This Is Alabama Football There have been many football programs throughout history with claims of grand traditions and legacies. The University of Alabama is one of them. Alabama has always been a source of school, state, and national pride. Every football fan can argue about the history of their team, but none greater than the Alabama fans. Many negative remarks have been made about successful football programs, such as the University of Alabama. Most of these remarks were made out of jealousy or dislike for a team. “In reality, a lot of teams cannot lay claim to multiple national championships over a period of 100 years“(Crimson 2). Although, there was a lot of Northern/Eastern bias against the Southern teams during that time; the University of Alabama was still able to win multiple championships, despite being a recipient of that bias. “Alabama claims 13 national championships, including 1925, ’26’, ’30, ’34, ’41, ’61, ’64, ’65, ’73, ’78, ’79, ’92, and 2009” (Wood 1); the school determined what years they would accept the title. To settle the question of how many championships Alabama has won, there had to be a sponsoring agency organized, such as one like the NCAA. Otherwise, the answer would be left in the hands of individual voters to decide. “Caution: be very careful because this subject can get very emotional” (Collins 4). Alabama fans are very defensive when discussing the Tide and their championship years, both past and present. The last 117 years these questions have
Coleman 2 baffled fans and experts for generations. Today, it still causes arguments and domestic problems between families and friends. “In 1945 Alabama was undefeated and beat USC in the Rose Bowl, but Army was named national champions by 14 selectors. Alabama was co-selected as the national champions by the National Championship Foundation, but did not claim the title” (“Five in Five, No. 4: Just how many national championships does Alabama really have”3)? The 1966 team finished the season undefeated and untied; they went to the Sugar Bowl and routed Nebraska. “Notre Dame was voted number 1 after they intentionally tied Michigan State” (Crimson 2). Alabama finished third that year behind Notre Dame and Michigan State in the final polls. “Fortunately, at least one well known individual of that time also felt Alabama was a deserving team that year. Vince Lombardi, after winning the Super Bowl was asked if the Packers had removed all doubt as to who was the best team in the world, Lombardi replied, ’Well I don’t know. We haven’t played Alabama yet!!’ I should add here that as with