Timothy P. Brown from footballarchaeology.com joins us as we delve into the significant contributions of Wabash College and its quarterback, Kent Lambert, who innovatively navigated the complexities of early football rules to enhance the strategic use of the forward pass.

This information comes from his original post titled: Wabash and Kent Lambert's Forward Pass Innovations.

You can also enjoy the audio podcast version of this episode topic at Wabash College and the Evolution of the Forward Pass: An In-Depth Analysis.

Wabash College was a small school that competed against other Midwestern colleges of the same size including tiny Notre Dame in the early twentieth century. Wabash QB Kent "Skeet " Lambert was an innovative young man who promptly threw the ball all over the yard against the Irish. A few of Skeet's passing methods were noticed by the game's official Walter Eckersoll who jotted them down in his Chicago newspaper column a short time later the football rules makes took notice and quickly outlawed the activities.

Lambert's ingenious tactics included what is now recognized as intentional grounding, a concept that dramatically altered the game's dynamics.

The narrative threads through the intricacies of football's evolving rules, particularly the implications of incomplete passes and their treatment in early football. The speakers highlight how Lambert's innovative approach allowed Wabash College to gain a competitive edge when passing was still a relatively new concept. They discuss the role of Walter Eckersol, the referee of the game, who documented Lambert's tactics, ensuring that these historical moments were preserved for posterity. The conversation encapsulates the tension between innovation and regulation in sports, illustrating how Lambert’s contributions prompted game rules changes. The speakers reflect on the importance of such historical anecdotes in understanding the development of football strategies and their lasting impact on the sport.