Football History

---

This summary highlights key facts from the 123-year history of Kentucky Wildcats football:

Records and Achievements:

-Kentucky has a winning record (583-579) but a sub-.500 win percentage due to 44 ties.

-The program boasts two SEC championships (1950, 1976) and one unofficial national championship (1950 based on Sagarin Poll).

-Kentucky is a founding member of the SEC and has one player drafted No. 1 overall (Tim Couch, 1999).


Notable Figures:

-Bear Bryant coached Kentucky from 1946-1953, winning an SEC title and Sugar Bowl in 1950.

-Kentucky claims 23 All-Americans, including three unanimous selections (Bob Gain, Babe Parilli, Derek Abney).

-George Blanda, NFL legend, played quarterback for Kentucky from 1946-1948.

-Other notable coaches include Jerry Claiborne and Hall of Famer Dermonti Dawson.


Rivalry and Fan Facts:

-The Kentucky-Louisville rivalry ("Governor's Cup") began in 1912, with Kentucky leading 14-13 overall.

-Mark Higgs and Calvin Bird are the only players with retired numbers for the Wildcats.

This is just a glimpse into the rich history of Kentucky Wildcats football. Check out the rest of the posts in this section for more on the UK Gridiron.

---

Do you love Michigan football? Well, how about these amazing moments in the program's history:

-The Hail Mary (1997): Desmond Howard's last-second touchdown pass from Scott Dreisbach stuns Ohio State in "The Game of the Century," sparking pandemonium and cementing its place as the most iconic comeback in Wolverines history.


-The Woodson Punt (1997): Charles Woodson's electrifying punt return and celebration against rival Ohio State defines Big Ten rivalry intensity and electrifies college football.


-Bo Schembechler's Legacy: Coach "Bo" Schembechler's dedication, fiery spirit, and five national championships (including back-to-back titles in 1975-76) leave an indelible mark on the program and college football itself.

-"That Little Brown Jug" Rivalry: Winning the annual clash against Minnesota for possession of the coveted jug since 1909 ignites the rivalry's passion and ranks among the most cherished traditions in sports history.


These are just a few of the countless moments that make Michigan football so special. The program's rich history, passionate fanbase, and tradition of excellence ensure that Wolverine legends and moments will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.

One of the Greatest Games ever played occurred on September 1, 2007 Appalachian State vs. Michigan. It was a regular-season college football game between the Appalachian State Mountaineers and Michigan Wolverines held at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, and was the first game of the season for both teams.

Appalachian State, a team from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), was a 31-point underdog against Michigan, a team from the Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and a perennial power. However, Appalachian State pulled off a stunning upset, winning the game 34-32.

The Mountaineers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and they never looked back. They led 28-17 at halftime and 31-26 after three quarters. Michigan tied the game at 32-32 in the fourth quarter, but Appalachian State kicked a field goal with 26 seconds left to win the game.

The upset was one of the biggest in college football history. It was the first time that an FCS team had beaten a top-five FBS team, and it sent shockwaves through the college football world.

The win helped to put Appalachian State on the map, and it inspired other FCS teams to believe that they could compete with FBS teams. It is still considered one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

Here are some of the key moments from the game:

Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Dexter Jackson caught 10 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon had two sacks and a forced fumble.
Michigan quarterback Chad Henne threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns.
Running back Mike Hart rushed for 105 yards.

---

Clemson Football boasts a rich history defined by thrilling victories and dominant performances. A list of the top Victories of the Clemson University Football Program.

This summary explores some of the biggest wins that shaped their legacy:

-1981 Orange Bowl (22-15 vs. Nebraska): This victory marked a turning point. Led by coach Danny Ford and quarterback Homer Jordan, Clemson completed a perfect 12-0 season and secured their first national championship, proving "Little ole Clemson" could compete with the best.

-2016 National Championships (Alabama): Under coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson established itself as a powerhouse. These back-to-back wins over mighty Alabama, led by the legendary Nick Saban, solidified their dominance and cemented Swinney's place as a coaching giant.

-2017 National Championship Game (35-31 vs. Alabama): This nail-biter cemented Clemson's rivalry with Alabama. Deshaun Watson's last-second touchdown pass secured victory and announced the arrival of Clemson's next superstar quarterback.

-1951 Orange Bowl (15-14 vs. Oklahoma): This upset victory showcased early Clemson resilience. The underdog Tigers shocked powerhouse Oklahoma, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.

The UCF Knights football program boasts a dynamic history etched by several impactful head coaches. Here's a glimpse into some of the greats:

Gene McDowell (1985-1997): The "Godfather" of UCF football. Built the program from scratch, securing their first conference championship in 1990 and laying the foundation for future success.

Mike Kruczek (1998-2003): Known for his offensive prowess, Kruczek led the Knights to three bowls and cemented their reputation as a rising force.

George O'Leary (2004-2015): The architect of the modern UCF dynasty. Won three conference titles, took the Knights to their first BCS bowl game (Fiesta Bowl), and established UCF as a national contender.

Scott Frost (2016-2017): The "Miracle in Orlando" mastermind. Achieved a perfect 13-0 season, the only undefeated season in program history, and secured UCF's first-ever New Year's Six bowl win.

Josh Heupel (2018-2020): Maintained the offensive momentum, finishing ranked in the Top 25 twice and further propelling UCF's national reputation.

Gus Malzahn (2021-present): Bringing his championship pedigree, Malzahn has secured back-to-back nine-win seasons and continued UCF's recent bowl streak.

The Akron Zips football program boasts a long and storied history, dating back to 1891. While they haven't yet captured a coveted conference championship, their journey is marked by consistent grit and determination.
Their early years saw them compete in various conferences, eventually settling in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 1992. They've secured two MAC East Division titles (2005 and 2020), showcasing their potential to compete at the highest levels.
Though they've only reached one bowl game (the 2005 Motor City Bowl), the Zips have produced several NFL players, including Charles Tillman and Kyle Kalis. This highlights their ability to develop talent for the professional ranks.
Today, under head coach Joe Moorhead, the Zips are focused on building a consistently winning program. Their signature triple-option offense, coupled with the passionate home-field advantage at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field, fuels their desire to reach a bowl game and contend for a MAC championship.
With their innovative approach to NIL opportunities and unwavering commitment to improvement, the Akron Zips are poised for an exciting future in college football. Their legacy of perseverance serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike as they continue to strive for excellence on the gridiron.

Auburn boasts a rich history of bruising backs who have terrorized defenses and fueled Tigers victories. Choosing the "best" is subjective, but here are some of the most impactful Auburn rushers:

Legends of the Backfield:

-Carnell "Cadillac" Williams: The all-time leading rusher with 3,831 yards, Williams embodied power and grace. His Heisman-caliber junior season and key role in the undefeated 2004 team solidify his legendary status.

-Bo Jackson: A dual-threat marvel, Jackson's athleticism was unmatched. He rushed for 4,303 yards despite limited seasons, showcasing raw power and electrifying speed.

-James Brooks: "The Little Giant" racked up 3,523 yards with relentless determination. His 1971 record for rushing touchdowns (19) stood for decades, showcasing his scoring prowess.

The Indiana University Athletics web page is the place for all the latest news on Hoosier football. The events, player bios, news, and scores are where you thought they would be.

Tune into the intricate tapestry of Hoosier football history. From record-breaking stars to championship teams, these players and moments capture the essence of Hoosier spirit: dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the crimson and cream. So, whether you're a lifelong Hoosier fan or a curious newcomer, remember, the gridiron heroes of Indiana are more than just names on a stat sheet; they are champions of the Hoosier spirit, forever inspiring future generations to embrace the "Indiana Fight!"

The Air Force Academy Falcons and the Army Black Knights have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1959, creating a storied rivalry that transcends the mere outcome of the game. This clash of service academies represents not just athletic competition but also a display of discipline, honor, and respect.

The official link to get connected with David Neil Drew's book on the Sewanee Tigers football team of 1899 and their amazing road trip.