Alabama is Unanimous #1

by Val Lopez

On Sunday, September 30th, 2012 the Associated Press released its weekly college football poll. For the first time this year, Alabama’s football team was honored to have the distinction of being the unanimous #1 ranking with all 60 votes. I wanted to e-mail you to say not only was this significant to the Alabama football program, but it is unprecedented in Alabama football history. This is the first time Alabama’s football team has received the unanimous #1 AP ranking in the regular college football season.

Since the AP poll began in 1936, there have been 1043 AP college football polls. Out of those 1043 polls, Alabama’s football program has received a unanimous #1 AP ranking three times. The first coming on January 2, 1993 after the 1992 National Championship game. The second coming on January 8, 2010 after the 2009 National Championship game. Sunday, September 30th was the third time occurring after the 5th week of the regular college football season.

I am surprised this unprecedented accomplishment in Alabama football’s prestigious history has not been written or discussed in the sports media circles. Not even the great Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant accomplished this feat with the AP poll. None of Bryant’s historic teams earned the distinction of “unanimous” #1 AP poll team in the regular season or post-season.

I enjoy college football statistics and appreciate all you do.