1973 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

The 1973 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1973 NCAA Division I football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 79th overall and 40th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 16th year at his alma mater and 29th overall as a head coach, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with eleven wins and one loss (11–1 overall, 8–0 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

1973 Alabama Crimson Tide football
Coaches' Poll national champion SEC champion
Sugar Bowl, L 23–24 vs. Notre Dame
Conference	Southeastern Conference
Ranking
Coaches	No. 1
AP	No. 4
Record	11–1 (8–0 SEC)
Head coach	Bear Bryant (16th season)
Offensive scheme	Wishbone
Base defense	5-2
Captain	Wilbur Jackson Chuck Strickland
Home stadium	Denny Stadium Legion Field
Seasons ← 1972 1974 →

1973 Southeastern Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team	W		L		T			W		L		T
No. 4 Alabama $	8	–	0	–	0			11	–	1	–	0
No. 13 LSU	5	–	1	–	0			9	–	3	–	0
Ole Miss	4	–	3	–	0			6	–	5	–	0
No. 19 Tennessee	3	–	3	–	0			8	–	4	–	0
Georgia	3	–	4	–	0			7	–	4	–	1
Florida	3	–	4	–	0			7	–	5	–	0
Kentucky	3	–	4	–	0			5	–	6	–	0
Auburn	2	–	5	–	0			6	–	6	–	0
Mississippi State	2	–	5	–	0			4	–	5	–	2
Vanderbilt	1	–	5	–	0			5	–	6	–	0
$ – Conference champion Rankings from AP Poll

Although they lost in the Sugar Bowl, Alabama was recognized as national champions by the Coaches' Poll (UPI) as their selection was made prior to bowl season at the time (the UPI started to issue its final poll after the bowl games beginning in 1974). Notre Dame was awarded the national championship by the Associated Press (AP).

The Crimson Tide opened the season with a victory at Birmingham over California. The next week, they defeated Kentucky in what was Bryant's first game in Lexington since he resigned as head coach of the Wildcats after their 1953 season. After they defeated Vanderbilt for their second shutout of the season, Alabama defeated Georgia in the first Tuscaloosa game of the season and followed that with a victory at Florida before what was the largest crowd to date at Florida Field.

Against Tennessee, Alabama defeated their rivals behind three fourth quarter touchdowns and extended their record to 6–0. The following week, the Crimson Tide shattered numerous offensive records with their 77–6 blowout win over Virginia Tech. After victories over both Mississippi State at Jackson and Miami on homecoming, Alabama then captured their third consecutive SEC championship with their win over LSU. Alabama closed the regular season with a win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, but lost to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

Schedule

Date	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 15	California*	No. 6	Legion Field Birmingham, AL		W 66–0	71,119
September 22	at Kentucky	No. 4	Commonwealth Stadium Lexington, KY		W 28–14	53,209
September 29	at Vanderbilt	No. 5	Dudley Field Nashville, TN		W 44–0	34,500
October 6	Georgia	No. 3	Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)		W 28–14	57,790
October 13	at Florida	No. 3	Florida Field Gainesville, FL (rivalry)		W 35–14	64,864
October 20	No. 10 Tennessee	No. 2	Legion Field Birmingham, AL (Third Saturday in October)	ABC	W 42–21	72,226
October 27	Virginia Tech*	No. 2	Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL		W 77–6	57,009
November 3	at Mississippi State	No. 2	Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS (rivalry)		W 35–0	46,000
November 17	Miami (FL)*	No. 2	Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL		W 43–13	58,404
November 22	at No. 7 LSU	No. 2	Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA (rivalry)	ABC	W 21–7	67,748
December 1	vs. Auburn	No. 1	Legion Field Birmingham, AL (Iron Bowl)	ABC	W 35–0	69,418
December 31	vs. No. 3 Notre Dame*	No. 1	Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl)	ABC	L 23–24	85,161
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll Poll released prior to the game

^[1]

Game summaries

California

See also: 1973 California Golden Bears football team

1 2 3 4 Total California 0 0 0 0 0 • #6 Alabama 14 7 17 28 66 Date: September 15 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game start: 7:30 pm Elapsed time: 2:35 Game attendance: 71,119 Game weather: 79°, wind NW 7 mph, partly cloudy Sources:[2][3][4]

Scoring summary 1 5:19 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 2-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 1:16 Alabama Johnny Sharpless 32-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 2 5:25 Alabama George Pugh 16-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 3 7:37 Alabama James Taylor 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–0 3 4:04 Alabama Bill Davis 21-yard field goal Alabama 31–0 3 0:34 Alabama Darrell Owen 46-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 38–0 4 12:14 Alabama Paul Harris recovered fumble (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 45–0 4 10:01 Alabama John Boles 18-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 52–0 4 5:34 Alabama Willie Shelby 32-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 59–0 4 0:45 Alabama Willie Shelby 5-yard run (Ron Dichiara kick) Alabama 66–0

As they entered the 1973 season, Alabama was ranked as the No. 6 team in the first AP Poll prior to their season opener against California.^[5] Playing in the evening at Legion Field, the Crimson Tide utilized 70 players and set a school record for total offense with this 66–0 shutout of the Golden Bears.^[2][3] Alabama took a 14–0 first quarter lead behind touchdowns scored on a two-yard Wilbur Jackson run and a 32-yard pass from Gary Rutledge to Johnny Sharpless. They then extended their lead to 21–0 at halftime behind a 16-yard touchdown pass from Richard Todd to George Pugh.^[2][3]

The Crimson Tide continued their dominance over the Golden Bears through the second half where they outscored their opponent 45–0.^[2][3] In the third, Alabama scored on a three-yard James Taylor run, a 21-yard Bill Davis field goal and on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Richard Todd to Darrell Owen. In the fourth, Alabama closed with touchdowns on a Harris fumble recovery, and 18-yard run by John Boles and runs of 32 and five-yards by Willie Shelby.^[2][3] The 667 yards of total offense set a new school record and the 66 points were the most scored by the Crimson Tide since their 66–0 victory over Richmond in 1961.^[2] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against California to 1–1.^[6]

Kentucky

See also: 1973 Kentucky Wildcats football team

1 2 3 4 Total • #4 Alabama 0 0 21 7 28 Kentucky 0 14 0 0 14 Date: September 22 Location: Commonwealth Stadium Lexington, KY Game start: 1:33 pm Elapsed time: 2:12 Game attendance: 54,100 Game weather: 80°, windy, partly cloudy Sources:[7][8]

Scoring summary 2 14:37 Kentucky Sonny Collins 4-yard run (Ron Steele kick) Kentucky 7–0 2 6:56 Kentucky Jack Alvarez 14-yard pass from Ernie Lewis (Ron Steele kick) Kentucky 14–0 3 14:44 Alabama Willie Shelby 100-yard kickoff return (Bill Davis kick) Kentucky 14–7 3 7:53 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) 14–14 3 4:24 Alabama Gary Rutledge 6-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–14 4 12:13 Alabama Willie Shelby 2-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–14

After their victory over California to open the season, Alabama moved from the No. 6 to No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Kentucky.^[9] In what was Bear Bryant's first game at Lexington since he resigned as the Wildcats head coach following their 1953 season, the Crimson Tide came from behind and won 28–14.^[7][8][10] After a scoreless first quarter, Kentucky took a 14–0 halftime lead behind second quarter touchdowns on a four-yard Sonny Collins run and a 14-yard Ernie Lewis pass to Jack Alvarez.^[7][8]

The Crimson Tide started their comeback on the first play of the third quarter when Willie Shelby returned the second half kickoff 100-yards for a touchdown. Touchdown runs of three-yards by Wilbur Jackson and six-yards by Gary Rutledge gave Alabama a 21–14 lead as they entered the fourth quarter.^[7][8] In the fourth, Shelby scored his second touchdown on a two-yard run that made the final score 28–14.^[7][8] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Kentucky 26–1–1.^[11]

Vanderbilt

See also: 1973 Vanderbilt Commodores football team

1 2 3 4 Total • #5 Alabama 17 10 10 7 44 Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 0 Date: September 29 Location: Dudley Field Nashville, TN Game start: 7:34 pm Elapsed time: 2:11 Game attendance: 34,500 Game weather: Fair Sources:[12][13]

Scoring summary 1 11:41 Alabama Wayne Wheeler 14-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 7:04 Alabama Bill Davis 35-yard field goal Alabama 10–0 1 0:52 Alabama Randy Billingsley 13-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 17–0 2 9:05 Alabama Mike Stock 13-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 24–0 2 0:00 Alabama Bill Davis 22-yard field goal Alabama 27–0 3 6:05 Alabama Ellis Beck 4-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 34–0 3 2:06 Alabama Bill Davis 34-yard field goal Alabama 37–0 4 10:03 Alabama Mike Stock 1-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 44–0

After their closer than expected victory over Kentucky, Alabama dropped into the No. 5 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.^[14] Against the Commodores, the Crimson Tide scored on eight of their eleven offensive possessions en route to a 44–0 shutout at Nashville.^[12][13] Alabama took a 17–0 lead in the first quarter behind a 14-yard Gary Rutledge touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler, a 35-yard Bill Davis field goal and a 13-yard Randy Billingsley touchdown run. They then extended their lead to 27–0 at halftime behind a 13-yard Mike Stock touchdown run and a 22-yard Davis field goal as time expired in the second quarter.^[12][13]

Alabama closed the game with a four-yard Ellis Beck touchdown run and 34-yard Davis field goal in the third and a one-yard Stock run in the fourth for the 44–0 win.^[12][13] The game marked the first time Bryant coached against his former quarterback Steve Sloan who was the Commodores.^[12] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 30–17–4.^[15]

Georgia

See also: 1973 Georgia Bulldogs football team

1 2 3 4 Total Georgia 3 0 2 9 14 • #3 Alabama 3 10 0 15 28 Date: October 6 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 1:30 pm Elapsed time: 2:29 Game attendance: 57,790 Game weather: 85°, wind NE 4–10 mph, sunny Sources:[16][17]

Scoring summary 1 9:54 Alabama Bill Davis 24-yard field goal Alabama 3–0 1 6:23 Georgia Allan Leavitt 54-yard field goal 3–3 2 2:07 Alabama Randy Billingsley 8-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 10–3 2 0:57 Alabama Bill Davis 39-yard field goal Alabama 13–3 3 6:44 Georgia Kirk Price blocked punt for a safety Alabama 13–5 4 13:44 Georgia Allan Leavitt 37-yard field goal Alabama 13–8 4 10:02 Georgia Jimmy Poulos 8-yard run (2-point pass failed) Georgia 14–13 4 2:22 Alabama Gary Rutledge 8-yard run (2-point run good) Alabama 21–14 4 0:34 Alabama Randy Billingsley 17-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–14

After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved into the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Georgia.^[18] Playing in their first Denny Stadium game of the season, the Crimson Tide came-from-behind and defeated the Bulldogs 28–14 at Tuscaloosa.^[16][17] After each team traded first quarter field goals, Alabama took a 13–3 halftime lead behind an eight-yard Randy Billingsley touchdown run and a 39-yard Bill Davis field goal in the second quarter.^[16][17] In the third, Georgia cut the lead to 13–5 after Kirk Price blocked a Greg Gantt punt out of the endzone for a safety.^[16][17]

The Bulldogs next scored early in the fourth on a 37-yard Allan Leavitt field goal and on an eight-yard Jimmy Poulos touchdown run and took a 14–13 lead.^[16][17] Alabama retook the lead late in the fourth on an eight-yard Gary Rutledge touchdown run. Their defense then forced four consecutive Georgia incompletions on the possession that ensued. Billingsley then gave the Crimson Tide the 28–14 win with his 17-yard run in the final minute of the game.^[16][17] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Georgia to 30–19–4.^[19]

Florida

See also: 1973 Florida Gators football team

1 2 3 4 Total • #3 Alabama 7 14 0 14 35 Florida 0 7 7 0 14 Date: October 13 Location: Florida Field Gainesville, FL Game attendance: 64,864 Sources:[20][21]

Scoring summary 1 1:38 Alabama Tyrone King blocked punt recovery in endzone (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 2 9:20 Alabama Richard Todd 1-yard run (Bill Davis kick missed) Alabama 13–0 2 4:13 Alabama Calvin Culliver 11-yard run (2-point run good) Alabama 21–0 2 1:21 Florida Lee McGriff 16-yard pass from David Bowden (John Williams kick) Alabama 21–7 3 8:58 Florida Thomas Clifford 2-yard pass from David Bowden (John Williams kick) Alabama 21–14 4 9:45 Alabama Calvin Culliver 13-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–14 4 5:42 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 6-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–14

After their victory over Georgia, Alabama retained their No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Florida.^[22] Before what was then the largest crowd in the history of Florida Field, the Crimson Tide defeated the Gators 35–14 at Gainesville.^[20][21] Alabama took a 7–0 lead in the first quarter after Tyrone King recovered a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown. They then extended their lead to 21–0 with second quarter touchdown runs from one-yard by Richard Todd and 11-yards by Calvin Culliver.^[20][21]

Down by three scores, the Gators rallied with a pair of David Bowden touchdown passes that cut the Crimson Tide lead to 21–14 by the third quarter. The first was from 16-yards to Lee McGriff and the second from two-yards to Thomas Clifford.^[20][21] Alabama then closed the game with fourth quarter touchdown runs of 13-yards from Culliver and six-yards by Wilbur Jackson for the 35–14 win.^[20][21] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Florida to 13–5.^[23]

Tennessee

See also: 1973 Tennessee Volunteers football team

Third Saturday in October

1 2 3 4 Total #10 Tennessee 7 7 7 0 21 • #2 Alabama 14 7 0 21 42 Date: October 20 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game start: 12:02 pm Elapsed time: 2:25 Game attendance: 72,226 Game weather: 76°, wind W 3 mph, clear TV announcers (ABC): Chris Schenkel, Bud Wilkinson and Duffy Daugherty Sources:[24][25]

Scoring summary 1 14:46 Alabama Wayne Wheeler 80-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 6:57 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 1 3:07 Tennessee John Yarbrough 20-yard pass from Condredge Holloway (Ricky Townsend kick) Alabama 14–7 2 11:33 Alabama Darrell Owen 11-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–7 2 3:41 Tennessee Condredge Holloway 6-yard run (Ricky Townsend kick) Alabama 21–14 3 12:40 Tennessee Mitchell Gravitt 64-yard pass from Condredge Holloway (Ricky Townsend kick) 21–21 4 11:53 Alabama Robin Cary 64-yard punt return (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–21 4 8:34 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 80-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–21 4 6:46 Alabama Paul Spivey 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 42–21

After their victory over Florida, Alabama moved into the No. 2 position and Tennessee moved into the No. 10 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Legion Field.^[26] Against the Volunteers, the Crimson Tide scored three touchdowns in the final quarter of the game for a 42–21, victory at Birmingham before a nationally televised audience.^[24][25] Alabama opened the game with an 80-yard Gary Rutledge touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler for a 7–0 lead on their first offensive possession. After Wilbur Jackson extended their lead to 14–0 with his seven-yard run, Tennessee scored their first points on a 20-yard Condredge Holloway pass to John Yarbrough that made the score 14–7 at the end of the first.^[24][25] The Crimson Tide next took a 21–14 lead into halftime after Richard Todd threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Willie Shelby and Holloway scored on a six-yard run for the Vols.^[24][25]

Tennessee then managed to tie the game 21–21 with the lone third quarter points on a 64-yard Holloway touchdown pass to Mitchell Gravitt.^[24][25] Alabama responded with three fourth quarter touchdowns en route to the 42–21 win. the first came on a 64-yard Robin Cary punt return, an 80-yard Wilbur Jackson run and a three-yard Paul Spivey run.^[24][25] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 26–23–7.^[27]

Virginia Tech

See also: 1973 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team

1 2 3 4 Total Virginia Tech 0 6 0 0 6 • #2 Alabama 14 28 28 7 77 Date: October 27 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game start: 7:30 pm Elapsed time: 2:35 Game attendance: 57,009 Game weather: 65°, wind SW 4 mph Sources:[28][29]

Scoring summary 1 10:26 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 51-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 5:50 Alabama Randy Billingsley 2-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 2 14:53 Alabama Ralph Stokes 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 2 13:56 Alabama Conley Duncan fumble recovery (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–0 2 8:37 Alabama Darrell Owen 28-yard pass from Richard Todd (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–0 2 0:58 Virginia Tech Phil Rogers 6-yard run (2-point pass failed) Alabama 35–6 2 0:45 Alabama James Taylor 80-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 42–6 3 13:53 Alabama Randy Billingsley 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 49–6 3 10:03 Alabama Richard Todd 9-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 56–6 3 5:49 Alabama Jack O'Rear 14-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 63–6 3 3:56 Alabama Calvin Culliver 86-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 70–6 4 8:25 Alabama Jack O'Rear 28-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 77–6

After their victory over Tennessee, Alabama retained their No. 2 position prior to their out of conference match-up against Virginia Tech at Denny Stadium.^[30] Against the Gobblers, the Crimson Tide set several team, conference and national offensive records with this 77–6 blowout at Tuscaloosa.^[28][29] Alabama opened the game with a pair of first quarter touchdown runs from 51-yards by Wilbur Jackson and two-yards from Randy Billingsley for a 14–0 lead.^[28][29] In the second, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 35–0 after Ralph Stokes scored on a seven-yard run, Conley Duncan recovered a fumble in the endzone and Richard Todd threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Darrell Owen before the Hokies scored their only points of the contest. With just under a minute to play in the first half, Phil Rogers scored Tech's only points with his six-yard touchdown run. However, Alabama responded on their next offensive play with an 80-yard James Taylor touchdown run for a 42–6 halftime lead.^[28][29]

The Crimson Tide continued their scoring into the second half with another four touchdowns in the third quarter. They came on runs of seven-yards by Billingsley, nine-yards by Todd, 14-yards by Jack O'Rear and 86-yards by Calvin Culliver. O'Rear then scored the final points of the game with his 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth that made the final score 77–6.^[28][29] Records set in the game included the most total offensive yards in SEC history with 828 and the most rushing yards in NCAA history for a single game with 743.^[28] The 828 yards of total offense for the game also eclipsed the previous record of 667 yards set against California to open the season, and the 77 points also represented the first time the Crimson Tide reached 70 points in a game since their 1945 season.^[28] Additionally, four Alabama backs rushed for over 100 yards with 142 yards from Taylor, 138 from Jackson, 127 yards from Culliver and 102 yards from Todd.^[28] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Virginia Tech to 8–0.^[31]

Mississippi State

See also: 1973 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

1 2 3 4 Total • #2 Alabama 7 6 8 14 35 Mississippi State 0 0 0 0 0 Date: November 3 Location: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, MS Game start: 8:15 pm Elapsed time: 2:19 Game attendance: 46,000 Game weather: Clear and warm Sources:[32][33]

Scoring summary 1 14:28 Alabama Randy Billingsley 38-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 2 13:48 Alabama Bill Davis 33-yard field goal Alabama 10–0 2 4:09 Alabama Bill Davis 27-yard field goal Alabama 13–0 3 7:20 Alabama Willie Shelby 29-yard run (2-point pass good) Alabama 21–0 4 11:52 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 6-yard run (2-point pass failed) Alabama 27–0 4 8:32 Alabama Ralph Stokes 1-yard run (2-point pass good) Alabama 35–0

As they entered their game against Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No. 2 position in the AP Poll.^[34] Favored by 28 points as they entered the game, the Crimson Tide shutout the Bulldogs 35–0 at Jackson.^[32][33] On the second offensive play of the game, Alabama took a 7–0 lead behind a 38-yard Randy Billingsley touchdown run. State then held the Crimson Tide to only a pair of Bill Davis field goals from 33 and 27-yards for a 13–0 Alabama lead at halftime.^[32][33]

The Crimson Tide then closed the game with three second half touchdowns for the 35–0 win. Willie Shelby scored on a 29-yard run in the third and Wilbur Jackson and Ralph Stokes scored on runs of six and one-yard in the fourth.^[32][33] In the game, Sam Nichols missed a pair of field goals for the Bulldogs from 30 and 32-yards that would have prevented the shutout.^[33] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Mississippi State to 45–10–3.^[35]

Miami (FL)

See also: 1973 Miami Hurricanes football team

1 2 3 4 Total Miami 0 0 6 7 13 • #2 Alabama 15 7 7 14 43 Date: November 17 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 58,404 Sources:[36][37]

Scoring summary 1 Alabama Greg Montgomery blocked punt for a safety Alabama 2–0 1 Alabama Gary Rutledge 2-yard run (2-point run failed) Alabama 8–0 1 Alabama John Sharpless 69-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 15–0 2 Alabama Willie Shelby 52-yard punt return (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 22–0 3 Miami Woody Thompson 3-yard run (2-point run failed) Alabama 22–6 3 Alabama Darrell Owen 9-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 29–6 4 Alabama James Taylor 5-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 36–6 4 Alabama John Boles 62-yard punt return (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 43–6 4 Miami Steve Marcantonio 78-yard pass from Coy Hall (Brian Selmer kick) Alabama 43–13

As they entered their game against Miami, Alabama retained their No. 2 position in the AP Poll for a fourth consecutive week.^[38] On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defeated Hurricanes 43–13 and after the victory accepted an invitation to compete in the Sugar Bowl.^[36][37][39] Alabama scored their first points early in the game when Greg Montgomery blocked a Miami punt out of the endzone for a safety. They then extended their lead to 15–0 by the end of the first behind a two-yard Gary Rutledge run and a 69-yard Rutledge pass to John Sharpless.^[36][37] Willie Shelby then made the halftime score 22–0 with his 52-yard punt return.^[36][37]

Miami scored their first points early in the third on a three-yard Woody Thompson touchdown run. However, Alabama responded later in the quarter with a nine-yard Rutledge touchdown pass to Darrell Owen and made the score 29–6.^[36][37] In the final quarter, the Crimson Tide closed with a five-yard James Taylor touchdown run and a 62-yard John Boles punt return. The Hurricanes then scored the final points of the game on a 78-yard Coy Hall touchdown pass to Steve Marcantonio that made the final score 43–13.^[36][37] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Miami to 10–2.^[40]

LSU

See also: 1973 LSU Tigers football team

1 2 3 4 Total • #2 Alabama 0 14 7 0 21 #7 LSU 0 0 0 7 7 Date: November 22 Location: Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA Game start: 5:40 pm Elapsed time: 2:25 Game attendance: 67,730 Television network: ABC Sources:[41][42]

Scoring summary 2 13:56 Alabama Gary Rutledge 19-yard run (Bill Davis kick miss) Alabama 6–0 2 6:52 Alabama George Pugh 49-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (2-point run good) Alabama 14–0 3 9:06 Alabama Wayne Wheeler 77-yard pass from Gary Rutledge (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 4 13:15 LSU Brad Davis 40-yard run (Rusty Jackson kick) Alabama 21–7

After their victory over Miami, Alabama retained their No. 2 position and LSU was in the No. 7 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up at Baton Rouge on Thanksgiving Day.^[43] Playing in a regionally televised game on ABC, Alabama defeated the previously undefeated Tigers 21–7 and secured both the 500th win in the history of Crimson Tide football and captured the 1973 conference championship.^[41][42] After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 14–0 halftime lead with a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter. The first came on a 19-yard Gary Rutledge run and the second on a 49-yard Rutledge pass to George Pugh.^[41][42]

In the third, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 21–0 after Rutledge threw a 77-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler. LSU answered early in the fourth with their only points on a 40-yard Brad Davis run that made the final score 21–7.^[41][42] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against LSU to 23–10–4.^[44]

Auburn

See also: 1973 Auburn Tigers football team

Iron Bowl

1 2 3 4 Total • #1 Alabama 14 0 7 14 35 Auburn 0 0 0 0 0 Date: December 1 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game start: 5:13 pm Elapsed time: 2:13 Game attendance: 69,418 Television network: ABC Sources:[42][45]

Scoring summary 1 7:50 Alabama Randy Billingsley 7-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–0 1 1:31 Alabama Gary Rutledge 1-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 14–0 3 9:22 Alabama Gary Rutledge 3-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 21–0 4 12:48 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 14-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 28–0 4 1:49 Alabama James Taylor 8-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 35–0

As they entered their annual rivalry game against Auburn, Alabama moved into the No. 1 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up in the Iron Bowl.^[46] Seeking to avenge their loss from the previous season to the Tigers the Crimson Tide were dominant in this 35–0 shutout at Legion Field.^[42][45] Alabama took a 14–0 lead in the first quarter behind touchdown runs of seven-yards by Randy Billingsley and of one-yard by Gary Rutledge.^[42][45]

After a scoreless second, Rutledge scored his second rushing touchdown early in the third on a three-yard run for a 21–0 lead.^[42][45] The Crimson Tide then closed the game with touchdown runs of 14-yards by Wilbur Jackson and eight-yards by James Taylor for the 35–0 win.^[42][45] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Auburn to 20–17–1.^[47]

Notre Dame

See also: 1973 Sugar Bowl and 1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

Sugar Bowl

1 2 3 4 Total • #3 Notre Dame 6 8 7 3 24 #1 Alabama 0 10 7 6 23 Date: December 31 Location: Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA Game attendance: 85,161 Referee: Gene Calhoun (Big Ten Conference) TV announcers (ABC): Chris Schenkel, Bud Wilkinson and Howard Cosell Sources:[48][49]

Scoring summary 1 3:19 Notre Dame Wayne Bullock 6-yard run (Bob Thomas kick failed) Notre Dame 6–0 2 7:30 Alabama Randy Billingsley 6-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 7–6 2 7:17 Notre Dame Al Hunter 93-yard kickoff return (2-point pass good) Notre Dame 14–7 2 0:39 Alabama Bill Davis 33-yard field goal Notre Dame 14–10 3 11:02 Alabama Wilbur Jackson 5-yard-yard run (Bill Davis kick) Alabama 17–14 3 0:07 Notre Dame Eric Penick 12-yard run (Bob Thomas kick) Notre Dame 21–17 4 9:33 Alabama Richard Todd 25-yard pass from Mike Stock (Bill Davis kick failed) Alabama 23–21 4 4:26 Notre Dame Bob Thomas 19-yard field goal Notre Dame 24–23

At the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama was selected as national champions in the UPI Coaches' Poll.^[50] However, the Crimson Tide would not win the AP championship as they lost 24–23 against Notre Dame in what was a classic Sugar Bowl.^[48][49]

Notre Dame checked into the locker room at halftime up 14–10, the big play coming on a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Al Hunter.^[48][49] Each team scored a touchdown in the third quarter, that left the Irish up 21–17 going into the fourth. Alabama took a 23–21 lead on a fleaflicker touchdown pass from running back Mike Strock back to quarterback Richard Todd. However, Bill Davis missed the extra point and Alabama was up by only two.^[48][49] Notre Dame drove the ball downfield and kicked a 19-yard field goal to go up 24–23 with 4:26 to go. Bama could not answer, but the punt left Notre Dame backed up to their own goal. With time ticking away and Notre Dame facing a third and eight, Alabama had a chance to get the ball back in excellent field position, but Irish QB Tom Clements threw a 35-yard pass to tight end Robin Webber and Notre Dame held on to win the game and the AP national championship.^[48][49]

NFL Draft

Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1973 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1974, 1975 and 1976 drafts. These players included:

Year	Round	Overall	Player name	Position	NFL team
1974 NFL draft [51]	1	9	Wilbur Jackson	Running back	San Francisco 49ers
	3	54	Wayne Wheeler	Wide receiver	Chicago Bears
	6	138	Mike Raines	Defensive tackle	San Francisco 49ers
	8	187	Greg Gantt	Punter	New York Jets
	16	392	Buddy Brown	Guard	New York Giants
1975 NFL draft [51]	3	53	Mike Washington	Defensive back	Baltimore Colts
	8	195	Ricky Davis	Defensive back	Cincinnati Bengals
1976 NFL draft [51]	1	6	Richard Todd	Quarterback	New York Jets
	4	108	Wayne Rhodes	Defensive back	Chicago Bears
	5	131	Woodrow Lowe	Linebacker	San Diego Chargers
	5	138	Willie Shelby	Running back	Cincinnati Bengals
	10	290	Leroy Cook	Defensive end	Dallas Cowboys
	12	341	Joe Dale Harris	Wide receiver	Cincinnati Bengals

Roster

1973 Alabama Crimson Tide football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class OT Marvin Barron Sr G Bo Batey So FB 35 Ellis Beck Sr RB 22 Randy Billingsley Jr RB 38 Duffy Boles So RB Joey Bolton So G 65 Buddy Brown Sr TE Jerry Brown So OT 70 Bob Bryan Jr TE 94 Sylvester Croom Jr RB 46 Steve Dean Sr TE 86 Warren Dyar Sr C 69 Mike Eckenrod Sr QB Robert Fraley Jr G Gary Hanrahan So RB 84 Joe Dale Harris So FB Bob Haught So OT John Hollis So FB 31 Bob Holmes So OT 60 Morris Hunt Sr WR 80 Wilbur Jackson Sr HB John LaBue So OT Buford Lambert So C 58 Rand Lambert Jr OT Barry McGee So C David McIntyre So TE Rick McLain So G Ray Maxwell So TE 87 Randy Moore Sr RB 20 Phil Murphy Jr TE 28 Tom Nelson So OT Butch Norman Sr WR 6 Pete Pappas Jr G 71 Steve Patterson Jr G Buddy Pope So TE George Pugh So WR 82 Darrell Owen Sr QB 15 Danny Ridgeway So OT 61 John Rogers Jr OT 68 Rick Rogers Sr QB 11 Gary Rutledge Jr SE Russ Schamun So SE 16 Johnny Sharpless Sr RB Willie Shelby So C Sid Smith So RB 24 Paul Spivey Sr OT 78 Steve Sprayberry Sr RB Mike Stock So RB 42 Ralph Stokes Jr WR Sam Tate Jr RB 27 James Taylor So QB Richard Todd So G Jerry Washco So FB Rick Watson So G Joe Weaver So WR Wayne Wheeler Sr G 72 Richard Whitley Jr OT 67 Rudy Wooten So	Defense Pos. # Name Class SS Tom Baggett So S Ray Bolden So LB Tom Bouck So DB 48 Robin Cary Sr DE Mike Christian So DE Leroy Cook So DE 83 John Croyle Sr DB 19 Ricky Davis Jr LB 37 Jimmy Dawson Jr LB 57 Mike DuBose Jr LB Conley Duncan So DE 91 Don Groves Jr DT 62 Randy Hall Jr LB 50 Wayne Hall Sr DT Bill Harrison So DB Tyrone King So DT 95 Skip Kubelius Sr DT 66 Steve Kulback So LB Woodrow Lowe So SS David McMakin Sr DE 51 Noah Miller Jr LB Greg Montgomery So DE John Niehaus So DE Steve Patton Fr DB Lefty Perry So S Alan Pizzitola So SS Mark Prudhomme So DT 74 Max Raines Sr DB Wayne Rhodes So DB 23 Mike Riley Jr LB 55 Ronnie Robertson Jr LB Jeff Rouzie Sr DT Larry Ruffin So LB John Sheehan So LB 36 Chuck Strickland Sr DE Dick Turpin So DB 34 Mike Washington Jr DE 93 David Watkins Sr LB 49 Gary Yelvington Jr	Special teams Pos. # Name Class PK Bucky Berrey So PK 1 Bill Davis Sr PK Mike Davis So PK 8 Greg Gantt Sr	Head coach Bear Bryant (16th year, Alabama) Coordinators/assistant coaches Ken Donahue (10th year, Tennessee) Pat Dye (9th year, Georgia) Danny Ford (2nd year, Alabama) Jim Goostree (17th year, Tennessee) Clem Gryska (14th year, Alabama) Curley Hallman (1st year, Texas A&M) Dude Hennessey (14th year, Kentucky) Bobby Marks (2nd year, Texas A&M) Ken Martin (3rd year, Alabama) John Mitchell (1st year, Alabama) Bud Moore (2nd year, Alabama) Mal Moore (10th year, Alabama) Bill Oliver (3rd year, Alabama) Dee Powell (10th year, Texas A&M) Jack Rutledge (8th year, Alabama) Jimmy Sharpe (11th year, Alabama) References:[52][53] Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update: July 5, 2014

References

General

• "1973 Season Recaps" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 21, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
• "Alabama 1973–74 Football Game Results". NCAA.org. Retrieved July 1, 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 July 1, 2014.

Specific

1. "1973 Alabama football schedule". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original on November 25, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
2. Reed, Delbert (September 16, 1973). "Tide explosion rips California 66–0". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
3. Smothers, Jimmy (September 16, 1973). "Alabama murders California 66–0". The Gadsden Times. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
4. "Alabama–California: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. September 16, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
5. Nissenson, Herschel (September 11, 1973). "Huskers challenging after early grid win". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 9. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
6. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs California". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
7. "100-yard kickoff return rallies Tide 28–14". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. September 23, 1973. p. 2C. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
8. "Alabama–Kentucky: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. September 22, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
9. "Tide jumps to fourth in latest grid poll". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. September 18, 1973. p. 9. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
10. Reed, Delbert (September 22, 1973). "Kentucky has chance to get even with Bear". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
11. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Kentucky". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
12. "Bama romps over Vandy, 44–0". The Gadsden Times. Associated Press. September 30, 1973. p. 29. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
13. "Alabama–Vanderbilt: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. September 29, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
14. Nissenson, Herschel (September 25, 1973). "Tide slips to fifth in latest grid poll". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 9. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
15. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Vanderbilt". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
16. Carpenter, Gary (October 7, 1973). "Alabama charge halts upset-minded Bulldogs". The Florence Times. p. 17. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
17. "Alabama–Georgia: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. October 6, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
18. "Buckeyes advance to top poll spot". The Florence Times. Associated Press. October 2, 1973. p. 10. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
19. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Georgia". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
20. Gladstone, Ken (October 14, 1973). "Gators tease Florida Field football fans". Ocala Star-Banner. p. D1. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
21. "Alabama–Florida: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. October 13, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
22. "Top ten remains intact". The Florence Times. Associated Press. October 9, 1973. p. 9. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
23. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Florida". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
24. Harris, Jack (October 21, 1973). "Big play Bama thrashes Vols". The Florence Times. p. 13. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
25. "Alabama–Tennessee: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. October 20, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
26. "Ohio State keeps atop AP rankings". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. October 16, 1973. p. A8. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
27. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Tennessee". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
28. "Alabama smacks VPI, 77–6". The Florence Times. Associated Press. October 28, 1973. p. 22. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
29. "Alabama–Virginia Tech: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. October 27, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
30. "State still No. 1, but Tide closing". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. October 23, 1973. p. 8. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
31. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Virginia Tech". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
32. "Tide extends streak, blanks Bulldogs 35–0". The Florence Times. Associated Press. November 4, 1973. p. 9. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
33. "Alabama–Mississippi State: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. November 3, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
34. "Tiders second again". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. October 30, 1973. p. 9. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
35. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Mississippi State". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
36. Reed, Delbert (November 18, 1973). "Hurricanes fail to stir up Crimson Tide". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
37. Harwell, Hoyt (November 18, 1971). "Alabama romps past Miami to clinch Sugar Bowl invitation". Daily News. Associated Press. p. 18. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
38. "Tide maintains hold on second". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. November 13, 1973. p. 9. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
39. Reed, Delbert (November 18, 1973). "It's official: Tide–Irish in Sugar Bowl". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
40. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Miami (FL)". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
41. Reed, Delbert (November 23, 1973). "Some Tide questions to be answered". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 11. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
42. "Alabama–LSU: Summary of Football Game Statistics" (PDF). NCAA.org. November 22, 1973. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
43. Nissenson, Herschel (November 20, 1973). "Tide gains ground". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 9. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
44. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Louisiana State". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
45. Reed, Delbert (December 2, 1973). "Little doubt about state champ now". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
46. "USC tops, Tide 2nd". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. November 28, 1972. p. 9. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
47. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Auburn". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
48. Dufresne, Chris (January 5, 2013). "Memories of 1973 Sugar Bowl remain sweet and sour". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
49. O'Sullivan, Dan (December 13, 2002). "1973–Notre Dame 24, Alabama 23". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
50. "Alabama wins National Title in UPI Poll". The Los Angeles Times. United Press International. December 5, 1973. p. B3. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
51. "Draft History by School–Alabama". National Football League. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
52. "1972 Season Roster" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
53. 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203