Player at the center of one of the most famous Alabama plays ever has died

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A Rice running back who holds a unique place in Alabama’s football lore has died.

The College Football Hall of Fame and Rice University announced Dicky Maegle’s death on Tuesday, reporting the former All-American died on Sunday at the age of 86.

Maegle set a Rice record for rushing yards in a game when he ran for 265 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries in the Owls’ 28-6 victory over Alabama in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 1954. It’s also the most rushing yards that the Crimson Tide has allowed to an opposing player in a game.

Maegle scored on runs of 75, 95 and 34 yards against Alabama, even though he didn’t reach the end zone on the longest of those touchdowns.
With Rice leading 7-6 in the second quarter, Maegle broke loose from the Owls 5-yard line. But as he sprinted down the field, Alabama’s Tommy Lewis came off the bench – without his helmet -- and tackled him at the Crimson Tide 40-yard line before hurrying back to the bench. The officials awarded Rice a touchdown on the play, and Maegle still holds the Cotton Bowl record for the longest run from scrimmage.

A fullback who scored the Tide’s touchdown against Rice and served as a team captain, Lewis famously explained: “I guess I’m just too full of Bama.”

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