The 1970 Alabama squad finished the regular season with a 6–5 record and losses against USC, Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn. During the week prior to the Iron Bowl, school officials announced the Crimson Tide accepted a bid to play in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl against Oklahoma.[1] The appearance marked the second for Alabama in the Bluebonnet Bowl and their 24th overall bowl game appearance.[1]
The 1970 Oklahoma squad finished the regular season with a 7–4 record and losses against Oregon State, Texas, Kansas State and Nebraska. During the week prior to their Bedlam Series game against Oklahoma State, school officials announced the Sooners accepted a bid to play in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl against Alabama.[1] The appearance marked the second for Oklahoma in the Bluebonnet Bowl and their 14th overall bowl game appearance.
Game summary[]
Alabama opened the scoring early in the first when Scott Hunter connected with Randy Moore for a four-yard touchdown reception and a 7–0 lead.[2] Oklahoma responded on the ensuing possession by driving 74 yards with Joe Wylie running it in from two yards out to tie the game at 7–7.[2] The Sooners extended their lead to 21–7 with two long touchdown runs of 58 and 25 yards by Greg Pruitt.[2] The Tide cut the lead to seven when Hunter hit David Bailey for a five yard touchdown with only 0:14 remaining in the half.[2] In the third, Richard Ciemny hit a 20-yard field goal to cut the lead further to 21–17. Alabama took the lead early in the fourth on a trick play. Hunter handed-off the ball to Johnny Musso who then threw a 25-yard touchdown pass back to Hunter to give the Crimson Tide a 24–21 lead.[2] However, the game ended in a tie after Bruce Derr hit a 42-yard field goal late in the fourth.[2]