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1964 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

{{short description|American college football season}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox college sports team season

| year = 1964

| team = Alabama Crimson Tide

| sport = football

| image =

| image_size =

| conference = Southeastern Conference

| short_conf = SEC

| CoachRank = 1

| APRank = 1

| record = 10–1

| conf_record = 8–0

| head_coach = Bear Bryant

| hc_year = 7th

| def_coach = Gene Stallings

| dc_year = 3rd

| captain = Joe Namath

| captain2 = Ray Ogden

| stadium = Denny Stadium
Legion Field
Ladd Stadium

| champion = AP poll national champion
Coaches Poll national champion
SEC champion

| bowl = Orange Bowl

| bowl_result = {{Tooltip|L|Lost}} 17–21 vs. Texas

}}

{{1964 Southeastern Conference football standings}}

The 1964 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1964 NCAA University Division football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 70th overall and 31st season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his seventh year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Legion Field in Birmingham and Ladd Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. They finished the season with ten wins and one loss (10–1 overall, 8–0 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a loss to Texas (a team Arkansas defeated in Austin, TX) in the Orange Bowl. As the major wire services at that time awarded their national champions prior to the bowl season, Alabama was also recognized as national champions by the AP and UPI before their loss to Texas. After the bowl games, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) named the undefeated Arkansas Razorbacks as the national champions.

The Crimson Tide opened the season ranked in the No. 6 position with wins at Tuscaloosa against Georgia, against Tulane in Mobile and at Birmingham against Vanderbilt. After a victory over NC State in their first non-conference game of the season, Alabama defeated Tennessee in their first road game of the season at Neyland Stadium. The Crimson Tide then returned to Tuscaloosa where they defeated a Steve Spurrier-led Florida team on homecoming before their second road victory at Mississippi State at Jackson.

Alabama then defeated LSU in a newly expanded Legion Field and captured the SEC championship, and the next week defeated Georgia Tech in what was the final game of their annual series. In the annual Iron Bowl against Auburn, the Crimson Tide completed an undefeated regular season with their victory and accepted a bid to play Texas in the Orange Bowl. Although recognized as national champions at the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama closed the season with a loss to the Texas Longhorns in the Orange Bowl.

After the season, Joe Namath was selected as the first overall pick by the New York Jets in the 1965 AFL Draft. In addition to Namath, eleven other lettermen from the 1964 squad were drafted into the National Football League.

Schedule

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 1964

| poll = AP

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 19

| w/l = w

| rank = 6

| opponent = Georgia

| site_stadium = Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 31–3

| attend = 42,525

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ledger-enquirer-tide-sinks-dawgs-313/133684736/|work=The Sunday Ledger-Enquirer|title=Tide sinks 'Dawgs, 31–3|date=September 20, 1964|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 26

| w/l = w

| rank = 6

| opponent = Tulane

| site_stadium = Ladd Stadium

| site_cityst = Mobile, AL

| score = 36–6

| attend = 30,011

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85682615/crimson-tide-overpowers-tulane-green-wav/|work=The Montgomery Advertiser|title=Crimson Tide overpowers Tulane Green Wave, 36–6|date=September 27, 1964|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 3

| w/l = w

| rank = 4

| opponent = Vanderbilt

| site_stadium = Legion Field

| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL

| score = 24–0

| attend = 47,325

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montgomery-advertiser-tide-batters-v/133631159/|work=The Montgomery Advertiser|title=Tide batters Vandy|date=October 4, 1964|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 10

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = NC State

| site_stadium = Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| score = 21–0

| attend = 37,827

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-nc-state-bows-210/133684860/|work=Lincoln Sunday Journal & Star|title=NC State bows 21–0 to Alabama|date=October 11, 1964|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 17

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Tennessee

| site_stadium = Neyland Stadium

| site_cityst = Knoxville, TN

| gamename = Third Saturday in October

| score = 19–8

| attend = 48,627

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101275201/crimson-tide-captures-vols-198/|work=Johnson City Press|title=Crimson Tide captures Vols, 19–8|date=October 18, 1964|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 24

| w/l = w

| homecoming = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Florida

| opprank = 9

| site_stadium = Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 17–14

| attend = 43,200

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tallahassee-democrat-tide-comebacks-thwa/133684406/|work=Tallahassee Democrat|title=Tide comebacks thwart Florida's hopes, 17–14|date=October 25, 1964|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 31

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Mississippi State

| site_stadium = Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Jackson, MS

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 23–6

| attend = 44,350

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/clarion-ledger-alabama-surge-defeats-mis/133632695/|work=The Clarion-Ledger|title=Alabama surge defeats Miss. State U., 23 to 6|date=November 1, 1964|accessdate=October 17, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 7

| w/l = w

| rank = 3

| opponent = LSU

| opprank = 8

| site_stadium = Legion Field

| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = NBC

| score = 17–9

| attend = 67,749

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-dothan-eagle-bama-nips-lsu-to-win-se/133685086/|work=The Dothan Eagle|title=Bama nips LSU to win SEC title|date=November 8, 1964|accessdate=October 17, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 14

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = Georgia Tech

| opprank = 10

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 24–7

| attend = 53,505

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-greenville-news-second-rankes-alabam/133685204/|work=The Greenville News|title=Second-ranked Alabama trounces Ga. Tech 24–7|date=November 15, 1964|accessdate=October 17, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 26

| w/l = w

| neutral = y

| rank = 2

| opponent = Auburn

| site_stadium = Legion Field

| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL

| gamename = Iron Bowl

| tv = NBC

| score = 21–14

| attend = 67,436

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-tide-sinks-tough/133677090/|work=Birmingham Post-Herald|title=Tide sinks tough Auburn, 21–14|date=November 27, 1964|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = January 1, 1965

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| neutral = y

| rank = 1

| opponent = Texas

| opprank = 5

| site_stadium = Miami Orange Bowl

| site_cityst = Miami, FL

| gamename = Orange Bowl

| tv = NBC

| score = 17–21

| attend = 72,647

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123832322/big-plays-by-texas-hold-off-namath-rush/|work=The Miami News|title=Big plays by Texas hold off Namath rush|date=January 2, 1965|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

| seasonsource = {{cite web|url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1964 |title=1964 Alabama football schedule |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125000700/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html |archive-date=November 25, 2011 }}

}}

Game summaries

=Georgia=

{{See also|1964 Georgia Bulldogs football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Georgia

|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=#6 Alabama

|H1=7 |H2=7 |H3=10 |H4=7

|Date=September 19

|Location=Denny Stadium
Tuscaloosa, AL

|Attendance=42,525

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Namath fires Tide by Bulldogs, 31–3 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BRwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AZsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7338%2C2952687 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 20, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 11, 2013}}{{cite news |first=Hap |last=Halbrooks |title=Namath proves a sparkler in 31–3 Alabama victor |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oA4sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oMgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1040%2C2312641 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Florence Times |date=September 20, 1964 |page=25 |access-date=May 11, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

To open the 1964 season, the Crimson Tide defeated Georgia 31–3 in what was the first game for Vince Dooley as head coach of the Bulldogs.1964 Season Recap After the Crimson Tide took a 7–0 lead on a five-yard Hudson Harris touchdown run in the first quarter, Georgia scored their only points early in the second on a 26-yard Robert Etter field goal. Alabama responded with the first of three Joe Namath touchdown runs from eight-yards out that gave the Crimson Tide a 14–3 halftime lead. Alabama closed the game with a 27-yard David Ray field goal and Namath touchdown runs of one and five-yards for the 31–3 victory. In the game, Namath completed 16 of 21 passes for 167 yards, ran for 55 yards, and scored three touchdowns. The 16 completions tied a school record with Harry Gilmer set during the 1946 season, and for his performance Namath was recognized as the AP's Back of the Week.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Alabama's Namath selected national back of week |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zwwOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-3wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7155%2C1178562 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |date=September 23, 1964 |page=2C |access-date=May 11, 2013}} The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Georgia to 28–18–4.{{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 |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216010856/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1265 |archive-date=December 16, 2013 }}

{{clear}}

=Tulane=

{{See also|1964 Tulane Green Wave football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Tulane

|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=6

|Host=#6 Alabama

|H1=0 |H2=10 |H3=10 |H4=16

|Date=September 26

|Location=Ladd Stadium
Mobile, AL

|Attendance=30,011

}}

  • Source:{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=High Tide rolls by Greenies |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DBwfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AZsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7103%2C4136088 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 27, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 11, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

At Mobile, the Crimson Tide defeated the Tulane Green Wave 36–6 in their annual Ladd Stadium game of the season. After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 10–0 halftime lead after David Ray connected on a 22-yard field goal and Joe Namath scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Ray extended the Crimson Tide lead to 20–0 with his 33-yard field goal and 33-yard touchdown reception from Namath in the third quarter. In the fourth, Frank Canterbury scored on a five-yard touchdown run, and Tulane responded with their only points of the game on an eight-yard David East touchdown pass to Lanis O'Steen. Alabama then closed the game with a one-yard Namath run that made the final score 36–6. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tulane to 22–10–3.{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Tulane |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3267 |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227093118/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3267 |archive-date=2013-12-27 }}

{{clear}}

=Vanderbilt=

{{see also|1964 Vanderbilt Commodores football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Vanderbilt

|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=No. 4 Alabama

|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=14 |H4=10

|Date=October 3

|Location=Legion Field
Birmingham, AL

|Attendance=47,325

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |first=Ronnie |last=Thomas |title=Tide whips Vandy 24–0 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GAQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QNUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1832%2C332232 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Gadsden Times |date=October 4, 1964 |page=21 |access-date=May 11, 2013}}{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Alabama gets 24–0 victory |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZHVJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VwsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1789%2C724012 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The News and Courier |date=October 4, 1964 |page=4D |access-date=May 11, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After their victory over Tulane, Alabama moved into the No. 4 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt.{{cite news |first=Dick |last=Couch |agency=Associated Press |title=Tide draws fourth spot in grid poll |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19640929&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 29, 1964 |page=6 |access-date=May 11, 2013}} In the first Legion Field game of the season, the Crimson Tide shut out the Commodores, 24–0, at Birmingham. After a scoreless first half, Alabama took a 14–0 third-quarter lead on a two-yard Joe Namath touchdown pass to Hudson Harris and on a 15-yard Namath run. They then closed the game with a nine-yard Namath touchdown pass to Tommy Tolleson and a 28-yard David Ray field goal in the fourth quarter that made the final score 24–0. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 23–16–4.{{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 |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231175231/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3363 |archive-date=2014-12-31 }}

{{clear}}

=NC State=

{{see also|1964 NC State Wolfpack football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=NC State

|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=#3 Alabama

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=7

|Date=October 10

|Location=Denny Stadium
Tuscaloosa, AL

|Attendance=37,827

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Sloan sparks Alabama victory |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Bg4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5896%2C1632673 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 11, 1964 |page=11 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite news |agency=UPI |title=Alabama breaks State's bubble |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a3VJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VwsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3135%2C2041169 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The News and Courier |date=October 11, 1964 |page=4D |access-date=May 12, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After their victory over Vanderbilt, Alabama moved up one position in the polls to the No. 3 spot prior to their first non-conference game of the season.{{cite news |first=Ted |last=Meier |agency=Associated Press |title=Tide climbs to third spot in national football poll |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BQ4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4964%2C976133 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 6, 1964 |page=10 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} In a game that saw starting quarterback Joe Namath injured in the second quarter, backup Steve Sloan rallied the Crimson Tide to a 21–0 victory over the NC State Wolfpack in Tuscaloosa. After a scoreless first quarter, Namath twisted his knee with just over 6:00 remaining in the half. Sloan entered the game and led Alabama on a 69-yard drive that culminated with his one-yard touchdown run to give Alabama a 7–0 halftime lead. The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a three-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run in the third and a 10-yard Sloan touchdown pass to Tommy Tolleson in the fourth that made the final score 21–0. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against NC State to 3–0.{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs North Carolina State |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=2287 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023104531/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=2287 |archive-date=2011-10-23 }}

{{clear}}

=Tennessee=

{{See also|1964 Tennessee Volunteers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=Third Saturday in October

|Visitor=#3 Alabama

|V1=3 |V2=13 |V3=0 |V4=3

|Host=Tennessee

|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=8 |H4=0

|Date=October 17

|Location=Neyland Stadium
Knoxville, TN

|Attendance=48,627

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Tide handles Vols, 19–8 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Cw4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7334%2C2733178 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 18, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Alabama beats Tennessee 19–8 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-eBXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GekDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5711%2C673694 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Spokesman-Review |date=October 16, 1964 |page=C4 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In what was their first road game of the 1964 season, Alabama defeated the rival Tennessee Volunteers 19–8 at Neyland Stadium. David Ray gave the Crimson Tide an early 3–0 lead after he connected on a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter. Alabama then extended their lead to 16–0 at halftime with a pair of second-quarter touchdowns. The first came on a one-yard Steve Sloan run and the second after Wayne Cook blocked a Tennessee punt that Gaylon McCollough returned 22-yards for a touchdown. The Volunteers cut the Tide's lead in half to 16–8 with a seven-yard Hal Wantland touchdown run and two-point conversion in the third quarter. A 23-yard Ray field goal in the fourth quarter provided for the final 19–8 margin in the Alabama victory. Tom Fisher starred defensively for Tennessee with a blocked field goal, a blocked punt and an interception of a Sloan pass in defeat. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 22–19–6.{{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 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173115/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3180 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 }}

{{clear}}

=Florida=

{{See also|1964 Florida Gators football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=#9 Florida

|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=7 |V4=0

|Host=#3 Alabama

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=10

|Date=October 24

|Location=Denny Stadium
Tuscaloosa, AL

|Attendance=43,200

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |first=Buddy |last=Martin |title=Crimson Tide nips Gators |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=y5xPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_AQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6733%2C5480738 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner |date=October 25, 1964 |page=17 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Alabama fights off Gators, 17–14 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dw4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6793%2C3939617 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 25, 1964 |page=11 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

As they entered their 1964 homecoming game against Florida, Alabama was ranked No. 3 and Florida No. 9 in the AP Poll.{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Watkins |title=Victory puts the icing on homecoming cake |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dw4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4588%2C3879162 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 25, 1964 |page=1 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} Against the Gators, Alabama rallied for a 17–14 comeback victory after they scored ten unanswered points in the fourth quarter. After a scoreless first quarter, Florida took a 7–0 second quarter lead when Steve Spurrier threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Randy Jackson. Alabama responded with a one-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run later in the quarter that tied the game 7–7 at halftime. In the third, the Gators retook the lead with a three-yard John Feiber touchdown run before the Crimson Tide started their fourth quarter rally. In the final period, a 30-yard Bowman touchdown run tied the game and a 21-yard David Ray field goal with just 3:06 left in the game. Spurrier then led the Gators on a drive that stalled at the Tide's seven-yard line where James Hall missed a field goal to tie the game and preserved the 17–14 Alabama win. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Florida to 9–5.{{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 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113090657/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1113 |archive-date=2013-11-13 }}

{{clear}}

=Mississippi State=

{{see also|1964 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=#3 Alabama

|V1=3 |V2=6 |V3=14 |V4=0

|Host=Mississippi State

|H1=6 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date=October 31

|Location=Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Jackson, MS

|Attendance=44,350

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |agency=UPI |title=Field goals lift Alabama, 23 to 6 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W3tJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fQsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3219%2C258532 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The News and Courier |date=November 1, 1964 |page=2D |access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Ray, Sloan spark Bama by Bulldogs, 23–6 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Fv0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6915%2C75827 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 1, 1964 |page=13 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

At the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, a near sellout crowd saw David Ray connect on three field goals and Steve Bowman score on a pair of touchdown runs in this 23–6 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs took an early 6–0 lead after a seven-yard Price Hodges touchdown run capped a 64-yard opening drive for Mississippi State. Ray field goals of 34, 40 and 20-yards that followed gave the Crimson Tide a 9–6 halftime lead. Alabama then held the Bulldogs to only four offensive plays in the third quarter and scored on a pair of one-yard Bowman touchdown runs for the 23–6 win. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Mississippi State to 36–10–3.{{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 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023093940/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=2049 |archive-date=October 23, 2011 }}

{{clear}}

=LSU=

{{see also|1964 LSU Tigers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=#8 LSU

|V1=6 |V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=#3 Alabama

|H1=7 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=10

|Date=November 7

|Location=Legion Field
Birmingham, AL

|Attendance=67,749

}}

  • Source:{{cite news |first=Hap |last=Halbrooks |title=Tide downs LSU |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VCIsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D8gEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1219%2C1046152 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Florence Times |date=November 8, 1964 |page=27 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Alabama wraps up SEC title with 17–9 win |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7280%2C1101969 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 8, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

As they entered their game against LSU, Alabama remained in the No. 3 position with the Tigers in the No. 8 position for a top ten matchup.{{cite news |first=Murray |last=Chass |agency=Associated Press |title=Irish climb past Bucks as Alabama stays third |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4682%2C506035 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 3, 1964 |page=6 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} Against the Tigers, Alabama rallied back for a 17–9 win that secured the 1964 SEC championship at Legion Field in Birmingham. LSU scored first and took an early 6–0 lead on a 13-yard Billy Ezell touchdown pass to Doug Moreau. The Crimson Tide responded later in the first quarter with a one-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run and took a 7–6 lead. Later, a 35-yard Moreau field goal in the second quarter gave the Tigers a 9–7 halftime lead that they retained through the fourth quarter when Alabama started their rally. In the fourth, the Tide took the lead with a 36-yard David Ray field goal and extended it to the final margin of 17–9 later in the quarter when Hudson Harris intercepted and Ezell pass and returned it 34-yards for the touchdown.

The game was also the dedication of 13,000 additional seats at Legion Field, and the 67,749 in attendance made it the largest crowd to ever see a football game in the state of Alabama at that time. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against LSU to 16–8–4.{{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 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173117/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1793 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 }}

{{clear}}

=Georgia Tech=

{{see also|1964 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=#2 Alabama

|V1=0 |V2=14 |V3=3 |V4=7

|Host=#10 Georgia Tech

|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=7

|Date=November 14

|Location=Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

|Attendance=50,332

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title='Bama routs Georgia Tech for 9th, 24–7 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2JMzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N-kFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2461%2C4744446 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Miami News |date=November 15, 1964 |page=C1 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite news |first=Norman |last=Bassett |title=Quick striking Alabama dumps Tech 24–7 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6717%2C2191828 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 15, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After their victory over LSU, Alabama moved into the No. 2 position and Georgia Tech, which exited the SEC following the 1963 season, into the No. 10 position in the AP poll prior to their game in Atlanta.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Tide challenging Irish for lead |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7143%2C1530651 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 6, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} In what was the final game of a series that stretched back nearly uninterrupted to the 1920s, Alabama defeated the Yellow Jackets 24–7 at Grant Field.{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Tide, Tech write end to great series Saturday |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Hv0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7292%2C2042308 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 13, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} After a scoreless first quarter, an injured Joe Namath entered the game for the Crimson Tide and led them to a pair of touchdowns in just a 1:20 of playing time.{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Namath tosses spark victory |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6981%2C2189571 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 15, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} After Alabama recovered a Tech fumble at their 49-yard line, Namath threw a 48-yard completion to David Ray and on the next play took a 7–0 lead on a one-yard Steve Bowman touchdown run. The Crimson Tide then recovered an onside kick on the kickoff that ensued on the Jackets' 48-yard line. On the next play, Namath passed for 45-yards to Ray Ogden and then threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Ray for the 14–0 halftime lead.

After a 22-yard Ray field goal extended their lead to 17–0 in the third, Bowman scored on a four-yard fumble recovered for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Georgia Tech did manage to avoid the shutout late in the fourth when Jerry Priestley threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Giles Smith that made the final score 24–7. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Georgia Tech to 24–19–3.{{Cite web |last=DeLassus |first=David |title=Alabama vs Georgia Tech |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1273 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023092823/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1273 |archive-date=2011-10-23 }}

{{clear}}

=Auburn=

{{See also|1964 Auburn Tigers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=Iron Bowl

|Visitor=Auburn

|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=7

|Host=#2 Alabama

|H1=6 |H2=0 |H3=8 |H4=7

|Date=November 26

|Location=Legion Field
Birmingham, AL

|Attendance=67,436

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Tide does it the hard way again, 21–14 over Auburn |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7393%2C4445401 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 27, 1964 |page=8 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite book |last=Griffin |first=John Chandler |title=Alabama vs. Auburn: Gridiron Grudge Since 1893 |year=2001 |publisher=Hill Street Press |location=Athens, Georgia |isbn= 1-58818-044-1 |pages=175–177 |chapter=1964: 10–0 Alabama wins another national championship}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In the week prior to their game against Auburn, Alabama retained their No. 2 ranking in the AP poll.{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Green |agency=Associated Press |title=Tide stays second |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jf0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4483%2C3993012 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 24, 1964 |page=9 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} In the annual Iron Bowl game, Alabama defeated the Tigers 21–14 land secured their second undefeated regular season under coach Bryant. The Crimson Tide took an early 6–0 lead after Steve Bowman recovered an Auburn fumble on a failed punt attempt and returned it 39-yards for a touchdown. The Tigers responded with a three-yard Tucker Frederickson touchdown run in the second quarter for a 7–6 halftime lead. Alabama then took a 14–7 lead in the third after Ray Ogden returned the opening kickoff 107 yards for a touchdown. An Auburn fumble then set up the final scoring drive for Alabama in the fourth that culminated in a 23-yard Joe Namath touchdown pass to Ray Perkins for a 21–7 lead. The Tigers responded later with a 16-yard Tom Bryan touchdown pass to Jimmy Sidle that made the final score 21–14. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Auburn to 14–14–1.{{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 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014172303/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=220 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 }}

{{clear}}

=Texas=

{{See also|1964 Texas Longhorns football team|1965 Orange Bowl}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=Orange Bowl

|Visitor=#5 Texas

|V1=7 |V2=14 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=#1 Alabama

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=3

|Date=January 1, 1965

|Location=Miami Orange Bowl
Miami, FL

|Attendance=72,647

}}

  • Sources:{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Longhorns hold off fighting Tide, 21–17 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=January 2, 1965 |page=6 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19650101&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|access-date=May 12, 2013}}{{cite news |first=Tommy |last=Fitzgerald |title=Big plays by Texas hold off Namath rush |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Miami News |date=January 2, 1965 |page=1B |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c7QzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=auoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1003%2C302021 |access-date=May 12, 2013}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Immediately after their Iron Bowl victory, Alabama accepted a bid to play Texas in the Orange Bowl.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2887%2C4450303 |title=Orange Bowl bid offered, accepted |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |page=9 |date=November 27, 1964 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} Although they were recognized as undefeated national champions at the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama lost to the Longhorns 21–17 in the game and finished the season 10–1. Texas took a 14–0 lead after touchdowns were scored on a 79-yard Ernie Koy run in the first and on a 69-yard Jim Hudson pass to George Sauer Jr. in the second quarter. The Crimson Tide responded with a seven-yard Joe Namath touchdown pass to Wayne Trimble, but a two-yard Koy touchdown run made the halftime score 21–7 in favor of Texas. Alabama closed the game with a 20-yard Ray Perkins touchdown reception in the third and with a 26-yard David Ray field goal in the fourth, but lost 21–17. The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Texas to 0–5–1.{{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=3198 |access-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023095640/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=3198 |archive-date=2011-10-23 }}

{{clear}}

National championship claim

{{See also|College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS}}

The NCAA recognizes consensus national champions as the teams that have captured a championship by way of one of the major polls since the 1950 college football season.{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2012/FBS.pdf |title=National Poll Champions |page=73 |author=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |work=2012 NCAA Division I Football Records |publisher=NCAA.org |access-date=May 12, 2013 }}{{cite news |title=Got 12? Here's how Alabama bumped up its claim to a dozen national titles |url=http://blog.al.com/solomon/2010/01/got_12.html |first=Jon |last=Solomon |newspaper=The Birmingham News |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} After No. 1 Notre Dame was upset by USC in their final game of the season, it was speculated that Alabama would move into the top position in the polls and claim the 1964 national championship.{{cite news |title=Mighty Irish fall, Bama No. 1 now? |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2435%2C4538659 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 29, 1964 |page=1 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} As such, the Crimson Tide were voted into the No. 1 position in both the final AP and UPI polls and captured the national championship.{{cite news |title=Bama crowned best in nation |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UhAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CJsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6830%2C21745 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=December 1, 1964 |page=1 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} On November 30, the final UPI poll was released with Alabama in the No. 1 position having claimed 33 first place votes and 333 total points in the poll ahead of No. 2 Arkansas. On December 1, the final AP poll was released with Alabama in the No. 1 position having claimed 34.5 first place votes ahead of the 11.5 first place votes awarded to No. 2 Arkansas.

Although officially recognized as national champions at the conclusion of the regular season, Alabama went on to lose against Texas in the Orange Bowl.{{cite news |agency=UPI |title=Namath, Alabama won't soon forget Nobis & Co. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wlgmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_nwDAAAAIBAJ&dq=alabama%201964%20national%20championship&pg=7211%2C1160806 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |date=January 3, 1965 |page=6C |access-date=May 12, 2013}} Due to this embarrassment, and the increasing number of top ranked teams participating in bowl games, 1964 was one of the final years the AP released its final poll before the completion of bowl season.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Spartans eye college title |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DcUiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y7cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3184%2C6874604 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Pal Beach Post |date=November 24, 1965 |page=16 |access-date=May 12, 2013}} The AP would permanently switch to a final poll conducted after the bowl games starting with the 1968 season. Arkansas defeated Nebraska in the 1965 Cotton Bowl Classic and was the only major team that finished the entire season undefeated, to include a victory over Texas in Austin. Arkansas was voted national champions by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the Helms Athletic Foundation after the bowl games.

NFL/AFL Draft

Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1964 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) between the 1965 and 1967 drafts. These players included the following:

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/AFL team

rowspan=4|1965 NFL draft
{{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 |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-date=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715084011/http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=A&collegeName=Alabama&abbrFlag=0&type=school }}

| 1

| 12

! {{Sortname|Joe|Namath}}

| Quarterback

| St. Louis Cardinals

3

| 40

! {{Sortname|Ray|Ogden}}

| End

| St. Louis Cardinals

9

| 120

! {{Sortname|Frank|McClendon|nolink=1}}

| Tackle

| Minnesota Vikings

10

| 131

! {{Sortname|Gaylon|McCullough|nolink=1}}

| Center

| Dallas Cowboys

rowspan=3|1965 AFL Draft
{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/draft.htm |title=1965 AFL Draft |work=Sports Reference, LLC |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=May 11, 2013}}

| 1

| 1

! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Joe|Namath}}

| Quarterback

| New York Jets

8

| 58

! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Ray|Ogden}}

| Tight end

| Houston Oilers

19

| 147

! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Frank|McClendon|nolink=1}}

| Tackle

| Oakland Raiders

rowspan=3|1966 NFL draft

| 11

| 156

! {{Sortname|Steve|Sloan}}

| Quarterback

| Atlanta Falcons

15

| 216

! {{Sortname|Tom|Tolleson|Tommy Tolleson}}

| Wide receiver

| Atlanta Falcons

15

| 226

! {{Sortname|Steve|Bowman|Steve Bowman (American football)}}

| Running back

| New York Giants

rowspan=2|1966 AFL Draft
{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/draft.htm |title=1966 AFL Draft |work=Sports Reference, LLC |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=May 11, 2013}}

| 17

| 150

! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Tom|Tolleson|Tommy Tolleson}}

| Wide receiver

| New York Jets

20

| 179

! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Steve|Bowman|Steve Bowman (American football)}}

| Halfback

| Oakland Raiders

rowspan=4|1967 NFL/AFL draft

| 1

| 26

! {{Sortname|Leslie|Kelley}}

| Running back
Linebacker

| New Orleans Saints

4

| 82

! {{Sortname|Louis|Thompson|nolink=1}}

| Defensive tackle

| New York Giants

4

| 91

! {{Sortname|Wayne|Trimble}}

| Defensive tackle

| San Francisco 49ers

9

| 230

! {{Sortname|Cecil|Dowdy}}

| Linebacker

| Cleveland Browns

Freshman squad

Prior to the 1972 NCAA University Division football season, NCAA rules prohibited freshmen from participating on the varsity team, and as such many schools fielded freshmen teams.{{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|access-date=May 11, 2013|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=August 27, 2012}}{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=Unanimous vote makes SEC frosh eligible |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KZwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410%2C4178967 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=January 21, 1972 |page=6 |access-date=May 11, 2013}} For the 1964 season, the Alabama freshmen squad was coached by Sam Bailey and finished their season with a record of two wins and two losses (2–2).{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=Homan's dash starts 17–0 Baby Tide win over Tigers |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1185%2C3497837 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 22, 1964 |page=11 |access-date=May 11, 2013}} Alabama opened the season with a 14–7 loss to Mississippi State in a game that saw the Baby Tide turn the ball over seven times.{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Land |title=State frosh deal Tide 14–7 defeat |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=XUmZziu-z7kC&dat=19641003&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 3, 1964 |page=6 |access-date=May 11, 2013}} The Bulldogs took a 7–0 lead in the first quarter on a one-yard Walter Pennebaker touchdown run. Alabama tied the game 7–7 in the third quarter on a 46-yard Ken Stabler touchdown pass to Dennis Homan; however, Stabler threw an interception later in the third to Alton Ellis that he returned 73 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

Two weeks later, Alabama won their first game of the season at New Orleans with a 13–6 victory over Tulane.{{cite news |title=Davis, Stabler lead fresh win |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dg4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1803%2C3854333 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=October 24, 1964 |page=8 |access-date=May 11, 2013}} The Baby Tide scored on their first offensive play when Stabler threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Homan in the first quarter. Steve Davis kicked a 26-yard field goal on the next Alabama possession and another from 24 yards out in the third that made the score 13–0 in favor of the Tide. Paul Arnold scored Tulane's only points in the fourth quarter on a one-yard run and made the final score 13–6. In their third game, Alabama was shut out by Ole Miss, 14–0, at Hemingway Stadium.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=UA freshmen fall to Rebs |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=H_0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1895%2C2121246 |via=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=November 14, 1964 |page=7 |access-date=May 11, 2013}} In the game, Rebel touchdowns were scored on a pair of Carr Walker touchdown passes. The first came in the opening period to Milie Haile and the second on a 59-yard pass to Carl Pope in the third quarter.

The next week, Alabama closed the season with a 17–0 victory over rival Auburn at Denny Stadium. The Baby Tide took a 14–0 first quarter lead on a 70-yard Homan punt return and on a one-yard Phil Schaeffer touchdown run that capped a 71-yard drive. Steve Davis provided for the final points of the game late in the fourth quarter n a 21-yard field goal that made the final score 21–0.

Personnel

{{Col-begin}}

{{Col-2}}

=Varsity letter winners=

class="wikitable" border="1"
;

! Player

! Hometown

! Position

Mickey Andrews

| Ozark, Alabama

| Halfback

Tim Bates

| Tarrant, Alabama

| Linebacker

Steve Bowman

| Pascagoula, Mississippi

| Fullback

Frank Canterbury

| Birmingham, Alabama

| Halfback

Wayne Cook

| Montgomery, Alabama

| Tight end

Paul Crane

| Prichard, Alabama

| Center

Tim Davis

| Columbus, Georgia

| Placekicker

Cecil Dowdy

| Cherokee, Alabama

| Offensive tackle

Ron Durby

| Memphis, Tennessee

| Tackle

Grady Elmore

| Ozark, Alabama

| Halfback

Wayne Freeman

| Fort Payne, Alabama

| Guard

Buddy French

| Decatur, Alabama

| Placekicker

Jim Fuller

| Fairfield, Alabama

| Tackle

Creed Gilmer

| Birmingham, Alabama

| Defensive end

Hudson Harris

| Tarrant, Alabama

| Halfback

Mike Hopper

| Huntsville, Alabama

| End

Dan Kearley

| Talladega, Alabama

| Defensive tackle

Leslie Kelley

| Cullman, Alabama

| Fullback

Frankie McClendon

| Guntersville, Alabama

| Tackle

Gaylon McCollough

| Enterprise, Alabama

| Center

Ken Mitchell

| Florence, Alabama

| Guard

John Mosley

| Thomaston, Alabama

| Halfback

Joe Namath

| Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania

| Quarterback

Ray Ogden

| Jesup, Georgia

| Halfback

Ray Perkins

| Petal, Mississippi

| End

David Ray

| Phenix City, Alabama

| Placekicker

Jackie Sherrill

| Biloxi, Mississippi

| Fullback

Jim Simmons

| Piedmont, Alabama

| Tackle

Steve Sloan

| Cleveland, Tennessee

| Quarterback

Charles Stephens

| Thomasville, Alabama

| End

Tommy Tolleson

| Talladega, Alabama

| End

Wayne Trimble

| Cullman, Alabama

| Quarterback

Larry Wall

| Valley, Alabama

| Fullback

colspan="3" style="font-size: 8pt" align="center"|Reference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 187–201

{{Col-2}}

=Coaching staff=

class="wikitable" border="1" style="font-size:90%;"
NamePositionSeasons at
Alabama		Alma Mater
Bear BryantHead coachalign=center| 7Alabama (1936)
Sam BaileyAssistant coachalign=center| 7Ouachita Baptist (1949)
Ken DonahueAssistant coachalign=center| 1Tennessee (1951)
Jim GoostreeAssistant coachalign=center| 8Tennessee (1952)
Clem GryskaAssistant coachalign=center| 5Alabama (1948)
Dude HennesseyAssistant coachalign=center| 5Kentucky (1955)
Pat JamesAssistant coachalign=center| 7Kentucky (1951)
Carney LaslieAssistant coachalign=center| 7Austin American, Sat Jan 26, 1957, "Bear Hires Line Coach From Army". UP

Austin American, Sun Jan 27, 1957, Bear Picks No. 1 Aide, Oldsters

Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Sports Report, by Gene Gregston,. Tuesday, Sep 17, 1957

Alabama (1934)
Ken MeyerAssistant coachalign=center| 2Denison (1950)
Mal MooreAssistant coachalign=center| 1Alabama (1962)
Dee PowellAssistant coachalign=center| 2Texas A&M (1957)
Hayden RileyAssistant coachalign=center| 7Alabama (1948)
Howard SchnellenbergerAssistant coachalign=center| 4Kentucky (1956)
Jimmy SharpeAssistant coachalign=center| 2Alabama (1962)
Gene StallingsAssistant coachalign=center| 7Texas A&M (1957)
Richard WilliamsonAssistant coachalign=center| 1Alabama (1963)
colspan="4" style="font-size: 8pt" align="center"|Reference:2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book, pp. 202–203

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References

General

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  • {{cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/64-m-footbl-recaps.pdf |title=1964 Season Recaps |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425163814/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/64-m-footbl-recaps.pdf |url-status=dead }}
  • {{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 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717112227/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf |archive-date=July 17, 2013 }}

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Specific

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Alabama

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