Football History

Gridiron historian and author R C Christiansen joins us in the celebration of Rose Bowl history to discuss the 1962 game between UCLA and Minnesota.

A close game decided by the infamous Wrong Way Riegels play, has lived on in infamy.

Author Dan Taylor tells about the legendary Man and Football Player Kenny Washington.

How Football itself got its unique shape and its history, the story may surprise you!

This image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Face Detail From Jim Thorpe Canton Bulldogs 1915 20 Cropped

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of a cropped image of File Robert Zuppke 1922 Illinois

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The Georgia Southern Eagles football program, with its iconic blue turf and triple-option offense, boasts a unique and fascinating history. But where did it all begin?


Early Glimpses:


1909: The seeds of Eagles football were sown as early as 1909, with unofficial teams like "The Culture" playing local squads.
1924: The Eagles officially took flight, fielding their first continuous team under the nickname "Blue Tide."
1941: World War II grounded the program for nearly four decades, with players, like many Americans answering the call to duty.


Rebirth and Rise to Prominence:
1978: President Dale Lick, recognizing the potential of football for the university and community, championed the program's revival.
1981: Enter Erk Russell, a legendary defensive coordinator from the University of Georgia, tasked with building the Eagles from scratch.
1984: The Eagles, now sporting their iconic "Eagles" nickname, joined the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) ranks, ready to soar.

Golden Age under Erk Russell:


1985-2000: This period marked the Eagles' dominance in I-AA, capturing a record-setting six national championships under Coach Russell's leadership.
Triple-Option Takeover: The Eagles became synonymous with the innovative and exciting triple-option offense, led by stars like running backs Tracy Ham and Adrian Peterson.
"The Prettiest Little Stadium in America": Paulson Stadium, with its intimate atmosphere and iconic blue turf, became a beloved symbol of Eagles football.

Transition to FBS and Beyond:


2014: The Eagles embarked on a new chapter, joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference.
Facing New Challenges: The transition to FBS brought stiffer competition and adjustments to new rules, requiring the Eagles to adapt and evolve.
Sun Belt Champions: Demonstrating their resilience, the Eagles captured their first Sun Belt Conference title in their FBS debut season, proving their continued competitiveness.

Present and Future:


2023: The Eagles continue to soar in the Sun Belt, aiming for further conference championships and national recognition.
Developing Champions: The program emphasizes player development and academic success, nurturing well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.
A Legacy of Soaring: With a dedicated coaching staff, passionate fanbase, and rich traditions, the Georgia Southern Eagles football program is poised for continued success and exciting chapters in its ongoing story.

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The 1961 Texas-TCU football game was one of the most shocking upsets in college football history. The #1 ranked Texas Longhorns, led by legendary coach Darrell Royal and featuring future Heisman Trophy winner Jimmy Saxton, were heavily favored against the unranked TCU Horned Frogs. However, TCU pulled off a stunning 6-0 victory that sent shockwaves through the college football world.

Pre-game Hype and Expectations:

The 1961 Longhorns were a dominant team, boasting an 8-1 record and a high-powered offense led by Saxton.
They were heavily favored to defeat TCU, who were 2-4-1 at the time.

The game attracted a sell-out crowd of 60,000 fans at Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, eager to witness the Longhorns' anticipated victory.

Unforeseen Turn of Events:

The game started according to script, with the Longhorns driving down the field on their opening possession.
However, disaster struck when Saxton was hit by a vicious knee to the head by TCU's Bobby Plummer.
Saxton left the game with a concussion, and the Longhorns' offense sputtered without their star player.

TCU capitalized on the momentum shift, scoring the game's only touchdown on a 50-yard pass from Ron Gibbs to Tommy Iles in the second quarter.

The Longhorns, despite having numerous opportunities to score, failed to convert, missing two crucial field goals.

A Shocking Upset and Lasting Legacy:

The final score of 6-0 stunned the college football world.
It marked the first time that a #1 ranked team had lost to an unranked opponent since 1950.

The upset also spoiled the Longhorns' hopes of winning their first national championship.

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The 2008 Texas Tech vs. Texas football game, played on November 1, 2008, at Jones AT&T Stadium, will forever be etched in the memories of fans on both sides. This Big 12 Conference clash witnessed a dramatic comeback victory by Texas Tech over the heavily favored Longhorns in a game filled with thrilling moments and unexpected twists.

A Tale of Two Halves:

The game began with Texas dominating the first half, building a comfortable 24-10 lead. Quarterback Colt McCoy orchestrated the Longhorns' offense, throwing two touchdown passes and leading them to a seemingly insurmountable advantage. Texas' defense also played a strong role, stifling the Red Raiders' offense and holding them to just one touchdown.

However, the second half unfolded in a completely different direction. Texas Tech, led by head coach Mike Leach and quarterback Graham Harrell, staged a remarkable comeback. Harrell, known for his "Air Raid" offense, unleashed a torrent of passes, targeting his favorite receiver, Michael Crabtree. Crabtree caught six passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, spearheading the Red Raiders' offensive revival.

The Red Raiders' defense also stepped up, forcing turnovers and limiting Texas' scoring opportunities. With each touchdown, the momentum shifted, and the crowd at Jones AT&T Stadium erupted in a frenzy of excitement.

A Last-Minute Miracle:

With just 1:29 remaining on the clock, Texas clung to a 33-32 lead. After a crucial defensive stop by Texas Tech, the Red Raiders took over possession at their own 37-yard line. Needing a touchdown to secure the victory, Graham Harrell orchestrated a flawless final drive. He completed passes to three different receivers, including a 20-yard strike to Crabtree on a 4th and 11, giving the Red Raiders a fresh set of downs.

With seconds remaining on the clock, Harrell found Crabtree on a slant route in the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. The stadium erupted in pandemonium as the Red Raiders completed their improbable comeback, winning the game 39-33.

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Rivalry games are the best, as teams get up to play their most hated opponents. The game to circle in the Big Ten today and in 1969 is the annual Buckeyes and Wolverines contest.

The 1969 Michigan vs. Ohio State football game was more than just a rivalry matchup. It was a monumental showdown with national championship implications, etched in history as "The Upset of the Century."

Defiance in the Face of Expectations:

The undefeated and heavily favored Ohio State Buckeyes, led by legendary coach Woody Hayes, were widely considered the superior team. They had won 22 straight games and were ranked #1 in the nation. Facing them were the #12 Michigan Wolverines under first-year head coach Bo Schembechler, determined to prove themselves against the mighty Buckeyes.

A Defensive Masterclass:

The game unfolded as a defensive battle. Michigan's defense, led by Jim Mandich and Tom Darden, shut down the Buckeyes' high-powered offense, forcing six interceptions and limiting Rex Kern to a dismal performance. Ohio State's vaunted running game, anchored by Jim Otis, was also neutralized by the Wolverines' tenacious defense.

Michigan's Rise to Glory:

On offense, Michigan relied on a balanced attack. Quarterback Don Moorhead connected with Billy Taylor for a 54-yard touchdown pass, while the running back duo of Garvie Craw and Barry Pierson punched in two crucial touchdowns.

A Nation Stunned:

As the final seconds ticked away, Michigan secured a shocking 24-12 victory, silencing the Ohio State crowd and sending shockwaves through the college football world. This unexpected triumph marked the beginning of the iconic "Bo Schembechler vs. Woody Hayes" rivalry and cemented Michigan's place in the national championship picture.