Often called "The Game That Changed the South," Alabama’s first trip to Pasadena in 1926 didn't just earn the Crimson Tide a national championship — it legitimized Southern football on a national stage. Many would say that this was where the dynasty began. Now, 100 years later, they return to the Rose Bowl.

In 1925, football in the South was largely dismissed by the powerhouse programs of the Northeast and the West Coast. When Alabama accepted an invitation to the 1926 Rose Bowl to face what some thought was an unbeatable Washington team, many expected a blowout.

Trailing 12–0 at halftime, Coach Wallace Wade’s team staged a furious third-quarter comeback. Led by Johnny Mack Brown, who later became a famous Hollywood Western star, Alabama scored 20 points unanswered in the third quarter to win 20–19. The victory gave Alabama its first national championship and proved that the South could compete with anyone.

Following that 1926 shocker, Alabama became a regular guest in "The Granddaddy of Them All." Throughout the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, the Rose Bowl was the primary stage for Alabama’s championship runs. The Crimson Tide made Rose Bowl appearances in 1927, 1931, 1935, 1938, and 1946, finishing with a 4-1-1 record.

Now the Alabama Crimson Tide will return to the California coast to take on the #1 team in the nation, Indiana's Hoosiers. The CFP quarter finals will take place on New year's Day and kick off at 3PM. The quarterback of Alabama, Ty Simpson, will be facing Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

After their 1926 victory the University of Alabama’s fight song, “Yea, Alabama,” was created, including these iconic lines.

Fight on, fight on, fight on men! 

Remember the Rose Bowl, we’ll win then.