The 1896 Alabama Crimson White football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1896 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. The team was led by head coach Otto Wagonhurst, in his first season, and played their home games at The Quad in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In what was the fifth season of Alabama football, the team finished with a record of two wins and one loss (2âÂÂ1, 1âÂÂ1 SIAA).
In spring 1895, the university Board of Trustees passed a rule that prohibited athletic teams from competing off-campus for athletic events. As such, all games scheduled for the 1896 season were played on campus at The Quad. In their first game, Alabama shutout the Birmingham Athletic Club before they lost their only game of the season against Sewanee. The Crimson White then closed the season with their second shutout victory of the year against Mississippi A&M.
In the first game played against the Birmingham Athletic Club (B.A.C.) since the 1893 season, Alabama defeated the Athletics 30âÂÂ0 in Tuscaloosa. Alabama scored their first touchdown early in the first half when a B.A.C. fumble was recovered and returned 50-yards for a touchdown. They scored four more touchdowns and made five successful PAT's in their 30âÂÂ0 shutout victory.
Against Sewanee, Alabama lost their first game of the season, 10âÂÂ6.
In their final game of the season, Alabama defeated the Mississippi A&M Aggies, 20âÂÂ0, at Tuscaloosa in the first all-time meeting between the long-time rivals. Alabama took a 12âÂÂ0 halftime lead after Putnam and Frank White scored touchdowns with A. B. McEachin converting both PAT's. In the second half Samuel Slone scored on a 45-yard touchdown run and the Aggies quarterback was sacked for a safety on the last play of the game to make the final score 20âÂÂ0.