Football History

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The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game was a thrilling encounter between the #7 Colorado Buffaloes and the #3 Texas Longhorns. In a game marked by offensive fireworks and late-game drama, Colorado emerged victorious, securing their first Big 12 title.

-Date: December 1, 2001

Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Final Score: Colorado 39, Texas 37

Key Moments:

Colorado jumped out to an early lead, taking advantage of a Texas fumble to score a quick touchdown.
The Longhorns responded with a dominant second quarter, scoring three unanswered touchdowns to take a 24-14 halftime lead.


The second half saw a back-and-forth battle, with each team trading touchdowns.


With just over a minute remaining and the score tied at 37, Colorado quarterback Bobby Pesavento orchestrated a crucial drive.


Pesavento capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to give Colorado the lead with 28 seconds left.
Texas' desperate attempt to tie the game fell short, sealing Colorado's victory.


Impact:


Colorado's win over Texas was a major upset, solidifying their place as a top team in the nation.
The game marked the culmination of a remarkable turnaround for Colorado, who had finished the previous season with a 3-8 record.


The victory cemented the legacy of Colorado head coach Gary Barnett and quarterback Bobby Pesavento.
The 2001 Colorado-Texas game remains a classic encounter, remembered for its high-scoring action and dramatic finish.


Additional Notes:


The game featured outstanding individual performances, including Colorado wide receiver Jeremy Bloom's 168 receiving yards and Texas quarterback Chris Simms' 393 passing yards.


The attendance at Reliant Stadium was over 72,000, setting a new record for a Big 12 Championship Game.

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Joe Ziemba, the foremost expert on Chicago Cardinals history goes all in on telling a story. When he gets a chance to chat about the memories of one of the Cardinals greats like Charley Trippi, this story teller shifts to a different gear.

Charley Trippi was a football prodigy whose versatility and skill set were unmatched in his era. A standout at the University of Georgia, he was a triple-threat, excelling as a runner, passer, and return specialist. His college career was interrupted by World War II, but upon returning, he continued to dominate.

Drafted first overall by the Chicago Cardinals in 1945, Trippi quickly became a cornerstone of their offense. Known as a "quintuple threat" for his ability to run, pass, catch, punt, and defend, he was a nightmare for opponents. His rookie season culminated in a NFL championship, a testament to his immediate impact.

Throughout his nine-year career, Trippi's extraordinary talent and athleticism made him one of the most electrifying players in the league. His records for total offense stood for decades, a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest all-around football players of all time.

Joe shares in this episode the story of the NFL and other pro teams that competed for the right to ink Trippi to a professional contract. It involves some of the biggest names in football at the time and is truly a podcast worth listening in on.

The 1969 Ohio State at Michigan game is one of my all-time favorites, and here it is preserved on video by video Dailymotion.

-The Upset for the Ages: The 1969 Ohio State vs. Michigan Football Game

The crisp air of a November afternoon in Ann Arbor hung heavy with anticipation. On one side stood the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, a seemingly unstoppable force led by the legendary coach Woody Hayes. On the other, the #12 ranked Michigan Wolverines, a team hungry for an upset and a chance to derail the Buckeyes' national championship dreams. This wasn't just a game; it was the 1969 Ohio State vs. Michigan clash, a contest destined to be remembered as the "Upset for the Ages."

The Buckeyes entered the game boasting a 22-game winning streak and an aura of invincibility. Quarterback Rex Kern led a powerful offense, while Jim Stillwagon anchored a ferocious defense. Michigan, under the leadership of first-year coach Bo Schembechler, was a team in transition. Yet, fueled by a desire to end Ohio State's dominance and fueled by Schembechler's pre-game challenge to "take it to them," the Wolverines entered the field with a fire in their eyes.

The game unfolded in a whirlwind of emotion. Early turnovers plagued both sides, but the tension was palpable. The Buckeyes struck first with a touchdown, but the Wolverines responded with a vengeance. Quarterback Don Moorhead orchestrated a scoring drive, culminating in a touchdown catch by Garvie Craw. This set the tone for a back-and-forth battle.

Michigan's defense, led by the opportunistic Barry Pierson who snagged three interceptions, stymied the Buckeye offense. Meanwhile, the Wolverines capitalized on their chances. A punt return touchdown by Pierson and another touchdown by Craw gave them a surprising 14-12 lead at halftime. The Big House erupted in a cacophony of cheers, the momentum shifting decisively towards the underdog.

The second half mirrored the first, a tense struggle for control. Ohio State clawed their way back with a safety, but Michigan refused to relent. Their defense continued to disrupt the Buckeyes, forcing crucial turnovers and stifling their offensive rhythm. The final score remained 24-12, a testament to the Wolverines' grit and resilience.

The 1969 Ohio State vs. Michigan game wasn't just a defeat for the Buckeyes; it marked the beginning of a legendary coaching rivalry between Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, a rivalry that would define the Big Ten conference for years to come. More importantly, it became a symbol of the underdog's spirit, a reminder that with passion, determination, and a well-executed game plan, even the most formidable giants can be toppled.

William "Big Bill" Hollenback wasn't just a football player; he was a symbol of Penn's gridiron dominance at the dawn of the 20th century. From 1906 to 1908, this rugged fullback carved his name into the history books, becoming a legend at the University of Pennsylvania and beyond.

Hollenback's legacy transcends statistics. He captained the Quakers to two national championships in 1904 and 1908, epitomizing the team's grit and determination. Playing the entirety of a crucial game with a fractured leg and several other injuries exemplifies his legendary toughness.

Selected as an All-American three times, Hollenback earned the respect of opponents and fans alike. His powerful running style and fierce competitiveness made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. He even secured a place among Walter Camp's fabled 1908 All-American team, solidifying his place amongst the game's elite.

Long before the era of bright lights and million-dollar contracts, Louis J. 'Red' Salmon etched his name into the annals of American football, not as a mere player, but as a pioneer. His contributions laid the foundation for the powerhouse Notre Dame Fighting Irish program we revere today, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.

Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1880, Salmon arrived at Notre Dame in 1900. Standing 6'3" and weighing 230 pounds, he was a physical marvel on the gridiron. Nicknamed "Red" for his hair color, Salmon wasn't just imposing; he was a skilled athlete. Described as both a "slasher" and a "smasher," he could overpower defenders or dart past them with surprising agility.

Salmon's impact was immediate. As a senior in 1903, he exploded onto the scene, scoring a staggering 105 points, a record that stood for over eight decades. Even more impressive was his career total of 36 touchdowns, a testament to his offensive prowess in an era where touchdowns were worth only five points. These feats earned him the distinction of being the first Notre Dame player named All-American.

Salmon's influence transcended the stat sheet. Some historians speculate that he served as a de facto coach during the 1902-1903 season. His leadership qualities and profound understanding of the game were pivotal in Notre Dame's triumph. Under his captaincy in 1903, the team achieved an unprecedented feat, going undefeated for the first time in Fighting Irish history, a testament to his exceptional performance and leadership.

Salmon's legacy goes beyond Notre Dame. He is credited with being the "first great Irish back," a player who paved the way for future generations of stellar Notre Dame running backs. His dominance as a fullback helped establish the position as a crucial element of offensive strategy.

While his professional career details remain unclear, Salmon's impact on college football is undeniable. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971, "Red" Salmon stands as a testament to the sport's early days, a player whose talent and leadership helped shape a national obsession.

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The 1913 college football season was a wild ride with no clear-cut champion. Unlike today's national championship system, there was no official title awarded. However, three teams – Chicago, Harvard, and Auburn – all finished undefeated and laid claim to the national crown.

This season marked a turning point for Western football. Teams like Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Michigan State dominated their schedules, even defeating several top Eastern squads. This performance challenged the established dominance of Eastern powerhouses like Harvard and Yale, showcasing the growing strength of football programs across the country. While the lack of a single champion may leave some unsatisfied, the 1913 season remains a fascinating chapter in college football history, a testament to the sport's growing national appeal and the emergence of new powerhouses.

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College football jerseys are more than just fabric; they symbolize school pride, individual achievement, and moments etched in memory. But did you know some jerseys transcend even that, becoming so iconic they're permanently retired, hanging, and preserved for all to honor, forever out of reach?

Join us in this visit with FootballArchaeology.com's Timothy Brown as we delve into the fascinating stories behind the first three college football jerseys ever retired, uncovering the legends who wore them, the moments they immortalized, and the legacy they left behind.

Prepare to be transported back to a time when gridiron giants walked the Earth, their jerseys becoming more than just numbers but testaments to their enduring impact on the game we love. Buckle up, college football fans, and let's embark on a journey through history, one retired jersey at a time!

-Transcribed Conversation with Timothy Brown on the 1st 3 retired jersey numbers

Hello, my football friends; this is Darin Hayes of PigskinDispatch.com. Welcome again to The Pig Pen, your portal to positive football history. And welcome to Tuesday. And it's FootballArcheology.com day with Timothy P. Brown, the founder and host of that website.

Tim, welcome back to The Pig Pen.

Hey, Darin. Good to see you.

I was trying to adjust my little white light here. I've tried a bunch of things to brighten up this room, but I'm down in, you know, I've got a basement office, and it's always kind of yellow. But you're not here to look at me.

You're here to listen to that. That's right. And nobody wants to look at me either.

And I have too much light, and it washes me out. And I look like I'm, you know, a marshmallow man or something. So, hey, that's the way it goes.

But, you know, we're not technology people. We're football people. And we're here to talk a little bit about football and some football of ancient times here for at least, you know, a while back.

And you have a really interesting tidbit I'd love to discuss today. You talk about the first three retired jersey numbers in a recent tidbit. And gosh, that piques the interest.

Just hearing that. Maybe you could tell us about that story, who these three jerseys were, and who wore them. Yeah, so, you know, so first of all, before numbers could get retired, people had to wear numbers and, you know, when football was first when numbers were first being used to identify players, it they were like on the scorecards.

The players didn't wear them, but they wouldn't wear a number necessarily. But the school would publish a scorecard that, if somebody did a certain thing, they made a tackle, scored a touchdown, or came into the game as a substitute, they would post that player's number on the scoreboard in a particular spot. And then that is what, you know, you'd have to OK, number five.

And then that was, you'd find the corresponding number on the scorecard. So then, you know who the player was. But that was kind of a thing people don't realize, and it is a goofy little thing that occurred.

But one of the other things when that process was going on was that, you know, the numbers could change from week to week. I mean, normally, it came up with one order at the beginning of the year, and then they just numbered the guys one through twenty-five. Right?

And then whoever the visiting team was, they'd number them to, you know, assign them a number. So, you know, the numbers didn't mean it to the players. But then they, you know, so starting 1905 is the first time, numbers were in a football game.

But it didn't really until mid-teens when, you know, a lot more teams started wearing them. And so it wasn't until, you know, 1925, there's this fellow named Red Grange, who turned out to be a pretty good running back at Illinois. And he happened to wear number 77, you know, not a number we associate with running backs nowadays, but, you know, that's what he wore.

And he had such a fabulous career that Illinois decided, you know, once he, you know, played his last game, that they would never allow anyone else to wear number 77 for the Illinois football team. So he became the first player to have a number retired, as far as I know, that's across all sports. And so, so, you know, range number 77, boom.

So he's the first guy. Then the next guy was a similarly talented running back out at Stanford, Ernie Nevers. And so the funny thing about his story is that he wore number one.

And when they retired, you know, this at the time, on the Pacific Coast, a lot of the student organizations kind of ran sports much more than they, I mean, eventually that got professionalized. But the student organization voted and said, we won't allow anybody else to wear number one at Stanford. And so, somehow, they slipped up in the next year, and a running back got issued the number one for one of the games.

And what's just kind of kind of cool about it? It's just that, you know, it was kind of a big thing. It got caught, you know, in the newspapers and everything.

But then there's a picture in Stanford yearbook for that year that shows this guy wearing number one in a game, you know, and, you know, it's just at that time, they didn't have a lot of pictures in the yearbook. But anyway, that's what, and then I've got that in the tidbit that we're talking about, you know. Nevers was probably a little bit ticked.

He was playing pro ball next year for the Duluth program. I'm assuming that point, but he's probably, hey, I thought you retired my number. Why is this guy wearing it? What the hell? Yeah, well, I tell you, he wasn't and didn't see it on TV.

So he wouldn't have seen it at the time. But yeah, it's kind of a story. And then, you know, they stopped it after that first time.

So then the third guy should have his number retired. That came in 1927, so two years later. And it's a guy that kind of everybody, you know, it's like today, you know, there's certain players that everybody knows.

And so, at the time, he would have been, you know, certainly known by anybody on the West Coast, probably, you know, other parts of the country because he was all American. But he was the captain of St. Mary's football team in 1927, named Larry Betancourt. And unlike the first two guys who were running backs, Betancourt was a center.

So, you know, apparently he was talented enough and just an honorable guy, all that kind of stuff. So then they ended up retiring his name. And then he ended up instead of signing with the.

He signed a major league contract with the NFL and played for three years with the St. Louis Browns, the same organization Ernie Nevers played baseball for. He played for parts of three seasons in the majors and then retired at age 32.

And then he played for the Packers in 1933. So, six years after getting out of college, he went and picked up one season anyway with the Packers. So anyway, Larry Betancourt.

Interesting trivia answer to a trivia question for you. Yeah, it is. Now, Tim, maybe you can answer this question.

Now we know today, when players' numbers get retired, you know, it is definitely in a professional sport. Even college football is usually like at their final home game. I've seen it happen many times, or they'll say, hey, this is the last time this number will be worn on a field.

So people appreciate that player a little bit more. In the 1920s, when Grange and Betancourt and Ernie Nevers were together, was it the same kind of thing at their last game, or did they have a separate photo shoot or ceremony or something? Yeah, I don't think it was all that formalized. To my knowledge, certainly, nothing occurred at a game.

So, like Illinois, a picture was taken at the time with Grange holding his jersey and his hands after a game. So, I mean, it was it was a staged photo. So, you know, they knew they were doing this, but to my knowledge, I don't think they did any kind of ceremony, you know, as part of his last game.

And then, you know, the others, Nevers and Betancourt, I think with Nevers, they kind of heard, hey, this is what happened with Grange, we should do the same thing with Nevers. So, I think that came a little bit after the fact. And then Betancourt, too, I mean, as far as I could tell, you know, looking at their yearbooks and things like that, I didn't see anything about this happening to him during the time he was, you know, still playing for them.

And then, you know, he played baseball for them the following spring, too. I'm trying to think that was Nevers, like a year ahead of Grange, because I know Nevers played, and Stanford played Notre Dame in that 1925 Rose Bowl. And Grange, I think, was a junior in the 1925 or 1924 season.

So 1925 would have been his final season with Thanksgiving. I think they were both seniors in their 25s. OK, OK.

If I'm not mistaken, Nevers was a junior when he played in that Rose Bowl. OK, that's why I was a little bit confused.

And I thought the Rose Bowl was his last game. OK, that makes sense. Yeah.

So yeah, anyway, I mean, it's just one of those things that we take for granted now, but, you know, it's like everything else. Somebody had to think this up. Right.

Somebody thought, hey, we're going to not let anybody else wear Red Green's number. I think it's lost the time, you know, who that was. But it's, yeah, it's just one of those things.

Somebody made it up, and now it's a tradition and a tremendous honor, regardless of sport and whether it's your high school or anything. You must have done some pretty good things if they return your number. Right.

It's also caused some interesting situations. I said to him that a couple of years ago when J.J. Watt went to the Cardinals, he wanted to wear 99 like he wore at Houston. But that was Marshall Goldberg's number for the Chicago Cardinals.

He also had to ask permission from the Marshall Goldberg family. They, of course, allowed it. I think about Joe Montana, you know, when he was 16 with the 49ers, when he went to the Chiefs, of course, 16 was retired from Len Dawson.

So he had ended up wearing, I think, 15 when he was with the Chiefs. But just some interesting things with these legends going to another team. And, hey, you can't have your old team number because we have our own legend here by that number.

It's kind of a neat thing there, too. Well, and it's just, you know, like at the professional level, you get into merchandising and all that kind of stuff. But it's just kind of funny how attached people become to a number, you know, that is often just randomly assigned somewhere along the line.

They got that number, and then, you know, it becomes part of their identity. And so, anyway, I think the whole thing is amusing in some respects. Yeah, it is.

And it's amazing how we do become attached to the numbers. I know I was a being a Steelers fan even to this day. When I think of number 10, I think of Roy Jarella, the kicker from the 70s, because that's who I grew up number 10.

And, you know, you have Santonio Holmes catching, you know, Super Bowl-winning catches wearing that number. And you've had many other players wearing that number 10, not Roy Jarella, the kicker. They're much more athletic and doing some better things than kick and field goals and things like that, too.

It's just amazing how we associate that. It was a good chat and a great discussion. You point out some really cool aspects of football that are sometimes so obvious and staring us right in the face.

But you bring up some history and some stories to it. Maybe you could share with the listeners how they can read you. Yeah.

So, the best way is to just go to football archaeology dot com and subscribe. It's free. And otherwise, if you don't want to do that, then you can follow me on Twitter on threads or subscribe to the Substack app, and you can follow me there and not necessarily get emails, you know, kind of whatever works for you.

Yeah, most definitely. And Tim, we appreciate you coming on here, folks. The link to the tidbit Tim spoke about today is in the podcast show notes.

It'll also take you to football archaeology dot com. Once you're there, you can check out some of these great tidbits he has there. And, you know, hit him up on Twitter and some of these other social media as he's on and message him on threads.

I or on Substack, I'm sorry, as I quite often do reading these and putting my two cents worth. We have a little banter a couple of times a week on this, along with some others. And it's good, good fun reading a tidbit.

The comments section is good fun, too. So, Tim, we appreciate you. We would love to talk to you again next week about some more great football.

Very good. I'm sure we'll find something to chat about.

Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai.

Love the football jersey designs and evolution wait till you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are a mix of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such asspandex, for more check out our in-depth study ofThe Make up and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What are some of the unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were some what of fad once upon a time. Check this story titled Football Jerseys with Emblems.

The 1934 college football season was a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with iconic teams, legendary players, and a controversial finish that left fans arguing long after the final whistle blew. Here's a glimpse into the gridiron drama:

The Rise of the West Coast:

Stanford University football team 1934
For the first time, a team west of the Mississippi tasted national glory. The Stanford Cardinal, led by the unstoppable tandem of quarterback Bobby Grayson and halfback Dick Plasman, cruised through their schedule, culminating in a dominant Rose Bowl victory over Duke.

A Tight Eastern Race:

While Stanford stole the spotlight, the East Coast boasted a heated battle for supremacy. The Minnesota Golden Gophers, powered by the bruising running of Pug Lund, and the Princeton Tigers, featuring the cerebral leadership of Dick Kazmaier, traded wins and losses all season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Controversial Champions:

With no playoff system in place, crowning a national champion proved tricky. The East and West were split, with various polls awarding titles to different teams. Ultimately, Minnesota received the AP Poll nod, but not without grumbling from Princeton's supporters.

Louisiana State University (LSU) boasts one of the most unique and beloved mascots in college athletics: Mike, the live tiger. But the story of how LSU adopted the tiger as its mascot goes beyond simply acquiring a majestic predator. It's a tale intertwined with military history, student spirit, and a touch of serendipity.

LSU's athletic teams were initially known as the "LSU Baseball Club" or simply "Old War Skule." However, by the late 19th century, the nickname "Tigers" began to emerge. This wasn't a random choice; it was a tribute to the revered Louisiana Tigers, a group of Confederate military regiments known for their fierce fighting spirit during the American Civil War. In fact, LSUSports.net, (The Nickname: "Fighting Tigers") states that "Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr., PhD. in his the “Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units, 1861-1865” (LSU Press, 1989), the name Louisiana Tigers evolved from a volunteer company nicknamed the Tiger Rifles, which was organized in New Orleans." The first University after the US Civil War served in or at least was familiar with the regimen and felt the Tiger moniker was perfect in upholding the tradition and pride of the region, and would represent the school well on the sports fields. The association between these regiments and the qualities desired in LSU athletes - courage, tenacity, and a never-say-die attitude - cemented the connection.

The visual representation of the tiger mascot, however, took a more organic path. Unlike some universities with predetermined mascots, the tiger gradually permeated LSU's identity. Early references included mentions in student publications and the adoption of orange and purple (later changed to gold) as school colors, mirroring the stripes of a tiger. This unofficial association resonated with fans, solidifying the tiger's presence.

The turning point came in 1936. Inspired by a travelling circus, a group of LSU students, led by athletic trainer Chellis "Mike" Chambers, hatched a daring plan: bring a live tiger to campus. They raised funds from students (a quarter from each student which raised the sum of $750), purchased a young tiger cub from a zoo, and named him "Sheik." However, recognizing Chambers' pivotal role, the name was soon changed to "Mike," laying the foundation for the now-iconic tradition.

Mike I, as he became known, captivated the hearts of students and fans alike. He served as a living symbol of LSU spirit, attending games and even residing in a makeshift enclosure on campus. Though Mike I tragically passed away in 1956, the legacy of the live tiger mascot was firmly established. Subsequent tigers, all named Mike, have continued this tradition, becoming beloved members of the LSU community.

The evolution of the Mike the Tiger program reflects a commitment to responsible animal care. Today, Mike resides in a specially designed habitat on campus, ensuring his well-being while allowing fans to connect with this unique mascot.

In conclusion, LSU's adoption of the tiger as its mascot is a story that transcends mere symbolism. It's a testament to the power of student spirit, the enduring legacy of the Louisiana Tigers, and a university's commitment to its mascot's well-being. From the first "Mike" to the current resident, these magnificent creatures have embodied the fighting spirit of the LSU Tigers, leaving an indelible mark on college football history.

The University of Georgia's mascot, Uga, isn't your average costumed character. This furry ambassador is a purebred English Bulldog, a lineage that stretches back to 1956 with a rather unexpected origin story.

Uga's tale begins with Frank Heard, who gifted a bulldog puppy to Sonny Seiler as a wedding present. Seiler, a University of Georgia alumnus, brought his new pet, then unnamed, to the first home game of the 1956 season. The bulldog's stoic presence on the sidelines caught the eye of head coach Wally Butts, who saw an opportunity. With a suggestion from a fellow student, Billy Young, the dog was christened "Uga," a clever play on the university's abbreviation.

Uga's debut proved to be a success. The Bulldogs won the game, and the adorable mascot quickly stole the hearts of fans. The Seiler family, captivated by the enthusiastic response, agreed to become Uga's official caretakers, a tradition that continues to this day. Each subsequent Uga is a descendant of the original, ensuring a consistent lineage and iconic white fur.

Uga's role extends beyond mere cheering. The mascot embodies the tenacity and fighting spirit associated with the Georgia Bulldogs. Their calm demeanor and unwavering presence on the sidelines have become a source of comfort and inspiration for players and fans alike. Interestingly, some fans even believe Uga possesses a lucky charm, attributing winning seasons to his presence.

Over the decades, Uga has transcended mascot duties. He has appeared on national television, graced magazine covers, and even received his own bobblehead. Uga X, who retired in 2023, holds the record for the most wins of any mascot in college football history. His successor, Uga XI, carries the torch forward, reminding everyone that the University of Georgia spirit is embodied not just by human athletes, but by a loyal and beloved bulldog named Uga.