Football History

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.

The 1958 NFL Championship Game, held at Yankee Stadium on December 28th, 1958, is a line of debarkation of for pro football lore known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played." This epic clash between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts featured a cast of 17 future Pro Football Hall of Famers, a testament to the game's enduring legacy. Beyond the on-field spectacle, this championship ignited a surge in the NFL's popularity, marking a pivotal moment in its rise to prominence.

The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. A late signal disruption on NBC left the nation in suspense as the Colts, trailing by three, mounted a furious comeback. Johnny Unitas, the Colts' legendary quarterback, orchestrated a masterful drive, culminating in a game-tying field goal with mere seconds remaining. The ensuing overtime period saw the Giants falter, giving the ball back to Unitas and his high-powered offense. With the championship hanging in the balance, Unitas masterfully guided his team down the field, culminating in Alan Ameche's iconic one-yard touchdown run. The Colts emerged victorious 23-17, claiming their first NFL title and etching their names in history with the first-ever sudden-death overtime game.

The game literally spring-boarded professional football on a course when it would eventually catch up in fan popularity with other sports such as college football and even baseball. The perfect sport for television was consumated with this exciting game played by these two legendary and evenly matched teams.

The 1958 NFL Championship transcended the realm of sport. Its dramatic narrative, coupled with the presence of football's finest, captivated the nation and propelled the NFL into the spotlight. This game served as a watershed moment, solidifying the league's position as a major force in American sports and paving the way for its enduring popularity.

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On November 13, 1993, the college football world witnessed a classic showdown between the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 1 Florida State Seminoles at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. This clash of titans pitted two powerhouse programs against each other, with both teams boasting exceptional talent and high expectations.

Florida State, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Charlie Ward and legendary coach Bobby Bowden, entered the game as the top-ranked team in the nation. The Seminoles were a high-powered offensive team, known for their explosive plays and efficient passing attack.

Notre Dame, under the guidance of head coach Lou Holtz, countered with a strong running game led by talented running back Lee Becton. The Irish were a formidable defensive team, capable of shutting down opposing offenses.

The game lived up to its billing, with both teams trading blows throughout the contest. Notre Dame jumped out to an early lead, but Florida State rallied in the second half behind the stellar play of Charlie Ward. However, in a thrilling finish, Notre Dame's defense held strong, securing a 31-24 victory and denying Florida State a chance to remain undefeated.

This iconic matchup has been hailed as one of the greatest college football games of all time, and it continues to be remembered fondly by fans of both teams. ESPN even ranked it as the 46th greatest college game ever in 2019.

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The stage was set for a thrilling college football showdown as the 15th-ranked Pitt Panthers squared off against the 5th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats at Heinz Field. Led by coach Dave Wannstedt, the Panthers aimed to capitalize on home-field advantage, while coach Brian Kelly's Bearcats sought to solidify their national title aspirations.

The first half belonged to the Panthers, as they built a commanding 21-point lead. Running back Dion Lewis spearheaded the offensive charge, finding the end zone twice, while quarterback Bill Stull connected with wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin for another touchdown. However, the Bearcats, led by the explosive Mardy Gilyard, refused to back down. Gilyard unleashed a spectacular performance, racking up 374 yards and two touchdowns as Cincinnati clawed their way back into the game.

With just over a minute remaining, Lewis's third rushing touchdown put the Panthers ahead 44-38. But a crucial mistake on the extra-point attempt, a muffed snap, kept the door open for the Bearcats. Cincinnati capitalized on the opportunity, as quarterback Tony Pike found Armon Binns for a 29-yard touchdown pass with 33 seconds left, securing a thrilling 45-44 victory. This unforgettable game, later ranked 127th on ESPN's list of the Greatest College Games, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football and the power of perseverance.

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The November 26, 1994, clash between the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles is famously remembered as the "Choke at Doak." This game stands as one of the most unforgettable moments in the storied Sunshine State rivalry and tied the NCAA record for the largest fourth-quarter comeback. Both teams entered the game with identical 9-1 records, squaring off at FSU's Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Steve Spurrier's Gators dominated early, building what seemed like an insurmountable 31-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The game appeared to be well in hand, with Florida cruising toward a decisive victory. However, the Seminoles, led by quarterback Danny Kanell, staged a stunning comeback. Kanell, who was nearly benched by head coach Bobby Bowden, threw for an impressive 232 yards and a touchdown in the final quarter alone. Florida State scored 28 unanswered points, capped by Rock Preston’s 4-yard touchdown run with just 1:45 remaining.

Rather than attempting a two-point conversion for the win, Bowden opted for the extra point, securing a 31-31 tie. In the era before college overtime rules, the game ended without a winner. Reflecting on the result, Bowden quipped, "It is a pretty dang good win … I mean tie." In 2019, ESPN ranked it the 51st greatest college football game of all time.

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The 1998 UCLA Bruins were a force to be reckoned with, riding a 20-game winning streak and eyeing a shot at the national championship. Their regular-season finale against the Miami Hurricanes, initially scheduled for September but postponed due to Hurricane Georges, was a high-stakes showdown. A UCLA victory would secure their spot in the BCS Championship Game, a dream long deferred since 1954.

The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite Miami's recent struggles, they put up a strong fight, leading at halftime. UCLA responded with a dominant third quarter, extending their lead to 17 points. However, the Hurricanes refused to back down, rallying to make it a one-score game late in the fourth.

A pivotal moment came with just over three minutes remaining. UCLA quarterback Cade McNown completed a pass to receiver Brad Melsby, who appeared to be down before fumbling the ball. The officials, without the benefit of instant replay, ruled the ball loose, giving possession to Miami. The Hurricanes capitalized on the turnover, scoring a touchdown to secure the victory.

This thrilling contest, filled with big plays and controversial calls, is considered one of the greatest college football games of all time. It showcased the incredible talent of both teams and left a lasting impact on the sport.

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In the hallowed halls of football history, where legends are born and records are broken, there exists a place where the greatest moments in the sport are preserved.

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On November 20, 1971, college football fans were treated to an unforgettable chapter in the storied rivalry between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines. The unranked Buckeyes ventured into hostile territory to face the No. 3 Wolverines in a contest that would go down as one of the most thrilling in the history of "The Game."

Ohio State, entering as the underdog, seized a surprising 7-3 lead in the third quarter thanks to a stunning 85-yard punt return by Tom Campana. The electrifying play silenced the Michigan crowd and gave the Buckeyes a glimmer of hope for an upset. But the Wolverines, determined to protect their undefeated season, responded in dramatic fashion. With just over two minutes left, Bill Taylor broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run, putting Michigan ahead 10-7.

The Buckeyes had one final chance to pull off the upset, but their hopes were dashed when Michigan’s Thom Darden made a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter. The play not only secured the victory but also sparked a fiery reaction from Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, who famously shredded a down marker in frustration, earning two unsportsmanlike penalties.

ESPN later ranked this classic as the 133rd greatest college game of all time.

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The 2003 Fiesta Bowl, serving as the 2002 BCS National Championship Game, delivered a thrilling clash between two college football juggernauts. The top-ranked Miami Hurricanes, boasting a roster brimming with future NFL stars like Willis McGahee, Ken Dorsey, and Andre Johnson, faced the formidable Ohio State Buckeyes, led by a potent offense featuring Maurice Clarett and Craig Krenzel.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. After a first-quarter Miami touchdown, Ohio State rallied with two rushing touchdowns to take the lead. The drama intensified as the game reached its climax, with Miami's Mike Nugent kicking a game-tying field goal as time expired, sending the contest into overtime.

The first overtime period saw both teams exchange touchdowns, leaving the outcome uncertain. However, in the second overtime, Ohio State's defense held strong, and Maurice Clarett capped off a memorable drive with a five-yard touchdown run, securing a thrilling 31-24 victory for the Buckeyes. This unforgettable game, recognized by ESPN as the 25th greatest college football game of all time, remains a testament to the exciting and unpredictable nature of the sport.