1977 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
{{short description|American college football season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox college sports team season
| year = 1977
| team = Alabama Crimson Tide
| sport = football
| image =
| image_size =
| conference = Southeastern Conference
| short_conf = SEC
| CoachRank = 2
| APRank = 2
| record = 11–1
| conf_record = 7–0
| head_coach = Bear Bryant
| hc_year = 20th
| captain = Mike Tucker
| captain2 = Ozzie Newsome
| stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium
Legion Field
| champion = National champion (Football Research)
SEC champion
Sugar Bowl champion
| bowl = Sugar Bowl
| bowl_result = {{Tooltip|W|Won}} 35–6 vs. Ohio State
}}
{{1977 Southeastern Conference football standings}}
The 1977 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1977 NCAA Division I football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 83rd overall and 44th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Bear Bryant, in his 20th year, and played their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished season with eleven wins and one loss (11–1 overall, 7–0 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a 35–6 victory over Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.
Schedule
{{CFB schedule
| rankyear = 1977
| poll = AP Poll
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 10
| w/l = w
| rank = 6
| opponent = Ole Miss
| site_stadium = Legion Field
| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL
| gamename = rivalry
| score = 34–13
| attend = 74,324
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hattiesburg-american-rutledge-guides-ala/134276756/|work=Hattiesburg American|title=Rutledge guides Alabama past Ole Miss, 34–14|date=September 11, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 17
| w/l = l
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| rank = 4
| opponent = Nebraska
| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
| site_cityst = Lincoln, NE
| tv = ABC
| score = 24–31
| attend = 75,899
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-anniston-star-tide-defense-cant-sto/134286009/|work=The Anniston Star|title=Tide defense can't stop 'Huskers|date=September 18, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 24
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank = 10
| opponent = Vanderbilt
| site_stadium = Dudley Field
| site_cityst = Nashville, TN
| score = 24–12
| attend = 34,694
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-davis-lip-and/134275611/|work=The Atlanta Journal & Constitution|title=Davis' lip and legs beat Vandy|date=September 25, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 1
| w/l = w
| rank = 10
| opponent = Georgia
| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium
| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
| gamename = rivalry
| score = 18–10
| attend = 60,210
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal-tide-hands-dogs/134273697/|work=The Selma Times-Journal|title=Tide hands 'Dogs 18–10 SEC setback|date=October 2, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 8
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| rank = 7
| opponent = USC
| opprank = 1
| site_stadium = Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
| site_cityst = Los Angeles, CA
| tv = ABC
| score = 21–20
| attend = 63,140
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-register-alabama-hangs-on-to-upset-t/134286192/|work=The Register|title=Alabama hangs on to upset Trojans|date=October 9, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 15
| w/l = w
| rank = 4
| opponent = Tennessee
| site_stadium = Legion Field
| site_cityst = Birmingham, AL
| gamename = Third Saturday in October
| score = 24–10
| attend = 71,000
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101396293/alabama-defense-sticks-volunteers-in-24/|work=The Anniston Star|title=Alabama defense sticks Volunteers in 24–10 victory|date=October 16, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 22
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| homecoming = y
| rank = 3
| opponent = Louisville
| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium
| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
| score = 55–6
| attend = 60,210
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/panama-city-news-herald-crimson-tide-rom/134286328/|work=Panama City News-Herald|title=Crimson Tide romps Louisville by 55–6|date=October 23, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 29
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank = 2
| opponent = Mississippi State
| site_stadium = Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
| site_cityst = Jackson, MS
| gamename = rivalry
| score = 37–7
| attend = 47,500
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-time-and-tide-w/134278765/|work=The Atlanta Journal & Constitution|title=Time and Tide wait not for Mississippi State|date=October 30, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 5
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank = 2
| opponent = LSU
| opprank = 18
| site_stadium = Tiger Stadium
| site_cityst = Baton Rouge, LA
| gamename = rivalry
| tv = ABC
| score = 24–3
| attend = 65,377
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-tide-powers-past-tigers/134283461/|work=The Shreveport Times|title=Tide powers past Tigers|date=November 6, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 12
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| rank = 2
| opponent = Miami (FL)
| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium
| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL
| score = 36–0
| attend = 57,422
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-dothan-eagle-rutledge-newsome-alab/134286490/|work=The Dothan Eagle|title=Rutledge, Newsome, Alabama too much|date=November 13, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 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
| score = 48–21
| attend = 69,721
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-alabama-scoring-sp/134284929/|work=The Commercial Appeal|title=Alabama scoring spree ends Eagle upset hopes|date=November 27, 1977|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = January 2, 1978
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| neutral = y
| rank = 3
| opponent = Ohio State
| opprank = 9
| site_stadium = Louisiana Superdome
| site_cityst = New Orleans, LA
| gamename = Sugar Bowl
| tv = ABC
| score = 35–6
| attend = 76,811
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-tide-rips-onio-st/134286725/|work=Birmingham Post-Herald|title=Tide rips Onio State 35–6 in sweet Sugar|date=January 3, 1978|accessdate=October 29, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
}}
Game summaries
=Ole Miss=
{{see also|Alabama–Ole Miss football rivalry}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Ole Miss Rebels (1–0) at #6 Alabama Crimson Tide (0–0)
|date=September 10
|time=
|road=Ole Miss
|R1=6 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Alabama
|H1=13 |H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=7
|stadium=Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
|attendance=74,324
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- ALA – Mitch Ferguson 6-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 7–0.
- MISS – Bobby Garner 1-yard run (kick failed). Alabama 7–6.
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge 8-yard run (pass failed). Alabama 13–6.
Second quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 20–6.
- MISS – Curtis Weathers 36-yard pass from Bobby Garner (Carl Langley kick). Alabama 20–13.
- ALA – Steve Whitman 3-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 27–13.
Third quarter
- No scoring
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 34–13.
|stats=
;Top passers
- MISS – Bobby Garner – 6/9, 104 yards, TD
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 7/8, 215 yards
;Top rushers
- MISS – James Storey – 13 rushes, 43 yards
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 18 rushes, 90 yards
;Top receivers
- MISS – Curtis Weathers – 3 receptions, 62 yards, TD
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 3 receptions, 93 yards
}}
=At Nebraska=
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=#4 Alabama Crimson Tide (1–0) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0)
|date=September 17
|time=
|road=Alabama
|R1= 7|R2=10 |R3=0 |R4=7
|home=Nebraska
|H1= 10|H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=7
|stadium=Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
|attendance=75,899
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=ABC
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- NEB – Billy Todd 29-yard field goal, 10:38. Nebraska 3–0.
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge 7-yard run (Roger Chapman kick), 7:36. Alabama 7–3.
- NEB – Rick Berns 7-yard pass from Randy Garcia (Billy Todd kick), 0:31. Nebraska 10–7.
Second quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 2-yard run (Roger Chapman kick), 10:45. Alabama 14–10.
- NEB – Rick Berns 2-yard run (Billy Todd kick), 3:26. Nebraska 17–14.
- ALA – Roger Chapman 37-yard field goal, 0:10. Tie 17–17.
Third quarter
- NEB – Curtis Craig 17-yard run (Billy Todd kick), 10:54. Nebraska 24–17.
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick), 12:24. Tie 24–24.
- NEB – Rick Berns 2-yard run (Billy Todd kick), 7:12. Nebraska 31–24.
|stats=
;Top passers
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 13/31, 198 yards, 5 INT
- NEB – Randy Garcia – 7/11, 123 yards, TD, INT
;Top rushers
- ALA – Tony Nathan – 16 rushes, 90 yards, 2 TD
- NEB – Rick Berns – 23 rushes, 128 yards, 2 TD
;Top receivers
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 8 receptions, 132 yards
- NEB – I.M. Hipp – 1 reception, 53 yards
}}
Alabama went into Lincoln with Nebraska still feeling the sting of a home loss to Washington State. While the Crimson Tide slightly exceeded the Cornhuskers in offensive production, five interceptions helped give Nebraska the edge to pull off the stunning upset.
=At Vanderbilt=
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=#10 Alabama Crimson Tide (1–1) at Vanderbilt Commodores (1–1)
|date=September 24
|time=
|road=Alabama
|R1=10 |R2=6 |R3=0 |R4=8
|home=Vanderbilt
|H1=6 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=6
|stadium=Dudley Field, Nashville, Tennessee
|attendance=34,694
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- ALA – Roger Chapman 20-yard field goal. Alabama 3–0.
- VAN – Greg Martin 37-yard field goal. Tie 3–3.
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 10–3.
- VAN – Greg Martin 29-yard field goal. Alabama 10–6.
Second quarter
- ALA – Roger Chapman 46-yard field goal. Alabama 13–6.
- ALA – Roger Chapman 34-yard field goal. Alabama 16–6.
Third quarter
- No scoring
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Safety, Vanderbilt kicks ball out of end zone. Alabama 18–6.
- VAN – George Dickerson 36-yard pass from Mike Wright (kick failed). Alabama 18–12.
- ALA – Johnny Davis 2-yard run (run failed). Alabama 24–12.
|stats=
;Top passers
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 2/6, 28 yards
- VAN – Mike Wright – 4/6, 58 yards, TD
;Top rushers
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 24 rushes, 153 yards, TD
- VAN – Randy Hampton – 10 rushes, 39 yards
;Top receivers
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 2 receptions, 28 yards
- VAN – Hal Kemp – 3 receptions, 25 yards
}}
=Georgia=
{{see also|Alabama–Georgia football rivalry}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Georgia Bulldogs (2–1) at #10 Alabama Crimson Tide (2–1)
|date=October 1
|time=
|road=Georgia
|R1=3 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=7
|home=Alabama
|H1=9 |H2=0 |H3=6 |H4=3
|stadium=Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
|attendance=60,210
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- ALA – Safety, Georgia punter drops ball out of end zone. Alabama 2–0.
- ALA – Johnny Davis 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 9–0.
- UGA – Rex Robinson 53-yard field goal. Alabama 9–3.
Second quarter
- No scoring
Third quarter
- ALA – Roger Chapman 22-yard field goal. Alabama 12–3.
- ALA – Roger Chapman 29-yard field goal. Alabama 15–3.
Fourth quarter
- UGA – Willie McClendon 7-yard run (Rex Robinson kick). Alabama 15–10.
- ALA – Roger Chapman 32-yard field goal. Alabama 18–10.
|stats=
;Top passers
- UGA – Randy Cook – 5/16, 67 yards, 2 INT
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 3/5, 33 yards
;Top rushers
- UGA – Kevin McLee – 13 rushes, 45 yards
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 18 rushes, 66 yards, TD
;Top receivers
- UGA – Mark Hodge – 2 receptions, 34 yards
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 2 receptions, 20 yards
}}
=At USC=
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=#7 Alabama Crimson Tide (3–1) at #1 USC Trojans (4–0)
|date=October 8
|time=
|road=Alabama
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=7 |R4=14
|home=USC
|H1=3 |H2=0 |H3=3 |H4=14
|stadium=Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
|attendance=63,140
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=ABC
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- USC – Frank Jordan 32-yard field goal. USC 3–0.
Second quarter
- No scoring
Third quarter
- ALA – Johnny Davis 2-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 7–3.
- USC – Frank Jordan 23-yard field goal. Alabama 7–6.
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 14–6.
- ALA – Tony Nathan 13-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 21–6.
- USC – Calvin Sweeney 10-yard pass from Rob Hertel (pass good). Alabama 21–14.
- USC – Lynn Cain 1-yard run (pass failed). Alabama 21–20.
|stats=
;Top passers
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 2/4, 8 yards
- USC – Rob Hertel – 18/30, 239 yards, TD, 2 INT
;Top rushers
- ALA – Tony Nathan – 18 rushes, 76 yards, 2 TD
- USC – Charles White – 15 rushes, 63 yards
;Top receivers
- ALA – Lou Ikner – 1 reception, 5 yards
- USC – Randy Simmrin – 6 receptions, 120 yards
}}
{{cite news |title=Alabama Withstands Rally And Upsets U.S.C., 21-20 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/10/09/archives/alabama-withstands-rally-and-upsets-usc-2120-streak-ends-at-15.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 9, 1977 |access-date=September 28, 2019}}{{cite magazine |title=Alabama stole the show |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1977/10/17/622751/alabama-stole-the-show |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=October 17, 1977 |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
=Tennessee=
{{see also|Third Saturday in October}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Tennessee Volunteers (2–3) at #4 Alabama Crimson Tide (4–1)
|date=October 15
|time=
|road=Tennessee
|R1=3 |R2=0 |R3=7 |R4=0
|home=Alabama
|H1=3 |H2=13 |H3=8 |H4=0
|stadium=Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
|attendance=71,000
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- ALA – Roger Chapman 20-yard field goal. Alabama 3–0.
- TEN – Jim Gaylor 41-yard field goal. Tie 3–3.
Second quarter
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge 4-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 10–3.
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge 9-yard run (kick failed). Alabama 16–3.
Third quarter
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome 39-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (run good). Alabama 24–3.
- TEN – Kelsey Finch 13-yard pass from Joe Hough (Jim Gaylor kick). Alabama 24–10.
Fourth quarter
- No scoring
|stats=
;Top passers
- TEN – Joe Hough – 6/13,76 yards, TD, INT
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 5/8, 82 yards, TD
;Top rushers
- TEN – Kelsey Finch – 8 rushes, 53 yards
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 18 rushes, 103 yards
;Top receivers
- TEN – Reggie Harper – 3 receptions, 43 yards
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 2 receptions, 61 yards, TD
}}
=Louisville=
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Louisville Cardinals (3–2–1) at #3 Alabama Crimson Tide (5–1)
|date=
|time=
|road=Louisville
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=6 |R4=0
|home=Alabama
|H1=14 |H2=13 |H3= 14|H4=14
|stadium=Bryant–Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
|attendance=60,210
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome 67-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (kick failed). Alabama 6–0.
- ALA – Donnie Faust 2-yard run (run good). Alabama 14–0.
Second quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 71-yard run (kick failed). Alabama 20–0.
- ALA – Steve Whitman 10-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 27–0.
Third quarter
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome 32-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 34–0.
- ALA – Keith Pugh 32-yard pass from Kevin Jones (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 41–0.
- LOU – Randy Butler 1-yard run (kick failed). Alabama 41–6.
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Tim Travis 5-yard pass from Steadman Shealy (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 48–6.
- ALA – John Turpin 5-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 55–6.
|stats=
;Top passers
- LOU – Randy Butler – 4/11, 48 yards
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 3/3, 124 yards, 2 TD
;Top rushers
- LOU – Calvin Prince – 15 rushes, 100 yards
- ALA – Tony Nathan – 4 rushes, 85 yards, TD
;Top receivers
- LOU – Marc Mitchell – 3 receptions, 31 yards
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 3 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD
}}
=At Mississippi State=
{{see also|Alabama–Mississippi State football rivalry}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=#2 Alabama Crimson Tide (6–1) at Mississippi State Bulldogs (3–4)
|date=October 29
|time=
|road=Alabama
|R1=14 |R2=7 |R3=13 |R4=3
|home=Mississippi State
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
|attendance=47,500
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 59-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 6–0.
- ALA – Donnie Faust 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick. Alabama 14–0.
Second quarter
- MSU – James Otis Doss 2-yard run (Dave Marler kick). Alabama 14–7.
- ALA – Keith Pugh 30-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 21–7.
Third quarter
- ALA – Johnny Davis 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 28–7.
- ALA – Steadman Shealy 1-yard run (kick failed). Alabama 34–7.
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Roger Chapman 37-yard field goal. Alabama 37–7.
|stats=
;Top passers
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 5/8, 95 yards, TD
- MSU – Bruce Threadgill – 10/20, 189 yards, 2 INT
;Top rushers
- ALA – Tony Nathan – 7 rushes, 115 yards, TD
- MSU – Dennis Johnson – 8 rushes, 23 yards
;Top receivers
- ALA – Keith Pugh – 3 receptions, 59 yards, TD
- MSU – Mardye McDole – 7 receptions, 96 yards
}}
=At LSU=
{{see also|Alabama–LSU football rivalry}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=#2 Alabama Crimson Tide (7–1) at #18 LSU Tigers (5–2)
|date=November 5
|time=
|road=Alabama
|R1=3 |R2= 7|R3=7 |R4=7
|home=LSU
|H1=0 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
|attendance=65,377
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=ABC
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- ALA – Roger Chapman 44-yard field goal. Alabama 3–0.
Second quarter
- LSU – Mike Conway 31-yard field goal. Tie 3–3.
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 10–3.
Third quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 17–3.
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Keith Pugh 20-yard pass from Tony Nathan (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 24–3.
|stats=
;Top passers
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 4/7, 62 yards
- LSU – David Woodley – 3/8, 17 yards
;Top rushers
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 23 rushes, 126 yards
- LSU – Charles Alexander – 22 rushes, 110 yards
;Top receivers
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 4 receptions, 62 yards
- LSU – Mike Quintela – 1 reception, 9 yards
}}
=Miami (FL)=
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Miami (FL) Hurricanes (3–5) at #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (8–1)
|date=November 12
|time=
|road=Miami (FL)
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Alabama
|H1=0 |H2=15 |H3=7 |H4=14
|stadium=Bryant–Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
|attendance=57,422
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- No scoring
Second quarter
- ALA – Rick Neal 5-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (kick failed). Alabama 6–0.
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (run failed). Alabama 12–0.
- ALA – Roger Chapman 27-yard field goal. Alabama 15–0.
Third quarter
- ALA – Rick Neal 7-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Alan McElroy kick). Alabama 22–0.
Fourth quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 2-yard run (Alan McElroy kick). Alabama 29–0.
- ALA – Kevin Jones 12-yard run (Alan McElroy kick). Alabama 36–0.
|stats=
;Top passers
- MIA – Kenny McMillian – 2/8, 15 yards, INT
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 9/14, 165 yards, 2 TD
;Top rushers
- MIA – Chris Hobbs – 13 rushes, 43 yards
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 11 rushes, 84 yards
;Top receivers
- MIA – Pat Walker – 1 reception, 11 yards
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 4 receptions, 106 yards
}}
=Vs. Auburn=
{{see also|Iron Bowl}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=#2 Alabama Crimson Tide (9–1) vs. Auburn Tigers (5–5)
|date=November 26
|time=
|road=Alabama
|R1=0 |R2=14 |R3= 14|R4=20
|home=Auburn
|H1=7 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=14
|stadium=Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
|attendance=69,721
|weather=
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- AUB – Joe Cribbs 87-yard run (Jorge Portela kick). Auburn 7–0.
Second quarter
- ALA – Bruce Bolton 30-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (Roger Chapman kick). Tie 7–7.
- ALA – Johnny Davis 12-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 14–7.
Third quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 21–7.
- ALA – Tony Nathan 2-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 28–7.
Fourth quarter
- AUB – Byron Franklin 74-yard pass from Charlie Trotman (Jorge Portela kick). Alabama 28–14.
- ALA – Mitch Ferguson 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 35–14.
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome 42-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (kick failed). Alabama 41–14.
- ALA – Steadman Shealy 15-yard run (Barry Smith kick). Alabama 48–14.
- AUB – William Andrews 3-yard run (Jorge Portela kick). Alabama 48–21.
|stats=
;Top passers
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 9/13, 193 yards, 2 TD
- AUB – Charlie Trotman – 4/9, 135 yards, TD, INT
;Top rushers
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 20 rushes, 104 yards, TD
- AUB – Joe Cribbs – 15 rushes, 133 yards, TD
;Top receivers
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 4 receptions, 123 yards, TD
- AUB – Byron Franklin – 1 reception, 74 yards, TD
}}
- Jeff Rutledge 15 rushes, 102 yards
=Sugar Bowl (vs. Ohio State)=
{{main|1978 Sugar Bowl}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Sugar Bowl: #3 Alabama Crimson Tide (10–1) vs. #9 Ohio State Buckeyes (9–2)
|date={{tooltip|January 2, 1978|Monday}}
|time=
|road=Ohio State
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=6
|home=Alabama
|H1=0 |H2=13 |H3=8 |H4=14
|stadium=Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
|attendance=76,811
|weather=Indoors (dome)
|referee=Percy Penn
|TV=ABC
|TVAnnouncers=Keith Jackson and Ara Parseghian
|reference=
|scoring=
First quarter
- No scoring
Second quarter
- ALA – Tony Nathan 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 7–0.
- ALA – Bruce Bolton 27-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (kick failed). Alabama 13–0.
Third quarter
- ALA – Rick Neal 3-yard pass from Jeff Rutledge (pass good). Alabama 21–0.
Fourth quarter
- OSU – James Harrell 38-yard pass from Rod Gerald (run failed). Alabama 21–6.
- ALA – Major Ogilvie 1-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 28–6.
- ALA – Johnny Davis 5-yard run (Roger Chapman kick). Alabama 35–6.
|stats=
;Top passers
- OSU – Rod Gerald – 7/17, 103 yards, TD, 3 INT
- ALA – Jeff Rutledge – 8/11, 109 yards, 2 TD
;Top rushers
- OSU – Ron Springs – 10 rushes, 74 yards
- ALA – Johnny Davis – 24 rushes, 95 yards, TD
;Top receivers
- OSU – James Harrell – 1 reception, 38 yards, TD
- ALA – Ozzie Newsome – 2 receptions, 45 yards
}}
{{cite web |title=1978 Game Recap - Official Site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl |url=https://allstatesugarbowl.org/classic/1978-game-recap/ |website=Sugar Bowl |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
Personnel
{{American football roster/Header
| year = 1977
| team = Alabama Crimson Tide
| teamcolors = f
| offensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|first=Buddy|last=Aydelette|num=78|pos=OT|class=So|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Bruce|last=Bolton|num=32|pos=WR}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Jim|last=Bunch|pos=OL}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Pete|last=Cavan|num=20|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Johnny|last=Crow|num=40|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Bob|last=Cryder|num=|pos=OG|class=Sr|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Johnny|last=Davis|num=38|pos=FB|class=Sr|link=y|dab=Johnny Davis (American football)}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Mike|last=English|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Donnie|last=Faust|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Mitch|last=Ferguson|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Alan|last=Gray|pos=QB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Louis|last=Green|pos=OL}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Lou|last=Ikner|num=30|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Kevin|last=Jones|pos=QB}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Tony|last=Nathan|num=22|pos=RB|class=Jr|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Rick|last=Neal|num=8|pos=WR}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Ozzie|last=Newsome|num=82|pos=WR|class=Sr|link=y|note=C}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Jack|last=O'Rear|pos=QB}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Ricky|last=Tucker|num=18|pos=DB}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Major|last=Ogilvie|num=42|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Keith|last=Pugh|num=4|pos=WR}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Jeff|last=Rutledge|num=11|pos=QB|class=Jr|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Steadman|last=Shealy|num=10|pos=QB|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Dwight|last=Stephenson|num=57|pos=C|class=So|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Chip|last=Tilman|pos=OL}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Tim|last=Travis|num=88|pos=TE|class=So|link=n}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=John|last=Turpin|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Whitman|num=45|pos=FB|class=So|link=n}}
| defensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Phil|last=Allman|pos=DB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=William|last=Davis|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Rickey|last=Gilliland|pos=LB}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Wayne|last=Hamilton|num=94|pos=DT|class=So}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Terry|last=Jones|num=|pos=DT|class=Sr|link=y|dab=Terry Jones (defensive tackle)}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=E. J.|last=Junior|num=39|pos=DE|class=Fr|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=John|last=Knox|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Mike|last=Kramer|pos=DB}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Barry|last=Krauss|num=77|pos=LB|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Murray|last=Legg|pos=DB}}
{{American football roster/Player|class=|first=Marty|last=Lyons|num=93|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Curtis|last=McGriff|num=96|pos=DT|class=So|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Don|last=McNeal|num=28|pos=DB|class=So|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Calvin|last=Parker|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Randy|last=Scott|dab=Randy Scott (American football)|num=50|pos=LB|class=Fr|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Mike|last=Tucker|pos=DB|note=C}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Rich|last=Wingo|num=36|pos=LB|class=Jr|link=y}}
| special_teams_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Roger|last=Chapman|pos=K}}
{{American football roster/Player|first=Buddy|last=Holt|num=1|pos=P|class=So}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Alan|last=McElroy|pos=K}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Barry|last=Smith|pos=K}}
}}
{{American football roster/Footer
| head_coach = *Bear Bryant
| asst_coach =
| accessdate=
}}
References
General
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/77-m-footbl-recaps.pdf |title=1977 Season Recaps |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085944/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/77-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=July 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115208/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}
{{refend}}
Specific
{{Reflist}}
{{Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}}
{{Southeastern Conference football champions}}
Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons
Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons