Jonathan Clowney

The game that immortalized Paul “Bear” Bryant and spawned commemorative Coca-Cola bottles still cherished by fans happened 44 years ago today when No. 4-ranked @AlabamaFTBL rallied to beat Auburn, 28-17, as Bryant won his 315th game on Nov. 28, 1981 in Legion Field. After falling behind 17-14 early in the fourth quarter, Alabama responded with two touchdowns to ensure Bryant passed Amos Alonzo Stagg for the most Division I coaching victories. Walter Lewis started the comeback with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Jesse Bendross and Linnie Patrick followed with a 15-yard scoring run. Alabama played three quarterbacks against Auburn as Alan Gray scored the first Crimson Tide touchdown on a 1-yard run in the first quarter. Ken Coley came in and threw a 26-yard scoring pass to Bendross in the third quarter. “About the record the players set today,” Bryant said afterwards. “I want to thank the good Lord for being associated with all the people who made it possible. It’s been a hard year for me. I wasn’t strong enough or bright enough to handle it. Only the last week has it really dawned on me that so many people were involved.” The victory over his former assistant, Pat Dye, also clinched Bryant’s 13th SEC championship, as the Crimson Tide tied with Georgia as both finished 6-0 in conference play.

In 2009, @markingramII became the first @AlabamaFTBL player to win the Heisman Trophy, doing so in the closest Heisman vote in the award’s history. #HeismanHeritage | 22 Days