Football History

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The almost-forgotten game of 1912 between Army and Carlisle may have truly shaped the game and the world!

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The conclusion to the legendary meeting of powerhouses Army and Carlisle in 1912

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College football history boasts many a stunning comeback, etched in lore with names like Flutie and Holtz. But one day, November 10, 1984, stands apart, its legend shimmering on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay with the indelible mark of the Maryland Terrapins. This wasn't just a comeback; it was a resurrection, a 42-40 miracle woven from grit, luck, and the indomitable spirit of a team refusing to be buried.

Facing the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes under the Florida sun, the Terrapins looked headed for another defeat. A 31-0 halftime deficit loomed like a hurricane itself, threatening to drown their hopes. Yet, something shifted in the Miami locker room. Coach Bobby Ross made a fateful decision, swapping out struggling starter Stan Gelbaugh for the untested sophomore Frank Reich.

What followed was a masterclass in resilience. Reich, with ice in his veins and fire in his heart, led the Terrapins on a scoring march after another. Each drive felt like a punch to the Hurricanes' gut, chipping away at their seemingly insurmountable lead. Three touchdowns in the third quarter, another at the start of the fourth, the deficit shrank, hope bloomed on Terrapin faces.

Then came the climax, a moment etched in gridiron legend. Trailing 34-28, Reich unleashed a 68-yard touchdown pass to Greg Hill, the ball somehow navigating through Miami defenders like a guided missile. The Orange Bowl erupted, a sea of Maryland yellow and red surging with disbelief and newfound belief.

But the Hurricanes weren't finished. Miami scored again, leaving the Terrapins needing a two-point conversion to tie with a minute left. The tension crackled, the air thick with anticipation. The Terrapin defense held firm, thwarting the conversion and allowing Maryland to steal a victory from the jaws of defeat.

The 42-40 scoreline only hinted at the magnitude of the achievement. This wasn't just a comeback; it was a statement. It was a team, once staring into the abyss, rising against all odds, fueled by the spirit of a state and the grit of a quarterback named Reich.

The "Miami Miracle" might have its Hail Mary hero, but the 1984 Maryland Terrapins etched their miracle with sweat, defiance, and an unwavering belief in themselves. It became a turning point, a testament to the power of never giving up, a story that still resonates, reminding us that the tide can turn on a single throw, and sometimes, the greatest comebacks are forged not in desperation but in the quiet resolve of a team refusing to be defined by the scoreboard.

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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The American football game between Marshall and Xavier on September 25, 1971, was more than just a contest on the gridiron. It was a symbol of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of a community that had suffered a devastating loss.

Just ten months and eleven days earlier, the Marshall Thundering Herd had experienced a horrific plane crash that claimed the lives of 75 players, coaches, and supporters. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the entire state of West Virginia, leaving the school and community reeling from grief.

As the 1971 season approached, the question of whether Marshall would even field a football team was a major concern. However, the university decided to move forward, determined to honor the memory of those who had perished. A new team was assembled, composed primarily of young and inexperienced players.

The game against Xavier was the Thundering Herd's first since the tragedy. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the players took the field, their hearts heavy but their spirits determined. The game itself was a hard-fought battle, with both teams playing with intensity and passion.

In the end, it was a freshman wide receiver named Terry Gardner who would provide the Thundering Herd with their first victory since the crash. With just seconds left on the clock, Gardner hauled in a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Reggie Oliver to give Marshall a thrilling 15-13 win.

The victory was more than just a football game; it was a moment of catharsis for the entire community. The young Thundering Herd had lifted the spirits of a grieving school and a hurting city. Their triumph was a testament to the power of human resilience and the enduring spirit of the American people.

The Marshall vs. Xavier game of September 25, 1971, will forever be remembered as one of the most significant moments in the history of American football. It was a story of tragedy, loss, and ultimately, triumph, a story that continues to inspire people around the world.

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The Ohio State-Oklahoma football rivalry, a storied clash between two college football titans, has been marked by numerous memorable games. One such encounter, played on September 24, 1977, stands out as a classic thriller that showcased the intensity and unpredictability of the sport.

The game began with Oklahoma storming out to a commanding 20-0 lead in the second quarter. The Sooners' high-powered offense, led by quarterback Steve Davis, seemed poised to cruise to an easy victory. However, Ohio State, known for its resilient defense and clutch performances, refused to back down.

The Buckeyes staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring Oklahoma 28-0 in the second half. Quarterback Rod Gerald led the charge, effectively directing the offense and finding his receivers in stride. Ohio State's defense also tightened up, limiting Oklahoma's scoring opportunities.

With the game on the line, Oklahoma managed to regain the lead with Elvis Peacock's 2-yard touchdown run, making the score 28-26 with 1:29 remaining. However, the Sooners' failed two-point conversion attempt left the door open for Ohio State to steal the victory.

That's when Uwe von Schamann, Oklahoma's kicker, stepped up to the plate. Von Schamann, a German-born player who had become a fan favorite in Norman, first successfully executed an onside kick, giving the Sooners a chance to regain possession. Then, with the clock winding down, he drilled a 41-yard field goal through the uprights, securing Oklahoma's dramatic 29-28 win.

The September 24, 1977 game between Ohio State and Oklahoma will be remembered as one of the greatest college football contests of all time. It showcased the resilience of both teams, the brilliance of individual players, and the sheer excitement of the sport. The game's thrilling finish, capped by von Schamann's clutch field goal, left a lasting impression on fans and solidified the rivalry between these two legendary programs.

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On September 10, 1971, the Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to Los Angeles to face the USC Trojans in a highly anticipated showdown. The previous year, USC had dominated Alabama 42-21, and the Trojans were favored to win again. However, Alabama coach Bear Bryant had a surprise in store.

Coach Bryant's teams had dominated College football from 1959 to late 1960, but the last three seasons had seen the Tide lose 13 games, and folks in Tuscaloosa were wondering if the Bear magic had lost its luster. Some are even calling for the great coaches dismissal. Bryant needed to regain his reputation and the respect of the boosters, and this contest, the backend of a home-and-home with USC in 1971, is widely regarded as the beginning of the revival of Bryant’s career. A year prior 'Bama Southern Cal arrived and embarrassed the Tide, leading Bryant and the Alabama board to rethink their stance on playing black players, a gridiron racial milestone moment in the Deep South. The '71 game also brought a fairly new concept and offensive scheme into living rooms nationwide.

Bryant had secretly implemented a new offensive scheme called the Wishbone, a triple-option attack that relied on speed and deception. USC was completely caught off guard by the new offense, and Alabama took an early 17-10 lead.

In the second half, both defenses stiffened, and neither team was able to score. Alabama held on to win the game 17-10, stunning the college football world. The victory was a major upset and a turning point for Alabama football. The Wishbone offense would become a staple of Alabama's offense for the next several years, and the Crimson Tide would go on to win five national championships in the 1970s.

The 1971 Alabama-USC game is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in college football history. It showcased Bear Bryant's brilliance and the Alabama Crimson Tide's resilience.

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On a crisp September evening in 1892, a groundbreaking and pioneering sporting event unfolded in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Under the glow of a brilliant electric arc lamp, Mansfield State Normal School squared off against Wyoming Seminary in what would become history – the first-ever night football game. This pioneering match, played on September 28th, marked a turning point in the evolution of the sport, forever altering the way football would be experienced and enjoyed.

The context for this historic game was the 13th annual Tioga County Agricultural, Mechanical, and Industrial Fair, held in Mansfield in late September. The fair, a celebration of local industry and innovation, provided a fitting and significant backdrop for such a momentous occasion. The organizers, recognizing the growing popularity of football and the allure of new technology, seized the opportunity to showcase both.

Installing the electric arc lamp, a recent technological marvel, was pivotal in making the night game possible. This powerful light source, capable of illuminating a large area, dispelled the darkness and allowed for the continuation of play well after sunset. The spectacle of a football game under such artificial lighting was a sight to behold, drawing curious onlookers and captivating the imagination of those in attendance.

The match was undoubtedly a rough and tumble, typical of the era. While the exact score and details of the game may be lost to time, the event's significance lies in its groundbreaking nature. It demonstrated that football could be played beyond the confines of daylight, opening up new possibilities for the sport's growth and popularity.

The first-night football game in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, was a testament to the spirit of innovation and experimentation that characterized the late 19th century. It marked a significant milestone in the sport's history, paving the way for future developments and ultimately transforming football into today's global phenomenon.

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The 1982 Penn State-Nebraska football game, played on September 25th, is remembered for one play: Todd Blackledge's 2-yard touchdown pass to Kirk Bowman with four seconds left to give Penn State a 27-24 victory. However, the play that Huskers fans will never forget is the previous snap, where Blackledge threw a 15-yard pass to Mike McCloskey. To everyone in the stadium, it appeared that McCloskey came down out of bounds, but the officials ruled it a touchdown.

This controversial call had major implications for the national championship race. Both Penn State and Nebraska were undefeated, and the winner of the game would likely have a clear path to the national title. With the win, Penn State moved to No. 1 in the polls, while Nebraska dropped to No. 2. However, the controversy surrounding the McCloskey catch continued to linger, and many felt that Nebraska had been robbed of a victory.

In the end, neither Penn State nor Nebraska played for the national championship. Penn State lost to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, while Nebraska was upset by Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. The debate over whether Penn State or Nebraska would have played Georgia in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship remains one of the biggest "what if" scenarios in college football history.

The following year, in the Kickoff Classic, Nebraska got its revenge, defeating Penn State by a score of 44-6. While this victory provided some consolation for the Huskers fans, it did not erase the memory of the controversial call from the previous year. The 1982 Penn State-Nebraska game will always be remembered as one of the most thrilling and controversial games in college football history.