By Darin Hayes 
📅 Gridiron Gold: Unforgettable Football Moments from October 29
October 29 is a date steeped in gridiron drama, featuring one of the greatest upsets of the 20th century and a stunning NFL streak coming to an end. From Bo McMillin’s legendary run that shook the East Coast establishment in 1921 to the incredible all-around talent of John DeWitt in 1881, this day covers everything. Discover the No. 1 team felled by an underdog (twice!) and the noble decision a Hall of Fame receiver made to preserve his health over his personal record.
October 29 Football History Headlines
- October 29, 1921: Per the footballfoundation.org, Centre College in Kentucky upset Harvard 6-0, handing the Crimson its first defeat since 1916. Centre’s Bo McMillin, a 1951 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, scored on a 32-yard run in what many still consider as one of the 20th century’s most significant sports upsets.
- October 29, 1988- A story from the NFF: Washington State scored 28 points in the second half to upset No. 1 UCLA and College Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Terry Donahue, 34-30. Cougar running back Rick Swinton scored the go-ahead touchdown with 6:21 remaining in the game. The Bruins had an opportunity late in the fourth quarter to win the game, but Aikman misfired on four consecutive passes from the Washington State six-yard line as Washington State’s defense stood tall to preserve the victory.
- On October 29, 1989, Ozzie Newsome had his NFL streak of 150 consecutive games with a reception come to an end. In a UPI article by Thomas M. Burnettrich dated October 29, 1989, Newsome was injured after the first Cleveland offensive play in the second half and had not had a reception in the first half against the Oilers. Newsome, by his own choice, decided not to go back into the game to try to preserve the streak with a short reception. The Browns prevailed without their star receiver contributing on the stat line as they cruised to a 28-17 victory over the Houston Oilers. The streak started on October 21, 1979.
October 29 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- John DeWitt
- Barney Poole
Conclusion
There you have it, the gridiron lore that occurred on October 29! Check back daily for the football events and accomplishments that helped make our favorite sport so rich!