Football History

Nestled amidst the bluegrass meadows of Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football program boasts a rich history steeped in resilience, innovation, and gridiron glory. Though their journey didn't begin with the fanfare of elite programs, the Hilltoppers have carved their own path, evolving from regional underdogs to Sun Belt Conference contenders.


Early Days and Division II Dominance (1908-1973):


First fielded in 1908, the Hilltoppers spent decades building their identity in the shadows of larger programs.
Coaches M.A. Smith and E.A. Diddle laid the foundation with early successes, but it was under Coach Jimmy Feix in the 1970s that the program truly flourished.
Feix's innovative triple-option offense, led by stars like Virgil Livers and David Carter, became a trademark, propelling the Hilltoppers to four Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) titles and two NCAA Division II National Championship appearances.

Transition to FBS and New Challenges (1974-2008):


The jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 1974 brought new challenges. Replacing the triple-option with a conventional pro-style offense, WKU struggled to find consistent success in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
Standout players like quarterback Willie Taggart and receiver Tyrone Young emerged during this period, but overall wins were hard-fought.
In 2003, Jack Harty took over as head coach, ushering in an era of stability and gradual improvement.

Sun Belt Success and Soaring High (2009-Present):


The move to the Sun Belt Conference in 2009 proved to be a catalyst for sustained success. The Hilltoppers found their footing under Harty and later Bobby Petrino, capturing four Sun Belt titles (2009, 2015, 2016, 2022) and earning three bowl game appearances.
Players like quarterback Brandon Doughty and running back Antonio Andrews became household names, showcasing the program's talent development abilities.
Coach Tyson Helton, who took over in 2023, aims to build upon the momentum, leading the Hilltoppers to even greater heights in the Sun Belt and beyond.

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NFL's Odd Couple! Relive the bizarre 1945 merger of the Boston Yanks and Brooklyn Tigers. Short on players due to WWII, these unlikely allies combined forces for one strange season. A quirky footnote in NFL history you won't believe!

Facing player shortages during World War II, the Boston Yanks and the Brooklyn Tigers, a team with its own tumultuous past as the Dodgers, surprisingly merged for the 1945 NFL season. This temporary union saw them simply called "the Yanks," playing a mixed schedule of home games in both Boston and New York. It was a desperate measure during extraordinary times.

This unusual alliance on April 10th, 1945, was a temporary fix. By 1946, the Brooklyn franchise's owner departed for the new All-America Football Conference, effectively dissolving their part of the merger. The Boston Yanks continued for a few more seasons before also folding, making this brief, wartime collaboration a truly unique and fleeting moment in NFL annals.

The history of the Crimson Tide's football program is summed up very well in this YouTube Video. Learn about the legendary coaches, players, and plays that make Alabama such a storied gridiron program.

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Against a backdrop of a nation in flux, the 1944 NFL season delivered electrifying gridiron action. Unyielding spirit and raw athleticism defined this era, captivating fans and etching an enduring chapter in football's legacy.

The Green Bay Packers and gridiron warriors like Angelo Bertelli and Frank Sinkwich headlined ProFootball:1944. Their tenacity mirrored the era's challenges, as skill and determination shaped unforgettable moments, proving that the game's heart pulsed strong.

This season's narrative, played out on fields across America, speaks of football's power to unite and inspire. The 1944 NFL season is a testament to the enduring allure of the sport, a time when legends were made and legacies were cemented.The 1944 NFL season, the league's 25th, was played against the backdrop of World War II, significantly impacting team rosters and the league's landscape.

-League Overview

The 1944 season featured ten teams, each playing a ten-game regular season, totaling 50 contests. Several franchise adjustments marked this year:

The Boston Yanks joined the NFL as an expansion team.

The struggling Brooklyn Dodgers rebranded as the Brooklyn Tigers for their final season before merging with Boston in 1945.

The Cleveland Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles resumed full operations.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their wartime merger this season with the Chicago Cardinals, becoming Card-Pitt. This combined team played some home games in Pittsburgh and others in Chicago.

The 1944 NFL Draft was held in Philadelphia. The Boston Yanks selected quarterback Angelo Bertelli from the University of Notre Dame with the first pick.

-Rules Changes

Several rule changes were implemented for the 1944 season, including modifications to free substitution rules and allowing communication between players and coaches on the field under certain conditions. There were also several coaching and stadium changes across the league.

A notable and somewhat dubious distinction of the 1944 season was that it featured two winless teams: the Brooklyn Tigers and Card-Pitt, both finishing with a 0-10 record. This was the first time since 1926 that the NFL had two winless teams in a single season.

-Division Races and Standings

The season was contested over 13 weeks. The Brooklyn Tigers struggled, losing many games by close margins. Card-Pitt also faced difficulties, being eliminated from playoff contention by Week Seven.

In the Western Division, the Green Bay Packers dominated. The Packers won their first six games, securing a comfortable lead.

The Eastern Division race was more competitive. After nine weeks, Washington and Philadelphia were undefeated. However, Philadelphia defeated Washington in Week Ten. The New York Giants ultimately won the Eastern Division with an 8-1-1 record, earning the right to host the championship game.

-Green Bay Packers Championship

The Green Bay Packers, coached by Curly Lambeau, finished the regular season with an 8-2 record, winning the Western Division. Key players for the Packers included running back Ted Fritsch, end Don Hutson, and quarterback Irv Comp. Hutson led the NFL in receiving yards.

The Packers faced the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game on December 17, 1944, at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Despite the Giants having defeated the Packers 24-0 just weeks earlier, the Packers were favored.

The Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants 14-7 in the Championship Game. Ted Fritsch scored both touchdowns for the Packers in the second quarter. The Giants scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter. This victory marked the Packers' sixth league title and their first since 1939.

-League Leaders

Here are the league leaders in key statistical categories for the 1944 NFL season:

-Passing Yards: Irv Comp, Green Bay (1159)

-Rushing Yards: Bill Paschal, New York (737)

-Receiving Yards: Don Hutson, Green Bay (866)

-Most Valuable Player: Frank Sinkwich, Halfback, Detroit

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From humble beginnings in Athens to a pair of back-to-back national championships, Georgia Bulldogs football has woven a rich tapestry of triumphs, upsets, and tenacious spirit. Here's a glimpse into their gridiron odyssey:


Early Days (1892-1929):


-1892 marked the start with a victory over Mercer, setting the stage for the South's oldest rivalry with Auburn.

-Early years saw inconsistent records and frequent coaching changes, but the foundation for tradition was laid.

-1927 brought the program's first national championship claim, solidifying Georgia's place in college football history.


Golden Era (1930-1963):

-Legends like Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi graced the sidelines, leading the Bulldogs to three more national titles (1942, 1946, 1968).

-The "Sinkwich era" saw the invention of the "I-formation" offense, forever changing the game and showcasing Georgia's offensive ingenuity.

-This period solidified Georgia as a national powerhouse, drawing top recruits and generating devoted fans.


Ups and Downs (1964-2020):

-Despite occasional SEC titles and Heisman Trophy winners like Herschel Walker, the program faced inconsistent performances in the latter half of the 20th century.

-Rivalries with Florida and Auburn intensified, with thrilling victories and agonizing defeats becoming part of the Bulldogs' identity.

-Coaches like Vince Dooley and Jim Donnan left their mark, but a 41-year national championship drought tested the faith of even the most loyal Dawgs.


Modern Renaissance (2021-Present):


-Kirby Smart's arrival in 2016 marked a turning point, instilling a culture of discipline and excellence.

-After years of near misses, the Bulldogs finally broke the championship drought in 2021, defeating Alabama in the CFP National Championship Game.

-The 2022 season saw another dominant performance, culminating in a second consecutive national title, solidifying Georgia's return to the pinnacle of college football.

Option Dreams under Hoosier Skies: A Tale of Hoosier Football Beneath the majestic elms of Indiana University's Bloomington campus lies a gridiron tapestry woven with tales of triumph, heartbreak, and a relentless pursuit of gridiron glory. This is the chronicle of the Indiana Hoosiers football program, a journey that spans over a century, echoing with the cheers of Hoosier Nation and the thud of footballs against the autumn sky.

From the early days of muddied fields and leather helmets to the sleek modernity of Memorial Stadium, the Hoosiers have etched their name in college football history. They've weathered storms of controversy, witnessed moments of legendary brilliance, and embraced a unique offensive identity that defined them on the national stage.

This is a story of the Hoosier spirit, a testament to the unwavering passion that burns bright in the hearts of players, coaches, and fans alike. So, grab your crimson and cream, tune in to the "Hoosier Fight Song," and prepare to relive the Hoosier saga – a captivating chapter in the storied annals of American football

The Arkansas Razorbacks football program, a tale of passionate fans, gridiron battles, and moments etched in Hog lore, stretches back to 1894. Here's a glimpse into their Early Days with:

-The "Cardinals" era, with Latin professors as coaches and simple leather helmets.

-First coach John Futrall coined the "Razorback" nickname after a tough win against LSU.

-Struggles and inconsistency marked the early decades, with flashes of success under coaches like Hugo Bezdek.

The Golden years under legendary coach Frank Broyles, with 16 conference titles and 3 national championship appearances.


The SEC Challenge (1990s-Present):

-Transitioning to the SEC was tough, with initial struggles to reach previous heights.

-Coaching changes brought new strategies and philosophies, like Danny Jones' run-heavy approach and Houston Nutt's passionate leadership.

-Highs like the 1995 SEC West title and 2006 SEC Championship game appearance, mixed with challenges and rebuilding periods.


Modern Eras and New Hope (2010s-Present):

-Sam Pittman's arrival in 2020 signaled a renewed optimism with an emphasis on recruiting and physicality.

-Exciting victories over Texas and rival Missouri, as well as strong bowl performances, fueled excitement for the future.

-Razorbacks football remains deeply rooted in Arkansas culture, where Saturday becomes synonymous with cheering on the Hogs in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Born June 11, 1902, in Willow River, Minnesota, was Ernie "Big Dog" Nevers the Stanford University fullback from 1923 to 1925. He was an All-American according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and excelled at basketball and baseball as well as football. Nevers gained national attention on New Year's Day 1925 at the Rose Bowl.

Ernie and his Cardinal teammates were matched against the powerful Notre Dame Fighting Irish squad that featured the 7 Mules, the Four Horsemen backfield and a legendary coach in Knute Rockne. Ernie’s performance was memorable and courageous as he was only five days removed from having a cast removed on a broken ankle, and with his foot bound tightly in a brace, Nevers dominated the game. Nevers established a Rose Bowl record with 34 carries as he gained 114 yards, only 13 less than the combined total for Notre Dame's legendary backfield. His brilliance in the contest did not stop there as Nevers averaged 42 yards punting as a bonus.

Unfortunately for the Cardinal faithful, the Irish were just a bit too much as Stanford fell 27-10. The FootballFoundation.org bio of Nevers goes on to say that Hall of Fame coach Glenn "Pop" Warner, who coached Nevers and the legendary Jim Thorpe picked Nevers over Thorpe as his personal choice as the "greatest football player of all time." In 1969, Nevers was named to Football's All-Time Team, which was part of college football's Centennial celebration. Big Dog was Stanford's captain in 1925 when he led a 24-17 upset of arch rival California. He handled the ball on all but three offensive plays as Stanford posted its first win over Cal in eight seasons.

Ernie Nevers received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. His bio on the ProFootballHOF.com explains that after college Nevers signed pro basketball and baseball contracts and, in fact, was destined to throw two homerun pitches to Babe Ruth in his historic 60-home run season in 1927. But pro football also beckoned. In 1926, the Duluth Eskimos convinced Nevers to join their ranks over lucrative offers of the other sports. The Eskimos had a unique existence as they played all but one of their games on the road during Never’s time there. Ernie reportedly played all but 29 of a possible 1,740 minutes in 29 games as a running back, kicker & quarterback. He got hurt and that fact forced him to miss the 1928 season but he came back with a vengeance in 1929 with a new team the Chicago Cardinals. He stayed with the Cards for a few seasons and was even coaching the squad during the 1930 and 1931 seasons. His biggest pro game was with Chicago in 1929 against their cross town rivals the Bears on Thanksgiving Day when Nevers scored all 40 of the Cardinals points in a Red Bird romp 40-7. Check out more on Ernie Nevers with our friend Joe Ziemba on the Sports History Network and in his great book, When Football Was Football. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined the Big Dog Ernie Nevers in 1963.

Down South in Georgia is the successful football program of the Georgia Institute of Technology. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games. GT has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even the National Championship.

On the following pages, we will cover aspects of the team, which may include the Program's Origin, the Biggest Games in School History, the Program's Top Players, the Most Significant Coaches, the Program's Logo and Mascot History, the team's Helmet Designs Over Time, and so much more.

Move forward into the school's Gridiron history on this page!

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April 20, 1945 - Arthur "Mickey" McBride formed the Cleveland Browns organization. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mickey acquired the franchise in the new All-America Football Conference that would begin play in the 1946 season.

McBride's first act after acquiring the team was to hire a coach and general manager, and he did both by selecting one man,  Paul Brown. Coach Brown was a successful high school, college, and service coach and was the right man for the job.

The Browns dominated the AAFC, winning all four of its championships, and also won the NFL championship shortly after the leagues merged the Browns, Colts, and 49ers into the NFL.