Football History

The 1931 clash between the USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish wasn't just any college football game. It was a pivotal moment in the sport's history, etching itself in lore for its dramatic comeback and its impact on the national championship conversation.

On November 21, 1931, when the USC Trojans traveled to South Bend to face Notre Dame it was a game for the ages! In fact, it is considered one of the Greatest College Games ever.

-Dominant Irish, Underdog Trojans: The stage was set for a classic. Notre Dame, boasting a 26-game unbeaten streak and national championship aspirations, entered the contest heavily favored. USC, on the other hand, carried a strong 6-1 record but lacked the national recognition of their opponents.

-A Fourth-Quarter Hail Mary: Notre Dame lived up to expectations early, building a seemingly insurmountable 14-0 lead heading into the final quarter. However, the Trojans refused to surrender. Led by quarterback Gaius Shaver and halfback Erny Pinkert, USC mounted a furious comeback. Key plays and a never-say-die attitude chipped away at the deficit.

-Johnny Baker's Game-Winner: With just over a minute remaining, the score tied at 14-14, USC faced a crucial fourth-down situation. Kicker Johnny Baker stepped up to the challenge, nailing a game-winning 33-yard field goal. This dramatic finish sent shockwaves through college football.

-A Turning Point: The 16-14 victory for USC not only snapped Notre Dame's unbeaten streak but also catapulted the Trojans into the national championship conversation. Though there wasn't a single, official title awarded back then, USC's dominant season, culminating in this upset victory, earned them recognition by many as the national champions.

-A Legacy of Drama: The 1931 USC-Notre Dame game is remembered as a testament to perseverance and the power of a well-executed comeback. It cemented the rivalry between these two powerhouse programs and stands as a landmark moment in college football history, forever immortalized as a classic example of grit and determination overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

---

The Georgia Southern Eagles football program boasts a proud and storied history, and their logos have evolved alongside their triumphs and challenges. Let's take a flight through the timeline of these iconic symbols:


Early Days (1909-1981):


1909-1924: Before the official Eagles nickname, early teams like "The Culture" sported various unofficial logos, often incorporating the school colors of blue and white.

1924-1981: The "Blue Tide" era saw the introduction of a simple blue and white "GS" monogram, sometimes accompanied by a wave or a sailor's hat, reflecting the university's location near the coast.

The Erk Russell Era and Rise to Prominence (1982-2010):


1982-1999: Enter the iconic "Eagle Head" logo, introduced under Coach Erk Russell. This stylized eagle, with its sharp beak and piercing gaze, symbolized the Eagles' newfound dominance in I-AA.


1999-2010: A slight modernization saw the eagle head adopt a more dynamic pose, with its wings spread and feathers flowing, conveying a sense of power and movement.

Transition to FBS and Modern Era (2011-Present):


2010-2016: As the Eagles set their sights on the FBS level, the logo evolved again, featuring the full eagle body perched atop the team name in a bold, modern font. This design emphasized the team's identity and unity.
2016-Present: The current logo represents a return to the eagle head, now rendered in a more detailed and three-dimensional style, capturing the bird's fierceness and determination. This design incorporates subtle nods to the program's history, like the blue and white stripes on the neck.

---

The story of the Ole Miss Rebels logo isn't just about color palettes and mascots; it's a window into the evolving identity and social narratives of the University of Mississippi itself. From the controversial Colonel Reb to the unexpected Landshark, the journey reflects changing landscapes of tradition, race, and modern sensibilities.

The Colonel, a cartoon caricature of an antebellum gentleman with a handlebar mustache and Confederate sash, emerged in 1936. Initially meant to embody Southern hospitality and chivalry, the image drew immediate criticism for its romanticized depiction of a period steeped in slavery and racial inequality.

Despite protests, the Colonel remained the official mascot for over 70 years. Fans embraced him as a symbol of school spirit, oblivious or dismissive of the inherent racial implications. Yet, the tide of societal change was slowly turning. In 1997, the NCAA banned Confederate symbols at athletic events, forcing Ole Miss to modify the Colonel's uniform and remove the Confederate flag.

In 2017, a student referendum finally brought about the Colonel's demise. By a clear majority, students voted for the Landshark, a playful cartoon shark emerging from a football helmet, inspired by a comedic skit on Saturday Night Live. The change, symbolic of Ole Miss's desire to move beyond a divisive past, sparked mixed reactions. Traditionalists mourned the Colonel, while others saw the Landshark as a fresh start, free from historical baggage.

The Landshark hasn't yet achieved the cultural legacy of the Colonel, but it represents a move towards inclusivity and a modern identity. It is a mascot for all Ole Miss students, regardless of race or background, a playful symbol that emphasizes athletic prowess and school spirit.