yeah but Stallings nor Bear Bryant was going to do any better than 7-5 with the youth on this team this year.
Shula got the short end.
Sure not beating Auburn doesn't help as not beating Michigan didn't help John Cooper. But I don't think Alabama had the right team to beat Auburn this year anyway. Not enough offense, due primarily to the youth of your Quarterback.
Losing Prothro last year and this year, really killed Bama.
Bama boosters tend to be rabid about some things, and beating Auburn is one of 'em. I don't understand why the AD doesn't have to take some responsibility for the revolving door.
I remember driving home from the Sugar Bowl after a Bill Curry-led Bama team lost to Miami, ending a 11-2 season. The two losses were to Auburn and Miami(national champions that year). I turned on the radio to hear that Curry was out. It was very depressing. There is a very dark side to Bama, and Bill Curry got to experience it the whole time he was there and even after he left.
There were several games that Bama should have won. Arkansas was one. Mississippi State was another. I think the Mississippi State loss was the clincher for Shula's demise.
The problem with Bama was their horrible offensive line and their Coach was in over his head.