Crimson Replay — The Magazine of Alabama Football History

THE CR INTERVIEW

The co-captain of Alabama’s 1979 national championship team talks about his textbook tackle on Penn State’s Scott Fitzkee, the enduring influence of his father, and the dark day when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

More than a decade ago, Don McNeal was dealt a devastating blow. But he has shown remarkable determination in dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, becoming an inspiration to his family and friends and audiences across the country who have heard him share his very personal story. He grew up tough, one of 11 children raised by a widowed sharecropper near Atmore, Alabama. But in Tuscaloosa, he became a prototypical defensive back during a golden age—the man whose perfect tackle set up the Goal-Line Stand in the 1979 Sugar Bowl against Penn State. In his senior season of 1979, the consensus All-American co-captained a defensive unit that ranks among the greatest in Bama history. McNeal, later selected as’s…(more)

KEEPING SCORE

Eight Titanic Victories

As Alabama clashes with Notre Dame, a look back at the Tide’s signature wins against the sport’s leading powers

In the history of college football, nine giant programs tower above all others.

How they rank is another story for another day, but no one can dispute that Alabama belongs to an elite fraternity of dynasties that includes Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Texas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, Nebraska, and Ohio State.

Over the last century plus of Alabama football, clashes against teams from this upper echelon have been rare, as evidenced by the Crimson Tide’s all-time 25-25-2 mark, heavily weighted to post-season showdowns, including several which factored…(more)

HOMETOWN HEROES

Bill Davis

Following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Bill Davis earned a national championship ring in Tuscaloosa, but he also learned about disappointment and heartbreak

** Part three of a three part series **

In the history of Alabama football, very few brothers have contributed more to the Crimson Tide’s success than the kicking Davises.

“The Davises,“ remarked former Bama quarterback Gary Rutledge, “are legends.“

Four decades later, the 1973 Crimson Tide still holds a long list of school records for offensive output, and Bill Davis’ name still ranks among…(more)