Football History

The Virginia Cavaliers football program boasts a rich history and, with it, a pantheon of players who etched their names onto the annals of Charlottesville lore. Here's a glimpse at some of the most illustrious gridiron heroes:

Offensive Stalwarts:

-Shawn Moore (QB, 1989-92): The "Virginia Cannon" led the Cavaliers to their only ACC title in 1990, wielding a lightning-fast arm and an uncanny ability to orchestrate comebacks. His jersey number and record single-game passing performance (527 yards) remain untouched.

-Heath Miller (TE, 2003-04): This pass-catching tight end rewrote the receiving record books for his position, becoming a first-round NFL draft pick and earning a Pro Bowl nod. His athleticism and sure hands terrorized defenses, making him a Cavaliers legend.

-Thomas Jones (RB, 1997-99): Nicknamed "The Human Battering Ram," Jones is the program's all-time leading rusher, amassing over 4,000 yards and 39 touchdowns in just three seasons. His punishing running style and explosive bursts left defenders in his wake.

Defensive Dynamos:

-Joe Palumbo (DT, 1948-50): A two-time All-American and member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Palumbo anchored some of the best Cavalier defenses ever, earning All-ACC honors and setting a school record for career tackles.

-Chris Long (DE, 2006-07): Long's relentless pass rush terrorized quarterbacks, culminating in consecutive ACC Defensive Player of the Year awards. His 24 career sacks rank second in program history, and his jersey number hangs proudly in the rafters.

-Ahmad Hawkins (DB, 1997-2000): This electrifying ball hawk holds the Cavalier record for career interceptions (18), returning three for touchdowns. He earned All-America honors and showcased dazzling instincts and athleticism, making him a fan favorite.

These are just a few of the many Cavaliers who have left their mark on the program. From offensive maestros to defensive stalwarts, they represent the legacy of Virginia football, reminding us of the grit, talent, and passion that define Cavaliers on the gridiron.

Hallowed ground nestled amidst the rolling plains of Iowa City, Kinnick Stadium isn't just a concrete bowl; it's a living monument to tradition, a roaring crucible of Hawkeye passion, and a testament to the unyielding spirit of Iowa football. Standing proud since 1929, its very bricks echo with the footsteps of gridiron giants, the cheers of generations, and the relentless echoes of "Fight for Iowa!"

Named after Nile Kinnick, the Heisman Trophy winner who tragically died in World War II, Kinnick Stadium embodies both triumph and sacrifice. Its weathered walls have witnessed legendary victories, like the 1990 National Championship run and countless thrilling Big Ten battles. Each scratch and scuff whispers a tale of grit, determination, and Hawkeye fight never yielding to the final whistle.

But Kinnick Stadium isn't just about the past; it's a vibrant center of the present. On crisp autumn Saturdays, over 69,000 fans unite under the sea of black and gold, their roar transforming the air into a living entity, a wave of pure Hawkeye devotion. The iconic Tigerhawk logo, emblazoned on the videoboard, becomes a rallying cry, while the reverberating "Wave" across the stands paints a breathtaking portrait of community and shared passion.

Beyond the spectacle, Kinnick Stadium has evolved with the times. Recent renovations have modernized the experience while preserving the historic charm. The Kinnick Edge project expanded the north end zone, adding premium seating and state-of-the-art facilities. Yet, the essential spirit remains unchanged – the bleachers still thrum with student energy, the smell of hot dogs wafts through the air, and the cheers for the Hawkeyes echo like a primal hymn.

From the solemn inscriptions honoring fallen heroes to the joyous eruptions after last-minute touchdowns, Kinnick Stadium is a tapestry woven with the threads of Hawkeye history.

The Fighting Illini football program boasts a rich history of sending talented players to the NFL, leaving their mark on the professional gridiron. Here's a glimpse at some of the best:

-Offensive Icons:

-Red Grange (RB, 1923-25): "The Galloping Ghost" redefined the running back position with his electrifying speed and dazzling moves. Grange's impact transcended the field, ushering in the golden age of professional football.

-Jeff George (QB, 1987-89): "The Cannon" possessed a rocket arm and audacious talent, becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1990. While inconsistent at times, his raw ability and charisma cemented his place among Illini greats.

-Defensive Dominators:

-Ray Nitschke (LB, 1956-57): Nitschke brought relentless pursuit and ferocious tackling to the Green Bay Packers, anchoring their championship defenses of the 1960s. His seven Pro Bowls and induction into the NFL Hall of Fame solidify his legacy.

-Dick Butkus (LB, 1964-65): Arguably the greatest linebacker of all time, Butkus was a tackling machine, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. His intensity and leadership left an indelible mark on the game.

-Whitney Mercilus (DE, 2009-12): Mercilus terrorized quarterbacks with his speed and relentless pass rush, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2012. His 39 career sacks rank second in program history, and his presence solidified the Illini defense.

-Bobby Mitchell (WR/RB, 1958-61): A two-way threat, Mitchell excelled as both a receiver and running back, paving the way for future generations of African American players in the NFL. His induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes his talent and pioneering spirit.

These are just a few of the many Illini who have carved their names into NFL history.

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Set your TV calendar because when the University of Illinois hosts the University of Michigan on Saturday, October 19, 2024, it will look much like 1924 on campus. The Illini will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their most famous gridiron alum, Red Grange, of the day the stalwart crossed the Wolverine goal line six times.

On October 18, 1924, Red tore it up early. In the opening quarter, he showcased his explosiveness, returning a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and ripping off three additional rushing scores of 66, 55, and 40 yards.

To commemorate the event, the Illini are getting all "dudded-up" in retro-looking uniforms resembling what Red and the boys wore a century ago. A special jersey with colors and even vertical stripes to simulate the friction strips worn in the era, along with hand-painted modern helmets that make them look like the rawhide leather caps the gridders wore then,

That 1924 game against Michigan so inspired Grantland Rice to give Grange his nickname of the Galloping Ghost when he wrote these famous lines of prose:

A streak of fire, a breath of flame
Eluding all who reach and clutch;
A gray ghost thrown into the game
That rival hands may never touch;
A rubber bounding, blasting soul
Whose destination is the goal.

Illinois has been waiting 100 years for this celebration, and it comes against Michigan as the reigning national champion. It should be a special, memorable day indeed.

Foreman Field, perched on the edge of the East Campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, is more than just a stadium. It's a hallowed ground, a witness to history, and the beating heart of Monarchs football. Its story resonates with triumph, transformation, and the unyielding spirit of the ODU community.

Early Days and Gridiron Beginnings (1936-1961):

Initially christened "Norfolk Stadium," the venue opened in 1936 with the University of Virginia facing the College of William & Mary's Norfolk Division (later ODU).
The iconic clam-shell style stands, featuring unique curved concrete sections, provided a distinctive atmosphere and capacity for 18,000 spectators.
Foreman Field hosted football, lacrosse, and field hockey throughout the years, witnessing prominent matchups with local rivals and regional powerhouses.
Farewell to Football and Transformation (1962-2009):

With ODU's football program ending in 1961, Foreman Field fell into disuse. The stadium underwent various renovations, focusing on baseball, field hockey, and other collegiate sports.
The aging clam-shell stands presented structural concerns, ultimately leading to their demolition in 2007.
Rebirth and Rise of the Monarchs (2010-Present):

ODU's triumphant return to football in 2010 sparked a new chapter for Foreman Field. A massive $65 million reconstruction project replaced the demolished stands with a modern, 21,944-seat bowl configuration.
The rechristened "S.B. Ballard Stadium at Foreman Field" (in honor of a major donor) welcomed the Monarchs faithful back in 2019.
The roar of the crowd echoing through the stands has become a familiar soundtrack on Saturdays, as ODU battles for Sun Belt Conference honors and beyond.

Despite its young age, the South Florida Bulls football program boasts a roster of talented players who've left their mark on the gridiron. Here's a glimpse at some of the top Bulls you should know:

Offensive Powerhouses:

-QB Matt Grothe (2006-2009): The "Sunshine Superman" electrified crowds with his dual-threat play, holding numerous school records and leading the Bulls to their first BCS bowl appearance.

-WR Austin Collie (2007-2009): Grothe's favorite target torched defenses with his impeccable route running and sure hands, finishing his career with program records in catches and receiving yards.

-RB Marlon Mack (2014-2016): A rushing phenom, Mack set the single-season rushing record for the Bulls before tearing it up in the NFL.

Defensive Dominators:

-LB Jacques Smith (2015-2017): A tackling machine, Smith holds the school record for tackles in a season and a career, anchoring the Bull's defense with his relentless pursuit.

-CB Ronnie Davis (2005-2008): A lockdown corner, Davis shut down opposing receivers and returned interceptions for touchdowns, earning first-team All-Conference honors multiple times.

-S Devin Young (2017-2019): A ball-hawking safety, Young holds the USF record for most interceptions in a career and was a key playmaker in the Bulls' rise to national prominence.

Beyond the Stats:

The Bulls' top players racked up stats and embodied the team's fighting spirit and dedication. Grothe's leadership, Collie's clutch catches, Mack's explosive runs, Smith's bone-crunching tackles, Davis' shutdown defense, and Young's opportunistic interceptions are etched in USF lore.

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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.

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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.

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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.