1947 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

The 1947 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1947 college football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 53rd overall and 14th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Harold Drew, in his first year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished with a record of eight wins and three losses (8–3 overall, 5–2 in the SEC) and with a loss in the Sugar Bowl.

1947 Alabama Crimson Tide football
Sugar Bowl, L 7–27 vs. Texas
Conference	Southeastern Conference
Ranking
AP	No. 6
1947 record	8–3 (5–2 SEC)
Head coach	Harold Drew (1st season)
Captain	John Wozniak
Home stadium	Denny Stadium Legion Field

1947 Southeastern Conference football standings
	Conf							Overall
Team	W		L		T			W		L		T
No. 13 Ole Miss $	6	–	1	–	0			9	–	2	–	0
No. 10 Georgia Tech	4	–	1	–	0			10	–	1	–	0
No. 6 Alabama	5	–	2	–	0			8	–	3	–	0
Mississippi State	2	–	2	–	0			7	–	3	–	0
Georgia	3	–	3	–	0			7	–	4	–	1
Vanderbilt	3	–	3	–	0			6	–	4	–	0
Tulane	2	–	3	–	2			2	–	5	–	2
LSU	2	–	3	–	1			5	–	3	–	1
Kentucky	2	–	3	–	0			8	–	3	–	0
Tennessee	2	–	3	–	0			5	–	5	–	0
Auburn	1	–	5	–	0			2	–	7	–	0
Florida	0	–	3	–	1			4	–	5	–	1
$ – Conference champion Rankings from AP Poll

After the Crimson Tide opened the season with a victory over Mississippi Southern, Alabama lost consecutive. games against Tulane and Vanderbilt to open the season 1–2. However, the Crimson Tide rebounded to win their final seven games against Duquesne, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, LSU and Miami. Alabama then lost to Texas in the Sugar Bowl to finish the season 8–3.

The 1947 season also marked the first for Harold Drew as head coach for the Crimson Tide.[1] Drew was hired as the replacement for long-time head coach Frank Thomas after he resigned his post due to personal health conditions in January 1947.[1][2]

Schedule

Date	Opponent	Rank	Site	Result	Attendance
September 20	Mississippi Southern*		Legion Field Birmingham, AL	W 34–7	30,000
September 27	at Tulane		Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA	L 20–21	60,000
October 4	at Vanderbilt		Dudley Field Nashville, TN	L 7–14	22,000
October 11	Duquesne*		Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL	W 26–0	25,000
October 18	Tennessee		Legion Field Birmingham, AL (Third Saturday in October)	W 10–0	32,000
October 25	at Georgia		Sanford Stadium Athens, GA (rivalry)	W 17–7	48,000
November 1	at No. 13 Kentucky	No. 18	McLean Stadium Lexington, KY	W 13–0	24,000
November 15	No. 6 Georgia Tech	No. 14	Legion Field Birmingham, AL	W 14–7	35,000
November 22	LSU	No. 8	Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL (rivalry)	W 41–12	25,000
November 29	at Miami*	No. 6	Burdine Stadium Miami, FL	W 21–6	27,491
January 1, 1948	vs. No. 5 Texas*	No. 6	Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl)	L 7–27	73,000
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

• Source: Rolltide.com: 1947 Alabama football schedule[3]

Game summaries

Mississippi Southern

1 2 3 4 Total Mississippi Southern 0 0 7 0 7 • Alabama 6 7 7 14 34 Date: September 20 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 30,000 Source:[4]

To open the 1946 season, the Crimson Tide defeated the Mississippi Southern Golden Eagles at Legion Field 34–7 in what was the first all-time meeting between the schools.[4][5][6] The Crimson Tide took a 6–0 lead in the first quarter when Harry Gilmer threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Rebel Steiner. Norwood Hodges extended the Alabama lead to 13–0 at halftime with his eight-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.[4] Early in the third quarter, Mississippi scored their only points of the game on a 66-yard Bubba Phillips touchdown run to cut the Crimson Tide lead to 13–7.[4] Alabama responded with 21 unanswered points for the 34–7 victory. Touchdowns were scored on a four-yard Gilmer run in the third and on a two-yard Hodges and one-yard Ed Salem run in the fourth quarter.[4]

Tulane

1 2 3 4 Total Alabama 0 6 14 0 20 • Tulane 0 14 7 0 21 Date: September 27 Location: Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA Game attendance: 60,000 Source:[7]

To open conference play, Alabama traveled to New Orleans and lost to the Tulane Green Wave 21–20.[5][7] After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 6–0 lead after Norwood Hodges scored on a one-yard touchdown run. However, the Green Wave responded on the kickoff that ensued when Ed Price returned it 101-yards for a 7–6 Tulane lead.[7] A Bennie Ellender touchdown pass as the second quarter ended gave the Green Wave a 14–6 halftime lead.[7] Ray Prats extended the Tulane lead to 21–6 early in the third quarter after he returned an interception 65-yards for a touchdown.[7] The Crimson Tide responded with a pair of third-quarter touchdowns, but lost by a single point. Alabama touchdowns in the third were scored by Hodges on a two-yard run and by Billy Cadenhead on an eight-yard run.[7] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Tulane to 15–5–1.[8]

Vanderbilt

1 2 3 4 Total Alabama 0 0 0 7 7 • Vanderbilt 7 0 0 7 14 Date: October 4 Location: Dudley Field Nashville, TN Game attendance: 22,000 Source:[9]

Against Vanderbilt, Alabama lost 14–7 at Dudley Field in a game dominated by the Commodores' pass defense.[5][9] Vanderbilt scored the only points of the first half when Jamie Wade threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to John North for a 7–0 lead.[9] In the fourth quarter, Robert Berry scored for the Commodores on an 11-yard run after they intercepted a Harry Gilmer pass.[9] A late 23-yard Gilmer touchdown pass to Carl Mims to make the final score 14–7 and breakup the Vanderbilt shutout attempt.[9] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 16–11.[10]

Duquesne

1 2 3 4 Total Duquesne 0 0 0 0 0 • Alabama 0 7 13 6 26 Date: October 11 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 25,000 Source:[11]

In what was the first all-time game against Duquesne, the Dukes lost 26–0 in the first Denny Stadium game of the season.[5][11][12] After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 7–0 halftime lead after Billy Cadenhead scored on a six-yard run.[11] The Alabama lead was extended further in the third quarter after a 58-yard Norman Mosley punt return and a one-yard Norwood Hodges touchdown run to make the score 20–0 as they entered the final period.[11] In the fourth, Travis Hicks scored the final points of the game and made the final score 26–0.[11]

Tennessee

Third Saturday in October

1 2 3 4 Total Tennessee 0 0 0 0 0 • Alabama 0 0 7 3 10 Date: October 18 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 32,000 Sources:[13]

Against Tennessee, the Crimson Tide shutout Volunteers 10–0 before a sellout crowd at Legion Field.[5][13] After a scoreless first half, a nine-yard Billy Cadenhead touchdown run in the third and a seven-yard Hugh Morrow field goal in the fourth provided for the 10–0 margin of victory.[13] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 17–9–3.[14]

Georgia

1 2 3 4 Total • Alabama 7 0 7 3 17 Georgia 0 7 0 0 7 Date: October 25 Location: Sanford Stadium Athens, GA Game attendance: 48,000 Source:[15]

Against Georgia, the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 17–7 before 48,000 fans at Sanford Stadium.[5][15] The Crimson Tide took an early 7–0 lead after Harry Gilmer returned a punt 80-yards for a touchdown.[15] The Bulldogs responded in the second quarter with their only points on an 83-yard John Rauch touchdown pass to Eli Maricich to tie the game 7–7 at halftime.[15] Alabama retook the lead in the third on an 84-yard run that saw Lowell Tew run 44-yards before he tossed a lateral pass to Billy Cadenhead who took it the final 40-yards for the touchdown.[15] A seven-yard Hugh Morrow field goal in the fourth made the final score 17–7.[15] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Georgia to 16–14–3.[16]

Kentucky

1 2 3 4 Total #13 Kentucky 0 0 0 0 0 • #18 Alabama 6 7 0 0 13 Date: November 1 Location: McLean Stadium Lexington, KY Game attendance: 24,000 Source:[17]

In Lexington, the Crimson Tide defeated the Wildcats 13–0 at McLean Stadium who were led by former Crimson Tide player Bear Bryant.[5][17] Alabama scored all of their points on a pair of touchdowns in the first half. The first came on a three-yard Harry Gilmer run in the first quarter and the second on a two-yard Billy Cadenhead run in the second quarter.[17] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Kentucky 24–1–1.[18]

Georgia Tech

1 2 3 4 Total #6 Georgia Tech 0 0 0 7 7 • #14 Alabama 7 7 0 0 14 Date: November 15 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 35,000 Source:[19]

Against the Yellow Jackets, the Crimson Tide had their second consecutive upset victory with their 14–7 at Legion Field.[5][19] Alabama took a 14–0 lead into the fourth quarter after a five-yard Harry Gilmer touchdown pass to Rebel Steiner in the first quarter and on a one-yard Gilmer run in the second quarter.[19] Tech scored their only points late in the fourth quarter on a four-yard Robert McCoy touchdown run to make the final score 14–7.[19] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Georgia Tech to 14–12–3.[20]

LSU

1 2 3 4 Total LSU 0 0 6 6 12 • #8 Alabama 21 7 7 6 41 Date: November 22 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 25,000 Source:[21]

On homecoming in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defeated LSU 41–12 to close out conference play for the season.[5][21] Immediately following the win, the Crimson Tide accepted an invitation to play in the 1948 Sugar Bowl.[21] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against LSU to 13–4–3.[22]

Miami

1 2 3 4 Total • #6 Alabama 0 7 14 0 21 Miami 6 0 0 0 6 Date: November 29 Location: Burdine Stadium Miami, FL Game attendance: 27,491 Source:[23]

This game against the Miami Hurricanes was originally scheduled to be played on Friday, November 28.[24] However, severe weather and poor field conditions postponed its being played until the following evening, and in what was their final regular season game, Alabama defeated Miami 21–6 at Burdine Stadium.[5][23][25] Miami took a 6–0 lead in the first quarter after Harold Schuler threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Ed Houck.[23] The Crimson Tide then responded with 21 unanswered points to win the game 21–6. Touchdowns were scored on a three-yard Harry Gilmer pass to Rebel Steiner in the second quarter and on runs by Gilmer and Jim Cain in the third quarter.[23] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Miami to 2–0.[26]

Texas

Sugar Bowl

1 2 3 4 Total #6 Alabama 0 7 0 0 7 • #5 Texas 7 0 7 13 27 Date: January 1 Location: Tulane Stadium New Orleans, LA Game attendance: 73,000 Sources:[27]

Against the Texas Longhorns, the Crimson Tide were defeated 27–7 in the 1948 Sugar Bowl.[27] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Texas to 0–4.[28]

Personnel

Varsity letter winners Player Hometown Position Johnny August Shadyside, Ohio Halfback Billy Cadenhead Greenville, Mississippi Halfback Jim Cain Eudora, Arkansas End Gri Cashio Gadsden, Alabama Guard Francis Cassidy Neff, Ohio Tackle Herb Chapman Elmore, Alabama Center Bob Cochran Hueytown, Alabama Halfback Charles Compton Sylacauga, Alabama Tackle Bruno Filippini Powhatan Point, Ohio Guard Dick Flowers Mobile, Alabama Tackle Jim Franko Yorkville, Ohio Guard Harry Gilmer Birmingham, Alabama Halfback Clem Gryska Steubenville, Ohio Halfback Norwood Hodges Hueytown, Alabama Fullback Bob Hood Gadsden, Alabama Tackle Vaughn Mancha Birmingham, Alabama Center Hugh Morrow Birmingham, Alabama Quarterback Norman Mosley Blytheville, Arkansas Halfback Lionel W. Noonan Mobile, Alabama Halfback Pat O'Sullivan New Orleans, Louisiana Linebacker T. Ray Richeson Russellville, Alabama Tackle Ed Salem Birmingham, Alabama Halfback Rebel Steiner Birmingham, Alabama End Lowell Tew Waynesboro, Mississippi Fullback Ed White Anniston, Alabama End Tom Whitley Birmingham, Alabama Tackle John Wozniak Fairhope, Pennsylvania Guard Reference:[29]

Coaching staff Name Position Seasons at Alabama Alma Mater Harold Drew Head coach 14 Bates (1916) Lew Bostick Assistant coach 4 Alabama (1939) Tilden Campbell Assistant coach 8 Alabama (1935) Joe Kilgrow Assistant coach 4 Alabama (1937) Malcolm Laney Assistant coach 4 Alabama (1932) Tom Lieb Assistant coach 2 Notre Dame (1923) Reference:[30]

References

General

• "1947 Season Recaps" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved September 26, 2012.

Specific

1. "Drew signed as Crimson coach, Thomas director". The Tuscaloosa News. January 14, 1947. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
2. Scott, Richard (2004). Legends of Alabama Football. Sports Publishing LLC. pp. 12–13. ISBN 978-1-58261-277-5. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
3. "1947 Alabama football schedule". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original on December 2, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
4. Mullins, Jim (September 21, 1947). "Crimsons pass, run to decisive victory, 34 to 7". Spartanburg Herald. p. 6. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
5. 1947 Season Recap
6. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Southern Mississippi". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
7. Mullins, Jim (September 28, 1947). "Tulane out-points Tide, 21–20 in thrill-packed scoring race". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 6. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
8. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Tulane". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on 2013-12-27. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
9. Mullins, Jim (October 5, 1947). "Vandy pass defense stops Tide for 14–7 triumph". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
10. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Vanderbilt". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on 2014-12-31. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
11. Mullins, Jim (October 12, 1947). "Tide defeats Duquesne 26–0". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
12. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Duquesne". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on 2011-10-23. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
13. Mullins, Jim (October 19, 1947). "Tide touchdown, goal drown Vols 10–0". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 6. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
14. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Tennessee". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
15. Mullins, Jim (October 26, 1947). "Tide's long touchdowns throttle Georgia, 17–7". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
16. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Georgia". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
17. Mullins, Jim (November 2, 1947). "Tide beats favored Kentucky, 13–0". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
18. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Kentucky". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
19. Mullins, Jim (November 16, 1947). "Tide rises to wreck Tech with 14–7 win". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
20. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Georgia Tech". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on 2011-10-23. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
21. Mullins, Jim (November 23, 1947). "Tide engulfs LSU, accepts Sugar Bowl bid". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
22. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Louisiana State". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
23. Green, Ben (November 30, 1947). "Bama unleashed delayed tidal wave to sink Miami, 21 to 6". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
24. "Crimson Tide, Hurricanes meet tonight". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. November 28, 1947. p. 8. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
25. "Tide set to meet Miami in Florida tilt tonight". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. November 29, 1947. p. 1. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
26. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Miami (FL)". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on 2015-02-14. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
27. Mullins, Jim (January 2, 1948). "Alert Texas baffles Tide, 27 to 7". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 7. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
28. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Texas". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on 2011-10-23. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
29. "All-Time Tide Football Lettermen". 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2011. pp. 127–141.
30. "All-Time Assistant Coaches". 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2011. pp. 142–143.