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OPEN DAILY
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
7/28/1961
Speaking at a Madison County Alumni meeting, Paul Bryant says he is "praying all the optimistic predictions about the '61 team are accurate. We did not beat but two teams soundly in '60. We could have easily lost five more games that somehow we won. We just lack having enough great players to be where we want to be." At least one magazine, Playboy, is picking the Tide to finish as high as No. 2 in the nation. |
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Coach: Paul "Bear" Bryant (Alabama) Record: 8-4
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Captain(s): Eddie Lowe and Steve Mott
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A year filled with high expectations slowly evolved into the most disappointing year in a dozen seasons. After defeating eventual national champ Penn State 42-21, the Tide rose to No. 2 in the polls but a string of losses to Tennessee, LSU, Southern Miss and Auburn slowly choked the breath of happiness from Bama fans. Two weeks after the 23-22 loss to Auburn, December 15, 1982 to be exact, Paul Bryant announced he was retiring. Only a date of destiny with Illinois in the Liberty Bowl remained for the most revered sporting figure in Southern athletic annals.
An all-star performance by All-American cornerback Jeremiah Castille (three interceptions and a fumble caused inside the three-yard line) and a late interception by Robbie Jones enabled Bama to escape with a 21-15 win over the Illini, successfully ending the Bryant Era. The fabled Bama coach concluded his Tide career with a 232-46-9 record. Castille and fellow defensive back Tommy Wilcox earned Ail-American honors as did defensive end Mike Pitts. |
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Notes: Coach Bryant died four weeks after the win over Illinois. During his career, he never lost a game to an active member of the Big 10. |
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