1979 was a hell of a calendar year for the Crimson Tide.
It gave fans the final great Bryant defensive juggernaut. It was an Alabama defense that had five shutouts, only trailed twice and only let two teams reach double digits (both of those were to ranked rivals: 25-18 over No. 14 Auburn, and 27-17 over No. 14 Tennessee.) It was also a high-scoring team for the era, ringing up 30+ in seven of its 12 victories.
It was, at its heart, a team that could win in many ways. In addition to winning tight ones against the Tigers and Vols, the Crimson Tide also eked out a 3-0 defensive slobber-knocker in Death Valley.