The 1971 College Football Season: A Year of Transformation and Triumph

Introduction

The 1971 NCAA University Division football season was a landmark year marked by strategic shifts, racial integration, and the rise of dominant teams. This article delves into the key events, changes, and compelling narratives that defined the season, from the preseason polls to the climactic bowl games.

Preseason Expectations and Early Rankings

Prior to the season, anticipation was high, with two human polls setting the stage for the 1971 NCAA University Division football rankings. Unlike most sports, college football's governing body, the NCAA, does not bestow a national championship, instead that title is bestowed by one or more different polling agencies. Notre Dame was initially ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll released on September 6, with defending champion Nebraska closely behind at No. 2. Nebraska, however, garnered more first-place votes (26) compared to Notre Dame (15), though they had fewer overall points (870 vs. 885).

Rule Changes and New Entrants

Prior to the 1971 season, two programs were elevated to the University Division: Temple and Texas-Arlington. These changes reflected the evolving landscape of college football and the growing ambition of various institutions.

The Rise of Nebraska

Coach Bob Devaney's Nebraska Cornhuskers emerged as the team to beat, repeating as national champions. Ranked a close second behind Notre Dame in the preseason poll, Nebraska moved up to first place the following week, remained there for the rest of 1971, and convincingly won the Orange Bowl 38-6 in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. Nebraska's dominance was evident throughout the season, marked by decisive victories and a powerful offense.

Key Games and Turning Points

The season was filled with pivotal games that shaped the rankings and national championship contenders.

Read also: Triumphs and Controversies in '71

September Showdowns

On Friday night in Los Angeles, No. 16 Alabama beat No. 5 USC, 17-10, marking a successful debut for Bear Bryant's new Wishbone offense. The next day, No. 2 Nebraska won its opener at home, 34-7 over Oregon. No. 4 Michigan won 21-6 at No. 20 Northwestern. No. 11 Ohio State defeated Iowa 52−21. In the poll that followed, Nebraska received 31 of the 50 first place votes and moved up to No. 1. The remainder of the top five were No. 2 Notre Dame, No. 3 Texas, No. 4 Michigan, and No.

October Clashes

In their first Big Eight conference game and first on the road, No. 1 Nebraska shut out Missouri 36-0. No. 2 Michigan won at Michigan State, 24-13, while No. 3 Texas lost to No. 8 Oklahoma in their rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, 48-27. No. 4 Auburn beat Southern Miss 27-14. No. 5 Colorado won 24-14 at Iowa State, but dropped in the poll to sixth, while No. 6 Alabama won 42-0 at Vanderbilt and moved up. The next poll featured No. 1 Nebraska, No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Alabama, and No.

November Rivalries

As the regular season neared its close, four undefeated and untied teams met in rivalry games which were de facto semifinals for the national championship. On Thanksgiving Day, No. 1 Nebraska (10-0) and No. 2 Oklahoma (9-0) met on the Sooners' field in a game that would determine the Big Eight title, the No. 1 ranking, and a trip to the Orange Bowl in Miami. In the decade's Game of the Century, Nebraska won a classic back-and-forth battle 35-31; Husker I-back Jeff Kinney scored his fourth and game-deciding touchdown with 98 seconds left, capping a 5½-minute, 74-yard drive. Later that weekend, No. 3 Alabama (10-0) and No. 5 Auburn (9-0) played their annual season-ender at Birmingham with the SEC championship at stake, and Alabama handed the Tigers their first loss, 31-7. As SEC champion, Alabama was invited to, but not obligated to play in, the Sugar Bowl; they deferred and accepted a bid to play top-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Auburn went to the Sugar Bowl instead, to face Oklahoma in a meeting of conference runners-up.

The Wishbone Offense and Bear Bryant's Transformation

The 1971 season was pivotal for legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. After relatively poor seasons in 1969 and 1970 (6-5 and 6-5-1, respectively), Bryant faced a career crossroads. He contemplated a move to the professional ranks with the Miami Dolphins in 1969 but ultimately decided to stay with the Crimson Tide.

Implementing the Wishbone

Bryant implemented a new offensive strategy called the “Wishbone”. The book details his meeting with Texas head coach Darrell Royal and how the entire Alabama team kept the new offense a secret until springing it upon USC in the season’s first game. USC was unprepared for the Wishbone although it sounded more like USC thought that Alabama would be a pushover and an easy win since they’d beaten them soundly the season before. The 1971 season saw Bryant implement a new offensive strategy called the “Wishbone”. This strategic shift proved instrumental in revitalizing Alabama's offense and setting the stage for a successful season.

Read also: NCAA Wrestling Triumph (1971)

Racial Integration

The 1971 season also marked a significant step in the integration of black players into Alabama football. “Career In Crisis” does a good job of putting you into the context of the times to better understand the racial tension in that was occurring In Alabama during the ‘69-‘71 years. The book allows for some excuses for Bryant - “He was not the governor of Alabama, only a football coach” - but doesn’t shy away from or explain away as to why Alabama was so slow with regards to integration. A popular concept is that Bryant wanted to recruit blacks after getting destroyed by USC in 1970, but “Career In Crisis” explains that Bryant had already begun the process and it wasn’t as reactionary as people think. This transition, though gradual, reflected broader societal changes and the evolving landscape of college sports.

Overcoming Adversity

Bryant's journey in 1971 was not without its challenges. "Career In Crisis" delves into the pressures and decisions Bryant faced, highlighting his resilience and determination to adapt and succeed.

Bowl Game Results and Final Rankings

The bowl games provided a dramatic conclusion to the 1971 season, solidifying Nebraska's dominance and revealing the final rankings.

Orange Bowl

Nebraska faced Alabama in the Orange Bowl, winning convincingly with a score of 38-6. This victory cemented Nebraska's claim to the national championship and underscored their status as the top team in the nation. There are plenty of reasons given for the loss, and it is surprising to learn that the loss still bothers some of the players after 30 years.

Other Bowl Games

Earlier in the day at the Sugar Bowl, Oklahoma intercepted Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan three times and easily handled Auburn 40-22, and regained the runner-up ranking in the final poll. With bowl losses by No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Michigan, and No. 5 Auburn, sixth-ranked Colorado, winner of the Bluebonnet Bowl, rose to third. For the second year in a row in the Rose Bowl, underdog Stanford rallied to defeat the undefeated Big Ten champion, besting Michigan 13-12 on a last second field goal by Rod Garcia.

Final Poll

The final regular season poll was dominated by Big 8 and SEC teams: No. 1 Nebraska, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Oklahoma (lost only to Nebraska), No. 4 Michigan, No. 5 Auburn (lost only to Alabama), No. 6 Georgia (lost only to Auburn), and No.

Individual Achievements and the Heisman Trophy

The 1971 season also celebrated individual excellence, with players like Auburn's Pat Sullivan earning recognition for their outstanding performances. Sullivan topped Ed Marinaro for the Heisman Trophy, symbolizing the pinnacle of individual achievement in college football.

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