The 1966 Alabama squad finished the regular season as SEC champions with a record of 10–0. Although undefeated and playing as two-time defending national champions, Alabama did not win the national title in 1966.[1] Instead voters rewarded Notre Dame after coach Ara Parseghian, with his team tied 10-10 with Michigan State with 1:10 to go, chose to play for the tie rather than attempt to win the game.[1] The Fighting Irish and Spartans both finished 9–0–1 and were ranked #1 and #2 in the polls, while Alabama finished third.[1] The appearance marked the fifth for Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, and their 20th overall bowl appearance.
The 1966 Nebraska squad finished the regular season as Big 8 Champions with a record of 9–1. The only loss of the season came in their final game against Oklahoma by a score of 10–9.[2] In a rematch of the 1966 Orange Bowl, the appearance marked the first for Nebraska in the Sugar Bowl, and their 7th overall bowl appearance.[2]
Game summary[]
In a game dominated by Alabama, the Crimson Tide scored on its first three offensive possession to take a 17–0 lead. Leslie Kelley and Ken Stabler scored touchdowns on runs of one and 14 yards with Steve Davis adding a 30-yard field goal late in the quarter.[3] A six-yard Wayne Trimble touchdown run in the second quarter gave the Crimson Tide a 24–0 lead at the half.[3] After extended their lead to 27–0 after a 40-yard Steve Davis field goal, Nebraska scored their first points early in the fourth quarter. Dick Davis made a 15-yard touchdown reception from Bob Churchich to cut the lead to 27–7.[3] Alabama closed the game with a 45-yard Ray Perkins touchdown reception from Ken Stabler to bring the final score to 34–7.[3] Alabama quarterback Ken Stabler was selected as the games Most Valuable Player for completing 12 of 18 passes for 218 yards and two total touchdowns.[4]
