Football History

While the name "Adam Walsh" might not hold the same weight as other Notre Dame legends, his impact on the program's history remains significant. This essay explores Adam Walsh's football career, highlighting his role as the anchor of a championship team, his influence on the game, and his enduring legacy within the Fighting Irish tradition.

In this edition we delve into the story of Adam Walsh, the indomitable center who anchored Notre Dame's legendary "Seven Mules" offensive line. Often overshadowed by the exploits of the famed "Four Horsemen" backfield, Walsh's impact on the Fighting Irish dynasty was nothing short of monumental. Buckle up as we explore the career of this Hall of Famer, the man they called "The Rock," a tireless leader who paved the way for greatness and solidified his place as an unshakeable icon in Notre Dame lore.

-From High School Star to Notre Dame Champion (Early 1900s-1924)

Born in 1901, Adam Walsh displayed athletic prowess from a young age. He excelled in multiple sports at Hollywood High School in California before arriving at Notre Dame in 1922. Under the legendary coach Knute Rockne, Walsh quickly established himself as a standout center, earning the nickname "The Rock" for his unwavering reliability and leadership on the offensive line. Walsh became a cornerstone of the famed "Seven Mules" offensive line, the unit that paved the way for the explosive "Four Horsemen" backfield.

-The Heart of the "Seven Mules" (1922-1924)

Walsh's contributions transcended mere blocking. He was the emotional leader of the offensive line, directing plays and calling out defensive adjustments. His intelligence, combined with his exceptional strength and agility, made him a vital cog in the machine that powered Notre Dame's dominance. During his tenure, the Fighting Irish established a dynasty, culminating in an undefeated season in 1924, capped by a Rose Bowl victory. Walsh's leadership and on-field presence were undeniable factors in this historic achievement.

-A Coaching Legacy Beyond Notre Dame (1925-1958)

Following his playing career, Walsh transitioned into coaching. He served as head coach at Santa Clara University, the Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams, and Bowdoin College, compiling a respectable record despite facing strong competition. Walsh's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, teamwork, and a strong emphasis on the fundamentals – values instilled in him by Knute Rockne. He left a lasting impact on the programs he led, fostering a culture of hard work and dedication.

-A Legacy Etched in Notre Dame History

Adam Walsh's legacy is one of quiet strength and leadership. Though not a flashy scorer or highlight-reel player, he was the anchor that allowed the brilliance of others to shine. His contributions as a player and coach solidify his place in Notre Dame history.

There are some backfield players that are remembered for their passing abilities, powerful running, jumping the ball outside, or powerful blocking, but few are known for multiple of these traits. Eddie George is one of those special players.

-College Career

Eddie George’s collegiate career at Ohio State University was nothing short of spectacular. A bruising runner with exceptional vision and power, he quickly established himself as one of the nation’s top running backs. His junior and senior seasons were particularly dominant, as he amassed staggering statistics while leading the Buckeyes to Big Ten championships.

George's crowning achievement came in 1995 when he captured the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Award.

His performance in the Rose Bowl that season, where he rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns, solidified his status as a college football legend. His ability to break tackles, find holes, and excel in both short-yardage and long-gain situations made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, Eddie George seamlessly transitioned his dominance from college to the professional ranks. He quickly became the focal point of the Oilers' offense and consistently produced impressive numbers.

George’s most memorable seasons came with the Tennessee Titans. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, and his powerful running style was instrumental in the Titans' success. His 1,608 rushing yards in 1999 were a career-high, and his performance in the Music City Miracle playoff game against the Buffalo Bills is etched in NFL lore.  

While his career concluded with a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys, George's impact on the game was primarily felt during his tenure in Tennessee. His ability to consistently gain tough yards, break tackles, and find the end zone made him one of the most feared running backs of his era.

-Football Legacy

Eddie George's legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics. He was a complete running back who excelled in both rushing and receiving. His physicality, combined with his intelligence and determination, made him a formidable opponent.  

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, George is also remembered for his leadership and character. He was a respected teammate and a role model for aspiring football players. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 further cemented his status as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the game.  

Eddie George’s impact on the sport of football is undeniable. His combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership has inspired countless players and fans alike.

Born July 13, 1922 in Istanbul, Turkey, Alex Sarkisian (1922-2004) wasn't a household name in the professional ranks, but within the halls of Northwestern University, his legacy as a college football star is undeniable. A center known for his grit and leadership, Sarkisian carved his path on the gridiron in the prestigious Big Ten conference.

Sarkisian's impact goes beyond mere statistics. He captained the 1948 Northwestern Wildcats, a team that defied expectations and pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the New Year's Day Classic. This triumph paved the way for their historic win at the 1949 Rose Bowl, the pinnacle of Northwestern's football program to date.

Sarkisian's individual accolades solidify his place in Northwestern lore. Earning All-Conference and First-Team All-America honors in 1948 cemented his reputation as an elite lineman. His leadership extended beyond the field, as he represented Northwestern in the College All-Star game against the defending NFL champions.

While professional football beckoned with draft selections from both the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, Sarkisian's career path remains unclear. Regardless of his professional aspirations, his influence on Northwestern football is undeniable. His enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998 stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership, forever etching his name in Wildcat history.

Born May 5, 1919, Hamtramck, Michigan, was Michigan’s great tackle from 1939 to 1941 Bob Westfall. According to the Footballfoundation.org Bob was the starting fullback in every Michigan game from 1939 through 1941.

In his first two seasons he was part of a famous Michigan backfield, Tom Harmon, Forest Evashevski, Paul Kromer and Westfall. Westfall’s career yards in 3 seasons was 1,864 yards, a record for a Michigan fullback that lasted 30 years. Bob Westfall was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.

Bill Warner, a name synonymous with early 20th century college football, wasn't just a player or coach; he was a pioneer, a visionary, and a Hall of Famer whose influence transcended generations. Unlike his more celebrated brother Glenn "Pop" Warner, Bill carved his own unique path, leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron.

Warner's playing career (1899-1902) at Cornell University established him as a dominant force. Standing at a formidable 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he was a "rock" upon which Cornell built one of the best offensive lines in the nation. While not known for flashy plays, Warner's consistency and intelligence garnered him All-America honors in 1901 and 1902, solidifying his reputation as a "workhorse guard."

But Warner's impact truly blossomed in his coaching career. Following his graduation, he head-coached at Cornell in 1903, leading them to a respectable 6-3-1 record in his debut season. He then embarked on a remarkable journey, coaching at various universities across the country, including North Carolina, Colgate, Saint Louis, and Oregon.

Warner's coaching philosophy was ahead of its time. He emphasized offensive innovation, utilizing forward passes and deceptive running plays to challenge traditional defensive schemes. His "Warner System" became a hallmark of his tenure, paving the way for the evolution of the modern passing game.

His success was undeniable. Warner boasted a winning record at every institution he coached, amassing an impressive 180-79-14 record over 22 seasons. He led Colgate to two National Championships (1906, 1908) and his Oregon teams became a force in the Pacific Coast Conference.

Beyond wins and championships, Warner's legacy lies in his lasting impact on the game. He revolutionized offensive strategies, mentored future coaching giants like Pop Warner and Knute Rockne, and laid the foundation for the exciting, pass-driven football we witness today.

While Notre Dame's gridiron history is adorned with the names of flashy running backs and prolific passers, the foundation of any successful team is built on a strong offensive line. Edgar Miller, a stalwart tackle for the Fighting Irish in the early 1920s, exemplifies this principle. This essay explores Miller's impactful career, examining his role in Knute Rockne's revolutionary offense, his contributions to national championship runs, and his lasting legacy within the Notre Dame football program.

-A Pillar of Stability: Anchoring the "Seven Mules" (Early 1900s-1924)

Born in 1901, Edgar Miller arrived at Notre Dame possessing a powerful physique and a natural aptitude for football. Under the tutelage of the visionary coach Knute Rockne, Miller blossomed into a dominant tackle. He became a key member of the famed "Seven Mules" offensive line, a unit renowned for its strength, cohesion, and ability to pave the way for the explosive "Four Horsemen" backfield. Miller's unwavering presence on the left side of the line created running lanes and provided crucial protection for the likes of Don Hutson and Jim Crowley. His relentless blocking and tactical intelligence were instrumental in the "Seven Mules'" success.

-A Champion on and Off the Field (1922-1924)

Miller's impact extended beyond individual accolades. He was a leader within the offensive line, setting the tone with his work ethic and dedication. His quiet confidence and unwavering focus were admired by teammates and coaches alike. During his tenure at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish established a national powerhouse under Rockne. Miller played a vital role in their undefeated season in 1924, a campaign culminating in a thrilling Rose Bowl victory. His contributions were a cornerstone of this historic achievement.

-From Player to Coach: A Legacy Beyond Notre Dame (1925-1974)

Following his playing career, Miller transitioned into coaching. He served as the head coach for the United States Naval Academy from 1931 to 1933, compiling a respectable record. Miller then spent over four decades at Navy as the line coach, leaving a lasting impact on countless players.

Miller's coaching philosophy emphasized the fundamentals – a reflection of his own playing style and the values instilled in him by Knute Rockne.

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Born May 22, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, was Washington tackle of 1929 to 1931, Paul Schwegler. The FootballFoundation.org reflects on how the Washinton Huskies football program was not very good during Schwegler’s time there. In fact they won only 12 of the 27 games played. But the play of tackle "Schweg" Schwegler, a native of Raymond, Washington, helped ease the pain and reverse the trend.

Despite Washington's lack of success, selectors were unable to overlook Schwegler, naming him to no less than 43 collegiate all-star teams.  In 1931 Paul was a first team All-America choice that year as well, and went on to be named the defensive standout of the West squad in the 1932 East-West Shrine game. Paul Schwegler received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.

College Football Hall of Fame halfback of the Kansas Jayhawks. He was also a member of the 1932 US Olympic Decathlon team.

Jim Bausch was a remarkable athlete whose talents extended far beyond the football field. Originally hailing from Kansas, he showcased his athletic prowess at both Wichita State and the University of Kansas. On the gridiron, Bausch was a standout halfback, earning All-American honors and leading Kansas to their first Big Six championship in 1930. His explosive speed and versatility made him a formidable opponent.

However, Bausch's athletic legacy is most closely tied to track and field. In 1932, he stunned the world by capturing the gold medal in the decathlon at the Los Angeles Olympics. His remarkable performance on the second day of competition, where he excelled in events like the discus, javelin, and pole vault, cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes of his era.

Bausch’s football career was relatively brief. He played professionally for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cardinals but didn’t achieve the same level of success as his collegiate or Olympic endeavors. Despite his short-lived professional football career, his impact on the sports world remains undeniable. His extraordinary athleticism and versatility serve as an inspiration to athletes of all generations.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Bausch’s life was marked by personal challenges. He faced health issues and adversity, but his determination to overcome obstacles is a testament to his character.

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We invite listeners to join us on a captivating exploration of college football's rich history and its most celebrated teams in the latest episode of Pigskin Daily History Dispatch.

With the first-ever college football playoff nearing its conclusion, the episode centers on the showdown between Ohio State and Notre Dame, both of which have a storied history of national championships.

Hayes expertly navigates through the past, shedding light on the remarkable accomplishments of teams like Yale, who boasts 18 national titles, and Harvard, with 8, providing a historical framework that enriches the current playoff narrative. The conversation also touches upon the evolution of the sport, highlighting how teams like Alabama and Michigan have carved their names into football lore.

As Hayes articulates the significance of the upcoming championship game, he draws parallels between past and present, illustrating how history shapes the present and influences the future of college football. This episode not only serves as a celebration of the sport's legacy but also as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of competition and the enduring passion that drives teams and fans alike.

Top Ten Schools With Championships in Football

In this very first college football playoff, we're coming right down to the end. Two teams are left, Ohio State and Notre Dame. But who has the most national championships in college football history?

And you have a surprise to many people in 2025.
You have Notre Dame and Ohio State. But maybe that's a logical course of action. We talked about that earlier last week on how they were ranked.

But these are definitely proven to be the best two teams in the college football playoffs as they have both had some convincing wins over some good teams to get there. But we're going to talk about the national champions and who or what school has done it the most. Well, I will tell you that Notre Dame and Ohio State are both in the top 10 for winning the most national championships, but we'll get to them in a second.

Let's talk about a couple teams that are not in the playoffs this year. As a matter of fact, all of them are not, except for the two that we've mentioned earlier. But one that's really won a lot of championships that people don't give a lot of credit to was the University of Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers have won six national championships here since 1869, and they've won them mostly in the 30s and 40s, 1934, 35, 36, quite a dominant stretch they had there, then 1940 and 41, and then again in 1960. So they have had a great career of winning national championships. Modern times, maybe we don't think of them as being the national powerhouse that they were back almost 90 years ago, but who knows? Time is cyclical and they can come back, but six championships for them.

Something that has had some national championships in the recent modern era has been the University of Oklahoma. They have seven and rank ninth on the list of the most championship games. 1950, 55, 56, 74, 75, 85, and the year 2000 was the last national championship that the Sooners have won to put them ninth on the list.
Now we're going to go to some teams from the old style of football that have a lot of championships. Harvard University, who is no longer an FCS, or an FBS, but an FCS school, but once upon a time they were a major college. They have eight national championships, and four of them happening in the 19th century, 1875, 1890, 1898, and 1899, and then a run in the teens, 1910, 1912, 1913, and 1919, Harvard was the best team in the country.

Going along with them is the Princeton Tigers, who also, they had 15 national titles, 1869, 1770, 1772, 1773, 1878, 1779, and 1880, three years in a row, 1885, 1889, 1893, 1903, 1906, 1911, and 1912, for their 15 for the Princeton Tigers, and that's really quite a bit. But that only puts them third in history for winning championships. Number one on that list is another Ivy League school, the Yale University, with 18 national championships, and they had quite a bit in the 1870s, 1874, 76, 77, 1880, 81, 82, 83, 84, 1886, and 87, and 88, 1891, 92, and 1894, and then in the 20th century, 1900, 1907, 1909, and 1927, 18 national titles for the Yalies, and the Eli winning that many of it.

And they're number one on our list, but right behind them is the Alabama Crimson Tide, with 16 national championships so far, the last being in the year 2020, but they also had them in 1925, and 1926, and 1930, and in the 60s, when Bear Bryant came on the scene, 1961, 64, 65, and in the 70s, still with Bear Bryant, 1978 and 79, 1992, and 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015, and 2017, along with that 2020 championship, the latest coming with Mr. Nick Saban at the helm. So those are some good ones there. Last year's champion, the Michigan Wolverines, come in fifth.

They have 10 national championships to their credit. Of course, you have the point-of-minute teams of way back when fielding H. Yost was their coach, 1901, 1902, 1903, and 1904, four years in a row. 1918 and 1923, I believe, under Fritz Kreisler.
1933, 1948, and 1997, and the year 2023 with Mr. Harbaugh at coach. USC is right behind them with nine national championships in sixth place. They won in 1931, 32, 1962, 1967, 1972, and 74, and 78, 2003, 2004, with Pete Carroll as the head coaches of those last two.
So they won back-to-back titles on two separate occasions for the USC Trojans. Southern Cal is definitely on our list. So that leaves two teams that we haven't mentioned.

We mentioned eight, and that is our title dwellers that are coming up this year, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Ohio State sits in eighth place on our list with eight national championships right now. So if they win this year, it'll be number nine.

But 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, and 2014. 1942 was won with Paul Brown, who won, as we talked about in other episodes, he won a high school national championship while at Massillon. He won the college national championship with Ohio State, and won professional championships both in the AAFC with the Cleveland Browns and the NFL at the Cleveland Browns in 2014.

So it's been a few, it's been 11 years since they won a national championship for Ohio State. But even longer is Notre Dame, who has 13 national championships thus far. This would be 14 if they win this year.

They won their championships in 1919, 1924, 1929, 1930. Newt Rockne years there. 1943, 46, and 47.
1949, 1964, 66, 1973, 1977, and 1988, under Lou Hulse, was the last time that the Fighting Irish have won a college football national championship. So this indeed is a very historic day. Now Notre Dame winning their 14th will keep them still in fourth place.

But if Ohio State wins, they move from being tied with Harvard at eight apiece to being tied with USC at nine and be tied for sixth place all time on the college football national championships. So you see, history may be changing and going to a 12 team format. But the more it changes, the more it stays the same, as we have two teams in the top 10 of college football national championships playing this year.

And what a history it's going to be, and what a game it's going to be on the 20th of January 2025 when these two teams meet. So that's going to be some more history all into itself. But I hope you enjoyed this little bit of history on college football championships and who has the most.
Until next time, everybody, have a great gridiron day.

Takeaways

-The first 12-team college football playoff format is nearing its conclusion with Ohio State and Notre Dame remaining.

-Historically, Notre Dame and Ohio State rank in the top 10 for national championships won in college football.

-The University of Minnesota, although not currently a powerhouse, has won six national championships throughout its history.

-Yale University leads college football history with 18 national championships, followed closely by Alabama with 16.

-Ohio State has a chance to win their ninth national championship, if they succeed this year.

-Notre Dame's last national championship was in 1988, and they have a chance to add to their 13 titles.

The life and career in football, both playing and coaching of Frank Wickhorst. He was a Navy two-way tackle from the mid-1920s, that went on to coach the Cal Golden Bears.

The Navy two-way tackle from the mid 1920’s, Frank Wickhorst was one heck of a an athlete.

Frank Wickhorst, born March 18, 1906, in Aurora, Illinois, established a notable legacy in the realm of college football, marked by his leadership and athletic prowess.  

-College Career:

Wickhorst's college football career centered at the United States Naval Academy, where he played tackle from 1924 to 1926. He was a dominant force on the line and served as the captain of the Navy team in his senior year. A testament to his leadership, a notable anecdote recounts Wickhorst's inspirational words in a crucial game against Army, rallying his team to a tie and preserving their undefeated season. He was a workhorse lineman who earned All-American honors in 1926, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the Navy squad. Interestingly, Wickhorst initially played as a freshman teammate of the legendary "Red" Grange at the University of Illinois before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy.  

-Road to the Pro Game:

While Wickhorst's college career concluded in 1926, the era of professional football was still in its nascent stages, and it appears Wickhorst did not pursue a professional playing career.

Instead, he embarked on a distinguished career in the military and later transitioned into coaching.  

-Football Legacy:

Wickhorst's football legacy extends beyond his playing days. Following his military service, he served as the head football coach at the University of California. His coaching tenure further demonstrates his continued dedication to the sport. However, his most enduring legacy within football is his recognition as an outstanding player and leader during his time at Navy, earning him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. His inspirational leadership, as highlighted by the anecdote against Army, and his All-American status underscore his significant impact on collegiate football. Furthermore, his later involvement in coaching cemented his continued contribution to the sport.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-All-American selection in 1926.  

-Captain of the United States Naval Academy football team.

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970.  

-Served as Head Football Coach at the University of California post-military career.  

While specific game-by-game statistics from his era are not readily available, Frank Wickhorst's leadership, All-American recognition, and Hall of Fame induction firmly establish his significant and lasting contribution to the history of college football.