Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) celebrates his touchdown catch with Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Alphonse Taylor (50), Ryan Kelly (70) and Richard Mullaney (16) against the Florida Gators during the third quarter in the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

1980 Sugar Bowl – Bear Bryant’s Last Championship

All good things must come to an end, and eventually Bear Bryant had to win his final national championship. The 1980 Sugar Bowl sealed that victory for him.

The 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide was a team of destiny. The Tide went 11-0 that year and defeated a ranked Tennessee and a ranked Auburn in the regular season. The only thing that stood between Bear Bryant and a sixth national championship was the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Another coaching great was at the helm of Arkansas, but even Dr. Lou Holtz was no match for Alabama’s new double-wing formation.

Alabama Football ran circles around Arkansas and got a 24 to 9 victory, a Sugar Bowl win, and a sixth National Championship for Bear Bryant.

Bear Bryant would go on to coach Alabama in 1981 and 1982; after a disappointing 1982 sixth place finish though Bryant retired.

Sadly Coach Bryant passed away just a few weeks after his final game. He was 69.

Next: 1981 Iron Bowl