Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Sep 13, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans crown around the Paul Bear Bryant statue prior the the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

1962 Sugar Bowl – Nine Heart Attacks

Alabama legends Pat Trammel and Bear Bryant had led Alabama to a perfect regular season, but the Sugar Bowl wouldn’t be as easy.

Alabama Football was facing the Arkansas Razorbacks of the Southwest Conference under their own legendary coach Frank Broyles.

This team was an Alabama defensive juggernaut. Bear Bryant said they played like it was a sin to give up a point. The Bear wasn’t exaggerating either; over 10 games Alabama only allowed 22 points in 1961. Before the bowl game Alabama hadn’t allowed a point in five games.

The first half of the game went Alabama’s way, and the Tide was able to put 10 points on the board. Alabama’s first score came on the sixth play of the game. This wasn’t an offensive minded team though and those would be the only points Alabama would score in the contest.

Alabama depended on their defense to win the game and was able to hold off Arkansas with a few well-timed interceptions. Bear Bryant described said the game came close to giving him about nine heart attacks.

Arkansas did manage to get a field goal in the third quarter and Alabama ended the game with a 10-3 victory.

Alabama Football was once again named National Champions; so the 1962 Sugar Bowl is just more proof that defense wins championships.

Next: 1967 Sugar Bowl