Alabama football countdown to kickoff: 68 days
If you can believe it, we are officially under the 70-day mark until Alabama is back on a live-game football field. After coming up short in the national championship game against Georgia back in early January, the Crimson Tide will once again be searching for its seventh title under Nick Saban.
This year’s season opener will be against the Utah State Aggies on Sept. 3 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
With today being June 27, that means we are only 68 days away from the return of Alabama football. The team here at BamaOn3 is ready to celebrate every day of the countdown standing between now and the start of football season. Let’s focus on a player — both past and present — who represents — or has represented — the No. 68.
*Note: BamaOn3 is also doing a Countdown to Fall Camp, which is only 39 days away.
Who currently wears the No. 68?
At this time, there isn’t anyone wearing the No. 68 for Alabama. In fact, that comment actually goes a lot further than “at this time.” The number hasn’t been all that popular during the Nick Saban era, as the two most noteable players to represent were Isaac Luatua and Taylor Pharr.
Who’s a noteworthy former player to wear it?
Really, the No. 68 hasn’t been that popular throughout Alabama history, but there are at least a few good examples of players who have worn it. One standout is Gus White, who played along the Crimson Tide’s defensive front from 1974-76. But today, we’re going to highlight Alvin Samples.
Samples was a two-way player who starred along Alabama’s offensive line and, at times, linebacker.
The Tarrant (Ala.) native was only 6-foot, 225-pounds, but that was more than enough to hold up as an offensive guard back in those days. He earned All-SEC honors twice in 1968 and 1969 while also being named an All-American in 1969. For his success, Samples was named to the Crimson Tide’s team of the decade for the 1960s.
2022 Alabama Football Schedule
Sept. 3 vs. Utah State Aggies (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Sept. 10 at Texas Longhorns (Austin, Tex.)
Sept. 17 vs. UL-Monroe Warhawks (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Sept. 24 vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Oct. 1 at Arkansas Razorbacks (Fayetteville, Ark.)
Oct. 8 vs. Texas A&M Aggies (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Oct. 15 at Tennessee Volunteers (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Oct. 22 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Oct. 29 – OPEN WEEK
Nov. 5 at LSU Tigers (Baton Rouge, La.)
Nov. 12 at Ole Miss Rebels (Oxford, Miss.)
Nov. 19 vs. Austin Peay Governors (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Nov. 26 vs. Auburn Tigers (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Dec. 3 – SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (Atlanta, Ga.)
