Football History

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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.

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.

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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.

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July 27, 1929—The Staten Island Stapletons/Stapes franchise formed as the Brooklyn franchise and then was transferred to Staten Island. According to an article in the Professional Football Researchers Association publication Coffin Corner, a 1985 article by Joe Horrigan, the Stapletons started their gridiron existence in 1915, a full five years before the NFL was created as the APFA.

A talented halfback and a native of the working-class neighborhood known as Stapleton, Dan Blaine and three other players formed the team to play other semi-pro squads from New York and New Jersey. It wasn't a career for the players, as the Stapes played more for fun than money. The crowds were small, according to Horrigan, as salaries averaged $10 per game.

The team acquired better players through various means and eventually, in 1929, as an independent team, achieved a record of 10-1-1. The next year, they were permitted to join the National Football League. The Stapletons would never have a winning season in the NFL and would eventually fade into obscurity. I encourage you to read more about the Stapletons in the 1985 Coffin Corner article, including how Tim Marra, owner and founder of the New York Giants, helped the Stapes co-exist with his team in the Big Apple.

Born August 2, 1937, was LSU former star halfback and 1959 Heisman winner, Billy Cannon was also born on this day. He attended Louisiana State University, where he played college football as a halfback, return specialist, and defensive back for the LSU Tigers. Mr. Cannon was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

A Heisman Trophy winner at LSU, Cannon's college career was highlighted by his electrifying 89-yard punt return touchdown against Ole Miss, a play that has become one of the most iconic moments in college football history.

His professional career was equally impressive. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Rams, Cannon spent most of his time in the AFL, where he was a dynamic playmaker for the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders. With his speed, power, and versatility, he was a nightmare for defenses. Though injuries curtailed his career, Cannon's impact on the game remains undeniable, securing his place as one of the greatest all-around athletes of his era.

His punt return on October 31, 1959 haunted the number 3 ranked Ole Miss Rebels and is considered by many to be one of the greatest play in LSU football history. At LSU, Cannon was twice named a unanimous All-American, helped the 1958 LSU team win a national championship, and received the Heisman Trophy as the nation's most outstanding college player in 1959.

Billy Cannon also had a nice AFL and NFL career the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and KC Chiefs. He was also drafted by the LA Rams but the AFL Oiler's owner Bud Adams won a court ruling and outbid the NFL's Rams for his rights.

Troy Brown carved his name into the New England Patriots' legacy as a wide receiver and a complete football player and champion. His 15-year career is a testament to his versatility, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the Patriots organization.

Early Days and Dual-Threat Mastery:
Brown began at Marshall University, where he garnered attention as a dominant two-way player, excelling as a receiver and kick returner. His skills landed him in the 8th round of the 1993 NFL Draft, bringing him to New England.

Rising Star and Special Teams Ace:
While initially used primarily as a punt returner, Brown was quickly impressed with his electrifying speed and elusive moves. He became a mainstay on special teams, racking up an NFL record eight punt return touchdowns and leading the league in punt return yards multiple times.

Evolution to Offensive Weapon:
As his experience grew, Brown's role expanded. He became a reliable wide receiver, showcasing his sure hands and crisp route-running. His versatility became a key asset for the Patriots offense, creating mismatches and stretching defenses.

Championship Pedigree:
Brown witnessed and directly contributed to the rise of the Patriots dynasty, playing a vital role in all three Super Bowl victories during his first tenure. He etched his name in lore with his touchdown reception in Super Bowl XXXVI, cementing his status as a championship player.

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.

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August 17, 1928 - The Detroit Wolverines franchise is launched on this date. The Wolverines were a continuation of the 1926 Cleveland Bulldogs team that had fallen on hard times, but they had the NFL's second biggest star in Benny Friedman. Mr. Friedman was Cleveland native who played college ball at Michigan. Back in that era of the pigskin, college football was king and both of these mentioned pro teams attempted to cash in on the college popularity. The team only played one season as the Detroit Wolverines, as in 1929 they were absorbed into the New York Football Giants. In an interesting spin, the Giants had never beaten Benny Friedman. They were 0-2-2 against him lifetime 0-1-1 against both the Cleveland Bulldogs and the Detroit Wolverines. The 1927 World Champion Giants swept the entire league except for one team, the Friedman lead Bulldogs. Apparently, Giants owner, Tim Mara, had seen enough and figured if he couldn't beat Friedman he bought him and the rest of the Wolverines team.