Let the record also reflect that Mr. Dooley has felt the sting himself. On Labor Day night in 1985, Terrie Webster blocked an Alabama punt and Calvin Ruff recovered it for the go-ahead touchdown with 50 seconds to play at Sanford Stadium. Vince Dooleyās team was penalized 15 yards for spilling onto the field ā there was no such parlance as āexcessive celebrationā then ā and had to kick off from its 25. (Kickoffs were normally from the 40.)
Alabama took possession at its 29. Mike Shula moved the Tide 71 yards to the winning touchdown, completing four passes in 35 seconds.
Not meaning to hijack my own thread here, but I was at this game and I was so angry at Ray Perkins after the game I could have chewed nails. Angry because the last drive should have been totally unnecessary because Shula could have done what he did in the last 50 seconds all night long if Perkins had just allowed him to do so.
In retrospect, it paid huge dividends later that year in the Auburn game. Lest we forget, Mike Shula called his last time out in that game after being sacked on his 12 yard line with 38 seconds left. No way in hell, can you pick yourself up and go win the football game after that happens. Don't tell Mike Shula that! He had already done it at UGA.
