1973 college football season
Encyclopedia
The 1973 college football season was the first for the NCAA's current three-division structure. Effective with the 1973–74 academic year, schools formerly in the NCAA "University Division" were classified as Division I (later subdivided for football only into today's Division I FBS and Division I FCS). Schools in the former "College Division" were classified into Division II, which allowed fewer athletic scholarship
s than Division I, and Division III, in which athletic scholarships were prohibited.
In its inaugural season, Division I had two NCAA-recognized national champions, and they faced each other at year's end in the Sugar Bowl
. The New Orleans game matched two unbeaten teams, the Alabama Crimson Tide (11-0-0), ranked #1 by AP and UPI, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
(10–0), ranked #3 by AP and #4 by UPI.
While both wire services ranked Alabama #1 at the end of the regular season, AP took another poll after the bowl games. By agreement with the American Football Coaches' Association, however, UPI bestowed its championship before the postseason bowl games. Thus, Alabama was crowned champion by UPI on December 4, 1973 . UPI ranked Notre Dame #4. One coach had given the Irish a first place vote, compared to 21 for Alabama.
In a game where the lead changed six times, Notre Dame won by a single point, 24–23, to claim the national championship. During the 20th Century, the NCAA had no playoff for the college football teams that would later be described as "Division I-A". The NCAA Football Guide, however, did note an "unofficial national champion" based on the top ranked teams in the "wire service" (AP and UPI) polls. The "writers' poll" by Associated Press
(AP) was the most popular, followed by the "coaches' poll" by United Press International
) (UPI). In 1973, the UPI issued its final poll before the bowls, but the AP Trophy was withheld until the postseason was completed. The AP poll in 1973 consisted of the votes of as many as 63 sportswriters and broadcasters, though not all of them voted in every poll. UPI's voting was made by 34 coaches. Those who cast votes would give their opinion of the ten best teams. Under a point system of 20 points for first place, 19 for second, etc., the "overall" ranking was determined.
#5 Michigan won at Michigan State, 31-0. #6 Oklahoma
beat #13 Texas 52-13 in Dallas #7 Penn State beat visiting Army, 54-3, to extend its record to 5-0-0 and rise to the top five. The poll: 1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Penn State
1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Penn State
1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Notre Dame
In the final regular season poll, the top six schools were unbeaten. 1.Alabama (11-0) 2. 2.Notre Dame (10-0) 3.Oklahoma (10-0-1) 4.Ohio State (9-0-1) 5.Michigan (10-0-1) and 6.Penn State (11-0). The other major college unbeaten, Miami (Ohio)
(10-0-0), was #15. Oklahoma, however, was on probation for having used an ineligible player in three 1972 games, and was ineligible to play in a bowl game. #1 Alabama and #2 Notre Dame accepted invitations to play in the Sugar Bowl.
had never met in a college football game before their encounter in the Sugar Bowl
, which was played on December 31, 1973. Two legendary coaches, Bear Bryant
and Ara Parseghian
brought their teams to New Orleans, and the game was a thriller. The Irish scored first, but missed the extra point. After Alabama took a 7–6 lead, freshman Al Hunter
returned the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, and a two point conversion put Notre Dame up 14–7. Alabama went ahead 17–14 in the third, but a fumble on their own 12 yard line gave the Irish a chance to make it 21–17. In the fourth quarter, Bama got back the lead on a trick play, as quarterback Richard Todd handed off to running back, Mike Stock, who then fired a touchdown pass back to Todd; but Bill Davis, who had made 51 of 53 extra point attempts in his career, was wide right, and the score stayed 23–21. In the final minutes, Notre Dame's Bob Thomas
(who had missed the earlier point after try) kicked a 19 yard field goal that gave the team the 24-23 win. Asked whether Notre Dame would be voted #1, Coach Parseghian replied, "Certainly. What was the final score?"
The final AP writers' poll was split. Notre Dame received a majority of the first place votes, 33 out of 60, followed by #2 Ohio State (11 votes) and #3 Oklahoma (16 votes, but fewer points overall). The #4 spot (held by Notre Dame in the final UPI poll) went to Alabama. UPI, whose crowning of Alabama as national champion proved to be premature, began holding the coaches' poll after the bowl games beginning with the 1974 season.
John Cappelletti had the third best year in Penn State history when he gained 1,117 yards rushing in 1972. In 1973, he had the second best year in Penn State history rushing for 1,522 yards. In his two-year running career, he gained 100 yards in the thirteen games and had a career total of 2,639 yards and twenty-nine touchdowns for an average of 120 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry. John's acceptance speech at the Heisman Dinner (with Vice President Gerald Ford next to him on the dais) was considered the most moving ever given at these ceremonies, as he honored his brother Joey, a victim of leukemia.
Athletic scholarship
An athletic scholarship is a form of scholarship to attend a college or university awarded to an individual based predominantly on his or her ability to play in a sport...
s than Division I, and Division III, in which athletic scholarships were prohibited.
In its inaugural season, Division I had two NCAA-recognized national champions, and they faced each other at year's end in the Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
. The New Orleans game matched two unbeaten teams, the Alabama Crimson Tide (11-0-0), ranked #1 by AP and UPI, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
The 1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 1973 college football season. The Irish, coached by Ara Parseghian, ended the season undefeated with 11 wins and no losses, winning the national championship...
(10–0), ranked #3 by AP and #4 by UPI.
While both wire services ranked Alabama #1 at the end of the regular season, AP took another poll after the bowl games. By agreement with the American Football Coaches' Association, however, UPI bestowed its championship before the postseason bowl games. Thus, Alabama was crowned champion by UPI on December 4, 1973 . UPI ranked Notre Dame #4. One coach had given the Irish a first place vote, compared to 21 for Alabama.
In a game where the lead changed six times, Notre Dame won by a single point, 24–23, to claim the national championship. During the 20th Century, the NCAA had no playoff for the college football teams that would later be described as "Division I-A". The NCAA Football Guide, however, did note an "unofficial national champion" based on the top ranked teams in the "wire service" (AP and UPI) polls. The "writers' poll" by Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
(AP) was the most popular, followed by the "coaches' poll" by United Press International
United Press International
United Press International is a once-major international news agency, whose newswires, photo, news film and audio services provided news material to thousands of newspapers, magazines and radio and television stations for most of the twentieth century...
) (UPI). In 1973, the UPI issued its final poll before the bowls, but the AP Trophy was withheld until the postseason was completed. The AP poll in 1973 consisted of the votes of as many as 63 sportswriters and broadcasters, though not all of them voted in every poll. UPI's voting was made by 34 coaches. Those who cast votes would give their opinion of the ten best teams. Under a point system of 20 points for first place, 19 for second, etc., the "overall" ranking was determined.
September
- In the preseason poll released on September 3, 1973, the defending champion USC Trojans were ranked first by 55 of the 63 voters, followed by #2 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
, #3 TexasTexas Longhorns footballThe Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National...
, #4 Nebraska1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska in the 1973 college football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.-Schedule:-Roster:...
and #5 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
.
- On September 8, #4 Nebraska1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska in the 1973 college football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.-Schedule:-Roster:...
beat #10 UCLAUCLA Bruins FootballThe UCLA Bruins football program represents the University of California, Los Angeles in college football as members of the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The Bruins have enjoyed several periods of success in their history, having been ranked in the top ten of the AP Poll...
, 40–13. Most teams had not yet opened the season. The poll was: 1.USC 2.Nebraska 3.Ohio State 4.Texas 5.Michigan
- September 15: #1 USC beat Arkansas, 17-0. #2 Nebraska1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska in the 1973 college football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.-Schedule:-Roster:...
and #4 TexasTexas Longhorns footballThe Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National...
were idle. #3 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
beat Minnesota 56-7. #5 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
had beat IowaIowa Hawkeyes footballThe Iowa Hawkeyes football team is the interscholastic football team at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Big Ten Conference since 1900, and are currently a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
31-7. #6 Alabama, which beaten CaliforniaCalifornia Golden Bears footballThe California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to...
66–0 in Birmingham, rose to fourth, while Texas fell to sixth. The poll was: 1.USC 2.Nebraska 3.Ohio State 4.Alabama 5.Michigan.
- On September 22, #1 USC beat Georgia Tech at Atlanta, 23-6. #2 NebraskaNebraska Cornhuskers footballThe Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only six football programs in NCAA Division I-A...
beat #14 N.C. State 31–14. #3 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
was idle. #4 Alabama won at KentuckyKentucky Wildcats footballThe Kentucky Wildcats football team is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the East Division of the Southeastern Conference.-History:Paul "Bear" Bryant Era...
, 28–14. #5 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
beat Stanford 47–10. The next poll was: 1.USC 2.Nebraska 3.Ohio State 4. Michigan 5.Alabama
- September 29: #1 USC was tied by #8 Oklahoma1973 Oklahoma Sooners football teamThe 1973 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma in the college football 1973 NCAA Division I-A season. Oklahoma Sooners football participated in the former Big Eight Conference at that time and played its home games in Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium where...
, 7–7. #2 Nebraska1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska in the 1973 college football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.-Schedule:-Roster:...
beat WisconsinWisconsin Badgers footballThe Wisconsin Badgers are a college football program that represents the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. They play their home games at Camp Randall Stadium, the fourth-oldest stadium in college football...
20–16. #3 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
beat TCUTCU Horned Frogs footballThe TCU Horned Frogs football team is the intercollegiate football team of Texas Christian University. TCU competes as a member of the Mountain West Conference in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, but will move to the Big 12 Conference for the 2012 season. TCU began playing football...
37–3. #4 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
beat NavyNavy Midshipmen footballThe Navy Midshipmen football team represents the United States Naval Academy in NCAA Division I-A college football. They are a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision independent school and coached by Ken Niumatalolo since December 2007...
14–0. #5 Alabama won at VanderbiltVanderbilt Commodores footballThe Vanderbilt Commodores football program is a college football team that represents Vanderbilt University. The team currently competes in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Southeastern Conference...
, 44–0. In the next poll, the Buckeyes rose to first place: 1.Ohio State 2.Nebraska 3.Alabama 4.USC 5. Michigan
October
- October 6: #1 Ohio State beat Washington State 27-3. #2 NebraskaNebraska Cornhuskers footballThe Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only six football programs in NCAA Division I-A...
won at Minnesota 48-7. #3 Alabama beat Georgia at home, 28-14. #4 USC won at Oregon State, 21-7. #5 Michigan beat Oregon 24-0. The poll remained unchanged: 1.Ohio State 2.Nebraska 3.Alabama 4.USC 5. Michigan
- October 13: #1 Ohio State won at Wisconsin 24-0. #2 NebraskaNebraska Cornhuskers footballThe Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only six football programs in NCAA Division I-A...
lost at #12 Missouri 13-12. #3 Alabama won at Florida 35-14. #4 USC beat Washington State 46-35.
#5 Michigan won at Michigan State, 31-0. #6 Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooners football
The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
beat #13 Texas 52-13 in Dallas #7 Penn State beat visiting Army, 54-3, to extend its record to 5-0-0 and rise to the top five. The poll: 1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Penn State
- October 20: #1 Ohio State won at Indiana 37-7. #2 Alabama beat #10 Tennessee at Birmingham, 42-21. #3 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
beat #16 Colorado 34-7. #4 Michigan beat Wisconsin 35-6. #5 Penn State won at Syracuse 49-6. The poll was unchanged:
1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Penn State
- October 27: #1 Ohio State beat Northwestern 60-0. #2 Alabama crushed Virginia Tech at home, 77-6. #3 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
won at Kansas State 56-14. #4 Michigan won at Minnesota 31-0. #5 Penn State crushed West Virginia 62-14. #8 Notre Dame rose to fifth after its 23-14 win over USC. The poll was 1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Notre Dame
November
- November 3: #1 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
won at Illinois 30-0. #2 Alabama beat Mississippi State in Jackson, 35-0. #3 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
beat Iowa State 34-17. #4 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
beat Indiana 49-13. #5 Notre DameNotre Dame Fighting Irish footballNotre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...
beat Navy 44-7. The poll was unchanged: 1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Notre Dame
- November 10: #1 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
recorded its 3rd shutout, a 35-0 win over visiting Michigan State. #2 Alabama was idle. #3 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
won at #10 Missouri 31-3. #4 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
beat Illinois 21-6. #5 Notre DameNotre Dame Fighting Irish footballNotre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...
won at #20 Pittsburgh 31-10. The poll: 1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Notre Dame
- November 17: #1 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
beat Iowa 55-13. #2 Alabama beat Miami (Florida) at home, 43-13. #3 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
beat #18 Kansas 48-20. #4 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
won at Purdue, 34-9. #5 Notre DameNotre Dame Fighting Irish footballNotre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...
was idle.
1.Ohio State 2.Alabama 3.Oklahoma 4.Michigan 5.Notre Dame
- On Thanksgiving Day, #2 Alabama beat #7 LSU 21-7 and #5 Notre DameNotre Dame Fighting Irish footballNotre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...
beat Air Force 48-15. The next day, #3 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
beat #10 Nebraska 27-0. The big matchup was on Saturday, November 24, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where #1 Ohio State1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974...
(9-0-0) and #4 Michigan1973 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 college football season. The team's head coach was Bo Schembechler...
(10-0-0) met. The two teams played to a 10-10 tie1973 Michigan vs. Ohio State football gameThe 1973 edition to the Michigan-Ohio State Rivalry, was one of the most controversial games in NCAA history. In this game, both teams were undefeated, with Ohio State ranked 1st, and Michigan ranked 4th...
. Alabama, still unbeaten and untied, took over the top spot in the next poll: 1.Alabama 2.Oklahoma 3.Ohio State 4.Michigan 5.Notre Dame
December
- December 1: The top six teams were unbeaten. #1 Alabama shut out Auburn in Birmingham 35-0, avenging Auburn's shocking upset in the previous yearPunt Bama PuntPunt Bama Punt is the nickname given to one of the most famous games of the college football rivalry between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide known as the Iron Bowl.The game was played on December 2, 1972 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama...
, to close the regular season with an 11-0-0 record. #2 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
won at Oklahoma State 45-18. #5 Notre DameNotre Dame Fighting Irish footballNotre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...
won at Miami (Florida) 44-0.
In the final regular season poll, the top six schools were unbeaten. 1.Alabama (11-0) 2. 2.Notre Dame (10-0) 3.Oklahoma (10-0-1) 4.Ohio State (9-0-1) 5.Michigan (10-0-1) and 6.Penn State (11-0). The other major college unbeaten, Miami (Ohio)
Miami RedHawks football
The Miami University RedHawks, known as the Miami Redskins before 1996, are a NCAA Division I FBS college football program that competes in the Mid-American Conference...
(10-0-0), was #15. Oklahoma, however, was on probation for having used an ineligible player in three 1972 games, and was ineligible to play in a bowl game. #1 Alabama and #2 Notre Dame accepted invitations to play in the Sugar Bowl.
Conference standings
The following is an incomplete list of conference standings:Major bowls
Alabama and Notre Dame1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
The 1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 1973 college football season. The Irish, coached by Ara Parseghian, ended the season undefeated with 11 wins and no losses, winning the national championship...
had never met in a college football game before their encounter in the Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
, which was played on December 31, 1973. Two legendary coaches, Bear Bryant
Bear Bryant
Paul William "Bear" Bryant was an American college football player and coach. He was best known as the longtime head coach of the University of Alabama football team. During his 25-year tenure as Alabama's head coach, he amassed six national championships and thirteen conference championships...
and Ara Parseghian
Ara Parseghian
Ara Raoul Parseghian is a former American football player and coach of Armenian descent. He served as the head football coach at Miami University , Northwestern University , and the University of Notre Dame , compiling a career college football record of 170–58–6...
brought their teams to New Orleans, and the game was a thriller. The Irish scored first, but missed the extra point. After Alabama took a 7–6 lead, freshman Al Hunter
Al Hunter (American football)
Alfonse "Al" Hunter is a former professional American football running back who played in four National Football League seasons from 1977-1980 for the Seattle Seahawks. Al Hunter played highschool football Junius H. Rose High School in North Carolina before going to Notre Dame where they won the...
returned the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, and a two point conversion put Notre Dame up 14–7. Alabama went ahead 17–14 in the third, but a fumble on their own 12 yard line gave the Irish a chance to make it 21–17. In the fourth quarter, Bama got back the lead on a trick play, as quarterback Richard Todd handed off to running back, Mike Stock, who then fired a touchdown pass back to Todd; but Bill Davis, who had made 51 of 53 extra point attempts in his career, was wide right, and the score stayed 23–21. In the final minutes, Notre Dame's Bob Thomas
Robert R. Thomas
Robert R. Thomas is a justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois and a former professional football player. He has served as the Illinois Supreme Court Justice for the Second District since December 4, 2000 and as Chief Justice from September 6, 2005, to September 5, 2008...
(who had missed the earlier point after try) kicked a 19 yard field goal that gave the team the 24-23 win. Asked whether Notre Dame would be voted #1, Coach Parseghian replied, "Certainly. What was the final score?"
| BOWL | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUGAR 1973 Sugar Bowl The 1973 Sugar Bowl, part of the 1973 bowl game season, took place on December 31, 1973, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. The competing teams were the Alabama Crimson Tide, representing the Southeastern Conference , and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, competing as a football independent... |
#2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team The 1973 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 1973 college football season. The Irish, coached by Ara Parseghian, ended the season undefeated with 11 wins and no losses, winning the national championship... |
24 | #1 Alabama Crimson Tide | 23 |
| ROSE 1974 Rose Bowl The 1974 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game played on January 1, 1974. It was the 60th Rose Bowl Game. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the USC Trojans 42–21.-Ohio State Buckeyes:... |
#4 Ohio State Buckeyes 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team The 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1973-1974. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–0–1 record, including the 1974 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they won 42–21 against the USC Trojans.-Schedule:-1974... |
42 | #7 USC Trojans | 21 |
| ORANGE | #6 Penn State Nittany Lions | 16 | #13 LSU Tigers LSU Tigers football The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as... |
9 |
| COTTON | #12 Nebraska Cornhuskers 1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team The 1973 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska in the 1973 college football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.-Schedule:-Roster:... |
19 | #8 Texas Longhorns Texas Longhorns football The Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National... |
3 |
The final AP writers' poll was split. Notre Dame received a majority of the first place votes, 33 out of 60, followed by #2 Ohio State (11 votes) and #3 Oklahoma (16 votes, but fewer points overall). The #4 spot (held by Notre Dame in the final UPI poll) went to Alabama. UPI, whose crowning of Alabama as national champion proved to be premature, began holding the coaches' poll after the bowl games beginning with the 1974 season.
Other bowls
| BOWL | Location | Winner | Loser |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUN | El Paso | Missouri 34 | Auburn 17 |
| GATOR | Jacksonville | Texas Tech 28 | Tennessee 19 |
| TANGERINE | Gainesville, Florida Gainesville, Florida Gainesville is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Alachua County, Florida, United States as well as the principal city of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area . The preliminary 2010 Census population count for Gainesville is 124,354. Gainesville is home to the sixth... |
Miami (Ohio) 16 | Florida 7 |
| ASTRO-BLUEBONNET 1973 Bluebonnet Bowl The 1973 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, part of the 1973 bowl game season, took place on December 29, 1973, at the Houston Astrodome in Houston, Texas. The competing teams were the and , with each competing as a football independent. Houston won the game 47–7.... |
Houston | Houston 47 | Tulane 7 |
| LIBERTY | Memphis | N.C. State 31 | Kansas 18 |
| PEACH | Atlanta | Georgia 17 | Maryland 16 |
Other champions
Beginning in 1973, the NCAA sponsored playoffs to determine the championship for football teams in Division II and Division III. The NAIA had held a championship playoff since 1956, and operated two divisions from 1970 to 1996.| Small College Poll | #1 Tennessee State Tigers Tennessee State University Tennessee State University is a land-grant university located in Nashville, Tennessee. TSU is the only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee.-History:... |
#2 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football program is a college football team that represents Western Kentucky University. The team is currently a member of the Sun Belt Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
||
| NCAA Division II | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football program represents Louisiana Tech University in Western Athletic Conference. The team currently competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Since the Bulldogs first season in 1901, Louisiana Tech has compiled an all-time record of 554 wins, 422... |
34 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football program is a college football team that represents Western Kentucky University. The team is currently a member of the Sun Belt Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
0 |
| NCAA Division III | Wittenberg Tigers Wittenberg University Wittenberg University is a private four-year liberal arts college in Springfield, Ohio serving 2,000 full-time students representing 37 states and approximately 30 foreign countries... |
41 | Juniata Eagles Juniata College Juniata College is a private liberal arts college located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. It is named after the Juniata River — one of the principal tributaries of the Susquehanna River. In 1876 it became the first college founded by the Church of the Brethren and has been co-educational since... |
0 |
| NAIA Division I | Abilene Christian Wildcats | 42 | Elon Christians* Elon University Elon University is a private liberal arts university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Formerly known as Elon College, it became Elon University on June 1, 2001. The campus is a botanical garden and features oak trees, brick sidewalks, fountains, and lakes... |
14 |
| NAIA Division II | Northwestern (Iowa) Red Raiders Northwestern College (Iowa) Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Orange City, Iowa. It is also known as Northwestern IA. It is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America . Northwestern began as an academy in 1882. It was then upgraded to junior college status in 1928... |
10 | Glenville State Pioneers Glenville State College Glenville State College is a public four-year college located in Glenville, a town in the rural north-central part of the U.S. state of West Virginia.-History:... |
3 |
- now the Elon Phoenix
Heisman Trophy
- Winner: John CappellettiJohn CappellettiJohn Cappelletti is a former professional American football running back for the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and the San Diego Chargers. Prior to his professional career, he attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1973. He was inducted into the College Football...
, Penn State, Sr. RB - 1,057 Votes - John Hicks, Ohio State, Sr. OT - 524 Votes
- Roosevelt Leaks, Texas, Jr. RB - 483 Votes
- David Jaynes, Kansas, Sr. QB - 394 Votes
- Archie Griffin, Ohio State, SO. RB - 326 Votes
John Cappelletti had the third best year in Penn State history when he gained 1,117 yards rushing in 1972. In 1973, he had the second best year in Penn State history rushing for 1,522 yards. In his two-year running career, he gained 100 yards in the thirteen games and had a career total of 2,639 yards and twenty-nine touchdowns for an average of 120 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry. John's acceptance speech at the Heisman Dinner (with Vice President Gerald Ford next to him on the dais) was considered the most moving ever given at these ceremonies, as he honored his brother Joey, a victim of leukemia.