With Namath gone, Steve Sloan, who had filled in
admirably when Joe Willie was injured, had his turn
leading the squad and he was extremely successful
despite an opening day 18-17 loss to Georgia. He was
named as an All American, taking the team to a 9-1-1
record, and finishing the year as National Champions. Sloan
played for the Falcons for two seasons but won greater
notice as a collegiate head coach at Vanderbilt, Texas
Tech, Ole Miss, and Duke. Halfback Steve Bowman, a
two-time All SEC choice led the conference in rushing
and was with the Giants in ’66. A concussion in 1967’s
training camp, which later led to CTE ended his pro
career. Fullback Les Kelley showed potential as did
sophomore quarterback Ken Stabler who was used primarily
as a designated rusher. The line was led by lean tackle
Cecil Dowdy and All Conference end Tommy Tolleson who
was with the Falcons for a season. He returned to Bama
as an assistant coach in ’68. Ray Perkins and young
Dennis Homan were primary receivers when Sloan threw. A
prominent weapon was All American kicker David Ray who
spent six seasons with the Rams after time with Montreal
in the CFL. Linebacker Paul Crane was an All American,
and played well for the Jets from ’66 to ‘72. Defensive
end Creed Gilmer and junior defensive back Bobby Johns
added to the great play of the defense as All SEC picks
and linebacker Jackie Sherrill completed his career and
became a rather well known and at times controversial
head coach. He headed the programs at Washington State,
Pitt where he won fifty games in five years, Texas A&M,
and Mississippi State. The squad finished the season
with a strong 39-28 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska.
Observers not only marveled at the depth that Bama
displayed, but noted that their 1965 freshman team could
be the best in their history. Helmet buffs noted the use
of the white shell in the October 30th victory
over Mississippi State.
