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The 7 Best Championship Games in Alabama Football History

By Charles Evans

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) reacts with teammates after an interception during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) reacts with teammates after an interception during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al celebrates in confetti after their win over the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome. Alabama beat Missouri 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al celebrates in confetti after their win over the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome. Alabama beat Missouri 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1962 Sugar Bowl

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

Alabama was facing the Arkansas Razorbacks of the Southwest Conference under their own legendary coach Frank Broyles and they were determined to make it hard on the Tide.

This team was an Alabama defensive juggernaut though. 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 5 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 the experience by saying that he “had about nine heart attacks out there.”

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

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

Next: 1992 Championship Season

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