Football History

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The stage was set for a classic showdown. On November 23, 1984, the 10th-ranked Boston College Eagles faced off against the 12th-ranked Miami Hurricanes. With their star quarterback, Doug Flutie, at the helm, BC proved to be a formidable force. Flutie's ability to evade pressure and make plays kept the Miami defense on its toes.

As the clock wound down, BC found themselves trailing by two points. With seconds remaining, Flutie scrambled to his right, evading defenders before launching a Hail Mary pass towards the end zone. The ball hung in the air, seemingly forever, before landing in the hands of Gerard Phelan amidst a crowd of players. The improbable catch sent shockwaves through the football world.

CBS announcer Brent Musburger's iconic call, "I don't believe it!" perfectly captured the disbelief and excitement of the moment. This miraculous play propelled Boston College to victory and cemented Flutie's legacy as one of college football's greatest players. The victory secured BC's spot in the Cotton Bowl and likely sealed Flutie's Heisman Trophy win. This game remains one of the most memorable in college football history, a testament to the power of a Hail Mary pass and the magic of the sport.

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The 1961 Texas Longhorns were a dominant force, steamrolling opponents with ease. However, their undefeated season came to a shocking halt on November 18, 1961, when they faced the 24-point underdog Texas Christian University Horned Frogs at Texas Memorial Stadium.

Despite being heavily favored, the Longhorns struggled against TCU's tenacious defense. The Horned Frogs' defensive line disrupted Texas's offensive rhythm, forcing key turnovers and sacking star quarterback James Saxton. TCU's defensive stand within their own 5-yard line proved to be a pivotal moment in the game.

On the offensive side, TCU quarterback Sonny Gibbs connected with wide receiver Buddy Iles on a crucial 50-yard touchdown pass, further solidifying their lead. The Horned Frogs' defensive dominance and timely offensive plays ultimately secured a stunning 6-0 victory over the top-ranked Longhorns.

This upset is widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in college football history. In 2019, ESPN ranked it as the 114th greatest college game ever, highlighting its historical significance and the enduring impact it had on the college football landscape.

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The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship game delivered an offensive fireworks display as the Clemson Tigers clashed with the Alabama Crimson Tide. This epic showdown, a rematch of the previous year's title game, showcased the brilliance of Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, who set a record for total yards in a national championship game.

Both offenses moved the ball with ease against typically stout defenses, resulting in a high-scoring affair. While Clemson's dynamic offense kept the pressure on, Alabama's resilience shone through. A 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a daring onside kick proved crucial in securing the Crimson Tide's victory and extending their reign as a college football powerhouse.

This thrilling contest, recognized by ESPN as one of the greatest games in college football history, will be remembered for its offensive firepower, dramatic finishes, and the continued dominance of Nick Saban's Alabama dynasty.

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The 1957 NFL season saw the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers tied atop the Western Conference. A playoff game on December 22nd at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco would decide the divisional champion. The 49ers, led by quarterback Y.A. Tittle, jumped out to a commanding 27-7 lead. However, the Lions, sparked by quarterback Tobin Rote, staged a remarkable comeback.

Detroit's defense stiffened, forcing turnovers, while the offense found its rhythm. Running back Tom Tracy powered the ground game, scoring two crucial touchdowns. The Lions' relentless pursuit of victory culminated in a thrilling 31-27 comeback win. This victory propelled the Lions to the NFL Championship game, where they would defeat the Cleveland Browns 59-14, securing their third NFL title in six seasons.

49ers fans were sick to their stomachs after losing such a commanding lead, others were literally having ailing bellies. While the game itself left many 49ers fans feeling metaphorically sick, with the Lions winning 31-27 after the Niners blew a massive lead, the front page of the next day’s paper was all about the fans who were literally sick to their stomachs — from some bad deviled egg sandwiches.

A San Francisco Examiner story on December 23rd, 1957, detailed how at least 50 fans, primarily members of the visiting Pacific Grove High School band, fell ill with suspected food poisoning after consuming sandwiches at the game. The incident overshadowed the thrilling on-field action, with the city's health department launching an investigation into the source of the outbreak.

It was quickly determined that contaminated deviled egg sandwiches were the culprit. Despite the band members playing their halftime show "despite their almost unanimous queasiness," many were forced to seek medical attention. The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety, particularly in large-scale events, and led to scrutiny of the 49ers' food preparation and distribution protocols.

The 1935 NFL season marked a pivotal moment in the league's burgeoning history, showcasing a rapidly evolving strategy and popularity. While the nation grappled with the lingering effects of the Great Depression, professional football offered a welcome escape, a spectacle of grit and determination. This season, however, was dominated by the rise of a team that would etch its name into the annals of NFL lore: the Detroit Lions.

Under the astute leadership of coach Potsy Clark, the Lions, then just a few years removed from their relocation from Portsmouth, Ohio, had assembled a formidable squad. Their offense, spearheaded by Dutch Clark's powerful running and quarterback Bill Shepherd's strategic passing, proved a force to be reckoned with. Their defense, anchored by Ernie Caddel and Lloyd Thomas, was equally tenacious, capable of stifling even the most potent offenses.

The Lions' regular season was a testament to their dominance. They compiled a 7-3-2 record, securing the Western Division title and earning the right to host the NFL Championship Game. Their opponent, the New York Giants, led by the legendary Steve Owen, presented a formidable challenge. The Giants, known for their innovative T-formation offense, were eager to prove their own championship mettle.

The championship game, played on December 15, 1935, at the University of Detroit Stadium, was a hard-fought contest. The Lions' defense proved the decisive factor, effectively neutralizing the Giants' offensive threats. While the game was not a high-scoring affair, it showcased strategic brilliance and physical prowess. The Lions' relentless defensive pressure and timely offensive plays ultimately secured a 26-7 victory.

This triumph marked the Detroit Lions' first NFL Championship, a watershed moment for the franchise and the city of Detroit. It solidified their status as a dominant force in the league and provided a much-needed boost of morale during a challenging economic period. The 1935 Lions' victory was not just a win on the scoreboard but a symbol of resilience and determination, a testament to the power of teamwork and strategic execution. The 1935 season and championship game remain a significant chapter in the NFL's rich history, a reminder of the league's enduring appeal and the enduring legacy of the Detroit Lions.

The 2013 college football season was filled with dramatic finishes, but few were as jaw-dropping as the one that unfolded on November 16th at Jordan-Hare Stadium. In a game between the No. 7 Auburn Tigers and the No. 25 Georgia Bulldogs, the stage was set for a classic college football showdown.

With just seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Auburn trailed Georgia 38-37. Facing a daunting fourth-and-18 from their own 27-yard line, the Tigers turned to their junior quarterback, Nick Marshall. As the clock ticked down, Marshall launched a Hail Mary pass towards the end zone. The ball hung in the air, seemingly forever, as Georgia defenders leaped to intercept it. However, the ball was tipped multiple times, deflecting into the hands of Auburn wide receiver Ricardo Louis.

In a moment of pure chaos, Louis caught the ball and raced into the end zone, securing a miraculous 73-yard touchdown. The improbable play, now famously known as "The Prayer at Jordan-Hare," stunned the college football world and propelled Auburn to a thrilling 43-38 victory. This iconic moment remains one of the most unforgettable plays in college football history, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the power of hope.

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A question that has an answer for only one team since the Super Bowl Era began: who won the most regular season games?

Our characters from the Museum of Football Legends pose this question and deliver the facts.

Bronze Busts Football Facts: Icons Who Defined the Game
Description: Welcome to Bronze Busts Football Facts, where we highlight the biggest names and moments in football history. In every short video, we share a key fact or event that helped shape the sport. From historic performances to game-changing decisions, we bring you the rich history of football’s greatest players and teams. Each episode celebrates the legends immortalized in the Halls of Greats and the remarkable achievements that made them icons. Get ready for a quick dive into football's past!

On December 2, 2007, the storied rivalry between the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University reached a historic milestone. The 100th meeting of these two football powerhouses took place at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia.

The heavily favored West Virginia Mountaineers, ranked second in both the BCS and AP Polls, were poised to clinch a berth in the BCS National Championship game. However, the unranked and struggling Pittsburgh Panthers, led by coach Dave Wannstedt, had other plans.

Despite being significant underdogs, the Panthers delivered a stunning upset. A tenacious defensive performance, coupled with timely offensive plays, stifled the high-powered West Virginia offense. The Mountaineers, led by star quarterback Pat White and running back Steve Slaton, were unable to overcome the Panthers' relentless defense and costly turnovers.

The final score of 13-9 was a monumental victory for Pitt and a crushing defeat for West Virginia. This historic upset has been recognized as one of the greatest games in college football history, ranking 65th on ESPN's list of the top 150 games.

On a crisp November night in 1998, the gridiron at Kansas State University was the stage for a historic showdown. The No. 2-ranked Wildcats, led by the dynamic Michael Bishop, were set to face off against the No. 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers. A rivalry steeped in tradition, this matchup promised fireworks, and it delivered.

Bishop orchestrated a masterful performance, accounting for 446 total yards of offense and four touchdowns. His pinpoint passing and elusive running kept the Nebraska defense on its heels. However, the game's most iconic moment came in the closing seconds. With Nebraska threatening to tie the game, a crucial fumble by Cornhuskers quarterback Eric Crouch was scooped up by Wildcats linebacker Jeff Kelly, who raced 24 yards to the end zone, sealing a thrilling 40-30 victory for Kansas State. This victory marked the end of a 30-year drought against Nebraska, a drought that had haunted the Wildcats for decades. The win propelled Kansas State to an undefeated 10-0 record under the legendary coach Bill Snyder, solidifying their place in college football history.

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We may have all wondered in the past how players like Deacon Jones, Joe Greene, and countless others compared in the realm of tackles for loss and QB sacks with modern players. Our Guest Nick Webster did not only wonder, but did something about it along with cohort John Turney, as they brought to us the sacks and tackles prior to 1982.

Nick Webster, John Turney, and others over at the Pro Football Journal have painstakingly helped us know how players prior to the NFL officially adopting some statistics fared in comparison to today's athletes on the gridiron. Nick joins us in this episode to tell us how they did it and bring some good old-time football memories back to our modern times.

In the interview, Webster discusses the challenges of finding data on sacks from before 1982, when the NFL began tracking them officially. He explains that he and Turney used a variety of sources, including play-by-play accounts, newspaper articles, and coaches' accounts.

Webster also discusses the reasons why sacks were not an official statistic before 1982. He says that the nature of football makes it more difficult to track sacks than other statistics, such as interceptions or fumbles. Additionally, he says there was no focus on defense in the early days of football, so there was no incentive to track sacks.

The interview concludes with Webster discussing his ongoing work to collect data on sacks from before 1982. He says that he is still looking for play-by-play accounts and film footage from the 1950s and 1960s.