1932 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

1932 Alabama Crimson Tide football
Conference	Southern Conference
1932 record	8–2 (5–2 SoCon)
Head coach	Frank Thomas (2nd year)
Captain	Johnny Cain
Home stadium	Denny Stadium Legion Field Cramton Bowl

1932 Southern Conference football standings
	Conf							Overall
Team	W		L		T			W		L		T
Tennessee +	7	–	0	–	1			9	–	0	–	1
Auburn +	6	–	0	–	1			9	–	0	–	1
LSU +	4	–	0	–	0			6	–	3	–	1
VPI	6	–	1	–	0			8	–	1	–	0
Alabama	5	–	2	–	0			8	–	2	–	0
Vanderbilt	4	–	1	–	2			6	–	1	–	2
NC State	3	–	1	–	1			6	–	1	–	2
Tulane	5	–	2	–	1			6	–	2	–	1
Duke	5	–	3	–	0			7	–	3	–	0
Georgia Tech	4	–	4	–	1			4	–	5	–	1
South Carolina	2	–	2	–	2			5	–	4	–	2
Kentucky	4	–	5	–	0			4	–	5	–	0
Virginia	2	–	3	–	0			5	–	4	–	0
Ole Miss	2	–	3	–	0			5	–	6	–	0
Georgia	2	–	4	–	2			2	–	5	–	2
Maryland	2	–	4	–	0			5	–	6	–	0
North Carolina	2	–	5	–	1			3	–	5	–	2
VMI	1	–	4	–	0			2	–	8	–	0
Washington and Lee	1	–	4	–	0			1	–	9	–	0
Florida	1	–	6	–	0			3	–	6	–	0
Clemson	0	–	4	–	0			3	–	5	–	1
Mississippi State	0	–	4	–	0			3	–	5	–	0
Sewanee	0	–	6	–	0			2	–	7	–	1
+ – Conference co-champions

The 1932 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1932 college football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 39th overall and 11th and final season as a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon). The team was led by head coach Frank Thomas, in his second year, and played their home games at Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, at Legion Field in Birmingham and at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. They finished the season with a record of eight wins and two losses (8–2 overall, 5–2 in the SoCon).

After opening the season with consecutive home victories over Southwestern Presbyterian and Mississippi State, Alabama traveled to George Washington and defeated the Colonials before the largest crowd to ever witness a football game in Washington, D. C. to that point. After a loss to Tennessee, Alabama rebounded with victories over Ole Miss, Kentucky and VPI (Virginia Tech) on homecoming. Following their second loss against Georgia Tech, the Crimson Tide completed their season with an upset victory over Vanderbilt and an intersectional win over St. Mary's at San Francisco.

Schedule

Date	Opponent	Site	Result	Attendance
September 24	Southwestern Presbyterian*	Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL	W 45–6	6,000
October 1	Mississippi State	Cramton Bowl • Montgomery, AL (Rivalry)	W 53–0
October 8	at George Washington*	Griffith Stadium • Washington, DC	W 28–6	26,000
October 15	Tennessee	Legion Field • Birmingham, AL (Third Saturday in October)	L 3–7	20,000
October 22	Ole Miss	Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Rivalry)	W 24–13
October 29	at Kentucky	McLean Stadium • Lexington, KY	W 12–7
November 5	VPI	Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL	W 9–6	11,000
November 12	at Georgia Tech	Grant Field • Atlanta, GA	L 0–6
November 24	Vanderbilt	Legion Field • Birmingham, AL	W 20–0	18,000
December 3	at St. Mary's*	Kezar Stadium • San Francisco, CA	W 6–0	20,000
*Non-conference game. Homecoming.

• Source: Rolltide.com: 1932 Alabama football schedule^[1]

Game notes

Southwestern Presbyterian

1 2 3 4 Total Southwestern Presbyterian 0 0 0 6 6 • Alabama 7 6 12 20 45 Date: September 24 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 6,000 Source:[2]

In the first game of the 1932 season, Alabama defeated the Southwestern Presbyterian Lynx (now the Rhodes Lynx), 45–6 before 6,000 fans at Denny Stadium.^[2] In the game, Johnny Cain scored two touchdowns and Foy Leach, Larry Hughes, Bob Seawall, Dixie Howell and McDaniel each scored one touchdown in the victory.^[2] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Southwestern Presbyterian to 2–0.^[3]

Mississippi State

1 2 3 4 Total Mississippi State 0 0 0 0 0 • Alabama 7 14 19 13 53 Date: October 1 Location: Cramton Bowl Montgomery, AL Source:[4]

Against their long-time rival, the Mississippi State Maroons, Alabama was victorious in their conference opener 53–0 at the Cramton Bowl.^[4] In the game, Johnny Cain scored three touchdowns and Hillman Holley, Howard Chappell, Erskine Walker, Larry Hughes and Bob Turner each scored one touchdown in the victory.^[4] The Maroons only crossed midfield one in the game.^[4] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Mississippi State 15–4–2.^[5]

George Washington

1 2 3 4 Total • Alabama 7 7 7 7 28 George Washington 0 6 0 0 6 Date: October 8 Location: Griffith Stadium Washington, DC Game attendance: 26,000 Source:[6]

In what was the first road game of the season, Alabama defeated the George Washington Colonials 28–6 at Griffith Stadium.^[6] In the game, Johnny Cain scored a rushing touchdown in each of the four quarters, with Hillman Holley successfully converting all four extra point attempts.^[6] Clarence McCarver scored the only points of the game for the Colonials with his second-quarter touchdown run.^[6] The 26,000 fans that attended the game marked the largest to attend a football game in Washington.^[7]

Tennessee

Third Saturday in October

1 2 3 4 Total • Tennessee 0 0 0 7 7 Alabama 0 3 0 0 3 Date: October 15 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 20,000 Source:[8]

Against the rival Tennessee, Alabama was defeated by the Volunteers, 7–3 at Legion Field in rainy conditions.^[8][9] Alabama scored its only points of the game when Hillman Holley connected on a 12-yard field goal in the second quarter to take a 3–0 lead.^[8] Alabama held their lead through the fourth quarter when Johnny Cain had a punt of only 12-yards from his own endzone to give Tennessee the ball at the 12-yard line.^[8] Three plays later, Beattie Feathers scored on a seven-yard touchdown run and with the extra point, the Volunteers took a 7–3 lead that they would not relinquish.^[8] Due to the poor weather conditions, the game was noted for both Alabama head coach Thomas and Tennessee head coach Robert Neyland calling for punt after punt, often on first and second down, in an attempt to gain field position advantage.^[10] As a result, Feathers punted 21 times for Tennessee, and Cain punted 19 times for Alabama.^[10] Cain's 19 punts and 914 total yards still stand as the single game school records for punts and punting yardage.^[11] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee 9–5–1.^[12]

Ole Miss

1 2 3 4 Total Ole Miss 0 0 7 6 13 • Alabama 0 6 12 6 24 Date: October 22 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Source:[13]

Against the rival Ole Miss, Alabama defeated the Rebels, 24–13 at Denny Stadium.^[9][13] Alabama scored first on a seven-yard Larry Hughes touchdown run in the second quarter to take a 6–0 lead.^[13] Johnny Cain extended the Alabama lead to 12–0 in the third with his 51-yard touchdown run only to have Ole Miss respond with an Earl Hudson touchdown run to cut the score to 12–7.^[13] Alabama then scored touchdowns on a 53-yard Erskine Walker touchdown run before Ole Miss scored on a one-yard Larry Hughes touchdown run to give the Crimson Tide an 18–13 lead.^[13] Alabama then scored on a Don Hutson touchdown run to make the final score 24–13.^[13] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Ole Miss 16–2–1.^[14]

Kentucky

1 2 3 4 Total • Alabama 6 0 0 6 12 Kentucky 7 0 0 0 7 Date: October 29 Location: McLean Stadium Lexington, KY Source:[15]

In their first conference road game of the season, Alabama defeated the Kentucky Wildcats, 12–7 at McLean Stadium.^[9][15] Alabama scored first on a six-yard Hillman Holley touchdown run to cap a drive that included a 60-yard Holley run.^[15] However, Holley then missed the extra point and Alabama took a 6–0 lead. Later in the quarter, Howard Chappell fumbled a Kentucky punt that was recovered by O. L. Davidson at the Wildcats 19-yard line.^[15] Ellis T. Johnson scored on the ensuing drive and with his extra point, Kentucky took a 7–6 lead.^[15] The Wildcats maintained their lead through the fourth quarter when Holley scored the game winning touchdown on a 10-yard run for the 12–7 Alabama win.^[15] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Kentucky 11–1.^[16]

VPI

1 2 3 4 Total VPI 0 6 0 0 6 • Alabama 0 0 9 0 9 Date: November 5 Location: Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL Game attendance: 11,000 Source:[17]

Against the Fighting Gobblers of VPI (now known as the Virginia Tech Hokies), Alabama won 9–6 on homecoming at Denny Field.^[9][17] After a scoreless first quarter, the Gobblers took a 6–0 lead in the second after Ray Mills threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Al Casey.^[17] In the third, the score was cut to 6–2 after a bad snap to Casey from the center resulted in a safety.^[17] Later in the quarter Alabama took a 9–6 lead that it held to the end of the game when Dixie Howell scored a touchdown on a nine-yard run.^[17] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against VPI 1–0.^[18]

Georgia Tech

1 2 3 4 Total Alabama 0 0 0 0 0 • Georgia Tech 6 0 0 0 6 Date: November 12 Location: Grant Field Atlanta, GA Source:[19]

Against the Georgia Tech Golden Tornado, Alabama lost 6–0 at Grant Field.^[9][19] The only points of the game were scored in the first quarter when Tech's C. M. Galloway scored on a 75-yard touchdown run.^[19] The loss brought Alabama's all-time record against Georgia Tech to 6–10–2.^[20] The game is also notable for being the first Alabama football game that was broadcast live by way of telephonic broadcast to an audience at the University Gymnasium.^[21] The broadcast was thought to be the first of its type ever made in the Southern United States, and a $.25 admission fee (equivalent to $4.34^[22] in the present day) was charged for entry to the broadcast.^[21]

Vanderbilt

1 2 3 4 Total Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 0 • Alabama 0 13 0 7 20 Date: November 24 Location: Legion Field Birmingham, AL Game attendance: 18,000 Source:[23]

In the days that led up to their game against Vanderbilt, many sportswriters did not give Alabama a chance against a favored Commodores squad.^[24] However, Alabama went on and defeated Vanderbilt on Thanksgiving Day 20–0 at Legion Field before 18,000 spectators.^[9][23] After a scoreless first quarter, Jim Dildy recovered a Vanderbilt fumble at their 16-yard line. Alabama then scored a touchdown on the possession that ensued on a short run by Johnny Cain.^[23] Later in the quarter, the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 13–0 after Dixie Howell threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ralph Gandy.^[23] Howell then scored the final points of the game in the fourth quarter with his 81-yard interception returned for a touchdown.^[23] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 5–8.^[25]

St. Mary's

1 2 3 4 Total • Alabama 6 0 0 0 6 St. Mary's 0 0 0 0 0 Date: December 3 Location: Kezar Stadium San Francisco, CA Game attendance: 20,000 Source:[26]

In their final game of the 1932 season, Alabama defeated the St. Mary's Gaels 6–0 before 20,000 fans at San Francisco's Kezar Stadium.^[9][26] On their second offensive possession, Johnny Cain scored the only points of the game with his 71-yard touchdown run.^[9][26] With the exception of Cain's long run, both defenses were dominant with both the Crimson Tide and Gaels only having allowed 113 yards of total offense.^[26] Dixie Howell also starred for Alabama with his average of 45 yards for his total of 16 punts he kicked in the game.^[26] The contest was the only ever played between the two schools.^[27]

Personnel

Varsity letter winners Player Hometown Position Troy Barker Lineville, Alabama Guard Johnny Cain Montgomery, Alabama Fullback Howard Chappell Sylacauga, Alabama Back Joe Demyanovich Bayonne, New Jersey Fullback Jim Dildy Nashville, Arkansas Tackle Calvin Frey Arkadelphia, Arkansas Tackle Ralph Gandy Birmingham, Alabama End Newton Godfree Alexander City, Alabama Tackle Willis Hewes Russellville, Arkansas Center Hillman Holley Tuscaloosa, Alabama Back Ellis "Red" Houston Bessemer, Alabama Center Dixie Howell Hartford, Alabama Halfback Larry Hughes Tuscaloosa, Alabama Back Tom Huke East Chicago, Indiana Guard Don Hutson Pine Bluff, Arkansas End B'Ho Kirkland Columbia, Alabama Guard Carney Laslie Charlotte, North Carolina Tackle Foy Leach Siloam Springs, Arkansas End Bill Lee Eutaw, Alabama Tackle Frank Moseley Montgomery, Alabama Back Donald Sanford Parrish, Alabama Guard Williams Comer Sims Searight, Alabama Guard M. M. Swaim Tuscaloosa, Alabama Guard Erskine Walker Birmingham, Alabama Halfback Reference:[28]

Coaching staff Name Position Seasons at Alabama Alma Mater Frank Thomas Head coach 2 Notre Dame (1923) Paul Burnum Assistant coach 3 Alabama (1922) Hank Crisp Assistant coach 12 VPI (1920) Harold Drew Assistant coach 2 Bates (1916) Clyde "Shorty" Propst Assistant coach 8 Alabama (1924) Jennings B. Whitworth Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1931) Reference:[29]

References

General

• "1932 Season Recap" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved March 26, 2012.

Specific

1. "1932 Alabama football schedule". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
2. Green, Casper (September 25, 1932). "Powerful Tide engulfs fighting Lynx 45 to 6". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 8. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
3. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Rhodes (TN)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
4. "Tide swamps Staters, 53 to 0". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 2, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
5. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Mississippi State". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
6. "Tide engulfs Colonials, 28 to 6". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 9, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
7. "Here's how the Crimson Tide drowned George Washington University 28–6". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 10, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
8. "Vols turn back muddy Tide 7–3". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 16, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
9. 1932 Season Recap
10. Richard, Scott (2004). Legends of Alabama Football. Champaign, Illinois: Sports Publishing, LLC. p. 9. ISBN 9781582612775. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
11. 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book (PDF). Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2011. p. 23. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
12. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Tennessee". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
13. "Bama beats Ole Miss 24–13". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 23, 1932. p. 10. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
14. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Mississippi". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
15. "Tide wind 12 to 7". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. October 30, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
16. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Kentucky". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
17. "Crimson tide regains its crest to beat Gobblers, 9 to 6". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 6, 1932. p. 10. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
18. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Virginia Tech". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
19. "Tornado stems Tide 6–0". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 13, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
20. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Georgia Tech". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
21. "Tide-Tech tilt will be broadcast in the gym". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 11, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
22. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Community Development Project. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
23. ""On to St. Mary's" Tide shouts after thrilling 20–0 victory". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 25, 1932. p. 6. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
24. "Vandy-Tide tilt will be battle of two shifts". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. November 20, 1932. p. 10. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
25. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Vanderbilt". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
26. "Cain leads Tide to victory with 71-yard touchdown". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. December 4, 1932. p. 8. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
27. DeLassus, David. "Alabama vs Saint Mary's (CA)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
28. "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.
29. "All-Time Assistant Coaches". 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office. 2011. pp. 142–143.