What Is 1968 Alabama Crimson Tide football

Overview

The 1968 Alabama Crimson Tide football season marked the 74th overall season for the University of Alabama's football program. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Bear Bryant, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and aimed to maintain Alabama's growing national prominence in college football.

This season was notable for its ups and downs, including a strong start followed by late-season struggles. Despite high expectations, the team finished with a 7-4 overall record and concluded the year with a narrow loss in a postseason bowl game.

• Season record: The Crimson Tide finished 7-4, a modest performance compared to previous dominant seasons under Bryant.
• Head coach:Bear Bryant was in his 12th year as head coach, building a legacy that would eventually include six national championships.
• Key player: Quarterback Ken Stabler, a 1968 senior, led the offense and later became a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
• Bowl game: The team played in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl on December 31, 1968, losing 21-20 to the Colorado Buffaloes.
• Conference play: Competing in the SEC, Alabama faced tough opponents like LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn during the regular season.

How It Works

The 1968 season operated within the framework of NCAA college football rules and the structure of the Southeastern Conference. Games were played on Saturdays, with rankings, media coverage, and bowl bids influenced by win-loss records and strength of schedule.

• Season structure: The 1968 college football season included a 10- to 11-game regular season, followed by bowl games for select teams.
• Coaching system:Bear Bryant used a wishbone-influenced offense, though full adoption came in 1970; 1968 still relied on power running.
• Player eligibility:Ken Stabler was a senior in 1968, completing his final collegiate season before entering the NFL Draft.
• Bowl selection: The Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl invited Alabama as an at-large team after the regular season ended in November.
• Game format: Each game consisted of four 15-minute quarters, with televised broadcasts increasing the sport’s national visibility.
• Scoring system: Teams earned 6 points for a touchdown, 1 for an extra point, and 3 for a field goal, shaping strategic decisions.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1968 season compares to other notable years in Alabama football history:

The 1968 season stands out for its underperformance relative to Bryant’s usual standards. While earlier years like 1964 and 1965 saw top-three finishes, the 1968 team ended unranked. This contrast highlights the inconsistency that year despite strong individual talent.

Why It Matters

The 1968 season is a key chapter in Alabama football history, illustrating how even elite programs experience fluctuations. It marked the final year of Ken Stabler’s college career and preceded Bryant’s full shift to the wishbone offense.

• Historical context: The season occurred during a period of racial integration in college sports, with Alabama gradually diversifying its roster.
• Player development:Ken Stabler became a key NFL quarterback, showing the program’s role in developing pro talent.
• Coaching evolution: The 1968 season preceded Bryant’s 1970 adoption of the wishbone, a transformative tactical shift.
• Bowl significance: The Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl appearance reflected Alabama’s national draw, even in a down year.
• Program resilience: Despite a losing streak late in the season, the team maintained competitive integrity under Bryant’s leadership.
• Cultural impact: College football in 1968 was deeply tied to Southern identity, with Alabama games serving as major social events.

The 1968 season may not be remembered for championships, but it provides insight into the challenges and transitions within one of college football’s most storied programs.