Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate defeating the Missouri Tigers 42-13 in the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

1926 Rose Bowl “The Game That Changed the South”

The 1926 Rose Bowl is called “the game that changed the South” because it was the first bowl game appearance of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama’s opponents in their very first Rose Bowl appearance were the Washington Huskies. Alabama won the game 20 – 19 and earned its first National Championship.

Alabama Football almost didn’t get to play in the game; the Rose Bowl originally invited Tulane to play Washington. Tulane turned down the invitation to the Rose Bowl because they felt like they weren’t big enough to play against the Huskies.

Alabama scored all of their points in the third quarter… so we guess that even in 1926 Bama had already established their brand of making Crimson Tide fans panic until the second half.

Alabama was coached by legendary coach Wade Wallace and the MVP of the game was Johnny Mack Brown. Johnny Mack Brown was the first star running back that lead Alabama to a national title.

Johnny Mack Brown’s performance led to him being featured on a Wheaties box and then paired with his good looks to a career in Hollywood.

The 1926 Rose Bowl is important because it’s the game that started it all. Alabama’s championships, wins, and traditions can all be traced back to this first Rose Bowl in January 1926.

Next: 1931 Rose Bowl