Football History

The rivalry between the Arizona Wildcats and Arizona State Sun Devils, known as the "Duel in the Desert," is one of the most intense and historic in college football. Since 1899, these two teams have battled for bragging rights and the coveted Territorial Cup, creating a legacy of unforgettable moments. Here are some of the top highlights:
1. Arizona's 34-31 Upset in 1982:
This game marked a turning point in the rivalry as the underdog Wildcats stunned the heavily favored Sun Devils.
Chuck Cecil's 106-yard interception return for a touchdown became an iconic moment, solidifying the upset victory.
This win helped establish Arizona as a legitimate contender and ignited the rivalry to new heights.
2. Arizona's 56-35 Victory Without Attempting a Pass in the Second Half (2016):
This unorthodox yet dominant victory showcased Arizona's powerful running game and strategic brilliance.
The Wildcats relied solely on the ground in the second half, showcasing their control and determination.
This unique victory cemented its place as one of the most remarkable moments in the rivalry's history.
3. Willie Tuitama's Game-Winning Drive in 1995:
In a tense matchup, Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama led a heroic comeback drive in the final minutes.
He orchestrated a thrilling touchdown pass with just seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Wildcats.
This clutch performance solidified Tuitama's legacy as a legendary Arizona quarterback and further intensified the rivalry.
4. The "Fifth Down Game" (1978):
This controversial game is shrouded in debate, with the final score disputed due to a potential officiating error.
Despite the controversy, the game remains a significant moment in the rivalry due to its intensity and lasting impact.
The "Fifth Down Game" continues to be a topic of discussion and debate among fans of both teams.
5. The "Punt Bowl" (2005):
This game witnessed an unusual occurrence, with both teams punting the ball a combined 22 times in the first half.
Despite the low-scoring affair, the second half provided thrilling moments, including a final-minute touchdown by Arizona State.
The "Punt Bowl" exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the rivalry and its ability to produce unexpected outcomes.
Bonus Moment: The Territorial Cup Trophy:
The coveted Territorial Cup itself is a symbol of the rivalry's significance and the intense competition between the two teams.
The trophy, first awarded in 1988, has become a treasured possession and a source of immense pride for the winning team.
These moments merely scratch the surface of the rich history and memorable clashes that have defined the Arizona-ASU Territorial Cup. Each game carries a unique energy and the potential for unexpected moments that further solidify the rivalry's legacy. As these two teams continue to battle for supremacy, the "Duel in the Desert" promises to create even more unforgettable moments in the years to come.
For more on this rivalry and the Territorial Cup check out the linked YouTube video.

Red Grange, the greatest name in football, was everyone's hero. Lindberg had not yet flown to Paris; only Babe Ruth ranked higher as a sports personality. Grange on a gridiron guaranteed a huge crowd. His endorsement sold pencils, cigarettes, cereal, typewriters, etc.

He made a movie, One Minute to Play; the critics liked it, and the public made it a winner. Red's advice was asked, though not followed, by politicians. Every football-loving boy in America wanted to be Red Grange. Every man who ever played the game or dreamed of it wanted to be his buddy.

Every woman with a yen for muscles fantasized about him as her lover. 1925 was Grange's year; the same could be said for 1926, though differently. The NFL's '25 messiah became its '26 adversary.

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Do you think you know the 1999 NFL Draft class? This explosive year produced a couple of Hall of Famers! But can you identify these two legends based on their draft positions?

The 1999 NFL Draft, held April 17-18 in New York City, was a landmark event for several reasons:

Quarterback Frenzy: Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round, tying the record for most QBs taken that early (matched in 2018 and 2021). These included Tim Couch (Cleveland Browns), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles), Akili Smith (Cincinnati Bengals), Daunte Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings), and Cade McNown (Chicago Bears). However, only McNabb and Culpepper achieved sustained success.

Hall of Famers: Despite the QB glut, the draft produced a strong showing of future Hall of Famers. These included receiver Torry Holt (St. Louis Rams), cornerback Champ Bailey (Washington Redskins), and offensive tackle Walter Jones (Seattle Seahawks).

Draft Busts: Unfortunately, the draft also featured some high-profile busts. Tim Couch, Akili Smith, and Cade McNown all failed to live up to their top-five selections. Running back Ricky Williams (New Orleans Saints) had flashes of brilliance but never reached his full potential.

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The top rushers in NFL history are as iconic as the game itself. These men lumbered through willing tacklers, mud and big hits to gain those precious yards. How did they do early on in their careers, in particular the dreaded second season where many think stars regress into what many call a "Sophomore Slump."

In this edition of the Pigskin Pop Quiz we test your knowledge on the stats of some of the most legendary ball carriers in history and how they did in year two.

Think you know everything about NFL running backs? Prove it!
Many star rookies experience a "sophomore slump" in their second season. But can you tell how some of the league's greatest backs performed in year two?

Take our short video quiz and see if you can identify these iconic running backs based solely on their stats from their SECOND seasons!

Bonus points: Share your results in the comments and see who reigns supreme as the ultimate running back trivia champion!

Don't forget to tag your friends and challenge them too! #NFLTrivia

#RunningBacks #BeatTheSlump

The famous Princeton Tigers two-way end was good enough to be inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame. He had five football-playing brothers, and was the nephew of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous writer.

Art Poe, a name synonymous with early football brilliance, carved a remarkable path on the gridiron. Hailing from a family of football stars, Poe's athletic prowess was evident from the start. His collegiate career at Princeton University was nothing short of spectacular. A dynamic player, he was recognized as a Walter Camp All-American in both 1898 and 1899, a testament to his exceptional skills.

Poe's impact extended beyond the college field. He was a pivotal figure in the nascent professional football scene. As a member of the Homestead Library & Athletic Club, he clinched consecutive mythical professional football championships in 1900 and 1901. His journey continued with the Pittsburgh Stars in the inaugural National Football League, where he contributed to their championship victory in 1902.

Known for his speed, agility, and strategic play, Poe's contributions to the game were immense. His legacy is etched in the annals of football history, making him a true pioneer of the sport.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Poe's story is one of courage and resilience. His untimely passing at a relatively young age cast a shadow over his brilliant career. However, his impact on football remains enduring, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

Nathan Washington Dougherty, born March 23, 1886, in Hales Mill, Virginia, left an indelible mark on the early landscape of American football. His collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, from 1906 to 1909, was legendary. Standing at an imposing 6'2" and weighing 185 pounds, he earned the moniker "Big'n" from his peers.  

Dougherty was a famous University of Tennessee Volunteers football team guard. This man was such a good athlete and a leader that he simultaneously captained three varsity sports programs for the Vols—captaining the football, basketball, and track teams. The National Football Foundation selected him for their College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

His versatility and leadership defined Dougherty's college career. He captained the football team and the basketball and track and field squads, a testament to his exceptional athleticism. As a dominant guard on the gridiron, he was instrumental in the Volunteers' success during that era.  

His football legacy extends beyond his playing days. Dougherty's intellect and dedication to education set him apart. He graduated with honors from Tennessee and furthered his academic pursuits, earning additional degrees and eventually becoming a respected educator at Cornell and George Washington Universities. His influence on the sport was recognized in 1967 when he was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. The College Football Hall of Fame gathered the data and stats of Nathan Dougherty to set in a place of honor in their museum.  

Accolades for Dougherty centered on his leadership and athletic prowess. While detailed career statistics from that era are limited, his captaincy across three sports and his Hall of Fame induction highlight his significant contributions. His legacy stands as a testament to the character and athleticism that shaped the early foundations of American football. Dougherty did not play in the NFL, as it did not exist in his time.

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Check-in on the boys on the sidelines and their humorous thoughts on football items and events. Pigskin Dispatch not only covers football history, but our Clete Marx Comics brings a lighter side to the game we love for a full content of Gridiron enjoyment.

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Author Rich Shmelter captures the 1983 seasons of the Washington Redskins and the Los Angeles Raiders right up through their meeting in Super Bowl XVIII with this in-depth account.

Game by game through the regular season, with player profiles and stories leading up to the meeting, this is a trip down memory lane for any football fan.

Born April 24, 1918, was a legendary football player and executive Fred Gehrke. Fred was on the Cleveland Rams team that won the NFL Championship in 1945. Fred Gehrke went to college and suited up for the Utah Utes and also went on and played in the NFL for the Cleveland / Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Cardinals from 1940 through 1950.

Fred started a trend that we can appreciate today.To boost team morale, Gehrke designed and painted the Los Angeles Rams logo in 1948, which was the first painted on the helmets of an NFL team.

-Frequently Asked Question

-Who was the first to paint a logo on a helmet? The answer in the pro game is Fred Gehrke of the Rams in 1948, check out more about it in the story: First Helmet Logo.

Born April 12, 1966 - Hollywood, Florida - Lorenzo White the standout Michigan State Spartan running back from 1984 through the 1987 season was born. Lorenzo rewrote the school and Big Ten conference record books and remains the Spartans’ all-time leading rusher even to this day.

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Lorenzo White into their legendary museum in 2019. Lorenzo was a first round pick of the Houston Oilers in the 1988 NFL Draft, and he played seven seasons in Houston including a stellar Pro Bowl season in 1982 before one final season with the Cleveland Browns in 1995.