Football History

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The great Colorado Buffalo back went much higher in life than football took him.

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Timothy P. Brown of Football Archaeology.com deleivers a remarkable story on a player that was concussed, who kept on playing in the late 19th century

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George Pfann was another excellent backfield product of the Cornell Big Red program. His talent and skill led to his selection of going into the College FOotball Hall of Fame years after he was through playing.

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One of the top games ever in college football was the masterpiece played at Kyle Field, College Station, where the final score was: Texas A&M 20, Texas 16.

Played just 11 days after the tragic collapse of the Bonfire, this game served as a unifying moment for the Aggie community.
Texas A&M's victory was a powerful symbol of resilience and a tribute to the victims of the tragedy.
The game remains one of the most emotional and memorable moments in the history of the Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry.
Key moments:

The Aggie defense dominated the game, forcing three turnovers and holding Texas to just 16 points.
Bran Jennings' six sacks were a key factor in Texas A&M's defensive dominance.
Quarterback Randy McCown led the Aggie offense efficiently, connecting with Corey Pullig for a 44-yard touchdown pass.
The game was sealed with a late interception by Aggie defensive back Jason Webster.

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Raised in Tennessee and Denver, David Neil Drews was a commercial banker and then
an English teacher prior to becoming a writer. He has two bachelor’s degrees from the University
of Tennessee, one in finance and one in English Literature, and a masters in English Education.
Iron Tigers reflects his passion for sports, American history, and fiction. Since attending his first
University of Tennessee Volunteers football game in 1970, his blood has run deep orange. Yet,
after spending five years researching the legendary 1899 Sewanee football team, some say there
is a tinge of purple to his complexion.

The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game saw the #7 Colorado Buffaloes pull off a stunning upset against the #3 Texas Longhorns, claiming their first Big 12 title in a dramatic 39-37 victory.

-An Offensive Showstopper:

The game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. Colorado's Bobby Pesavento and Texas' Chris Simms combined for over 600 passing yards and five touchdowns. The offensive fireworks kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the contest.

-Late-Game Heroics:

With the score tied at 37 and just over a minute remaining, Colorado's defense forced a crucial turnover. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Pesavento led the Buffaloes on a game-winning drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown run to seal the victory with 28 seconds left.

-An Unforgettable Upset:

The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game is remembered as a classic in college football history. Colorado's unlikely victory against the heavily favored Longhorns was a testament to their resilience and offensive prowess. The game cemented the legacy of Colorado head coach Gary Barnett and quarterback Bobby Pesavento.

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Talking Denver Broncos History with Guest Thomas Hall of the Mile High Insiders. The Denver Broncos, currently soaring high in the orange and blue, haven't always been football royalty. Their journey began in 1960 as part of the upstart American Football League (AFL), nicknamed the "Mile High Misfits" for their early struggles. Despite boasting the first-ever AFL win, their first decade was marked by losing seasons and struggles to find their footing.

The merger with the NFL in 1970 brought new hope. While success was still elusive, the "Orange Crush" defense of the mid-70s, led by legends like Randy Gradishar and Tom Jackson, sparked excitement. Their first playoff appearance in 1977, culminating in a Super Bowl XII loss, marked a turning point.

John Elway's arrival in 1983 ushered in a golden era. Known for his gunslinger mentality and clutch throws, Elway led the Broncos to five Super Bowls, winning two (Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII) and cementing his place as a franchise legend. The victories showcased not only Elway's brilliance but also the talents of Terrell Davis, Rod Smith, and Shannon Sharpe, solidifying Denver's status as a powerhouse.

However, following Elway's retirement in 1999, the Broncos entered a period of turmoil. Despite glimpses of greatness with players like Jake Plummer and Peyton Hillis, sustained success remained elusive.

The arrival of Peyton Manning in 2012 marked a second renaissance. His veteran leadership and pinpoint passing revitalized the franchise. Coupled with a dominant defense led by Von Miller, the Broncos returned to the Super Bowl stage, ultimately winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

A great website dedicated to Steelers history is found that covers the Art Rooney connection to Pittsburgh sports and football long before the NFL franchise was born.

From the Hope Harvey team, the squad that bore is politician brothers moniker Art Rooney Sr was a football man through in thorough. The connections to the sport of boxing and a bit of betting on the ponies were all part of the story.

Litkenhous Difference by Score Ratings System - This mathematical system  was used to rank football and basketball teams, based on the score differential of common opponents and opponents in general during a season. The Litrating system was developed by Vanderbilt University professor Edward E. Litkenhous and his brother, Francis H. Litkenhous.

Two Big time programs duked it out in a thriller in 1969 when the Arkansas Razorbacks locked tusks to horns with the Texas Burnt Orange.
The video of this game on YouTube captures the thrill of game day almost as much as it did that day.

There is nothing like the experience of college football game day!