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1938 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

The 1938 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1938 college football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 45th overall and 6th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was led by head coach Frank Thomas, in his eighth year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished the season with a record of seven wins, one loss and one tie (7–1–1 overall, 4–1–1 in the SEC).

1938 Alabama Crimson Tide football
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
Ranking
APNo. 13
Record7–1–1 (4–1–1 SEC)
Head coach
CaptainLew Bostick
Home stadiumDenny Stadium
Legion Field
Seasons
← 1937
1939 →
1938 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 2 Tennessee $ 7 0 0 11 0 0
No. 13 Alabama 4 1 1 7 1 1
No. 19 Tulane 4 1 1 7 2 1
Ole Miss 3 2 0 9 2 0
Georgia Tech 2 1 3 3 4 3
Vanderbilt 4 3 0 6 3 0
Florida 2 2 1 4 6 1
Auburn 3 3 1 4 5 1
Georgia 1 2 1 5 4 1
LSU 2 4 0 6 4 0
Mississippi State 1 4 0 4 6 0
Kentucky 0 4 0 2 7 0
Sewanee 0 6 0 1 8 0
  • $ – Conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

The Crimson Tide opened the season with a 19–7 victory in an intersectional contest against USC at Los Angeles. They then followed up the win with consecutive shutouts, home victories over non-conference opponents Howard and NC State on homecoming. However, Alabama then was shut out 13–0 by Tennessee, their first loss against the Volunteers since 1932. The Crimson Tide then rebounded with victories against Sewanee, Kentucky and Tulane. After a 14–14 tie against Georgia Tech, Alabama defeated Vanderbilt in their season finale.

With a final record of 7–1–1, Alabama was ranked No. 13 in the final AP Poll of the season. Additionally, after the season the Associated Press recognized Alabama as having the best record (40–4–3) and highest winning percentage (.909) of any major college team for the five-year period between 1934 and 1938. Statistically, the defense was one of the most dominant in school history and still holds numerous defense records.

Schedule edit

On December 5, 1937, Frank Thomas announced the 1938 schedule.[1] The intersectional game against USC was announced in August 1937 and was the first between the two football powers.[2] The remaining schedule included road games at Kentucky and Georgia Tech with the remaining three games split evenly between Denny Stadium and Legion Field.[1]

DateOpponentRankSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24at USC*W 19–770,000[3]
October 1Howard (AL)*W 34–08,000[4]
October 8NC State* 
  • Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL
W 14–010,000[5]
October 15TennesseeL 0–1325,000[6]
October 22SewaneeNo. 15
  • Denny Stadium
  • Tuscaloosa, AL
W 32–05,000[7]
October 29at KentuckyNo. 18W 26–615,000[8]
November 5TulaneNo. 15
  • Legion Field
  • Birmingham, AL
W 3–019,000[9]
November 12at Georgia TechNo. 16T 14–1435,000[10]
November 24Vanderbilt
  • Legion Field
  • Birmingham, AL
W 7–025,000[11]
  • *Non-conference game
  •  Homecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

[12]

Game summaries edit

USC edit

1 234Total
Alabama 0 1306 19
USC 0 007 7
  • Date: September 24
  • Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
    Los Angeles, California
  • Game attendance: 70,000

In August 1937, university officials announced Alabama would open the 1938 season in Los Angeles against the University of Southern California (USC).[2] Looking for "revenge" after their January loss in the Rose Bowl, their first loss on the West Coast, the Crimson Tide defeated the Trojans 19–7 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.[13][14][15] After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 13–0 halftime lead. The scores came on a pair of Herschel Mosley touchdown passes, the first on a seven-yard pass to Billy Slemons and the second on an 18-yard pass to Gene Blackwell.[13] The Trojans responded after the first Alabama touchdown with their deepest drive into Crimson Tide territory of the game. On the drive, Robert Peoples connected with Grenny Lansdell for a 36-yard gain to the Alabama 22.[16] However, the Alabama defense held, and USC failed to score after they turned the ball over on downs at the Alabama 13-yard line.[16]

After they held their 13–0 lead through the third quarter, Hal Hughes intercepted an Oliver Day pass and returned it 25-yards for an Alabama touchdown to make the score 19–0 after Vic Bradford missed his second extra point of the game.[13] Later in the fourth, the Trojans scored their only points of the game. The one-yard Day touchdown run was set up after Al Krueger recovered Charley Boswell fumbled punt at the Alabama one-yard line.[16] The victory was their first all-time against USC.[17] Over 6,000 fans greeted the team at the Alabama Great Southern Railroad station in downtown Tuscaloosa upon their arrival the following Tuesday to celebrate their victory.[18]

Howard edit

1 234Total
Howard 0 000 0
Alabama 7 1377 34
  • Date: October 1
  • Location: Denny Stadium
    Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game attendance: 8,000

A week after their intersectional victory over USC to open the season, Alabama hosted Howard (now Samford University) in their home opener.[20] In the game, the Crimson Tide outgained the Bulldogs in rushing yards 354 to 8 in their 34–0 shutout at Denny Stadium.[15][19][21] Alabama scored their first touchdown on a 15-yard Billy Slemons run to take a 7–0 first quarter lead.[21] In the second quarter touchdowns were scored by, George Zivich on a 43-yard run and by Alvin Davis on a 56-yard run to extend the Alabama lead to 20–0 at halftime.[21] The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a pair of second half touchdowns for the 34–0 victory. Davis scored in the third on a two-yard run and Charlie Holm scored in the fourth on a three-yard run.[21] Davis starred for Alabama in the game with his 153 yards rushing on 15 attempts with a pair of touchdowns.[21] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Howard to 16–0–1.[22]

NC State edit

1 234Total
NC State 0 000 0
Alabama 0 1400 14
  • Date: October 8
  • Location: Denny Stadium
    Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game attendance: 10,000

In their third and final non-conference game of the season, Alabama hosted North Carolina State University (NC State) in their annual homecoming contest.[24] In the game, the Crimson Tide's two second touchdowns were enough in their defeat of the Wolfpack in their 14–0 shutout at Denny Stadium.[15][23] After they were held without a first down in the opening quarter, Alabama scored the only points of the game with their two second-quarter touchdowns.[23] The first was on a 28-yard Herschel Mosley pass to Erin Warren and the second on a seven-yard Mosley touchdown run.[23] The Alabama defense dominated the Wolfpack offense and allowed negative rushing yardage (minus four) and zero yards passing.[25] On offense, Mosley starred for the Crimson Tide with his 123 rushing yards on 15 attempts and one passing and rushing touchdown.[25] The victory was their first all-time against NC State.[26]

Tennessee edit

Third Saturday in October
1 234Total
Tennessee 6 070 13
Alabama 0 000 0
  • Date: October 15
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, Alabama
  • Game attendance: 25,000

In Birmingham, Alabama was upset by rival Tennessee 13–0 at Legion Field.[15][27] Leonard Coffman scored both of the Volunteers' touchdowns on one-yard runs in the first and third quarters.[27] George Cafego also starred for Tennessee with his 120 rushing yards on 17 attempts that included separate runs of 48 and 33 yards.[27] The loss was Alabama's first against Tennessee since the 1932 season, and brought Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 13–6–2.[28][29]

Sewanee edit

1 234Total
Sewanee 0 000 0
• #15 Alabama 0 7619 32
  • Date: October 22
  • Location: Denny Stadium
    Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Game attendance: 5,000

A week after their loss to Tennessee, Alabama defeated the Sewanee Tigers 32–0 at Denny Stadium.[15][30] After a scoreless first quarter, Alabama took a 7–0 lead in the second after Vic Bradford scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak. Later in the quarter, a 51-yard Alvin Davis touchdown run was called back due to a holding penalty, and he Crimson Tide led 7–0 at the half. After Dallas Wicke scored on a one-yard run in the third, Alabama scored 19 fourth quarter points for the 32–0 win. In the fourth, Charley Boswell had a pair of rushing touchdowns and threw a third to Erin Warren in the win.[30] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Sewanee to 17–10–3, in what was their last all-time meeting as Sewanee withdrew from SEC following the 1940 season and de-emphasized athletics.[31][32]

Kentucky edit

1 234Total
• #18 Alabama 14 066 26
Kentucky 0 600 6
  • Date: October 29
  • Location: McLean Stadium
    Lexington, Kentucky
  • Game attendance: 15,000

As Alabama entered their contest against Kentucky, they entered the rankings at No. 18 in the weekly AP Poll.[34] In the game, the Crimson Tide defeated the Wildcats 26–6 on homecoming at McLean Stadium.[15][33] Alabama opened the game with a pair of touchdowns to take a 14–0 lead in the first quarter. Charlie Holm scored first on a one-yard run and Vic Bradford scored the second on a 31-yard touchdown reception from Herschel Mosley.[33] Kentucky responded in the second with their only points on a 71-yard Dave Zoeller touchdown run to cut the Alabama lead to 14–6 at the half.[33] The Crimson Tide then scored on a pair of Mosley touchdown passes in the second half. The first came on a six-yard pass to Bradford in the third and the second on a nine-yard pass to Erin Warren in the fourth.[33] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Kentucky 17–1.[35]

Tulane edit

1 234Total
Tulane 0 000 0
• #15 Alabama 0 003 3
  • Date: November 5
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, Alabama
  • Game attendance: 19,000

After their victory over Kentucky, the Crimson Tide moved up three positions to the No. 15 spot in the weekly poll.[37] In the game, the Crimson Tide defeated the Tulane Green Wave 3–0 after Vic Bradford converted a game-winning, 17-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter.[15][36] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tulane to 12–3–1.[38]

Georgia Tech edit

1 234Total
#16 Alabama 0 077 14
Georgia Tech 14 000 14
  • Date: November 12
  • Location: Grant Field
    Atlanta
  • Game attendance: 35,000

After their close victory over Tulane, the Crimson Tide dropped one position to the No. 16 spot in the weekly poll.[40] In their game against Georgia Tech Alabama fell behind 14–0 after the first quarter, but a pair of second half touchdowns gave the Crimson Tide a 14–14 tie against the Yellow Jackets at Grant Field.[15][39] Georgia Tech took an early 14–0 lead after W. C. Gibson threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to George Smith and W. H. Ector scored on a two-yard run.[41] Still down 14–0 as they entered the third quarter, Alabama scored their first points of the game on a three-yard Alvin Davis touchdown run to cap a 57-yard drive.[39] The Crimson Tide then tied the game in the fourth when they executed a hook and lateral play, with Davis crossing the endzone line for a 66-yard touchdown.[39] Alabama was then in position to attempt a game-winning field goal from the Jackets' 15; however, time expired before they could get a play off which resulted in the 14–14 tie.[39] The tie brought Alabama's all-time record against Georgia Tech to 11–10–3.[42]

Vanderbilt edit

1 234Total
Vanderbilt 0 000 0
Alabama 0 007 7
  • Date: November 24
  • Location: Legion Field
    Birmingham, Alabama
  • Game attendance: 25,000

In their season finale against the Vanderbilt Commodores, Alabama won 7–0 at Legion Field on Thanksgiving Day.[15][43] The only scoring drive began in the third and ended early in the fourth with a two-yard Vic Bradford touchdown run.[43] Bradford's extra point was then blocked, but George Zivich recovered it and took it in for the point to give Alabama the 7–0 lead.[43] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 11–9.[44]

After the season edit

After all of the regular season games were completed, the final AP Poll was released in early December.[45] In the final poll, Alabama held the No. 13 position.[45] Alabama was also recognized by the Associated Press for having the best record (40–4–3) and highest winning percentage (.909) of any major, college team for the five-year period between 1934 and 1938.[46][47]

Statistically, the 1938 defense was one of the best in school history. The 1938 squad still holds numerous defensive records that include:[48]

  • Fewest total yards allowed in a season with 701
  • Fewest total yards allowed per game with an average of 77.9
  • Fewest total yards allowed per play with an average of 1.2
  • Fewest first downs allowed in a season with 26
  • Fewest rushing yards allowed in a season with 305
  • Fewest rushing yards allowed per game with an average of 33.9
  • Fewest rushing yards allowed per play with an average of 0.95
  • Fewest passing attempts allowed per game with an average of 9.8
  • Fewest passing completions allowed per game with an average of 3.4
  • Fewest passing yards allowed in a season with 291
  • Fewest passing yards allowed per game with an average of 32.7

NFL draft edit

Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1938 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) between the 1939 and 1941 drafts.[49][50] These players included the following:

Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team
1939 3 23 Charlie Holm Back Washington Redskins
9 73 Lew Bostick Guard Cleveland Rams
1940 4 30 Bobby Wood Tackle Cleveland Rams
5 34 Walt Merrill Tackle Brooklyn Dodgers
11 93 Cary Cox Center Pittsburgh Steelers
11 138 Hayward Sanford End Washington Redskins
1941 3 25 Fred Davis Tackle Washington Redskins
7 58 Hal Newman End Brooklyn Dodgers
10 90 Ed Hickerson Guard Washington Redskins

Personnel edit

References edit

General

  • (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 4, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2012.

Specific

  1. ^ a b "Three home games on 1938 schedule of Alabama grid team". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. December 5, 1937. p. 6. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  2. ^ a b Dyer, Braven (August 8, 1937). "Alabama, Troy clash in Coliseum next year". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest Historical Newspapers. p. A9.
  3. ^ "Bama beats Trojans, 19–7". The Los Angeles Times. September 25, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Tide dynamites Howard, 34 to 0". The Birmingham News. October 2, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "State holds Tide to 14–0 win". The News and Observer. October 9, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Tennessee routs Alabama, 13–0". The Knoxville Journal. October 16, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Alabama overwhelms Sewanee with belated thrust". The Selma Times-Journal. October 23, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Wildcats put up plucky fight but lose to Alabama, 26–6". The Lexington Herald. October 30, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Surging Tide nips Tulane, 3 to 0". The Birmingham News. November 6, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Tech and Alabama play 14–14 tie". The Atlanta Constitution. November 13, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Bama hands Vanderbilt third shutout of year". Nashville Banner. November 25, 1938. Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "1938 Alabama football archives". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  13. ^ a b c d Thornton, Jay (September 25, 1938). "Valiant Tide pours over Trojans, 19–7". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 1. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  14. ^ Meyers, Robert (September 25, 1938). "Tide enjoys her day of revenge". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 8. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i 1938 Season Recap
  16. ^ a b c Wagoner, Ronald (September 25, 1938). "Alabama wallops California to avenge Rose Bowl defeat". The News & Courier. Google News Archives. UPI. p. 6. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  17. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  18. ^ "Welcome home accorded Tide". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. September 28, 1938. p. 7. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  19. ^ a b "Alabama reveals power; Davis paces Crimson Tide in rout of Howard by 34–0". The New York Times. October 1, 1938. Retrieved April 14, 2012 – via The New York Times Archive.
  20. ^ "Alabama makes home debut on Saturday". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. September 30, 1938. p. 10. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  21. ^ a b c d e "Tide wallops Howard in home debut, 34–0". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 2, 1938. p. 6. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  22. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  23. ^ a b c d Thornton, Jay (October 9, 1938). "Battling Wolves hold Tide to 14–0 score". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 10. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  24. ^ "Tiders prepared for homecoming tussle". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 7, 1938. p. 7. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  25. ^ a b "Alabama statistics". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 9, 1938. p. 10. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  26. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  27. ^ a b c d Thornton, Jay (October 16, 1938). "Vol-Cano erupts, buries Alabama's hopes 13–0". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 6. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  28. ^ Gregory, Kenneth (October 16, 1937). "Vols crush Tide 13–0". St. Petersburg Times. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 9. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  29. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  30. ^ a b c "Tide out-mans Tigers after late start, 32–0". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 23, 1938. p. 6. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  31. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  32. ^ Wheeler, Romney (December 13, 1940). "Sewanee quits Southeastern". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 1. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  33. ^ a b c d e Stiles, S. V. (October 30, 1938). "Crimson Tide swamps Wildcats, 26 to 6". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 10. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  34. ^ "Pitt continues editors choice". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. October 25, 1938. p. 7. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  35. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  36. ^ a b "Bradford's 17-yard field goal drops Tulane for Tide, 3 to 0". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 6, 1938. p. 6. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  37. ^ "Bears to face Trojan eleven". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. November 1, 1938. p. 7. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  38. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  39. ^ a b c d e "Crimson Tide rises in second half to tie with Tech Tornado, 14–14". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 13, 1938. p. 10. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  40. ^ "Texas Christian places first in A. P. grid poll". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. November 8, 1938. p. 7. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  41. ^ "Georgia Tech rises up to tie Alabama, 14–14". St. Petersburg Times. Google News Archives. Associated Press. November 13, 1938. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  42. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  43. ^ a b c d "Crimson Tide subdues Vandy, 7 to 0 in impressive finish". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 25, 1938. p. 9. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  44. ^ DeLassus, David. . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  45. ^ a b Middleton, Drew (December 6, 1938). "T.C.U., Vols place one, two". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 7. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  46. ^ Barker, Herbert W. (December 5, 1938). "Alabama leads nation in five-year grid record". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. Associated Press. p. 7. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  47. ^ "Alabama Crimson Tide leads nation's major grid teams in survey of five-year record". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Google News Archives. Associated Press. December 5, 1938. p. 11. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  48. ^ "Season Team Records – Defense". (PDF). Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2011. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 16, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  49. ^ "Alabama Drafted Players/Alumni". Sports Reference, LLC. Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  50. ^ . National Football League. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2013.
  51. ^ "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.
  52. ^ "All-Time Assistant Coaches". 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2011. pp. 142–143.

1938, alabama, crimson, tide, football, team, variously, alabama, bama, represented, university, alabama, 1938, college, football, season, crimson, tide, 45th, overall, season, member, southeastern, conference, team, head, coach, frank, thomas, eighth, year, p. The 1938 Alabama Crimson Tide football team variously Alabama UA or Bama represented the University of Alabama in the 1938 college football season It was the Crimson Tide s 45th overall and 6th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference SEC The team was led by head coach Frank Thomas in his eighth year and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field in Birmingham Alabama They finished the season with a record of seven wins one loss and one tie 7 1 1 overall 4 1 1 in the SEC 1938 Alabama Crimson Tide footballConferenceSoutheastern ConferenceRankingAPNo 13Record7 1 1 4 1 1 SEC Head coachFrank Thomas 8th season CaptainLew BostickHome stadiumDenny StadiumLegion FieldSeasons 19371939 1938 Southeastern Conference football standings vte Conf OverallTeam W L T W L TNo 2 Tennessee 7 0 0 11 0 0No 13 Alabama 4 1 1 7 1 1No 19 Tulane 4 1 1 7 2 1Ole Miss 3 2 0 9 2 0Georgia Tech 2 1 3 3 4 3Vanderbilt 4 3 0 6 3 0Florida 2 2 1 4 6 1Auburn 3 3 1 4 5 1Georgia 1 2 1 5 4 1LSU 2 4 0 6 4 0Mississippi State 1 4 0 4 6 0Kentucky 0 4 0 2 7 0Sewanee 0 6 0 1 8 0 Conference championRankings from AP PollThe Crimson Tide opened the season with a 19 7 victory in an intersectional contest against USC at Los Angeles They then followed up the win with consecutive shutouts home victories over non conference opponents Howard and NC State on homecoming However Alabama then was shut out 13 0 by Tennessee their first loss against the Volunteers since 1932 The Crimson Tide then rebounded with victories against Sewanee Kentucky and Tulane After a 14 14 tie against Georgia Tech Alabama defeated Vanderbilt in their season finale With a final record of 7 1 1 Alabama was ranked No 13 in the final AP Poll of the season Additionally after the season the Associated Press recognized Alabama as having the best record 40 4 3 and highest winning percentage 909 of any major college team for the five year period between 1934 and 1938 Statistically the defense was one of the most dominant in school history and still holds numerous defense records Contents 1 Schedule 2 Game summaries 2 1 USC 2 2 Howard 2 3 NC State 2 4 Tennessee 2 5 Sewanee 2 6 Kentucky 2 7 Tulane 2 8 Georgia Tech 2 9 Vanderbilt 3 After the season 3 1 NFL draft 4 Personnel 4 1 Varsity letter winners 4 2 Coaching staff 5 ReferencesSchedule editOn December 5 1937 Frank Thomas announced the 1938 schedule 1 The intersectional game against USC was announced in August 1937 and was the first between the two football powers 2 The remaining schedule included road games at Kentucky and Georgia Tech with the remaining three games split evenly between Denny Stadium and Legion Field 1 DateOpponentRankSiteResultAttendanceSourceSeptember 24at USC Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles CAW 19 770 000 3 October 1Howard AL Denny StadiumTuscaloosa ALW 34 08 000 4 October 8NC State nbsp Denny StadiumTuscaloosa ALW 14 010 000 5 October 15TennesseeLegion FieldBirmingham AL rivalry L 0 1325 000 6 October 22SewaneeNo 15Denny StadiumTuscaloosa ALW 32 05 000 7 October 29at KentuckyNo 18McLean StadiumLexington KYW 26 615 000 8 November 5TulaneNo 15Legion FieldBirmingham ALW 3 019 000 9 November 12at Georgia TechNo 16Grant FieldAtlanta GA rivalry T 14 1435 000 10 November 24VanderbiltLegion FieldBirmingham ALW 7 025 000 11 Non conference game nbsp HomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the game 12 Game summaries editUSC edit See also 1938 USC Trojans football team 1 234Total Alabama 0 1306 19USC 0 007 7Date September 24Location Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles CaliforniaGame attendance 70 000Source 13 In August 1937 university officials announced Alabama would open the 1938 season in Los Angeles against the University of Southern California USC 2 Looking for revenge after their January loss in the Rose Bowl their first loss on the West Coast the Crimson Tide defeated the Trojans 19 7 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 13 14 15 After a scoreless first quarter Alabama scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 13 0 halftime lead The scores came on a pair of Herschel Mosley touchdown passes the first on a seven yard pass to Billy Slemons and the second on an 18 yard pass to Gene Blackwell 13 The Trojans responded after the first Alabama touchdown with their deepest drive into Crimson Tide territory of the game On the drive Robert Peoples connected with Grenny Lansdell for a 36 yard gain to the Alabama 22 16 However the Alabama defense held and USC failed to score after they turned the ball over on downs at the Alabama 13 yard line 16 After they held their 13 0 lead through the third quarter Hal Hughes intercepted an Oliver Day pass and returned it 25 yards for an Alabama touchdown to make the score 19 0 after Vic Bradford missed his second extra point of the game 13 Later in the fourth the Trojans scored their only points of the game The one yard Day touchdown run was set up after Al Krueger recovered Charley Boswell fumbled punt at the Alabama one yard line 16 The victory was their first all time against USC 17 Over 6 000 fans greeted the team at the Alabama Great Southern Railroad station in downtown Tuscaloosa upon their arrival the following Tuesday to celebrate their victory 18 Howard edit See also 1938 Howard Bulldogs football team 1 234TotalHoward 0 000 0 Alabama 7 1377 34Date October 1Location Denny StadiumTuscaloosa AlabamaGame attendance 8 000Source 19 A week after their intersectional victory over USC to open the season Alabama hosted Howard now Samford University in their home opener 20 In the game the Crimson Tide outgained the Bulldogs in rushing yards 354 to 8 in their 34 0 shutout at Denny Stadium 15 19 21 Alabama scored their first touchdown on a 15 yard Billy Slemons run to take a 7 0 first quarter lead 21 In the second quarter touchdowns were scored by George Zivich on a 43 yard run and by Alvin Davis on a 56 yard run to extend the Alabama lead to 20 0 at halftime 21 The Crimson Tide then closed the game with a pair of second half touchdowns for the 34 0 victory Davis scored in the third on a two yard run and Charlie Holm scored in the fourth on a three yard run 21 Davis starred for Alabama in the game with his 153 yards rushing on 15 attempts with a pair of touchdowns 21 The victory improved Alabama s all time record against Howard to 16 0 1 22 NC State edit See also 1938 NC State Wolfpack football team 1 234TotalNC State 0 000 0 Alabama 0 1400 14Date October 8Location Denny StadiumTuscaloosa AlabamaGame attendance 10 000Source 23 In their third and final non conference game of the season Alabama hosted North Carolina State University NC State in their annual homecoming contest 24 In the game the Crimson Tide s two second touchdowns were enough in their defeat of the Wolfpack in their 14 0 shutout at Denny Stadium 15 23 After they were held without a first down in the opening quarter Alabama scored the only points of the game with their two second quarter touchdowns 23 The first was on a 28 yard Herschel Mosley pass to Erin Warren and the second on a seven yard Mosley touchdown run 23 The Alabama defense dominated the Wolfpack offense and allowed negative rushing yardage minus four and zero yards passing 25 On offense Mosley starred for the Crimson Tide with his 123 rushing yards on 15 attempts and one passing and rushing touchdown 25 The victory was their first all time against NC State 26 Tennessee edit See also 1938 Tennessee Volunteers football team Third Saturday in October 1 234Total Tennessee 6 070 13Alabama 0 000 0Date October 15Location Legion FieldBirmingham AlabamaGame attendance 25 000Source 27 In Birmingham Alabama was upset by rival Tennessee 13 0 at Legion Field 15 27 Leonard Coffman scored both of the Volunteers touchdowns on one yard runs in the first and third quarters 27 George Cafego also starred for Tennessee with his 120 rushing yards on 17 attempts that included separate runs of 48 and 33 yards 27 The loss was Alabama s first against Tennessee since the 1932 season and brought Alabama s all time record against Tennessee to 13 6 2 28 29 Sewanee edit See also 1938 Sewanee Tigers football team 1 234TotalSewanee 0 000 0 15 Alabama 0 7619 32Date October 22Location Denny StadiumTuscaloosa AlabamaGame attendance 5 000Source 30 A week after their loss to Tennessee Alabama defeated the Sewanee Tigers 32 0 at Denny Stadium 15 30 After a scoreless first quarter Alabama took a 7 0 lead in the second after Vic Bradford scored on a one yard quarterback sneak Later in the quarter a 51 yard Alvin Davis touchdown run was called back due to a holding penalty and he Crimson Tide led 7 0 at the half After Dallas Wicke scored on a one yard run in the third Alabama scored 19 fourth quarter points for the 32 0 win In the fourth Charley Boswell had a pair of rushing touchdowns and threw a third to Erin Warren in the win 30 The victory improved Alabama s all time record against Sewanee to 17 10 3 in what was their last all time meeting as Sewanee withdrew from SEC following the 1940 season and de emphasized athletics 31 32 Kentucky edit See also 1938 Kentucky Wildcats football team 1 234Total 18 Alabama 14 066 26Kentucky 0 600 6Date October 29Location McLean StadiumLexington KentuckyGame attendance 15 000Source 33 As Alabama entered their contest against Kentucky they entered the rankings at No 18 in the weekly AP Poll 34 In the game the Crimson Tide defeated the Wildcats 26 6 on homecoming at McLean Stadium 15 33 Alabama opened the game with a pair of touchdowns to take a 14 0 lead in the first quarter Charlie Holm scored first on a one yard run and Vic Bradford scored the second on a 31 yard touchdown reception from Herschel Mosley 33 Kentucky responded in the second with their only points on a 71 yard Dave Zoeller touchdown run to cut the Alabama lead to 14 6 at the half 33 The Crimson Tide then scored on a pair of Mosley touchdown passes in the second half The first came on a six yard pass to Bradford in the third and the second on a nine yard pass to Erin Warren in the fourth 33 The victory improved Alabama s all time record against Kentucky 17 1 35 Tulane edit See also 1938 Tulane Green Wave football team 1 234TotalTulane 0 000 0 15 Alabama 0 003 3Date November 5Location Legion FieldBirmingham AlabamaGame attendance 19 000Source 36 After their victory over Kentucky the Crimson Tide moved up three positions to the No 15 spot in the weekly poll 37 In the game the Crimson Tide defeated the Tulane Green Wave 3 0 after Vic Bradford converted a game winning 17 yard field goal late in the fourth quarter 15 36 The victory improved Alabama s all time record against Tulane to 12 3 1 38 Georgia Tech edit See also 1938 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team 1 234Total 16 Alabama 0 077 14Georgia Tech 14 000 14Date November 12Location Grant FieldAtlantaGame attendance 35 000Source 39 After their close victory over Tulane the Crimson Tide dropped one position to the No 16 spot in the weekly poll 40 In their game against Georgia Tech Alabama fell behind 14 0 after the first quarter but a pair of second half touchdowns gave the Crimson Tide a 14 14 tie against the Yellow Jackets at Grant Field 15 39 Georgia Tech took an early 14 0 lead after W C Gibson threw a 16 yard touchdown pass to George Smith and W H Ector scored on a two yard run 41 Still down 14 0 as they entered the third quarter Alabama scored their first points of the game on a three yard Alvin Davis touchdown run to cap a 57 yard drive 39 The Crimson Tide then tied the game in the fourth when they executed a hook and lateral play with Davis crossing the endzone line for a 66 yard touchdown 39 Alabama was then in position to attempt a game winning field goal from the Jackets 15 however time expired before they could get a play off which resulted in the 14 14 tie 39 The tie brought Alabama s all time record against Georgia Tech to 11 10 3 42 Vanderbilt edit See also 1938 Vanderbilt Commodores football team 1 234TotalVanderbilt 0 000 0 Alabama 0 007 7Date November 24Location Legion FieldBirmingham AlabamaGame attendance 25 000Source 43 In their season finale against the Vanderbilt Commodores Alabama won 7 0 at Legion Field on Thanksgiving Day 15 43 The only scoring drive began in the third and ended early in the fourth with a two yard Vic Bradford touchdown run 43 Bradford s extra point was then blocked but George Zivich recovered it and took it in for the point to give Alabama the 7 0 lead 43 The victory improved Alabama s all time record against Vanderbilt to 11 9 44 After the season editAfter all of the regular season games were completed the final AP Poll was released in early December 45 In the final poll Alabama held the No 13 position 45 Alabama was also recognized by the Associated Press for having the best record 40 4 3 and highest winning percentage 909 of any major college team for the five year period between 1934 and 1938 46 47 Statistically the 1938 defense was one of the best in school history The 1938 squad still holds numerous defensive records that include 48 Fewest total yards allowed in a season with 701 Fewest total yards allowed per game with an average of 77 9 Fewest total yards allowed per play with an average of 1 2 Fewest first downs allowed in a season with 26 Fewest rushing yards allowed in a season with 305 Fewest rushing yards allowed per game with an average of 33 9 Fewest rushing yards allowed per play with an average of 0 95 Fewest passing attempts allowed per game with an average of 9 8 Fewest passing completions allowed per game with an average of 3 4 Fewest passing yards allowed in a season with 291 Fewest passing yards allowed per game with an average of 32 7NFL draft edit Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1938 squad were drafted into the National Football League NFL between the 1939 and 1941 drafts 49 50 These players included the following Year Round Overall Player name Position NFL team1939 3 23 Charlie Holm Back Washington Redskins9 73 Lew Bostick Guard Cleveland Rams1940 4 30 Bobby Wood Tackle Cleveland Rams5 34 Walt Merrill Tackle Brooklyn Dodgers11 93 Cary Cox Center Pittsburgh Steelers11 138 Hayward Sanford End Washington Redskins1941 3 25 Fred Davis Tackle Washington Redskins7 58 Hal Newman End Brooklyn Dodgers10 90 Ed Hickerson Guard Washington RedskinsPersonnel editVarsity letter winners edit Player Hometown PositionWarren Averitte Greenville Mississippi CenterSilas Beard Guntersville Alabama HalfbackGene Blackwell Blytheville Arkansas EndLewis Bostick Birmingham Alabama GuardCharley Boswell Birmingham Alabama HalfbackVic Bradford Memphis Tennessee QuarterbackCarey Cox Bainbridge Georgia CenterAlvin Davis Green Forest Arkansas FullbackFred Davis Louisville Kentucky TackleJess Foshee Clanton Alabama GuardJack Gornto Valdosta Georgia EndGrover Harkins Gadsden Alabama GuardEd Hickerson Ventura California GuardCharlie Holm Birmingham Alabama HalfbackHal Hughes Pine Bluff Arkansas QuarterbackWalter Merrill Andalusia Alabama TackleHerschel Mosley Blytheville Arkansas HalfbackHal Newman Birmingham Alabama EndJake Redden Vernon Alabama GuardPerron Shoemaker Birmingham Alabama EndBilly Slemons Orlando Florida HalfbackJoseph Sugg Russellville Alabama GuardW L Waites Tuscaloosa Alabama HalfbackErin Warren Montgomery Alabama EndDallas Wicke Pensacola Florida QuarterbackBobby Wood McComb Mississippi TackleGeorge Zivich East Chicago Indiana HalfbackReference 51 Coaching staff edit Name Position Seasons atAlabama Alma MaterFrank Thomas Head coach 8 Notre Dame 1923 Bear Bryant Assistant coach 3 Alabama 1935 Paul Burnum Assistant coach 9 Alabama 1922 Tilden Campbell Assistant coach 3 Alabama 1935 Hank Crisp Assistant coach 18 VPI 1920 Harold Drew Assistant coach 8 Bates 1916 Joe Kilgrow Assistant coach 1 Alabama 1937 Reference 52 References editGeneral 1938 Season Recap PDF RollTide com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Archived from the original PDF on June 4 2012 Retrieved April 12 2012 Specific a b Three home games on 1938 schedule of Alabama grid team The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives December 5 1937 p 6 Retrieved April 15 2012 a b Dyer Braven August 8 1937 Alabama Troy clash in Coliseum next year Los Angeles Times ProQuest Historical Newspapers p A9 Bama beats Trojans 19 7 The Los Angeles Times September 25 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com Tide dynamites Howard 34 to 0 The Birmingham News October 2 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com State holds Tide to 14 0 win The News and Observer October 9 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com Tennessee routs Alabama 13 0 The Knoxville Journal October 16 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com Alabama overwhelms Sewanee with belated thrust The Selma Times Journal October 23 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com Wildcats put up plucky fight but lose to Alabama 26 6 The Lexington Herald October 30 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com Surging Tide nips Tulane 3 to 0 The Birmingham News November 6 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com Tech and Alabama play 14 14 tie The Atlanta Constitution November 13 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com Bama hands Vanderbilt third shutout of year Nashville Banner November 25 1938 Retrieved February 22 2021 via Newspapers com 1938 Alabama football archives RollTide com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Retrieved February 22 2021 a b c d Thornton Jay September 25 1938 Valiant Tide pours over Trojans 19 7 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives p 1 Retrieved April 12 2012 Meyers Robert September 25 1938 Tide enjoys her day of revenge The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press p 8 Retrieved April 12 2012 a b c d e f g h i 1938 Season Recap a b c Wagoner Ronald September 25 1938 Alabama wallops California to avenge Rose Bowl defeat The News amp Courier Google News Archives UPI p 6 Retrieved April 12 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Southern California College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on February 1 2014 Retrieved April 10 2012 Welcome home accorded Tide The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives September 28 1938 p 7 Retrieved April 12 2012 a b Alabama reveals power Davis paces Crimson Tide in rout of Howard by 34 0 The New York Times October 1 1938 Retrieved April 14 2012 via The New York Times Archive Alabama makes home debut on Saturday The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives September 30 1938 p 10 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b c d e Tide wallops Howard in home debut 34 0 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives October 2 1938 p 6 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Samford College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on October 23 2011 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b c d Thornton Jay October 9 1938 Battling Wolves hold Tide to 14 0 score The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives p 10 Retrieved April 14 2012 Tiders prepared for homecoming tussle The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives October 7 1938 p 7 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b Alabama statistics The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives October 9 1938 p 10 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs North Carolina State College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on October 23 2011 Retrieved April 10 2012 a b c d Thornton Jay October 16 1938 Vol Cano erupts buries Alabama s hopes 13 0 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives p 6 Retrieved April 14 2012 Gregory Kenneth October 16 1937 Vols crush Tide 13 0 St Petersburg Times Google News Archives Associated Press p 9 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Tennessee College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on October 14 2013 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b c Tide out mans Tigers after late start 32 0 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives October 23 1938 p 6 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Sewanee College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on October 23 2011 Retrieved April 10 2012 Wheeler Romney December 13 1940 Sewanee quits Southeastern The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press p 1 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b c d e Stiles S V October 30 1938 Crimson Tide swamps Wildcats 26 to 6 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press p 10 Retrieved April 14 2012 Pitt continues editors choice The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press October 25 1938 p 7 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Kentucky College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on October 14 2013 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b Bradford s 17 yard field goal drops Tulane for Tide 3 to 0 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives November 6 1938 p 6 Retrieved April 14 2012 Bears to face Trojan eleven The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press November 1 1938 p 7 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Tulane College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on December 27 2013 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b c d e Crimson Tide rises in second half to tie with Tech Tornado 14 14 The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives November 13 1938 p 10 Retrieved April 14 2012 Texas Christian places first in A P grid poll The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press November 8 1938 p 7 Retrieved April 14 2012 Georgia Tech rises up to tie Alabama 14 14 St Petersburg Times Google News Archives Associated Press November 13 1938 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Georgia Tech College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on October 23 2011 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b c d Crimson Tide subdues Vandy 7 to 0 in impressive finish The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives November 25 1938 p 9 Retrieved April 14 2012 DeLassus David Alabama vs Vanderbilt College Football Data Warehouse Archived from the original on December 31 2014 Retrieved April 14 2012 a b Middleton Drew December 6 1938 T C U Vols place one two The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press p 7 Retrieved April 14 2012 Barker Herbert W December 5 1938 Alabama leads nation in five year grid record The Tuscaloosa News Google News Archives Associated Press p 7 Retrieved April 14 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide leads nation s major grid teams in survey of five year record Spokane Daily Chronicle Google News Archives Associated Press December 5 1938 p 11 Retrieved April 14 2012 Season Team Records Defense 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book PDF Tuscaloosa Alabama University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office 2011 p 5 Archived from the original PDF on September 16 2012 Retrieved April 17 2012 Alabama Drafted Players Alumni Sports Reference LLC Pro Football Reference com Retrieved April 7 2012 Draft History by School Alabama National Football League Archived from the original on July 15 2014 Retrieved March 16 2013 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 All Time Assistant Coaches 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book Tuscaloosa Alabama University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office 2011 pp 142 143 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 1938 Alabama Crimson Tide football team amp oldid 1180663443, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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