1972 Alabama Crimson Tide football team: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox NCAA team season
#REDIRECT [[Alabama Crimson Tide football, 1970–79#1972]]
|Year=1972
|Team=Alabama Crimson Tide
|Image=
|ImageSize=
|Conference=Southeastern Conference
|ShortConference=SEC
|APRank=7
|CoachRank=4
|Record=10–2
|ConfRecord=7–1
|HeadCoach=[[Bear Bryant]]
|Captain=[[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]]
|Captain2=[[John Mitchell (American football coach)|John Mitchell]]
|Champion=SEC Champions
|StadiumArena=[[Bryant–Denny Stadium|Denny Stadium]]<br>[[Legion Field]]
|BowlTourney=[[1973 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]]
|BowlTourneyResult=L 13–17 vs. [[1972 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas]]
}}
{{1972 SEC football standings}}
The '''1972 Alabama Crimson Tide football team''' (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the [[University of Alabama]] in the [[1972 college football season]]. It was the Crimson Tide's 78th overall and 39th season as a member of the [[Southeastern Conference]] (SEC). The team was led by head coach [[Bear Bryant]], in his 15th year, and played their home games at [[Bryant–Denny Stadium|Denny Stadium]] in [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa]] and [[Legion Field]] in [[Birmingham, Alabama]]. They finished season with ten wins and two losses (10–2 overall, 7–1 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to [[1972 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas]] in the [[1973 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]].

Alabama opened the season with a non-conference victory over {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Duke Blue Devils|title=Duke}}. They then shutout {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Kentucky Wildcats|title=Kentucky}} in their conference opener, and then easily won their next three games over {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Vanderbilt Commodores|title=Vanderbilt}}, [[1972 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]] and [[1972 Florida Gators football team|Florida]]. In a top ten match-up against rival [[1972 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee]], scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns en route to a 17–10 victory. Next, the Crimson Tide defeated {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Southern Miss Golden Eagles|title=Southern Miss}} and {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Mississippi State Bulldogs|title=Mississippi State}} to setup a top ten match-up against {{cfb link|year=1972|team=LSU Tigers|title=LSU}}.

With a 35–21 victory over the Tigers, Alabama captured the SEC championship for the 1972 season. The Crimson Tide next defeated {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Virginia Tech Hokies|title=Virginia Tech}} on [[homecoming]] and setup another top ten match-up [[Iron Bowl]] to close the regular season. In what was one of the most memorable games between rivals, Auburn defeated Alabama behind a pair of fourth quarter, blocked punt returns in a game referred to as simply "[[Punt Bama Punt]]." The Crimson Tide then closed their season with a second consecutive defeat. This time it was against [[1972 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas]] in the [[1973 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]].

==Schedule==
{{CFB Schedule Start|time=no|rank=yes|ranklink=yes|rankyear=1972|tv=yes|attend=yes}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = September 9
| time = no
| w/l = w
| nonconf = yes
| rank = 7
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Duke Blue Devils|title=Duke}}
| site_stadium = [[Legion Field]]
| site_cityst = [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham, AL]]
| tv =
| score = 35–12
| attend = 71,281
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = September 23
| time = no
| w/l = w
| rank = 7
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Kentucky Wildcats|title=Kentucky}}
| site_stadium = Legion Field
| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL
| tv =
| score = 35–0
| attend = 71,433
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = September 30
| time = no
| w/l = w
| rank = 6
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Vanderbilt Commodores|title=Vanderbilt}}
| site_stadium = [[Bryant–Denny Stadium|Denny Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa, AL]]
| tv =
| score = 48–21
| attend = 56,179
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = October 7
| time = no
| w/l = w
| away = yes
| rank = 4
| opponent = [[1972 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]]
| site_stadium = [[Sanford Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Athens, Georgia|Athens, GA]]
| tv =
| score = 25–7
| attend = 60,013
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = October 14
| time = no
| w/l = w
| rank = 3
| opponent = [[1972 Florida Gators football team|Florida]]
| site_stadium = Denny Stadium
| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
| tv =
| score = 24–7
| attend = 57,631
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = October 21
| time = no
| w/l = w
| away = yes
| rank = 3
| opponent = [[1972 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee]]
| opprank = 10
| site_stadium = [[Neyland Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Knoxville, Tennessee|Knoxville, TN]]
| gamename = [[Third Saturday in October]]
| tv =
| score = 17–10
| attend = 72,049
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = October 28
| time = no
| w/l = w
| nonconf = yes
| rank = 2
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Southern Miss Golden Eagles|title=Southern Miss}}
| site_stadium = Legion Field
| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL
| tv =
| score = 48–11
| attend = 57,090
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = November 4
| time = no
| w/l = w
| rank = 2
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Mississippi State Bulldogs|title=Mississippi State}}
| site_stadium = Denny Stadium
| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
| gamename = [[Alabama–Mississippi State football rivalry|Rivalry]]
| tv =
| score = 58–14
| attend = 57,171
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = November 11
| time = no
| w/l = w
| rank = 2
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1972|team=LSU Tigers|title=LSU}}
| opprank = 6
| site_stadium = Legion Field
| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL
| gamename = [[Alabama–LSU football rivalry|Rivalry]]
| tv = [[ESPN College Football on ABC|ABC]]
| score = 35–21
| attend = 72,039
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = November 18
| time = no
| w/l = w
| nonconf = yes
| homecoming = yes
| rank = 2
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1972|team=Virginia Tech Hokies|title=Virginia Tech}}
| site_stadium = Denny Stadium
| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
| tv =
| score = 52–13
| attend = 57,162
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = December 2
| time = no
| w/l = l
| neutral = yes
| rank = 2
| opponent = [[1972 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn]]
| opprank = 9
| site_stadium = Legion Field
| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL
| gamename = [[Iron Bowl]]
| tv =
| score = [[Punt Bama Punt|16–17]]
| attend = 72,386
}}
{{CFB Schedule Entry
| date = January 1, 1973
| time = no
| w/l = l
| nonconf = yes
| neutral = yes
| rank = 4
| opponent = [[1972 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas]]
| opprank = 7
| site_stadium = [[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]]
| site_cityst = [[Dallas|Dallas, TX]]
| gamename = [[1973 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]]
| tv = [[SEC on CBS|CBS]]
| score = 13–17
| attend = 70,000
}}
{{CFB Schedule End|rank=|poll=[[Associated Press|AP Poll]]}}
*<small>Source: Rolltide.com: 1972 Alabama football schedule<ref name="1971schedule">{{cite web| url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1972 |title=1972 Alabama football schedule |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics| accessdate=February 10, 2014}}</ref></small>

==Game notes==
===Duke===
{{See also2|{{cfb link|year=1972|team=Duke Blue Devils}}}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=Duke
|V1=0 |V2=12 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host='''#7 Alabama'''
|H1=14 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=14
|Date=September 9
|Location=Legion Field<br>Birmingham, AL
|Attendance=71,281
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="DU1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Tide leaves Devils Blue as expected |page=B1 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6511%2C1463618 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 10, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref><ref name="DU2">{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Martin |title=Bama unleashes host of runners |page=13 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_t8pAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6tcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3340%2C1081122 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Gadsden Times |date=September 10, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
Alabama opened the 1972 season ranked as the No.&nbsp;7 team in the preseason AP Poll as they entered their game against [[Duke University|Duke]].<ref name="DU3">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Devaney "stirred" by poll |page=6 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4670%2C852992 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 5, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref> At [[Legion Field]], the Crimson Tide scored 21 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 35–12 victory over the [[Duke Blue Devils football|Blue Devils]] to open the 1971 season.<ref name="DU1"/><ref name="DU2"/><ref name=a1>1972 Season Recap</ref> Alabama opened the game with a 14–0 lead after they scored on their first two possessions, on a pair of touchdown runs of eight-yards by Paul Spivey and one-yard by Joe LaBue. However, Duke was able to make the halftime score 14–12 after they scored on a pair of Robert Albright touchdown passes. The first was from 11-yards to Mark Landon and the second to Mike Bomgardner from eight-yards out.<ref name="DU1"/><ref name="DU2"/>

After [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] extended the Crimson Tide lead to 21–12 with his two-yard run in the third, Alabama closed the game with a pair of touchdown runs in the fourth quarter.<ref name="DU1"/><ref name="DU2"/> The first was scored by Steve Bisceglia on a 39-yard run and the second by [[Wilbur Jackson]] on a 12-yard run.<ref name="DU1"/><ref name="DU2"/> In the game, Alabama outgained the Blue Devils in [[Carry (American football)|rushing yards]] 333 to 156.<ref name="DU1"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Duke to 1–1.<ref name="DUAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Duke |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3035 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Kentucky===
{{See also2|{{cfb link|year=1972|team=Kentucky Wildcats}}}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=Kentucky
|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host='''#7 Alabama'''
|H1=14 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=14
|Date=September 23
|Location=Legion Field<br>Birmingham, AL
|Attendance=71,433
}}
*'''Source:'''<ref name="KY1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Galloping Tide leaves Cats behind, 35–0 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6367%2C4100658 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 24, 1972 |page=B1 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref><ref name="KY2">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Alabama, Tennessee breeze to easy victories |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uN1VAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LuEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6532%2C5851152 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |date=September 24, 1972 |page=7B |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
Coming off their [[Bye (sports)|bye week]], the Crimson Tide retained their No.&nbsp;7 team in the AP Poll prior to their game against [[University of Kentucky|Kentucky]].<ref name="KY3">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Trojans easily on top |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7hsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4455%2C3234659 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 19, 1972 |page=13 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref> In what was the first meeting against the [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Wildcats]] since their [[1947 Alabama Crimson Tide football team#Kentucky|victory in 1947]], Alabama won 35–0 at Birmingham.<ref name=a1/><ref name="KY1"/><ref name="KY2"/> The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 lead in the first quarter after [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler and then scored himself on a three-yard run.<ref name="KY1"/><ref name="KY2"/> Still up only 14–0 as the teams entered the second half, Alabama extended their lead to 21–0 on a three-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run.<ref name="KY1"/><ref name="KY2"/>

The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns. The first came on a nine-yard Bisceglia run and the second on a 48-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Ralph Stokes that made the final score 35–0.<ref name="KY1"/><ref name="KY2"/> In their previous meeting, Kentucky was lead by head coach Bear Bryant, who at that time had since moved on and was Alabama's head coach for this game.<ref name="KY1"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Kentucky 25–1–1.<ref name="KYAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Kentucky |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1628 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Vanderbilt===
{{See also2|{{cfb link|year=1972|team=Vanderbilt Commodores}}}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=Vanderbilt
|V1=7 |V2=0 |V3=7 |V4=7
|Host='''#6 Alabama'''
|H1=6 |H2=28 |H3=7 |H4=7
|Date=September 30
|Location=Denny Stadium<br>Tuscaloosa, AL
|Attendance=56,179
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="VU1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Tide runs Vandy down, wins 48–21 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 1, 1972 |page=B1 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wl40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6286%2C97947 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref><ref name="VU2">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Bama crushes Vanderbilt, 48–21 |page=B2 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yj8sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CMwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1381%2C75765 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |date=October 1, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
After their victory over Kentucky, Alabama moved into the No.&nbsp;6 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against [[Vanderbilt University|Vanderbilt]].<ref name="VU3">{{cite news |first=Herschel |last=Nissenson |agency=Associated Press |title=USC keeps grid lead |page=9 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19720926&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 26, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref> Behind a 28-point second quarter, the Crimson Tide defeated the [[Vanderbilt Commodores football|Commodores]] 48–21 in the first Denny Stadium game of the season.<ref name=a1/><ref name="VU1"/><ref name="VU2"/> After Alabama took a 6–0 lead on a four-yard [[Wilbur Jackson]] touchdown run, Vanderbilt responded and took a 7–6 lead on a one-yard Walter Overton later in the first quarter.<ref name="VU1"/><ref name="VU2"/> The Crimson Tide responded with four touchdowns in the second quarter and took a 34–7 halftime lead. The points were scored on runs of three and 16-yards by Ellis Beck, one-yard by [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] and one-yard by Steve Dean.<ref name="VU1"/><ref name="VU2"/>

In the second half, both teams traded touchdowns in each of the final two quarters. In the third, Gary Rutledge scored on a seven-yard run for Alabama and Steve Burger responded for Vanderbilt with his three-yard run.<ref name="VU1"/><ref name="VU2"/> Finally in the fourth quarter, Rutledge scored on a five-yard run for the Crimson Tide and Stephen Lainhart followed with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Douglas Martin for the Commodores that made the final score 48–21.<ref name="VU1"/><ref name="VU2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 29–17–4.<ref name="VUAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Vanderbilt |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3363 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Georgia===
{{See also|1972 Georgia Bulldogs football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor='''#4 Alabama'''
|V1=7 |V2=0 |V3=12 |V4=6
|Host=Georgia
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=7
|Date=October 7
|Location=Sanford Stadium<br>Athens, GA
|Attendance=60,013
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="GA1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Tiders finally bag a Bulldog, 25–7 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xl40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7232%2C1291738 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 8, 1972 |page=B1 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref><ref name="GA2">{{cite news |first=Earl |last=Gault |title=Bama avalanches rival 'Dogs, 25–7 |page=B1 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1z8sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CMwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4560%2C1366439 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |date=October 8, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved into the No.&nbsp;4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against [[University of Georgia|Georgia]].<ref name="GA3">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=USC still tops, Alabama No.&nbsp;4 |page=11 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w140AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1864%2C526923 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 3, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref> Playing for the first time since a [[1965 Alabama Crimson Tide football team#Georgia|loss to Georgia in 1965]], the Crimson Tide defeated the [[Georgia Bulldogs football|Bulldogs]] 25–7 in their first road game of the season.<ref name=a1/><ref name="GA1"/><ref name="GA2"/> Alabama scored their only points in the first half on a five-yard [[Wilbur Jackson]] touchdown run in the first quarter.<ref name="GA1"/><ref name="GA2"/>

In the third quarter, [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] first threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler and later scored on a one-yard run that made the score 19–0.<ref name="GA1"/><ref name="GA2"/> After Jimmy Poulos scored Georgia's only points with his 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth, Alabama closed the game with a two-yard Steve Bisceglia that made the final score 25–7.<ref name="GA1"/><ref name="GA2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Georgia to 29–19–4.<ref name="GAAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Georgia |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1265 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Florida===
{{See also|1972 Florida Gators football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=Florida
|V1=7 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host='''#3 Alabama'''
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=7 |H4=7
|Date=October 14
|Location=Denny Stadium<br>Tuscaloosa, AL
|Attendance=57,631
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="FL1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Revived Tide defense skins Gators |page=1B |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yl40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4040%2C2442019 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 15, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref><ref name="FL2">{{cite news |first=Harold |last=Stout |title=Tide overcomes deficit to clip Florida, 24–7 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Zs4yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rMcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1224%2C2767951 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Florence Times |date=October 15, 1972 |page=25 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
After their victory over Georgia, Alabama moved into the No.&nbsp;3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against [[University of Florida|Florida]].<ref name="FL3">{{cite news |first=Herschel |last=Nissenson |agency=Associated Press |title=Tide edges into third |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=x140AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2691%2C1884052 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 10, 1972 |page=11 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref> Against the [[Florida Gators football|Gators]], the Crimson Tide rallied from an early 7–0 deficit and defeated Florida 24–7 at Denny Stadium.<ref name=a1/><ref name="FL1"/><ref name="FL2"/> Florida took an early 7–0 lead behind a 60-yard [[Nat Moore]] touchdown run. However, the Gators were unable to score again as Alabama responded with 24 unanswered points.<ref name="FL1"/><ref name="FL2"/> After a 13-yard Paul Spivey touchdown run tied the game 7–7 later in the first, a 31-yard Bill Davis [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] in the second gave the Crimson Tide a 10–7 halftime lead.<ref name="FL1"/><ref name="FL2"/> They then closed the game with a pair of touchdown runs that made the final score 24–7. The first came on a four-yard [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] run in the third and then on a one-yard Ralph Stokes run in the fourth.<ref name="FL1"/><ref name="FL2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Florida to 12–5.<ref name="FLAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Florida |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1113 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Tennessee===
{{See also|1972 Tennessee Volunteers football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=[[Third Saturday in October]]
|Visitor='''#3 Alabama'''
|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=14
|Host=#10 Tennessee
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=3
|Date=October 21
|Location=Neyland Stadium<br>Knoxville, TN
|Attendance=72,049
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="TN1">{{cite news |first=Jack |last=Harris |title=Alabama, Auburn 'come home late' |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Florence Times |date=October 22, 1972 |page=25 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bc4yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rMcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1188%2C4022004 |accessdate=February 13, 2014}}</ref><ref name="TN2">{{cite news |agency=UPI |title=Alabama downs Tennessee 17–10 |page=3C |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=92g0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=yAkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4371%2C4953162 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Star-News |date=October 22, 1972 |accessdate=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
After their victory over Florida, Alabama retained their No.&nbsp;3 position and [[University of Tennessee|Tennessee]] moved into the No.&nbsp;10 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at [[Neyland Stadium]].<ref name="TN3">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Tide still third; Auburn 15th |page=12 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zF40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2460%2C3092581 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 17, 1972 |accessdate=February 13, 2014}}</ref> Against the [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Volunteers]], Alabama scored two touchdowns in the final 2:39 of the game for a 17–10, come-from-behind victory at Knoxville.<ref name=a1/><ref name="TN1"/><ref name="TN2"/> After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 3–0 lead into halftime after Bill Davis connected on a 31-yard [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] in the second.<ref name="TN1"/><ref name="TN2"/> Tennessee then took a 7–3 lead on a two-yard [[Condredge Holloway]] touchdown run in the third, and extended it to 10–3 with a 36-yard Ricky Townsend field goal in the fourth quarter.<ref name="TN1"/><ref name="TN2"/>

With 2:39 left in the game, Alabama took possession at the Vols 48-yard line, and three plays later [[Wilbur Jackson]] scored on a two-yard run.<ref name="TN1"/><ref name="TN2"/> On the Tennessee possession that ensued, [[John Mitchell (American football coach)|John Mitchell]] recovered a Holloway [[fumble]] at the Vols' 17-yard line. On the next play, [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] gave Alabama a 17–10 lead with his touchdown run with just over one minute left in the game.<ref name="TN1"/><ref name="TN2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 25–23–7.<ref name="TNAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Tennessee |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3180 |accessdate=February 13, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Southern Miss===
{{See also2|{{cfb link|year=1972|team=Southern Miss Golden Eagles}}}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=Southern Miss
|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=8
|Host='''#2 Alabama'''
|H1=7 |H2=0 |H3=21 |H4=20
|Date=October 28
|Location=Legion Field<br>Birmingham, AL
|Attendance=57,090
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="USM1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Tide grid explosion was for real |page=1B |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1140AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4066%2C4727920 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 29, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="USM2">{{cite news |first=Robin |last=Stone |title=The Tide came back, won 48–11 |page=17 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C78fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4dcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=839%2C4106891 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Gadsden Times |date=October 29, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
After their come-from-behind victory over Tennessee, Alabama moved into the No.&nbsp;2 position in the [[AP Poll]] prior to their game against [[University of Southern Mississippi|Southern Miss]].<ref name="USM3">{{cite news |first=Herschel |last=Nissenson |agency=Associated Press |title=Tide jumps to second |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721024&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 24, 1972 |page=9 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref> Although they only led the [[Southern Miss Golden Eagles football|Golden Eagles]] 7–3 at halftime, 41 second half points resulted in a 48–11 Alabama victory at Legion Field.<ref name=a1/><ref name="USM1"/><ref name="USM2"/> In what was a very low scoring first half, the Crimson Tide scored on a two-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run and the Golden Eagles on a 32-yard Ricky Palmer [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] for a 7–3 halftime score.<ref name="USM1"/><ref name="USM2"/>

Alabama then dominated the second half and scored five offensive touchdowns in six total possessions en route to the 48–11 victory.<ref name="USM1"/><ref name="USM2"/> Third quarter touchdowns were scored on runs of 12, 16 and five-yards by Bisceglia, [[Wilbur Jackson]] and Paul Spivey. Southern Miss responded with their lone points of the second half early in the fourth when Buddy Palazzo connected with Marshall Veal on a 12-yard touchdown pass.<ref name="USM1"/><ref name="USM2"/> The Crimson Tide then closed the game with touchdowns on a 64-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Wayne Wheeler, a 15-yard Robin Cary [[interception]] return and on a 13-yard Robert Farley pass to Pete Pappas for the 48–11 win.<ref name="USM1"/><ref name="USM2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Southern Miss to 13–2–1.<ref name="USMAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Southern Mississippi |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3052 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Mississippi State===
{{See also2|{{cfb link|year=1972|team=Mississippi State Bulldogs}}}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=Mississippi State
|V1=0 |V2=6 |V3=8 |V4=0
|Host='''#2 Alabama'''
|H1=17 |H2=13 |H3=7 |H4=21
|Date=November 4
|Location=Denny Stadium<br>Tuscaloosa, AL
|Attendance=57,171
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="MSS1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Crimson Tide drowns Dogs, 58–14 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 5, 1972 |page=B1 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3806%2C611756 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="MSS2">{{cite news |agency=UPI |title=Second-ranked Tide rolls to 58–14 win |page=2C |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xUcxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4UMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4562%2C4699083 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=November 5, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
As they entered their game against [[Mississippi State University|Mississippi State]], Alabama retained their No.&nbsp;2 position in the AP Poll.<ref name="MSS3">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=USC tops list, Alabama second |page=11 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721031&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 31, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref> Against the [[Mississippi State Bulldogs football|Bulldogs]], the Crimson Tide won 58–14 en route to their 25th consecutive victory at Denny Stadium.<ref name=a1/><ref name="MSS1"/><ref name="MSS2"/> Alabama took a 17–0 lead in the first quarter behind touchdown runs of 28 and one-yard by [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] and Steve Bisceglia and a 22-yard [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] by Bill Davis.<ref name="MSS1"/><ref name="MSS2"/> After the Bulldogs responded with a one-yard Wayne Jones touchdown run early in the second, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 30–6 at halftime behind a 15-yard David McMakin [[Punt (gridiron football)|blocked punt return]] and one-yard Ellis Beck touchdown run.<ref name="MSS1"/><ref name="MSS2"/>

In the third, both teams traded touchdowns. Alabama scored first on a 44-yard Davis pass to Wayne Wheeler and State followed with a 47-yard Frank Dowsing punt return that made the score 37–14.<ref name="MSS1"/><ref name="MSS2"/> The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a trio of fourth quarter touchdowns on a 20-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Wheeler and runs of one and two-yards by Robert Farley and Vern Wilmot.<ref name="MSS1"/><ref name="MSS2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Mississippi State to 44–10–3.<ref name="MSSAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Mississippi State |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=2049 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===LSU===
{{See also2|{{cfb link|year=1972|team=LSU Tigers}}}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=#6 LSU
|V1=7 |V2=0 |V3=7 |V4=7
|Host='''#2 Alabama'''
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=14 |H4=14
|Date=November 11
|Location=Legion Field<br>Birmingham, AL
|Attendance=72,039
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="LSU1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Hot hand for Terry |page=B1 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721110&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 12, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="LSU2">{{cite news |agency=UPI |title=Davis sparks Alabama past unbeaten Louisiana State |page=2C |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gLgsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2wkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3409%2C2717760 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Star-News |date=November 12, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
After their victory over Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No.&nbsp;2 position and [[Louisiana State University|LSU]] was in the No.&nbsp;6 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up at Birmingham.<ref name="LSU3">{{cite news |first=Herschel |last=Nissenson |agency=Associated Press |title=Huskers gaining in poll |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ERwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6231%2C968698 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 7, 1972 |page=11 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref> Playing in a regionally televised game on ABC, Alabama defeated the previously undefeated [[LSU Tigers football|Tigers]] 35–21 at Legion Field and captured the 1972 conference championship.<ref name=a1/><ref name="LSU1"/><ref name="LSU2"/> LSU took a 7–0 first quarter lead on a 21-yard [[Bert Jones]] touchdown pass to Jimmy LeDoux. Alabama responded with a 25-yard [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler in the second that tied the game 7–7 at halftime.<ref name="LSU1"/><ref name="LSU2"/>

In the third, the Crimson Tide took a 21–7 lead behind touchdowns scored on a 29-yard Davis pass to Wheeler and on a 25-yard Davis run. LSU then cut the lead to 21–14 on a five-yard Jones pass to Charles Williamson later in the quarter.<ref name="LSU1"/><ref name="LSU2"/> In the fourth, Alabama scored on touchdown runs of one and 52-yards by Steve Bisceglia and Joe LaBue, and LSU scored on a three-yard Jones run that made the final score 35–21.<ref name="LSU1"/><ref name="LSU2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against LSU to 22–10–4.<ref name="LSUAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Louisiana State |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1793 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Virginia Tech===
{{See also2|{{cfb link|year=1972|team=Virginia Tech Hokies}}}}
{{AFB game box start
|Visitor=Virginia Tech
|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=6 |V4=7
|Host='''#2 Alabama'''
|H1=14 |H2=17 |H3=7 |H4=14
|Date=November 18
|Location=Denny Stadium<br>Tuscaloosa, AL
|Attendance=57,162
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="VT1">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Gobbler coach humble after 52–13 thrashing |page=13 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PAksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6cYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4766%2C3595083 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Florence Times |date=November 19, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="VT2">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Crimson defenders throttle Gobblers |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 19, 1972 |page=B1 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721117&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
After their victory over LSU, Alabama retained their No.&nbsp;2 position prior to their match-up against [[Virginia Tech]] at Tuscaloosa.<ref name="VT3">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Alabama second, USC still tops |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721110&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 14, 1972 |page=12 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref> After their 52–13 victory over the [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|Hokies]] on [[homecoming]] at Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide accepted an invitation to play in the [[1973 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]].<ref name=a1/><ref name="VT1"/><ref name="VT2"/> Alabama opened with a pair of first quarter touchdowns on runs of 67-yards by [[Wilbur Jackson]] and two-yards by [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]]. They next extended their lead to 31–0 at halftime behind a 36-yard Bill Davis [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] and touchdown runs of nine-yards by Jackson and two-yards by Randy Billingsley.<ref name="VT1"/><ref name="VT2"/>

After the Crimson Tide extended their lead on a one-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run in the third, the Hokies scored their first points on a five-yard J. B. Barber touchdown run that made the score 38–6.<ref name="VT1"/><ref name="VT2"/> The game concluded after both teams traded touchdowns in the final quarter. After Gary Rutledge scored for Alabama with his one-yard run, [[Don Strock]] threw a ten-yard touchdown pass to Craig Valentine.<ref name="VT1"/><ref name="VT2"/> The Crimson Tide then made the final score 52–13 after Robert Farley threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Pete Pappas late in the fourth quarter.<ref name="VT1"/><ref name="VT2"/> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Virginia Tech to 7–0.<ref name="VTAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Virginia Tech |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3392 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Auburn===
{{See also|Punt Bama Punt|1972 Auburn Tigers football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=[[Iron Bowl]]
|Visitor='''#9 Auburn'''
|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=17
|Host=#2 Alabama
|H1=0 |H2=9 |H3=7 |H4=0
|Date=December 2
|Location=Legion Field<br>Birmingham, AL
|Attendance=72,386
}}
*'''Sources:'''<ref name="AU1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Tiger miracle men stop Alabama run |page=B1 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721203&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=December 3, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="AU2">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=War Eagles upset No.&nbsp;2 Bama, 17–16 |page=B3 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c2ssAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yMwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2467%2C320682 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |date=December 3, 1972 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
As they entered their annual rivalry game against [[Auburn University|Auburn]], Alabama retained their No.&nbsp;2 position and the [[Auburn Tigers football|Tigers]] were in the No.&nbsp;9 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up in the [[Iron Bowl]].<ref name="AU3">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=USC tops, Tide 2nd |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FhwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2921%2C5253534 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 28, 1972 |page=9 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref> In what was one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry, Auburn won 17–16 after they scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns on [[Punt (gridiron football)|blocked punt returns]] in a game subsequently deemed "Punt Bama Punt".<ref name=a1/><ref name="AU1"/><ref name="AU2"/><ref name="AU4">{{cite news |title=Punt Bama Punt |page=8C |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f_sxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K-UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4059%2C2488382 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=TimesDaily |date=November 18, 2006 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref> After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 9–0 halftime lead after Steve Bisceglia scored on a three-yard touchdown run and Bill Davis connected on a 24-yard [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]].<ref name="AU1"/><ref name="AU2"/> The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 16–0 after [[Wilbur Jackson]] scored on a six-yard touchdown run in the third before Auburn started their dramatic comeback in the fourth.<ref name="AU1"/><ref name="AU2"/>

The Tigers scored their first points on a 42-yard Gardner Jett field goal that cut the lead to 16–3.<ref name="AU1"/><ref name="AU2"/> Late in the quarter, Bill Newton blocked a Greg Gantt punt and [[David Langner]] returned it 25-yards for an Auburn touchdown and cut the lead further to 16–10. After the Tigers defense forced another Alabama punt on the next series, Newton blocked a second Greg Gantt punt and Langner returned it 20-yards for the 17–16 victory.<ref name="AU1"/><ref name="AU2"/> The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Auburn to 19–17–1.<ref name="AUAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Auburn |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=220 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Texas===
{{See also|1973 Cotton Bowl Classic|1972 Texas Longhorns football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=[[Cotton Bowl Classic]]
|Visitor='''#7 Texas'''
|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=7
|Host=#4 Alabama
|H1=10 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=0
|Date=January 1
|Location=Cotton Bowl<br>Dallas, TX
|Attendance=72,000
}}
*'''Source:'''<ref name="TX1">{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Wishbone defense Tide's top need in Cotton defeat |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eg4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K5wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7134%2C196674 |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |publisher=Google News Archives |page=9 |date=January 2, 1973 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="TX2">{{cite news |agency=UPI |title=Texas shocks Alabama in Cotton, 17–13 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1rItAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xgkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2820%2C285053 |newspaper=Star-News |publisher=Google News Archives |date=January 2, 1973 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{AFB game box end}}
In what was the finale of the 1972 season, Alabama was upset by the [[University of Texas at Austin|Texas]] [[Texas Longhorns football|Longhorns]] 17–13 in the Cotton Bowl.<ref name="TX1"/><ref name="TX2"/> The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 first quarter lead behind a 50-yard Greg Gantt [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] and a 31-yard [[Wilbur Jackson]] touchdown run.<ref name="TX1"/><ref name="TX2"/> Second quarter field goals of 24-yards by Billy Schott of Texas and 30-yards by Bill Davis of Alabama made the halftime score 13–3.<ref name="TX1"/><ref name="TX2"/>

In the third, the Longhorns scored on a three-yard [[Alan Lowry]] touchdown run and Lowey then scored the game-winning points with his 34-yard touchdown run in the fourth.<ref name="TX1"/><ref name="TX2"/> The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Texas to 0–6–1.<ref name="TXAT">{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Texas |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=2184 |accessdate=June 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==NFL Draft==
Several players that were [[Letterman (sports)|varsity lettermen]] from the 1972 squad were drafted into the [[National Football League Draft|National Football League (NFL)]] in the 1973, 1974 and 1975 drafts. These players included:
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Round
! scope="col" | Overall
! scope="col" | Player name
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | NFL team
|-
| rowspan=3|[[1973 NFL Draft]]<br><ref name="NFLDraft">{{cite web |publisher=National Football League | url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school | title=Draft History by School–Alabama|accessdate=February 2, 2014}}</ref>
| 1
| 4
! {{Sortname|John|Hannah|John Hannah (American football)}}
| Offensive guard
| [[1973 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]
|-
| 7
| 174
! {{Sortname|John|Mitchell|John Mitchell (American football coach)}}
| Defensive end
| [[1973 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]
|-
| 12
| 309
! {{Sortname|Jim|Krapf|nolink=1}}
| Guard
| [[1973 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]
|-
| rowspan=5|[[1974 NFL Draft]]<br><ref name="NFLDraft"/>
| 1
| 9
! {{Sortname|Wilbur|Jackson}}
| Running back
| [[1974 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]
|-
| 3
| 54
! {{Sortname|Wayne|Wheeler|nolink=1}}
| Wide receiver
| [[1974 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]
|-
| 6
| 138
! {{Sortname|Mike|Raines}}
| Defensive tackle
| [[1974 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]
|-
| 8
| 187
! {{Sortname|Greg|Gantt|nolink=1}}
| Punter
| [[1974 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]
|-
| 16
| 2
! {{Sortname|Buddy|Brown|Buddy Brown (offensive guard)}}
| Guard
| [[1974 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]
|-
| rowspan=2|[[1975 NFL Draft]]<br><ref name="NFLDraft"/>
| 3
| 53
! {{Sortname|Mike|Washington}}
| Defensive back
| [[1975 Baltimore Colts season|Baltimore Colts]]
|-
| 8
| 195
! {{Sortname|Ricky|Davis|nolink=1}}
| Defensive back
| [[1975 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]
|}

==Freshman squad==
Prior to the [[1972 college football season]], NCAA rules prohibited [[Freshman|freshmen]] from participating on the varsity team, and as such many schools fielded freshmen teams.<ref name=FroshAllowed1>{{cite news|last=Kersey|first=Jason|title=NCAA's decision to allow freshman eligibility changed football landscape|url=http://newsok.com/ncaas-decision-to-allow-freshman-eligibility-changed-football-landscape/article/3704386|accessdate=March 2, 2014|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=August 27, 2012}}</ref><ref name=FroshAllowed2>{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410%2C4178967 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=January 21, 1972 |page=6 |accessdate=March 2, 2014}}</ref> The Alabama freshmen squad was led by coach Clem Gryska for the 1972 season and finished with a record of four wins and one loss (4–1).<ref name=FroshAU>{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Bama frosh win late as usual |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721126&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 26, 1972 |page=B1 |accessdate=March 2, 2014}}</ref> The Baby Tide opened the season with a 14–7 loss to [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football|Georgia Tech]] before 7,000 fans at [[Bobby Dodd Stadium|Grant Field]].<ref name=FroshGT>{{cite news |title=Bama frosh fall 14–7 |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9xsfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2371%2C5313997 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 30, 1972 |page=5 |accessdate=March 2, 2014}}</ref> Ray Bolden scored Alabama's only points with his two-yard touchdown run and the offense had six [[Turnover (gridiron football)|turnovers]] in the loss.<ref name=FroshGT/> Although they had eight [[fumble]]s in their game at [[Vanderbilt Commodores football|Vanderbilt]], the Baby Tide won the game 21–13.<ref name=FroshVU>{{cite news |title=Alabama frosh victors |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0F40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6166%2C3675021 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 21, 1972 |page=5 |accessdate=March 2, 2014}}</ref> After Vandy took a 7–0 lead on a six-yard Larry Polston touchdown run in the first, Alabama responded three minutes later and tied the game when Alan Pizzitola returned an [[interception]] 25-yards for a score.<ref name=FroshVU/> The Commodores retook a 13–7 lead early in the second quarter after Ed Oaks threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Matt Gossage and retained their lead through halftime.<ref name=FroshVU/> The Baby Tide then closed the game with a pair of third quarter touchdown runs for the 21–13 victory. The first came on a six-yard Joey Bolton run and the second on a five-yard Willy Shelby run.<ref name=FroshVU/>

In their first home game of the season, Alabama defeated [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee]] 34–21 at Denny Stadium.<ref name=FroshUT>{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Tide's frosh down Baby Vols |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19721102&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 4, 1972 |page=6 |accessdate=March 2, 2014}}</ref> With just over four minutes left in the game and the score tied 21–21, the Baby Tide scores a pair of late touchdowns after Tennessee turnovers for a 34–21 victory. Both touchdowns were scored by, [[Richard Todd (American football)|Richard Todd]] first from 35-yards and the second from two-yards out.<ref name=FroshUT/> Against [[Tulane Green Wave football|Tulane]], Alabama rallied from a 10-point deficit with just under six minutes left in the game for a 21–20 victory at Denny Stadium.<ref name=FroshTU>{{cite news |first=Bill |last=Couchman |title=Bama freshmen win a thriller |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EhwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5974%2C1635405 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 11, 1972 |page=6 |accessdate=March 2, 2014}}</ref> Alabama took a 7–0 lead on the third play of the game when Willy Shelby scored on an 82-yard touchdown run. However, The Green Wave responded with a pair of touchdowns on a one-yard Gary Rudick run and a 67-yard Wyatt Washington [[Punt (gridiron football)|punt return]] that made the score 14–7 in their favor at the end of the first quarter.<ref name=FroshTU/> A 39-yard Mike Davis [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] cut the Tulane lead to 14–10 at halftime.<ref name=FroshTU/> After a one-yard Wally Harris touchdown run early in the fourth extended the Green Wave lead to 20–10, Alabama closed the game with a 29-yard Davis field goal and an 11-yard Mike Stock touchdown run for the 21–20 victory.<ref name=FroshTU/>

In their final game at [[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn]], the Baby Tide for the third consecutive game came from behind and defeated the Tigers 17–14.<ref name=FroshAU/> After a scoreless first, a 24-yard Mike Davis [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] gave Alabama a 3–0 lead in the second quarter. However, Auburn took a 7 halftime lead after Mitzie Jackson scored on a short run in the final second of the first half.<ref name=FroshAU/> The Tigers then extended their lead to 14–3 early in the third quarter when Jack Verucchi scored on a 40-yard touchdown run that caped their opening drive of the second half.<ref name=FroshAU/> Alabama then closed the game with touchdowns on a short [[Richard Todd (American football)|Richard Todd]] run in the third and on a Stock run in the fourth.<ref name=FroshAU/> This game also marked the final played by a freshmen team at Alabama as the NCAA changed their rules and allowed freshmen to compete with the varsity squad starting in 1973.<ref name=FroshAllowed1/><ref name=FroshAllowed2/>

==Roster==
{{American football roster/Header|year=1972|team=Alabama Crimson Tide|hdr_bgcolor= #A32638|subhdr_bgcolor= #A32638|hdr_txtcolor=#FFFFFF|subhdr_txtcolor=#FFFFFF|offensive_players=|defensive_players=|special_teams_players=
|offensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ellis|last=Beck|num=35|pos=FB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Randy|last=Billingsley|num=22|pos=RB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Bisceglia|num=44|pos=FB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Duffy|last=Boles|num=38|pos=RB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Buddy|last=Brown|num=65|pos=OG|class=J|link=y|dab=Buddy Brown (offensive guard)}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Bob|last=Bryan|num=70|pos=OT|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Richard|last=Bryan|num=43|pos=FB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Chip|last=Burke|num=59|pos=C|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Wayne|last=Cotton|num=47|pos=TE|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Allen|last=Cox|num=75|pos=OT|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Sylvester|last=Croom|num=94|pos=TE|class=SO|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Terry|last=Davis|num=10|pos=QB|class=S|link=y|dab=Terry Davis (American football)}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Dean|num=46|pos=RB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Denson|num=79|pos=OG|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Joe|last=Doughty|num=41|pos=RB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Warren|last=Dyar|num=86|pos=TE|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Eckenrod|num=69|pos=C|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Robert|last=Farley|num=12|pos=QB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Tommy|last=Ford|num=62|pos=OG|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=John|last=Hannah|num=73|pos=OT|class=S|link=y|dab=John Hannah (American football)}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Joe Dale|last=Harris|num=84|pos=RB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Butch|last=Hobson|num=17|pos=QB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Bob|last=Holmes|num=31|pos=FB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Morris|last=Hunt|num=60|pos=OT|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Wilbur|last=Jackson|num=80|pos=WR|class=J|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Pat|last=Keever|num=19|pos=WR|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=David|last=Knapp|num=39|pos=RB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Kulback|num=66|pos=OT|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Joe|last=LaBue|num=30|pos=RB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Rand|last=Lambert|num=58|pos=C|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Jim|last=Krapf|num=54|pos=C|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Randy|last=Moore|num=87|pos=TE|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Phil|last=Murphy|num=20|pos=RB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Tom|last=Nelson|num=28|pos=TE|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Pete|last=Pappas|num=6|pos=WR|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Patterson|num=71|pos=OG|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Pat|last=Raines|num=53|pos=C|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Danny|last=Ridgeway|num=15|pos=QB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=John|last=Rogers|num=61|pos=OG|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Rick|last=Rogers|num=68|pos=OG|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Gary|last=Rutledge|num=11|pos=QB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Billy|last=Sexton|num=14|pos=QB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Johnny|last=Sharpless|num=16|pos=SE|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Paul|last=Spivey|num=24|pos=RB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Sprayberry|num=78|pos=OT|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Tommy|last=Steakley|num=34|pos=WR|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ralph|last=Stokes|num=42|pos=RB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Danny|last=Taylor|num=88|pos=WR|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=James|last=Taylor|num=27|pos=RB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Wayne|last=Wheeler|num=82|pos=WR|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Richard|last=Whitley|num=72|pos=OG|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Dexter|last=Wood|num=92|pos=WR|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Rudy|last=Wooten|num=67|pos=OT|class=SO|link=n}}
|defensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|first=Wayne|last=Atkinson|num=21|pos=S|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ronnie Joe|last=Barnes|num=96|pos=DE|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Jeff|last=Blitz|num=25|pos=LB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Robin|last=Cary|num=48|pos=DB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Dave|last=Capan|num=98|pos=DT|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Andy|last=Cross|num=52|pos=LB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=John|last=Croyle|num=83|pos=DE|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ricky|last=Davis|num=19|pos=DB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Jimmy|last=Dawson|num=37|pos=DB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Joe|last=Doughty|num=41|pos=DB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=DuBose|num=57|pos=LB|class=SO|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Doug|last=Faust|num=76|pos=DT|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Don|last=Groves|num=91|pos=DE|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Randy|last=Hall|num=62|pos=DT|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Wayne|last=Hall|num=50|pos=LB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ed|last=Hines|num=89|pos=DE|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Skip|last=Kubelius|num=95|pos=DT|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Tom|last=Lusk|num=81|pos=DE|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Greg|last=Mantooth|num=99|pos=DT|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Rick|last=Meadows|num=85|pos=DE|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ray|last=Maxwell|num=77|pos=LB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Bob|last=McKinney|num=26|pos=DB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=David|last=McMakin|num=18|pos=DB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Noah|last=Miller|num=51|pos=LB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=John|last=Mitchell|num=97|pos=DE|class=S|link=y|dab=John Mitchell (American football coach)}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Butch|last=Norman|num=90|pos=DE|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Lanny|last=Norris|num=40|pos=DB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Mark|last=Prudhomme|num=33|pos=SO|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Max|last=Raines|num=74|pos=DT|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Riley|num=23|pos=DB|class=SO|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ronnie|last=Robertson|num=55|pos=LB|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Jeff|last=Rouzie|num=56|pos=LB|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Robby|last=Rowan|num=29|pos=DB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Chuck|last=Strickland|num=36|pos=LB|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Wade|num=32|pos=S|class=S|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Washington|num=34|pos=DB|class=SO|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=David|last=Watkins|num=93|pos=DE|class=SO|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Gary|last=Yelvington|num=49|pos=LB|class=SO|link=n}}
|special_teams_players=
{{American football roster/Player|first=Bill|last=Davis|num=1|pos=PK|class=J|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Greg|last=Gantt|num=8|pos=PK|class=J|link=n}}
}}
{{American football roster/Footer|roster_url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/79-m-footbl-roster.pdf|accessdate=October 15, 2013
|head_coach=
*[[Bear Bryant]] (15th year, [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]])
|asst_coach=
* [[Ken Donahue]] (9th year,[[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee]])
* [[Pat Dye]] (8th year, [[Georgia Bulldogs football|Georgia]])
* [[Danny Ford]] (1st year, Alabama)
* Jim Goostree (16th year, [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee]])
* Clem Gryska (13th year, Alabama)
* Dude Hennessey 13th year, [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]])
* Bobby Marks 1st year, [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]])
* Ken Martin (2nd year, Alabama)
* Bud Moore (1st year, Alabama)
* [[Mal Moore]] (9th year, Alabama)
* [[Bill Oliver]] (2nd year, Alabama)
* Dee Powell (9th year, Texas A&M)
* Jack Rutledge (7th year, Alabama)
* [[Jimmy Sharpe]] (10th year, Alabama)

* '''References:'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/72-m-footbl-roster.pdf |title=1972 Season Roster |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |accessdate=February 10, 2014 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=a202>''2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book'', pp. 202–203</ref>
}}

==References==
'''General'''
<div class="references-small">
* {{cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/72-m-footbl-recaps.pdf |title=1972 Season Recaps |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |accessdate=February 10, 2014 |format=PDF}}
* {{cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf |title=2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book |year=2012 |publisher=University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office |location=Tuscaloosa, Alabama |accessdate=February 10, 2014 |format=PDF}}
</div>

'''Specific'''
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}}


[[Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons]]
[[Category:1972 Southeastern Conference football season|Alabama]]
[[Category:1972 Southeastern Conference football season|Alabama]]
[[Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons]]
[[Category:1972 in Alabama|Crimson Tide]]
[[Category:1972 in Alabama|Crimson Tide]]
[[Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons]]
[[Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons]]

Revision as of 01:58, 30 June 2014

{{{year}}} [[{{{team}}} football]]
Ranking
CoachesNo. 4
APNo. 7
1972 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 7 Alabama $ 7 – 1 – 0 10 – 2 – 0
No. 5 Auburn 6 – 1 – 0 10 – 1 – 0
No. 11 LSU 4 – 1 – 1 9 – 2 – 1
No. 8 Tennessee 4 – 2 – 0 10 – 2 – 0
Georgia 4 – 3 – 0 7 – 4 – 0
Florida 3 – 3 – 1 5 – 5 – 1
Ole Miss 2 – 5 – 0 5 – 5 – 0
Kentucky 2 – 5 – 0 3 – 8 – 0
Mississippi State 1 – 6 – 0 4 – 7 – 0
Vanderbilt 0 – 6 – 0 3 – 8 – 0
  • $ – Conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1972 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1972 college football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 78th overall and 39th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 15th year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with ten wins and two losses (10–2 overall, 7–1 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Alabama opened the season with a non-conference victory over Duke. They then shutout Kentucky in their conference opener, and then easily won their next three games over Vanderbilt, Georgia and Florida. In a top ten match-up against rival Tennessee, scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns en route to a 17–10 victory. Next, the Crimson Tide defeated Southern Miss and Mississippi State to setup a top ten match-up against LSU.

With a 35–21 victory over the Tigers, Alabama captured the SEC championship for the 1972 season. The Crimson Tide next defeated Virginia Tech on homecoming and setup another top ten match-up Iron Bowl to close the regular season. In what was one of the most memorable games between rivals, Auburn defeated Alabama behind a pair of fourth quarter, blocked punt returns in a game referred to as simply "Punt Bama Punt." The Crimson Tide then closed their season with a second consecutive defeat. This time it was against Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Schedule

September 9Duke*No. 7

W 35–1271,281 September 23KentuckyNo. 7

  • Legion Field
  • Birmingham, AL

W 35–071,433 September 30VanderbiltNo. 6

W 48–2156,179 October 7at GeorgiaNo. 4

W 25–760,013 October 14FloridaNo. 3

  • Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL

W 24–757,631 October 21at No. 10 TennesseeNo. 3

W 17–1072,049 October 28Southern Miss*No. 2

  • Legion Field
  • Birmingham, AL

W 48–1157,090 November 4Mississippi StateNo. 2

  • Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL (Rivalry)

W 58–1457,171 November 11No. 6 LSUNo. 2

  • Legion Field
  • Birmingham, AL (Rivalry)

ABCW 35–2172,039 November 18Virginia Tech*daggerNo. 2

  • Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL

W 52–1357,162 December 2vs. No. 9 AuburnNo. 2

L 16–1772,386 January 1, 1973vs. No. 7 Texas*No. 4

CBSL 13–1770,000

Template:CFB Schedule End

  • Source: Rolltide.com: 1972 Alabama football schedule[1]

Game notes

Duke

See also: 1972 Duke Blue Devils football team
1 234Total
Duke 0 1200 12
• #7 Alabama 14 0714 35
  • Date: September 9
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, AL
  • Game attendance: 71,281

Alabama opened the 1972 season ranked as the No. 7 team in the preseason AP Poll as they entered their game against Duke.[4] At Legion Field, the Crimson Tide scored 21 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 35–12 victory over the Blue Devils to open the 1971 season.[2][3][5] Alabama opened the game with a 14–0 lead after they scored on their first two possessions, on a pair of touchdown runs of eight-yards by Paul Spivey and one-yard by Joe LaBue. However, Duke was able to make the halftime score 14–12 after they scored on a pair of Robert Albright touchdown passes. The first was from 11-yards to Mark Landon and the second to Mike Bomgardner from eight-yards out.[2][3]

After Terry Davis extended the Crimson Tide lead to 21–12 with his two-yard run in the third, Alabama closed the game with a pair of touchdown runs in the fourth quarter.[2][3] The first was scored by Steve Bisceglia on a 39-yard run and the second by Wilbur Jackson on a 12-yard run.[2][3] In the game, Alabama outgained the Blue Devils in rushing yards 333 to 156.[2] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Duke to 1–1.[6]

Kentucky

See also: 1972 Kentucky Wildcats football team
1 234Total
Kentucky 0 000 0
• #7 Alabama 14 0714 35
  • Date: September 23
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, AL
  • Game attendance: 71,433

Coming off their bye week, the Crimson Tide retained their No. 7 team in the AP Poll prior to their game against Kentucky.[9] In what was the first meeting against the Wildcats since their victory in 1947, Alabama won 35–0 at Birmingham.[5][7][8] The Crimson Tide took a 14–0 lead in the first quarter after Terry Davis threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler and then scored himself on a three-yard run.[7][8] Still up only 14–0 as the teams entered the second half, Alabama extended their lead to 21–0 on a three-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run.[7][8]

The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns. The first came on a nine-yard Bisceglia run and the second on a 48-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Ralph Stokes that made the final score 35–0.[7][8] In their previous meeting, Kentucky was lead by head coach Bear Bryant, who at that time had since moved on and was Alabama's head coach for this game.[7] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Kentucky 25–1–1.[10]

Vanderbilt

See also: 1972 Vanderbilt Commodores football team
1 234Total
Vanderbilt 7 077 21
• #6 Alabama 6 2877 48
  • Date: September 30
  • Location: Denny Stadium
    Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Game attendance: 56,179

After their victory over Kentucky, Alabama moved into the No. 6 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.[13] Behind a 28-point second quarter, the Crimson Tide defeated the Commodores 48–21 in the first Denny Stadium game of the season.[5][11][12] After Alabama took a 6–0 lead on a four-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run, Vanderbilt responded and took a 7–6 lead on a one-yard Walter Overton later in the first quarter.[11][12] The Crimson Tide responded with four touchdowns in the second quarter and took a 34–7 halftime lead. The points were scored on runs of three and 16-yards by Ellis Beck, one-yard by Terry Davis and one-yard by Steve Dean.[11][12]

In the second half, both teams traded touchdowns in each of the final two quarters. In the third, Gary Rutledge scored on a seven-yard run for Alabama and Steve Burger responded for Vanderbilt with his three-yard run.[11][12] Finally in the fourth quarter, Rutledge scored on a five-yard run for the Crimson Tide and Stephen Lainhart followed with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Douglas Martin for the Commodores that made the final score 48–21.[11][12] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 29–17–4.[14]

Georgia

See also: 1972 Georgia Bulldogs football team
1 234Total
• #4 Alabama 7 0126 25
Georgia 0 007 7
  • Date: October 7
  • Location: Sanford Stadium
    Athens, GA
  • Game attendance: 60,013

After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved into the No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Georgia.[17] Playing for the first time since a loss to Georgia in 1965, the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 25–7 in their first road game of the season.[5][15][16] Alabama scored their only points in the first half on a five-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run in the first quarter.[15][16]

In the third quarter, Terry Davis first threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler and later scored on a one-yard run that made the score 19–0.[15][16] After Jimmy Poulos scored Georgia's only points with his 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth, Alabama closed the game with a two-yard Steve Bisceglia that made the final score 25–7.[15][16] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Georgia to 29–19–4.[18]

Florida

See also: 1972 Florida Gators football team
1 234Total
Florida 7 000 7
• #3 Alabama 7 377 24
  • Date: October 14
  • Location: Denny Stadium
    Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Game attendance: 57,631

After their victory over Georgia, Alabama moved into the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Florida.[21] Against the Gators, the Crimson Tide rallied from an early 7–0 deficit and defeated Florida 24–7 at Denny Stadium.[5][19][20] Florida took an early 7–0 lead behind a 60-yard Nat Moore touchdown run. However, the Gators were unable to score again as Alabama responded with 24 unanswered points.[19][20] After a 13-yard Paul Spivey touchdown run tied the game 7–7 later in the first, a 31-yard Bill Davis field goal in the second gave the Crimson Tide a 10–7 halftime lead.[19][20] They then closed the game with a pair of touchdown runs that made the final score 24–7. The first came on a four-yard Terry Davis run in the third and then on a one-yard Ralph Stokes run in the fourth.[19][20] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Florida to 12–5.[22]

Tennessee

See also: 1972 Tennessee Volunteers football team
Third Saturday in October
1 234Total
• #3 Alabama 0 3014 17
#10 Tennessee 0 073 10
  • Date: October 21
  • Location: Neyland Stadium
    Knoxville, TN
  • Game attendance: 72,049

After their victory over Florida, Alabama retained their No. 3 position and Tennessee moved into the No. 10 position in the AP Poll prior to their game at Neyland Stadium.[25] Against the Volunteers, Alabama scored two touchdowns in the final 2:39 of the game for a 17–10, come-from-behind victory at Knoxville.[5][23][24] After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 3–0 lead into halftime after Bill Davis connected on a 31-yard field goal in the second.[23][24] Tennessee then took a 7–3 lead on a two-yard Condredge Holloway touchdown run in the third, and extended it to 10–3 with a 36-yard Ricky Townsend field goal in the fourth quarter.[23][24]

With 2:39 left in the game, Alabama took possession at the Vols 48-yard line, and three plays later Wilbur Jackson scored on a two-yard run.[23][24] On the Tennessee possession that ensued, John Mitchell recovered a Holloway fumble at the Vols' 17-yard line. On the next play, Terry Davis gave Alabama a 17–10 lead with his touchdown run with just over one minute left in the game.[23][24] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 25–23–7.[26]

Southern Miss

See also: 1972 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team
1 234Total
Southern Miss 0 308 11
• #2 Alabama 7 02120 48
  • Date: October 28
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, AL
  • Game attendance: 57,090

After their come-from-behind victory over Tennessee, Alabama moved into the No. 2 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Southern Miss.[29] Although they only led the Golden Eagles 7–3 at halftime, 41 second half points resulted in a 48–11 Alabama victory at Legion Field.[5][27][28] In what was a very low scoring first half, the Crimson Tide scored on a two-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run and the Golden Eagles on a 32-yard Ricky Palmer field goal for a 7–3 halftime score.[27][28]

Alabama then dominated the second half and scored five offensive touchdowns in six total possessions en route to the 48–11 victory.[27][28] Third quarter touchdowns were scored on runs of 12, 16 and five-yards by Bisceglia, Wilbur Jackson and Paul Spivey. Southern Miss responded with their lone points of the second half early in the fourth when Buddy Palazzo connected with Marshall Veal on a 12-yard touchdown pass.[27][28] The Crimson Tide then closed the game with touchdowns on a 64-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Wayne Wheeler, a 15-yard Robin Cary interception return and on a 13-yard Robert Farley pass to Pete Pappas for the 48–11 win.[27][28] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Southern Miss to 13–2–1.[30]

Mississippi State

See also: 1972 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team
1 234Total
Mississippi State 0 680 14
• #2 Alabama 17 13721 58
  • Date: November 4
  • Location: Denny Stadium
    Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Game attendance: 57,171

As they entered their game against Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No. 2 position in the AP Poll.[33] Against the Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide won 58–14 en route to their 25th consecutive victory at Denny Stadium.[5][31][32] Alabama took a 17–0 lead in the first quarter behind touchdown runs of 28 and one-yard by Terry Davis and Steve Bisceglia and a 22-yard field goal by Bill Davis.[31][32] After the Bulldogs responded with a one-yard Wayne Jones touchdown run early in the second, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 30–6 at halftime behind a 15-yard David McMakin blocked punt return and one-yard Ellis Beck touchdown run.[31][32]

In the third, both teams traded touchdowns. Alabama scored first on a 44-yard Davis pass to Wayne Wheeler and State followed with a 47-yard Frank Dowsing punt return that made the score 37–14.[31][32] The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a trio of fourth quarter touchdowns on a 20-yard Gary Rutledge pass to Wheeler and runs of one and two-yards by Robert Farley and Vern Wilmot.[31][32] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Mississippi State to 44–10–3.[34]

LSU

See also: 1972 LSU Tigers football team
1 234Total
#6 LSU 7 077 21
• #2 Alabama 0 71414 35
  • Date: November 11
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, AL
  • Game attendance: 72,039

After their victory over Mississippi State, Alabama retained their No. 2 position and LSU was in the No. 6 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up at Birmingham.[37] Playing in a regionally televised game on ABC, Alabama defeated the previously undefeated Tigers 35–21 at Legion Field and captured the 1972 conference championship.[5][35][36] LSU took a 7–0 first quarter lead on a 21-yard Bert Jones touchdown pass to Jimmy LeDoux. Alabama responded with a 25-yard Terry Davis touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler in the second that tied the game 7–7 at halftime.[35][36]

In the third, the Crimson Tide took a 21–7 lead behind touchdowns scored on a 29-yard Davis pass to Wheeler and on a 25-yard Davis run. LSU then cut the lead to 21–14 on a five-yard Jones pass to Charles Williamson later in the quarter.[35][36] In the fourth, Alabama scored on touchdown runs of one and 52-yards by Steve Bisceglia and Joe LaBue, and LSU scored on a three-yard Jones run that made the final score 35–21.[35][36] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against LSU to 22–10–4.[38]

Virginia Tech

See also: Virginia Tech Hokies football
1 234Total
Virginia Tech 0 067 13
• #2 Alabama 14 17714 52
  • Date: November 18
  • Location: Denny Stadium
    Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Game attendance: 57,162

After their victory over LSU, Alabama retained their No. 2 position prior to their match-up against Virginia Tech at Tuscaloosa.[41] After their 52–13 victory over the Hokies on homecoming at Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide accepted an invitation to play in the Cotton Bowl Classic.[5][39][40] Alabama opened with a pair of first quarter touchdowns on runs of 67-yards by Wilbur Jackson and two-yards by Terry Davis. They next extended their lead to 31–0 at halftime behind a 36-yard Bill Davis field goal and touchdown runs of nine-yards by Jackson and two-yards by Randy Billingsley.[39][40]

After the Crimson Tide extended their lead on a one-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run in the third, the Hokies scored their first points on a five-yard J. B. Barber touchdown run that made the score 38–6.[39][40] The game concluded after both teams traded touchdowns in the final quarter. After Gary Rutledge scored for Alabama with his one-yard run, Don Strock threw a ten-yard touchdown pass to Craig Valentine.[39][40] The Crimson Tide then made the final score 52–13 after Robert Farley threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Pete Pappas late in the fourth quarter.[39][40] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Virginia Tech to 7–0.[42]

Auburn

See also: Punt Bama Punt and 1972 Auburn Tigers football team
Iron Bowl
1 234Total
• #9 Auburn 0 0017 17
#2 Alabama 0 970 16
  • Date: December 2
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, AL
  • Game attendance: 72,386

As they entered their annual rivalry game against Auburn, Alabama retained their No. 2 position and the Tigers were in the No. 9 position in the AP Poll prior to their match-up in the Iron Bowl.[45] In what was one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry, Auburn won 17–16 after they scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns on blocked punt returns in a game subsequently deemed "Punt Bama Punt".[5][43][44][46] After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 9–0 halftime lead after Steve Bisceglia scored on a three-yard touchdown run and Bill Davis connected on a 24-yard field goal.[43][44] The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 16–0 after Wilbur Jackson scored on a six-yard touchdown run in the third before Auburn started their dramatic comeback in the fourth.[43][44]

The Tigers scored their first points on a 42-yard Gardner Jett field goal that cut the lead to 16–3.[43][44] Late in the quarter, Bill Newton blocked a Greg Gantt punt and David Langner returned it 25-yards for an Auburn touchdown and cut the lead further to 16–10. After the Tigers defense forced another Alabama punt on the next series, Newton blocked a second Greg Gantt punt and Langner returned it 20-yards for the 17–16 victory.[43][44] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Auburn to 19–17–1.[47]

Texas

See also: 1973 Cotton Bowl Classic and 1972 Texas Longhorns football team
Cotton Bowl Classic
1 234Total
• #7 Texas 0 377 17
#4 Alabama 10 300 13
  • Date: January 1
  • Location: Cotton Bowl
    Dallas, TX
  • Game attendance: 72,000

In what was the finale of the 1972 season, Alabama was upset by the Texas Longhorns 17–13 in the Cotton Bowl.[48][49] The Crimson Tide took a 10–0 first quarter lead behind a 50-yard Greg Gantt field goal and a 31-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run.[48][49] Second quarter field goals of 24-yards by Billy Schott of Texas and 30-yards by Bill Davis of Alabama made the halftime score 13–3.[48][49]

In the third, the Longhorns scored on a three-yard Alan Lowry touchdown run and Lowey then scored the game-winning points with his 34-yard touchdown run in the fourth.[48][49] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Texas to 0–6–1.[50]

NFL Draft

Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1972 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1973, 1974 and 1975 drafts. These players included:

Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team
1973 NFL Draft
[51] 		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
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 2 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

Freshman squad

Prior to the 1972 college football season, NCAA rules prohibited freshmen from participating on the varsity team, and as such many schools fielded freshmen teams.[52][53] The Alabama freshmen squad was led by coach Clem Gryska for the 1972 season and finished with a record of four wins and one loss (4–1).[54] The Baby Tide opened the season with a 14–7 loss to Georgia Tech before 7,000 fans at Grant Field.[55] Ray Bolden scored Alabama's only points with his two-yard touchdown run and the offense had six turnovers in the loss.[55] Although they had eight fumbles in their game at Vanderbilt, the Baby Tide won the game 21–13.[56] After Vandy took a 7–0 lead on a six-yard Larry Polston touchdown run in the first, Alabama responded three minutes later and tied the game when Alan Pizzitola returned an interception 25-yards for a score.[56] The Commodores retook a 13–7 lead early in the second quarter after Ed Oaks threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Matt Gossage and retained their lead through halftime.[56] The Baby Tide then closed the game with a pair of third quarter touchdown runs for the 21–13 victory. The first came on a six-yard Joey Bolton run and the second on a five-yard Willy Shelby run.[56]

In their first home game of the season, Alabama defeated Tennessee 34–21 at Denny Stadium.[57] With just over four minutes left in the game and the score tied 21–21, the Baby Tide scores a pair of late touchdowns after Tennessee turnovers for a 34–21 victory. Both touchdowns were scored by, Richard Todd first from 35-yards and the second from two-yards out.[57] Against Tulane, Alabama rallied from a 10-point deficit with just under six minutes left in the game for a 21–20 victory at Denny Stadium.[58] Alabama took a 7–0 lead on the third play of the game when Willy Shelby scored on an 82-yard touchdown run. However, The Green Wave responded with a pair of touchdowns on a one-yard Gary Rudick run and a 67-yard Wyatt Washington punt return that made the score 14–7 in their favor at the end of the first quarter.[58] A 39-yard Mike Davis field goal cut the Tulane lead to 14–10 at halftime.[58] After a one-yard Wally Harris touchdown run early in the fourth extended the Green Wave lead to 20–10, Alabama closed the game with a 29-yard Davis field goal and an 11-yard Mike Stock touchdown run for the 21–20 victory.[58]

In their final game at Auburn, the Baby Tide for the third consecutive game came from behind and defeated the Tigers 17–14.[54] After a scoreless first, a 24-yard Mike Davis field goal gave Alabama a 3–0 lead in the second quarter. However, Auburn took a 7 halftime lead after Mitzie Jackson scored on a short run in the final second of the first half.[54] The Tigers then extended their lead to 14–3 early in the third quarter when Jack Verucchi scored on a 40-yard touchdown run that caped their opening drive of the second half.[54] Alabama then closed the game with touchdowns on a short Richard Todd run in the third and on a Stock run in the fourth.[54] This game also marked the final played by a freshmen team at Alabama as the NCAA changed their rules and allowed freshmen to compete with the varsity squad starting in 1973.[52][53]

Roster

1972 Alabama Crimson Tide football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
FB 35 Ellis Beck Jr
RB 22 Randy Billingsley So
FB 44 Steve Bisceglia Sr
RB 38 Duffy Boles So
G 65 Buddy Brown Jr
OT 70 Bob Bryan So
FB 43 Richard Bryan So
C 59 Chip Burke So
TE 47 Wayne Cotton Jr
OT 75 Allen Cox Jr
TE 94 Sylvester Croom So
QB 10 Terry Davis Sr
RB 46 Steve Dean Jr
G 79 Mike Denson Jr
RB 41 Joe Doughty So
TE 86 Warren Dyar Jr
C 69 Mike Eckenrod Jr
QB 12 Robert Farley So
G 62 Tommy Ford Jr
OT 73 John Hannah Sr
RB 84 Joe Dale Harris So
QB 17 Butch Hobson Sr
FB 31 Bob Holmes So
OT 60 Morris Hunt Jr
WR 80 Wilbur Jackson Jr
WR 19 Pat Keever So
RB 39 David Knapp Sr
OT 66 Steve Kulback So
RB 30 Joe LaBue Sr
C 58 Rand Lambert So
C 54 Jim Krapf Sr
TE 87 Randy Moore Jr
RB 20 Phil Murphy So
TE 28 Tom Nelson So
WR 6 Pete Pappas So
G 71 Steve Patterson So
C 53 Pat Raines Sr
QB 15 Danny Ridgeway So
G 61 John Rogers So
G 68 Rick Rogers Jr
QB 11 Gary Rutledge So
QB 14 Billy Sexton Jr
SE 16 Johnny Sharpless Jr
RB 24 Paul Spivey Jr
OT 78 Steve Sprayberry Jr
WR 34 Tommy Steakley Sr
RB 42 Ralph Stokes So
WR 88 Danny Taylor Jr
RB 27 James Taylor So
WR 82 Wayne Wheeler Jr
G 72 Richard Whitley So
WR 92 Dexter Wood Jr
OT 67 Rudy Wooten So
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
S 21 Wayne Atkinson Sr
DE 96 Ronnie Joe Barnes So
LB 25 Jeff Blitz Jr
DB 48 Robin Cary Jr
DT 98 Dave Capan So
LB 52 Andy Cross Sr
DE 83 John Croyle Jr
DB 19 Ricky Davis So
DB 37 Jimmy Dawson So
DB 41 Joe Doughty So
LB 57 Mike DuBose So
DT 76 Doug Faust Jr
DE 91 Don Groves So
DT 62 Randy Hall So
LB 50 Wayne Hall Jr
DE 89 Ed Hines Sr
DT 95 Skip Kubelius Jr
DE 81 Tom Lusk Sr
DT 99 Greg Mantooth So
DE 85 Rick Meadows So
LB 77 Ray Maxwell So
DB 26 Bob McKinney Sr
DB 18 David McMakin Jr
LB 51 Noah Miller So
DE 97 John Mitchell Sr
DE 90 Butch Norman Jr
DB 40 Lanny Norris Sr
SO 33 Mark Prudhomme Sr
DT 74 Max Raines Jr
DB 23 Mike Riley So
LB 55 Ronnie Robertson So
LB 56 Jeff Rouzie Sr
DB 29 Robby Rowan Jr
LB 36 Chuck Strickland Jr
S 32 Steve Wade Sr
DB 34 Mike Washington So
DE 93 David Watkins So
LB 49 Gary Yelvington So
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
PK 1 Bill Davis Jr
PK 8 Greg Gantt Jr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: October 15, 2013

References

General

  • "1972 Season Recaps" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  • "2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book" (PDF). Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2014.

Specific

  1. ^ "1972 Alabama football schedule". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Reed, Delbert (September 10, 1972). "Tide leaves Devils Blue as expected". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e Martin, Steve (September 10, 1972). "Bama unleashes host of runners". The Gadsden Times. Google News Archives. p. 13. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  4. ^ "Devaney "stirred" by poll". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. September 5, 1972. p. 6. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 1972 Season Recap
  6. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Duke". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Reed, Delbert (September 24, 1972). "Galloping Tide leaves Cats behind, 35–0". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Alabama, Tennessee breeze to easy victories". Eugene Register-Guard. Google News Archives. Associated Press. September 24, 1972. p. 7B. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  9. ^ "Trojans easily on top". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. September 19, 1972. p. 13. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  10. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Kentucky". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Reed, Delbert (October 1, 1972). "Tide runs Vandy down, wins 48–21". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  12. ^ a b c d e f "Bama crushes Vanderbilt, 48–21". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Google News Archives. Associated Press. October 1, 1972. p. B2. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  13. ^ Nissenson, Herschel (September 26, 1972). "USC keeps grid lead". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 9. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  14. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Vanderbilt". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  15. ^ a b c d e Reed, Delbert (October 8, 1972). "Tiders finally bag a Bulldog, 25–7". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  16. ^ a b c d e Gault, Earl (October 8, 1972). "Bama avalanches rival 'Dogs, 25–7". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  17. ^ "USC still tops, Alabama No. 4". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. October 3, 1972. p. 11. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  18. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Georgia". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  19. ^ a b c d e Reed, Delbert (October 15, 1972). "Revived Tide defense skins Gators". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 1B. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  20. ^ a b c d e Stout, Harold (October 15, 1972). "Tide overcomes deficit to clip Florida, 24–7". The Florence Times. Google News Archives. p. 25. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  21. ^ Nissenson, Herschel (October 10, 1972). "Tide edges into third". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 11. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  22. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Florida". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  23. ^ a b c d e f Harris, Jack (October 22, 1972). "Alabama, Auburn 'come home late'". The Florence Times. Google News Archives. p. 25. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  24. ^ a b c d e f "Alabama downs Tennessee 17–10". Star-News. Google News Archives. UPI. October 22, 1972. p. 3C. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  25. ^ "Tide still third; Auburn 15th". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. October 17, 1972. p. 12. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  26. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Tennessee". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  27. ^ a b c d e f Reed, Delbert (October 29, 1972). "Tide grid explosion was for real". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 1B. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  28. ^ a b c d e f Stone, Robin (October 29, 1972). "The Tide came back, won 48–11". The Gadsden Times. Google News Archives. p. 17. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  29. ^ Nissenson, Herschel (October 24, 1972). "Tide jumps to second". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 9. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  30. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Southern Mississippi". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  31. ^ a b c d e f Reed, Delbert (November 5, 1972). "Crimson Tide drowns Dogs, 58–14". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  32. ^ a b c d e f "Second-ranked Tide rolls to 58–14 win". Rome News-Tribune. Google News Archives. UPI. November 5, 1972. p. 2C. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  33. ^ "USC tops list, Alabama second". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. October 31, 1972. p. 11. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  34. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Mississippi State". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  35. ^ a b c d e Reed, Delbert (November 12, 1972). "Hot hand for Terry". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  36. ^ a b c d e "Davis sparks Alabama past unbeaten Louisiana State". Star-News. Google News Archives. UPI. November 12, 1972. p. 2C. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  37. ^ Nissenson, Herschel (November 7, 1972). "Huskers gaining in poll". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 11. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  38. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Louisiana State". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  39. ^ a b c d e f "Gobbler coach humble after 52–13 thrashing". The Florence Times. Google News Archives. Associated Press. November 19, 1972. p. 13. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  40. ^ a b c d e f Reed, Delbert (November 19, 1972). "Crimson defenders throttle Gobblers". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  41. ^ "Alabama second, USC still tops". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. November 14, 1972. p. 12. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  42. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Virginia Tech". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  43. ^ a b c d e f Reed, Delbert (December 3, 1972). "Tiger miracle men stop Alabama run". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  44. ^ a b c d e f "War Eagles upset No. 2 Bama, 17–16". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Google News Archives. Associated Press. December 3, 1972. p. B3. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  45. ^ "USC tops, Tide 2nd". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. November 28, 1972. p. 9. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  46. ^ "Punt Bama Punt". TimesDaily. Google News Archives. November 18, 2006. p. 8C. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  47. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Auburn". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  48. ^ a b c d e Reed, Delbert (January 2, 1973). "Wishbone defense Tide's top need in Cotton defeat". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 9. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  49. ^ a b c d e "Texas shocks Alabama in Cotton, 17–13". Star-News. Google News Archives. UPI. January 2, 1973. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  50. ^ DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Texas". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  51. ^ a b c "Draft History by School–Alabama". National Football League. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  52. ^ a b Kersey, Jason (August 27, 2012). "NCAA's decision to allow freshman eligibility changed football landscape". The Oklahoman. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  53. ^ a b Reed, Delbert (January 21, 1972). "Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 6. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  54. ^ a b c d e Reed, Delbert (November 26, 1972). "Bama frosh win late as usual". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. B1. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  55. ^ a b "Bama frosh fall 14–7". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. September 30, 1972. p. 5. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  56. ^ a b c d "Alabama frosh victors". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 21, 1972. p. 5. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  57. ^ a b Land, Charles (November 4, 1972). "Tide's frosh down Baby Vols". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 6. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  58. ^ a b c d Couchman, Bill (November 11, 1972). "Bama freshmen win a thriller". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 6. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  59. ^ "1972 Season Roster" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  60. ^ 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203
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