Fansided

Ranking Alabama’s National Championships in football

By John Buhler

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide players celebrate after defeating the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide players celebrate after defeating the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) and defensive back Maurice Smith (21) celebrate a fumble recovery by defensive back Landon Collins (26) in the fourth quarter of their game against 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 linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) and defensive back Maurice Smith (21) celebrate a fumble recovery by defensive back Landon Collins (26) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome. Alabama beat Missouri 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1979

The 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide went 12-0, winning its sixth and final National Championship under the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Alabama would go 13 years before winning its next National Championship under Gene Stallings in 1992.

Alabama crushed opponents in the SEC, going 6-0 in conference play, and beating three ranked teams that season. The Tide handled then No. 18 Tennessee on the Third Saturday in October, 27-17. Alabama defeated then No. 14 Auburn in the Iron Bowl, 25-18.

Alabama was never ranked lower than No. 2 at any point in the season. The Tide pitched five shutouts before playing the then No. 6 Arkansas Razorbacks in the 1980 Sugar Bowl. Alabama would go on to defeat Arkansas, 24-9, on New Year’s Day 1980.

The Tide finished No. 1 in the country in both the AP and Coaches’ Poll that season, securing its 11th National Title to date. Bryant would go on to coach the Crimson Tide three more years before retiring after the 1982 season due to health issues. He would pass away on January 26th, 1983 at 69 years old.

What makes this championship so impressive is that it was the sixth and final National Championship Bryant won at the University of Alabama. Nick Saban may have a chance should Alabama continue to be a powerhouse for the rest of the decade, but winning six national championships at one school is a feat that may not ever be duplicated by another head coach in college football. Including the one he won at Kentucky in 1950, Bryant won seven as the best coach to ever coach in college football.

Next: 2. 2009

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