, 1970. p. 19. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
34. Hurt, Cecil (October 2, 1986). "Bama debuts new facility". The Gadsden Times. p. D1. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
35. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Houston". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
36. Land, Charles (November 1, 1970). "Salty Alabama brings it in". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
37. "Tide rambles over Bulldogs". Ocala Star-Banner. Associated Press. November 1, 1970. p. C1. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
38. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Mississippi State". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
39. Land, Charles (November 8, 1970). "Tiger defense handles Tide". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
40. "Bengals put clamps on Alabama". The News and Courier. Associated Press. November 8, 1970. p. 9B. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
41. Rappoport, Ken (November 3, 1970). "Tide back in top 20". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 6. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
42. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Louisiana State". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
43. Darling, Ed (November 15, 1970). "Defenders boost Tide to victory". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
44. "Bama lumbers past Miami". Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal. Associated Press. November 15, 1970. p. 2D. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
45. Nissenson, Herschel (November 10, 1970). "Surprise! Look who's on top now". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 6. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
46. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Miami (FL)". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
47. Land, Charles (November 29, 1970). "Super Sullivan puts down Tide". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
48. Smothers, Jimmy (November 29, 1970). "The Tigers come back to beat Bama, 33–28". The Gadsden Times. p. 11. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
49. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Auburn". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
50. Darling, Ed (January 1, 1971). "Tide–Sooner deadlock some kind of game". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 11. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
51. "Anderson, Oklahoma tie 24–24 in Bluebonnet Bowl". The News and Courier. Associated Press. January 1, 1971. p. 2B. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
52. Darling, Ed (November 22, 1970). "Tide, Sooners in Bluebonnet". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
53. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Oklahoma". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
54. "Draft History by School–Alabama". National Football League. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
55. Kersey, Jason (August 27, 2012). "NCAA's decision to allow freshman eligibility changed football landscape". The Oklahoman. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
56. Reed, Delbert (January 21, 1972). "Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 6. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
57. Land, Charles (November 22, 1970). "Baby Tiders cap unbeaten campaign". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
58. Land, Charles (October 4, 1970). "Tide frosh open here Monday". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B2. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
59. Marshall, Phillip (July 23, 2006). "Jackson made history as first black Tide football player". The Gadsden Times. p. C7. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
60. Land, Charles (October 6, 1970). "Baby Tiders impressive". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 6. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
61. McNair, Kirk (October 17, 1970). "Spivey, Baby Tidesmen crush Commodores 38–7". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 7. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
62. McNair, Kirk (October 24, 1970). "Alabama freshmen battle back for 41–28 victory". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 6. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
63. Land, Charles (November 7, 1970). "Dawson keys Tide win". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 5. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
64. "1970 Season Roster" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
65. 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203