1943 College Football

World War II significantly shaped the 1943 college football season. The war disrupted team rosters and schedules as college athletes were called to military service. This environment made the season's achievements, including the Heisman Trophy winner, all the more remarkable.

The 1943 Heisman Trophy was awarded to Notre Dame quarterback Angelo Bertelli. Bertelli's win was notable, even though his season was cut short due to his call to active duty in the Marine Corps during World War II.

Bertelli's performance in the games he did play was stellar. He showcased exceptional talent as a passer in Notre Dame's T-formation offense. In his six games, he completed 25 of 36 passes for 512 yards and 10 touchdowns. His efficiency and impact on Notre Dame's offense were significant, making him a frontrunner for the award. Notre Dame was a dominant team in the early part of the 1943 season, and Bertelli's play was a key reason why.

The Heisman voting reflected Bertelli's impact. He won by a considerable margin. Bob Odell, a halfback from Pennsylvania, was the runner-up. Otto Graham, the quarterback from Northwestern, and Creighton Miller, a halfback also from Notre Dame, also received many votes.

Notre Dame finished the season with a 9-1 record and was named the Associated Press (AP) national champion. Despite losing their final game against Great Lakes Navy, their overall performance and the quality of their wins against top-ranked opponents secured their place at the top of the rankings.

Several other teams were notable in the 1943 season. Purdue had an undefeated season with a 9-0 record, finishing the season ranked high in the AP poll. Michigan also had a strong season with an 8-1 record. Service teams like Iowa Pre-Flight, which was made up of military personnel, also were among the top-ranked teams.

The 1943 season was unique due to the war's influence, but it showcased some exceptional football talent and performances.