Football History

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While not as storied as some college football giants, the Kentucky Wildcats football program boasts several high points throughout its history:

Early Brilliance:

-1920s-1930s: Legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant led the Wildcats to their first major wins, including a 1947 Great Lakes Bowl victory and consecutive Sugar Bowl appearances in 1951 and 1952.

-1948-1950: Three consecutive AP Top 10 rankings, culminating in a claimed national championship in 1950 (pre-BCS era) after shocking No. 1 Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.


Individual Greatness:

-1960s-1970s: Running back Sonny Collins became the program's first Heisman Trophy finalist (1975), showcasing Kentucky's offensive talent.

-1990s: Tim Couch established himself as one of the best college quarterbacks ever, becoming the second Heisman finalist (1997) and setting numerous SEC records.


Modern Moments:

-2006-2007: Under coach Rich Brooks, Kentucky achieved its first 10-win season in over 80 years and upset LSU in the 2007 Citrus Bowl.

-2018: The Wildcats defeated rivals Louisville and Florida for the first time in the same season since 1976, earning a No. 9 ranking in the CFP before falling to Georgia.

-2022: Mark Stoops led Kentucky to their first win over rival Tennessee in 11 years, earning a place in the Citrus Bowl, the program's 13th bowl appearance in 12 years.

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The Georgia Bulldogs stand tall in college football history, their legacy engraved in four glistening national championships. Each title tells a unique story, etched in moments of triumph, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of glory.

-The first crown, in 1927, arrived under coach Herman Stegeman, a testament to the program's nascent power. Frank Sinkwich led the charge in the 1940s, his "I-formation" rewriting offensive strategies and propelling the Dawgs to two more titles in 1942 and 1946. The fourth banner, hoisted in 1980 under Vince Dooley, cemented Georgia's position as a national force, Herschel Walker's dominant rushing a stark symbol of their grit.

But for forty-one long years, the elusive fifth title remained a phantom, tantalizingly close yet frustratingly out of reach. The "Dawg Nation" endured near misses and heartbreaking defeats, their unwavering faith tested yet refusing to crumble.

-Finally, in 2021, under Kirby Smart's steely leadership, the dam broke. Stetson Bennett, once a backup, rose to the occasion, quarterbacking a dominant defense to a victory over mighty Alabama in the College Football Playoff. Tears of joy and catharsis swept through Athens, the drought's end an emotional release for generations of Dawgs.

-Unwilling to rest on past laurels, Georgia roared back in 2022. A stifling defense, nicknamed "The Junkyard Dawgs," devoured opponents, while an explosive offense carved through defenses. The second consecutive national championship confirmed Georgia's return to the summit, their dynasty a testament to unwavering belief and unyielding determination.

The history and tradition of the team is deep, and this SEC Power House can certainly take pride in it.

In the heart of Music City, amidst booming bluegrass ballads and swaying gospel hymns, lies a different kind of melody – the triumphant rumble of Vanderbilt Commodores football. But unlike country crooners and soul singers, the roots of Commodore gridiron glory don't reach back to smoky bars or dimly lit churches. Instead, they sprout from the fertile ground of academic ambition and southern gentility.

In 1890, Vanderbilt University, a young institution fueled by the philanthropic spirit of Cornelius Vanderbilt, sought to join the burgeoning world of collegiate athletics. Their first opponent? No less than the University of Nashville, an established team in the city. On a sun-drenched Nashville field, the Commodores, named after the Commodore's nickname for his fleet captains, took to the gridiron, etching their initials onto the nascent annals of southern football.

Vanderbilt's early years were marked by fierce competition and evolving standards. Chemistry professor William Lofland Dudley is often hailed as the "father of Vanderbilt football," guiding the team through its formative years and securing its place in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). Under his leadership, the Commodores enjoyed moments of brilliance, boasting a 20-3-2 record from 1901 to 1903.

Yet, Vanderbilt's football odyssey wasn't always paved with victories. Periods of struggle and shifting priorities left their mark. The program temporarily disbanded during World War I and faced challenges maintaining its footing in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.

But like the magnolia blossoms that grace Vanderbilt's campus, the Commodores' spirit endured. Through unwavering dedication and a commitment to academic excellence, Vanderbilt football carved its own unique path. They became known for their innovative "run-and-shoot" offense and produced NFL prospects like Earl Cunningham and Frank Thomas.

Michigan Wolverines football, a legacy etched in gridiron glory, boasts an illustrious history woven with legendary players. Choosing just a number among them is a daunting task, yet, here are few titans who etched their names in maize and blue lore:

-Tom Harmon ("The Golden Tornado"): This Heisman Trophy winner (1940) electrified the 1940s with his passing prowess, leading Michigan to two national championships and earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Anthony Carter ("Mr. Sunshine"): Carter dazzled on the gridiron in the 1980s, shattering receiving records and becoming the first Wolverine to win the Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver (1986). His electrifying touchdown catches remain etched in Big House memories.

-Charles Woodson ("The Heisman Hurdler"): This versatile athlete shone at corner, receiver, and even punt returner. His defensive dominance earned him the Heisman Trophy (1997) and the Defensive Player of the Year award (1997) – a feat unmatched in NCAA history.

-Tom Brady ("The Sixth Round Sensation"): Before becoming an NFL legend, Brady honed his skills in Ann Arbor. Despite being a sixth-round draft pick, his leadership and clutch performances still resonate with Wolverine fans.

-Desmond Howard ("The Heisman Return"): This electric punt returner etched his name in college football history with his Heisman-clinching punt return touchdown against Ohio State in 1991. His electrifying play and infectious personality left an indelible mark on the program.

-Ronnie Johnson ("The Natural"): This running back possessed a rare blend of power and grace, racking up over 2,600 rushing yards in just two seasons. His tragic passing in 1985 remains a heartbreaking chapter in Michigan history.

The Akron Zips football program, boasting a nickname as unique as its journey, is woven into the fabric of Akron's identity. Founded in 1891 as Buchtel College, the team has weathered storms, soared to victories, and remained a source of pride for the city throughout its 130-year history.


-Humble Beginnings and Early Successes:
Buchtel's first official contest occurred in 1891, a 6-0 defeat against Mount Union. Despite the initial setback, the program quickly found its footing, winning its first conference championship in 1894.
In 1913, the school adopted the name "University of Akron," the football team followed suit, becoming the "Zippers" due to the city's booming rubber industry. The name was later shortened to "Zips" in 1950.
Buchtel College Football Team in 1894
The Zips enjoyed a golden age in the 1920s and 30s, led by legendary coach Paul Brown. During his tenure, Akron won three Ohio Athletic Conference titles and first appeared in the Rose Bowl in 1942.
Paul Brown, Akron Zips Football Coach

-A Climb Through the Ranks:
After years of playing as an independent and in lower divisions, the Zips finally reached the pinnacle of college football in 1987, joining the Division I-A (now FBS) ranks.
The transition was initially challenging, but under the guidance of coach Leo Theis, Akron emerged as a competitive force in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
In 2005, the Zips achieved their ultimate dream, capturing the MAC Championship for the first time in program history. The victory over Bowling Green sent the city of Akron into jubilation and marked a defining moment in the team's legacy.


Straight from the best authority on Akron Zipp's football, the University of Akron itself. Enjoy the latest news, schedules, and history of the Zips program from the folks who know the information best.

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July 14, 1911 - Carrollton, Mississippi - Riley Smith is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame as a quarterback out of the University or Alabama. The National Football Foundation claims that this 6-1, 195-pounder could pass, block, punt, kick extra points and boot field goals, yes just about anything on the gridiron. In 1935 he was named to the All-America teams of the Associated Press, Collier's Magazine and the All- America Board. He also won the Jacobs Trophy as the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. Mr Smith performed exceptionally and his contributions were vital in the 1935 Rose Bowl win over Stanford as he kicked the final points in the 29-13 contest to give Alabama the victory. Riley is known for being the first player to play football in the NFL that was drafted! Though the University of Chicago's Jay Berwanger, was picked one selection before Smith in the NFL's first draft selection process of 1936, Berwanger never played in the NFL. In the late 1930's Mr. Riley served as the QB for the Boston and later Washington Redskins (the teamm moved to the Nation's Capital just before his second season). His pro career started off very promising as during the 1936 and 1937 seasons he missed only three minutes in 26 Redskins games, but an injury prematurely cut short his promising NFL career. He later became the head coach at Washington and Lee University for their football program.

Some outstanding players have come out of the Old Dominion Monarchs program. The following list is a combination of statistical achievements, historical significance, and fan recognition:

-Taylor Heinicke (QB, 2011-2014): Holds numerous ODU passing records, including career yards and touchdowns. Led the Monarchs to their first FBS bowl game and earned national recognition.

-Bobby Wilder (Coach, 2009-2019): The architect of ODU's transition to FBS and their early successes. Won three Sun Belt Conference championships and instilled a winning culture in the program.

-Zach Pascal (WR): This stalwart could catch a fish in the desert. He was so talented.

-[b]Isaiah Spencer (TE, 2020-present): Versatile tight end with impressive receiving stats and a key player for the Monarchs' recent success. Holds the ODU record for most receiving yards by a tight end.

-T J. Grant (RB, 2007-2009): ODU's all-time leading rusher, showcasing explosive speed and scoring prowess during the program's FCS championship run. She played several seasons in the NFL.

June 6, 1879 - Jimmy Johnson was the quarterback for the Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1899 to 1903 as well as Northwestern University's Dental School in 1904 and 1905. At Carlisle he played under the teaching of the legendary head coach Pop Warner and was named All-American by Walter Camp per the FootballFoundation.org. Camp based his selection on a remarkable game he witnessed when Carlisle played Harvard.  After Carlisle he studied dentistry at Northwestern and helped turn the football program there around in his two seasons played. In 1904 he scored a touchdown and helped beat Illinois 12-6 in the last game played at Sheppard Field. In 1905 he helped dedicate a new field, seating 13,000, on Central Street in Evanston, Illinois, as Northwestern beat Beloit 18-2. Johnson scored a touchdown and ran for 200 yards. Mr. Johnson was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969. After school was completed Johnson returned to Carlisle to help coach the players as an assistant in 1906, one season before a kid named Thorpe showed up to play on the gridiron for the Institute.

Pooley Hubert was of the top early Southern college football players. Pooley played quarterback for coach Wallace Wade's Alabama Crimson Tide teams from 1922 to 1925, leading Alabama to its first bowl game, the 1926 Rose Bowl, Which changed the perception and legitimacy of football in the South.

Allison "Pooley" Hubert is a name synonymous with Alabama Crimson Tide football's golden age. A versatile athlete who excelled on both sides of the ball, Hubert's impact on the program is immeasurable.

Emerging as a star in the early 1920s, Hubert quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide. As quarterback, his ability to both pass and run made him a nightmare for opponents. His leadership and playmaking skills were instrumental in Alabama's rise to national prominence.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Hubert was a defensive stalwart, earning accolades as one of the greatest defensive backs of his era. His versatility and tenacity made him a dominant force on the field.

Hubert's crowning achievement came in 1926 when he led Alabama to a historic victory over Washington in the Rose Bowl, marking the first time a Southern team had competed in the prestigious game. His performance in that game cemented his legacy as a Crimson Tide legend.

Beyond his playing days, Hubert continued to contribute to the sport as a coach at Mississippi State Teachers College and Virginia Military Institute. His impact on Alabama football, however, remains unparalleled. Pooley Hubert's name will forever be etched in the Crimson Tide's storied history.

Born May 1, 1905, in De Ridder, Louisiana, was the Louisiana-Lafayette (1922-25 ) and with Army from 1926 to 1929, halfback Chris “Red” Cagle. The National Football Foundation states in their bio of Red that Chris while at  Southwestern Louisiana chalked up 235 points by scoring touchdowns, kicking extra points and converting field goals. This was a school record that lasted until 1989! He was able to play in college for 8 seasons as he split the balance of his NCAA career with the Army Cadets. Red was an All-America halfback the last three seasons at West Point. His longest runs were 75 yards against Yale, 1928; 70 yards against Ohio Wesleyan and 65 yards against Yale, 1929. In four years at Army he scored 169 points, averaged 6.4 yards per attempt in rushing and 26.4 yards on kickoff returns. Our friend Chris Willis from NFL Films wrote in an article for the Pro Football Journal website that Cagle was on the cover of Time Magazine in 1929 while with Army. He was often seen playing with either his chin strap undone or with no helmet at all. Chris Cagle was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. C. Willis goes on to tell us that Cagle played 5 steady but uneventful seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. Red Cagle did however own an NFL franchise, the Brooklyn Dodgers, for a couple of seasons with his partner John “Shipwreck” Kelly.