Installing the wishbone easily ranks as one of the biggest gambles of Coach Bryant's career. To be successful, he had to have the support of his staff and players.

Heather Moore Cook, daughter of the late Mal Moore, who served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Bryant, recalls the atmosphere surrounding the introduction of a new offense.

They were told in a staff meeting that they would 'sink or swim' with the offense that would eventually firmly cement the Tide among the nation's elite football programs.

The wishbone era ushered in a decade of unprecedented success capped off with three national titles.