Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship Game against the Missouri Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

1981 Iron Bowl – 315 for the Bear

Bear Bryant wouldn’t win any national championships after 1979, but that doesn’t mean he was done getting wins. The 1981 Iron Bowl would make 315 wins for Bear Bryant, which was at the time the record for most wins ever for a coach in major college football.

It’s fitting that Bear Bryant got to 315 wins in an Iron Bowl, and it’s also fitting that the Bear did it in a game that was dominated by defense.

Alabama’s offense struggled in the 1981 Iron Bowl, losing three fumbles and only passing for 81 yards. The Alabama Crimson Tide defense was in fine form though with three interceptions.

Alabama’s offense finally started to click in the fourth quarter and two late touchdowns gave Alabama a 28-17 win. The victory give Bear Bryant his 315th career win.

315 wins may not be the record anymore, but it’s just an amazing achievement. And the 315 came against some of the greatest teams in history like 1969’s Ole Miss Rebels and 1979’s Penn State Nittany Lions.

Bear Bryant won six national championships and did it while running a passing attack, then a wishbone, then a double wing.

You can say a lot of things about Bear Bryant, but he wasn’t ever anything but a winner.

Next: 1985 Iron Bowl