What about the 1924 Alabama team?

by Ken Levitor
(Cordova, Al. USA)

Nothin' But A Winner

1924 was probably one of the most important seasons in Crimson Tide football history. Their remarkable defense and impressive offense may have helped lead to a Rose Bowl after the 1925 season.

After shutting out their first six opponents, 219-0, Kentucky managed to cross the goal line. Despite winning 42-7 the Tide probably thought their next game was nothing to worry about. It's likely they were more concerned about Georgia, their season ending game, and overlooked Centre College.

Centre would show Alabama why they ended up tied at 24 for the best winning percentage that year while the better known Bulldogs would come in tied for number 40. (All win percentage numbers are using calculations based upon a minimum of five current Div. 1-A opponents. Centre only qualified from 1919 through 1926. However they rank 22 out of 148 teams that met those standards in that span.)

Unfortunately Centre took advantage of the opportunity and shocked Bama back to earth, winning 17-0. With the next week off Wallace Wade whipped his team back into shape. The now grounded Tide team showed their true abilities against Georgia, winning 33-0.

At seasons end they had a record of 8-1, with seven shutouts. With a scoring total of 294 to 24 they managed an incredible 12.25 to 1 points ratio. The total points allowed led to a near record 2.66 per game average.

In 1925 they let their second opponent score 7 points before reeling off 6 shutouts. If it had not been for the prior season they may not have been invited to the Rose Bowl after all. I'm pretty sure the Bowl committee took into account both seasons before they invited Alabama.

That's why I say that Bama's 1924 team might have been the most important one ever. Without their record it might have been 1927 before Alabama played in the Rose Bowl, if they would have gotten there at all.