What Is 1920 Alabama Crimson Tide football

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1920 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama during the 1920 college football season, finishing with a 5–3 record under head coach Xen C. Scott. They played their home games at Denny Field in Tuscaloosa and scored 137 points while allowing 51. The team was part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA).

Key Facts

The 1920 Alabama Crimson Tide finished the season with a 5–3 overall record
Head coach Xen C. Scott led the team in his second season before retiring due to health issues
Alabama scored 137 points and allowed only 51 across eight games
Home games were played at Denny Field in Tuscaloosa
The team competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA)

Overview

The 1920 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama during the 1920 college football season. Coached by Xen C. Scott, the team competed as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) and played a challenging schedule against regional opponents.

The season marked the second year under Scott, who would retire after the season due to declining health. Despite a modest 5–3 record, the team showed significant offensive strength, outscoring opponents 137 to 51 over eight games. The season laid groundwork for future improvements in the program.

Record: The team finished with a 5–3 overall record, including four wins at home and one on the road, demonstrating competitiveness within the SIAA.
Scoring: Alabama amassed 137 total points across the season, averaging over 17 points per game, a strong output for the era.
Defense: The defense allowed only 51 points, showcasing disciplined play and contributing to several decisive victories.
Home Field: Games were played at Denny Field in Tuscaloosa, a modest wooden stadium that served as the team’s home until expansions in later years.
Coach:Xen C. Scott coached his final season in 1920, stepping down due to tuberculosis, which ultimately led to his death in 1924.

Season Performance

The 1920 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow losses, reflecting a team in transition. Alabama opened the season with strong showings but faced setbacks against more experienced programs.

Season Opener: Alabama defeated Southern Military Institute 59–0 on October 2, setting a tone of offensive dominance early in the year.
Key Win: A 48–0 shutout of Birmingham-Southern highlighted the team’s defensive strength and depth.
Close Loss: The Crimson Tide lost to Vanderbilt 14–7, a powerful SIAA rival that finished the season ranked nationally.
Rivalry Game: In the Iron Bowl, Alabama fell to Auburn 14–6, marking their second consecutive loss in the series.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 27–7 win over Georgia Tech, a program that would later become a major football power.
Player Standout: Fullback Riley Smith emerged as a key offensive threat, though detailed individual stats from 1920 are scarce.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1920 season can be better understood when compared to adjacent years in Alabama football history. The table below outlines key metrics across three seasons:

Season	Record	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
1918	5–1–1	168	45	Xen C. Scott
1919	8–1	287	46	Xen C. Scott
1920	5–3	137	51	Xen C. Scott
1921	5–4–1	137	73	Xen C. Scott (retired), predecessor to Wallace Wade
1925	10–0	238	13	Wallace Wade

This comparison shows that while the 1920 team was less dominant than the 1919 squad, it maintained a solid defensive record. The decline in wins from 1919 to 1920 may be attributed to Scott’s illness and roster turnover. By 1925, under Wallace Wade, Alabama would win its first national championship, building on the foundation of earlier seasons like 1920.

Why It Matters

The 1920 season is a notable chapter in the evolution of Alabama football, reflecting both the challenges and progress of early 20th-century college football. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the program’s growing identity and competitive presence in the South.

Program Development: The season helped solidify Alabama’s reputation as a rising force in Southern football, paving the way for future success.
Coaching Transition: Xen C. Scott’s retirement created an opening that eventually led to the hiring of Wallace Wade in 1923, a transformative figure.
Historical Context: In 1920, college football was still evolving, with no formal national championship or NCAA oversight.
Regional Rivalries: Games against Auburn and Vanderbilt helped establish enduring rivalries that remain central to the program today.
Legacy: The 1920 team is part of Alabama’s official record, contributing to the school’s all-time win total and historical continuity.
Stadium Growth: Playing at Denny Field underscored the need for better facilities, leading to the development of larger stadiums like Bryant-Denny.

While overshadowed by later triumphs, the 1920 season remains a piece of Alabama’s rich football heritage, illustrating the steady climb toward national prominence.