By Darin Hayes When Bear Bryant Changed College Football Forever
On September 10, 1971, a historic game took place that extended far beyond the final score. In what was billed as a showdown between No. 16 Alabama and No. 5 USC, the real story unfolded on the field of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In a move that would change the trajectory of his program and Southern football, Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant started an all-Black lineup of defensive backs, marking the first time a fully integrated team from the South played against one of the West Coast’s most prestigious programs.
Bama Stuns USC 1971 11 Sep 1971, Sat The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) Newspapers.com
The game was a defensive struggle. USC’s defense, led by its legendary “Wild Bunch” front seven, held Alabama’s vaunted wishbone offense in check for most of the game. Despite a tough start, the Tide’s defense, anchored by John Mitchell—the first Black man to play and captain for Alabama—showcased its toughness. Mitchell’s performance was a highlight, as he led the defensive line in disrupting USC’s attack.
Alabama’s offense eventually found its rhythm. The Crimson Tide relied on a series of punishing runs and timely passes to grind out a lead. A crucial fourth-quarter touchdown sealed the victory for Alabama, with the final score a narrow 17-10. The win wasn’t just a triumph on the scoreboard; it was a powerful statement. The victory helped open the door for racial integration in football throughout the South.
The game is often cited as a pivotal moment in sports history, proving that integrated teams could compete at the highest level. While the final score is often forgotten, the symbolic importance of the contest and the role it played in changing the landscape of college football remains a powerful and enduring legacy.