By Darin 
Long before college football had bowl games or high-definition broadcasts, it had a rivalry that defined an era: the Western Conference battle between the University of Chicago Maroons and the University of Michigan Wolverines. The 1905 showdown on Thanksgiving Day was not just another game—it was the original “Game of the Century,” pitting two undefeated giants against one another in a contest that would forever change the sport.
A Clash of Titans:
November 30, 1905 – Michigan arrived in Chicago riding an unprecedented wave of success. Coached by the legendary Fielding H. Yost, the Wolverines had gone an astonishing 56 games without a defeat, establishing one of the most dominant dynasties in early college football history. Facing them were the Maroons, coached by the equally iconic Amos Alonzo Stagg, who had built his own powerhouse team.
The stakes were immense, and the ensuing defensive struggle was grueling. This was a time when football was famously brutal, played primarily between the 20-yard lines, making points incredibly difficult to come by. The game was a tense, scoreless deadlock well into the final minutes, a testament to the iron-clad defenses of both Western Conference rivals.
The Decisive Play:
The deadlock was finally broken in dramatic fashion with less than ten minutes remaining. In a crucial moment, the Chicago Maroons broke through Michigan’s line and forced a safety. This single, pivotal play was enough to seal the victory, resulting in a shocking final score of Chicago 2, Michigan 0.
The loss was devastating for Michigan, ending its historic 56-game unbeaten streak. For the Maroons, the victory capped a perfect 11-0 season under Stagg. They had completely dominated their schedule, outscoring opponents by a staggering 271-5 margin, leading to their retroactive naming as national champions for the year. This low-scoring, high-stakes battle proved that sometimes, the smallest margin of victory can hold the most significant historical significance.
Conclusion:
The 1905 clash remains one of the most pivotal contests in college football lore. It was a victory forged by defense and tactical brilliance, breaking one of the sport’s greatest early streaks and validating the Chicago Maroons as national champions. This “Game of the Century” set the standard for gridiron drama, proving the enduring power of a high-stakes Thanksgiving rivalry.