A Legacy of Alabama and USC Football

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the USC Trojans football teams have shared some historical moments together, since meeting for the very first time in 1938. They are set to play each other in Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium on September 5, 2020.

There have been UA alumni who have helped Alabama defeat USC, including former Alabama football head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and former Alabama quarterbacks Mike Shula & Jalen Hurts. Hurts was the quarterback in the 2016 Alabama vs. USC game and led the Tide to a 52-6 victory over the Trojans.

In 1938, Alabama and USC met for the first time in college football history. During this time, Alabama had taken some trips out west because of the Rose Bowl, but had not played many other teams beside Saint Mary's (California). Frank Thomas was the UA head coach at the time and alongside him were assistant coaches Bryant and Harold Drew. Thomas had led the Tide to a national championship in 1934 and 1941.

The two football teams met for the second time in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 1946. Alabama stopped USC from getting any first downs until the third quarter and ended up winning the game 27-0. Former Alabama quarterback Harry Gilmer was named the MVP for his performance.

According to Brett Hudson, the schools played two home-and-home series in the 1970s, in Birmingham in 1970 and 1978 and in Los Angeles in 1971 and 1977. The Trojans defeated Alabama in both matchups in Birmingham.

The 1970 game was a historic 42-21 Trojan victory that saw Sam Cunningham run for 135 yards and two touchdowns. This performance by Cunningham was a pivotal moment that convinced Alabama it should integrate its football team. The Crimson Tide had its first African-American football player in 1971 in Wilber Jackson.

Alabama is scheduled to play USC in Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 5, 2020. This will be the ninth meeting between the two teams.