Ranking Top 10 Historic Alabama Football Wins
The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football program is one of the most storied in the history of college football. Over more than a century, Alabama has built a legacy defined by legendary coaches, transcendent players, and unforgettable victories. Each iconic win not only elevated the program’s national standing but also shaped the sport’s landscape. Choosing the top 10 historic wins is no small task, given the wealth of memorable moments. However, some victories stand out as turning points — contests where Alabama’s grit, resilience, and championship pedigree were on full display. Here is a ranking of the top 10 historic Alabama football wins, capturing the essence of what makes Crimson Tide football great.
10. Alabama 29, Penn State 0 — 1979 Sugar Bowl
This dominant shutout over Penn State capped off Alabama’s perfect 1978 season, securing the national championship. Under Bear Bryant, the Crimson Tide’s defense was suffocating, and the offense efficient and relentless. The Sugar Bowl victory was not just a win but a statement — Alabama was the nation’s best team. It showcased Bryant’s ability to prepare his team for big games and solidified his legendary coaching status.
9. Alabama 34, USC 24 — 2010 BCS National Championship
Marking the arrival of Nick Saban’s dynasty, this thrilling win over the Trojans was a signature moment. Trailing at halftime, Alabama’s defense clamped down in the second half, forcing turnovers and stopping USC’s vaunted offense. Offensively, Mark Ingram and the Tide’s balanced attack put the game away. This victory ended USC’s dominance and announced Alabama’s resurgence on the national stage.
8. Alabama 39, Auburn 28 — 2013 Iron Bowl (“Kick Six”)
While Alabama won this game, it is remembered most for the dramatic ending — Auburn’s Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the game itself was a classic Alabama-Auburn showdown with high stakes and intense rivalry. For Alabama, the win was a statement in previous meetings, but this game’s memory is a reminder of the thin margins in football.
7. Alabama 24, Penn State 3 — 1979 Orange Bowl
A follow-up to the Sugar Bowl, this Orange Bowl win demonstrated Alabama’s dominance across seasons. The Tide’s defense again suffocated Penn State, limiting the Nittany Lions to three points. This game cemented the Crimson Tide’s claim as the dominant force in college football at the time and further elevated Bear Bryant’s reputation for building elite defenses.
6. Alabama 17, Texas A&M 13 — 1969 Cotton Bowl
Alabama’s victory in the 1969 Cotton Bowl was a showcase of resilience and defensive mastery. Facing a tough Texas A&M team, the Crimson Tide managed to hold on despite a late rally. This win was a critical part of Alabama’s string of successful seasons under Bryant and highlighted the team’s ability to win close, hard-fought games against elite opponents.
5. Alabama 35, Miami 0 — 1993 Sugar Bowl
In one of the most dominating bowl performances in school history, Alabama shut out Miami in the Sugar Bowl, securing the national title. The Crimson Tide’s defense was impenetrable, and the offense executed flawlessly. This win capped off a season that reaffirmed Alabama’s place among college football’s elite and set the stage for future dominance in the 1990s.
4. Alabama 21, Penn State 17 — 2010 SEC Championship Game
This game was a pivotal moment in Alabama’s 2009-2010 championship run. The tightly contested battle showcased Alabama’s resilience and clutch performance in critical moments. The victory secured the SEC title and propelled the Tide into the BCS National Championship Game, where they would defeat Texas to win the national crown.
3. Alabama 35, Georgia 28 — 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship
A thrilling contest that demonstrated Alabama’s offensive firepower and tenacity, this win over Georgia was marked by a comeback led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After trailing 28-14 at halftime, Alabama’s offense exploded in the second half, with Tagovailoa’s calm and precise play under pressure stealing the show. This game introduced a new star and added another chapter to Alabama’s modern dynasty.
2. Alabama 37, LSU 21 — 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship
In a battle between two SEC powerhouses, Alabama decisively defeated LSU to claim another national title. The win was marked by a relentless defensive effort, shutting down LSU’s high-powered offense led by Joe Burrow. Alabama’s balanced attack on offense and stifling defense underlined why the Tide remained at the pinnacle of college football.
1. Alabama 24, Penn State 23 — 1979 Sugar Bowl
The undisputed greatest win in Alabama history, this Sugar Bowl victory capped the undefeated 1978 season and secured Paul “Bear” Bryant’s sixth national championship. The game was a nail-biter, with Alabama prevailing by a single point. It showcased Bryant’s coaching genius, a suffocating defense, and a balanced offense, sealing Alabama’s place atop the college football world.
Several other wins deserve mention for their significance and drama, including Alabama’s 1966 Iron Bowl victory that halted Auburn’s undefeated streak, the 2015 National Championship win over Clemson that marked Alabama’s resurgence under Saban, and the 1985 Sugar Bowl victory over Miami that helped define Alabama’s sustained excellence through the 1980s.
Each of these games represents more than just a score or a stat line; they embody Alabama’s football philosophy and tradition. They highlight moments where the team overcame adversity, executed flawlessly under pressure, and demonstrated the discipline and toughness that define the Crimson Tide. Whether it was Bear Bryant’s strategic brilliance or Nick Saban’s modern mastery, these wins show how Alabama built and maintained a culture of winning at the highest level.
Alabama’s ability to win crucial games against top-tier opponents in high-pressure environments is a testament to the program’s enduring legacy. These historic victories are milestones that future teams and players aspire to emulate. They also reinforce Alabama’s reputation as a program where legends are made — coaches, players, and fans alike share in the glory of these unforgettable moments.
Ranking Alabama’s top 10 historic football wins is an homage to a program steeped in tradition, excellence, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Each game on this list not only shaped the course of Alabama football history but also left an indelible mark on the college football landscape. From Bear Bryant’s era to the modern dominance under Nick Saban, these victories illustrate what it means to be part of the Crimson Tide — a legacy defined by passion, perseverance, and championship glory.
