Installing the wishbone offense leading up to the 1971 football season came as a surprise, for both coaches and players, running back Johnny Musso recalled.

University of Texas coaches spent time in Tuscaloosa teaching the Alabama staff the new offense, and Coach Bryant would make the transition to this new system under a secrecy that couldn't be replicated today.

That change gave the Tide new life and optimism. Musso remembers being told, "If we go to the wishbone and do it right, we're going to be a great team."