Football History

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The Tumultuous 1939 College Football Season: Undefeated Champions and Surprising Twists

Despite lacking a universally recognized national champion, the 1939 college football season was anything but uneventful. It was a year marked by unexpected twists, dominant teams, and individual brilliance, impacting the sport's history.

A Season of Upsets and Contenders:

Pre-season favorites like Pitt and Notre Dame suffered surprising losses early in the season, shaking up the national landscape. Even the previous year's highly ranked team, TCU, lost at UCLA, 6–2, on September 29, spiraling the Horned Frogs to a losing season. The year saw the emergence of several strong contenders, including Tulane, Cornell, and Tennessee, all vying for the top spot.

The University of Tennessee's Volunteers completed a regular-season campaign of 10-0 and garnered an invitation to the Rose Bowl. The Vols were the defending national champions, and their run through the schedule in 1939 may have outdone the efforts of 1938. The 1939 Vols version is the last team in NCAA history to go undefeated, untied, and unscored upon in the regular season. Under Coach Robert Neyland's guidance, the team completed what would be their second of three consecutive undefeated regular seasons.

The USC Trojans still have their stalwart Coach Howard Jones, now in his fifteenth season. Southern Cal sported stars such as future College Football Hall of Fame inductee guard Harry Smith, who in '39 was a consensus first-team pick. Quarterback Grenny Lansdell was also an All-American lauded by a few publications. Southern Cal suffered a couple of regular season ties against rivals Oregon and UCLA but still bested the others on the West Coast to have the honor of attending the Rose Bowl.

USC emerged victorious in the Rose Bowl against a talented Tennessee team, boasting a solid defense. The Trojans blanked the Number 3 Vols 14-0 to finish 8-0-2 on the year.

The Big Red of Cornell University finished 8–0 and, per the Litkenhous System, were selected as the National Champions. The Big Red was also retroactively chosen as co-national champion in the Sagarin Ratings. Coach Carl Snavely's squad was invited to the 1940 Rose Bowl but declined the bid for academic reasons, as they wanted their players to catch up on their schoolwork after a long season.

Cornell's freshman team included a future College Football Hall of Fame tackle, Nick Drahos. Drahos was a consensus first-team selection on the 1939 All-America college football team and was inducted into the Hall in 1981.

Texas A&M Emerges Victorious:

The season culminated with the Texas A&M Aggies, led by consensus All-American fullback John Kimbrough, claiming the Associated Press (AP) national championship title. Their undefeated season, featuring a dominant win over a highly-ranked Tulane team 14-13 in the Sugar Bowl, has solidified their place as the top team in the eyes of many voters. The A&M squad went 11–0 and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 212 to 31.

The 1939 Texas A&M College Football team etched their name in history as one of the most dominant teams of their era. Led by a strong defense and a prolific offense, the Aggies marched through the season undefeated, culminating in a national championship victory.

Building a Dynasty Under Homer Norton:

This pinnacle of success wasn't a coincidence. Under the guidance of head coach Homer Norton, who entered his sixth year at the helm, the Aggies had been steadily building a winning culture. Norton's emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and a solid running game laid the foundation for the team's dominance.

A Season of Perfection: Shutouts and Offensive Exploits

The 1939 season was a masterclass in both defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. The Aggies boasted one of the nation's stingiest defenses, allowing a meager 1.6 points per game and shutting out six of their eleven opponents. This defensive dominance was anchored by a talented line led by tackle Joe Boyd, who served as team captain.
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Other Notable Teams and Performances:

Despite not being crowned national champions, several other teams had remarkable seasons. Iowa, led by Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick, finished with an impressive 6-1-1 record.

A Season of Controversy:

The lack of a unified governing body to declare a national champion in 1939 fueled the debate and controversy surrounding the top teams. This highlighted the need for a more centralized system to determine a definitive winner, ultimately leading to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) creation in the late 1990s.

A Pivotal Year for College Football:

Despite the lack of undisputed champions, the 1939 season was pivotal for college football. It showcased the sport's increasing depth and competitiveness, with multiple teams vying for national relevance. Additionally, it paved the way for future discussions and advancements in determining a national champion, shaping the landscape of college football as we know it today.

The Tip Top 25 website provides insight into their retro rankings of college football seasons prior to the modern rankings. This look at the teams of 1931 provides some interesting context to the powerhouses of college football that season.

Join us in our salute to the history of the 1935 College Football Season in our series titled Football History Rewind Part 76. We cover the big games, top players, and some of the most exciting games of the 1936 CFB season.

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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.

The Champions of the 1932 College Football season in the opinion of experts. NCAAF 1932

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FootballArchaeology.com post on James L. Gilbert's fantastic work of identifying revision history graphically of the American College football field over the years.

The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Arizona Wildcats football rivalry, known as the "Duel in the Desert," is one of the oldest and most intense in college football. Dating back to 1899, the rivalry transcends the gridiron, reflecting the political and cultural differences between the two universities and the state of Arizona.
Early Years and Political Tensions (1899-1950s):
The rivalry began early, with the first game played just two years after Arizona State's founding. The games were often fiercely competitive, mirroring the growing political tensions between the University of Arizona, established in 1885, and the newly formed Arizona State College.
The Territorial Cup and Shifting Landscapes (1950s-2000s):
The "Territorial Cup" was introduced in 1988, adding another layer of significance to the rivalry. The trophy, awarded to the winner of the annual game, symbolized the ongoing battle for bragging rights within the state. The late 1950s saw a particularly heated period, fueled by Arizona State's rise to university status, a move opposed by the University of Arizona.
Modern Era and Renewed Intensity (2000s-Present):
The rivalry has continued to be a highlight of the college football season in recent years. Both teams have experienced periods of success, contributing to dramatic and unpredictable matchups. The rise of social media has added a new dimension to the rivalry, allowing fans to engage in passionate online discussions and banter.
Beyond the Game: A Shared Legacy and Community Spirit:
Despite the intense competition, the rivalry is also rooted in mutual respect and a shared history. Both universities contribute to the vibrant educational and cultural landscape of Arizona, and the "Duel in the Desert" serves as a unifying event for the state's football fans.

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders football program has a rich history filled with thrilling moments and iconic victories. Here's a glimpse into some of their most significant games:

1. 1954 Sun Bowl: Tech's first bowl victory, defeating the Pacific Tigers 25-14. This win marked a turning point for the program, showcasing its potential on a national stage.

2. 1976 Cotton Bowl Classic: A dramatic 34-24 victory over Penn State secured a share of the Southwest Conference championship for Tech. This victory cemented their place as a major force in the college football landscape.

3. 2005 Insight Bowl: The largest come-from-behind bowl victory in NCAA history. Tech stormed back from a 31-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 45-42 in overtime. This game solidified the "Air Raid" offensive system and propelled Tech into the national spotlight.

4. 2008 Texas vs. Texas Tech: A nail-biting 39-33 upset victory over rival Texas. Down by 24 points at halftime, Tech staged a remarkable comeback fueled by Michael Crabtree's game-winning touchdown catch. This iconic win solidified Tech's place in Red Raider lore.

5. 2010 Fiesta Bowl: A thrilling 41-38 victory over Boise State. Tech's high-powered offense outlasted Boise State's "Smurf Turf" magic, securing their first Big 12 championship and earning their highest ranking in program history.

Bonus - 2002 Michael Crabtree's "Crabtree Catch": While not a full game, this iconic catch against Texas A&M cemented Crabtree's legacy as a Red Raider legend and became a defining moment for the program's identity.

These are just a few of the many memorable games that have contributed to the rich history of Texas Tech football. Each game showcases the program's resilience, offensive prowess, and unwavering spirit, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Red Raiders.

The Wyoming Cowboys football program, established in 1891, boasts a long and proud history. Though national championships remain elusive, the Cowboys have carved their niche in college football through unwavering grit, resilience, and a commitment to developing talent.
Early Days and Regional Success (1891-1940s):
The program's early years were marked by independent play and competition against regional rivals.
The Cowboys experienced early success, including undefeated seasons in 1891 and 1903.
Legendary coach John Corbett led the Cowboys to Rocky Mountain Conference championships in 1939 and 1940, solidifying the program's regional presence.
Turbulent Times and Conference Shifts (1950s-1970s):
The mid-20th century saw periods of inconsistent play and coaching changes.
The Cowboys joined the Skyline Conference in 1959, seeking more competitive challenges.
Despite sporadic success, including a Skyline Conference championship in 1976, the program faced challenges in attracting top talent and achieving sustained success.
Resurgence and Bowl Appearances (1980s-2000s):
The 1980s marked a resurgence under head coach Dennis Erickson, leading the Cowboys to their first-ever bowl appearance in the 1988 Holiday Bowl.
The Cowboys continued their success in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), winning conference championships in 1987 and 1993.
The program solidified its reputation as a bowl contender, participating in six bowl games between 1988 and 2004.
Modern Era and Mountain West Competition (2010s-Present):
Since joining the Mountain West Conference in 2012, the Cowboys have faced stiffer competition.
The program has experienced periods of both success and struggle, including a Mountain West Conference championship in 2019.
The Cowboys remain a competitive force in the conference, consistently developing NFL talent and fostering a winning culture.
For the latest news on the program and more, the GOWyo.com website is the place.

The 1959 Syracuse Orange football team wasn't just a good team; they were a juggernaut. They stormed through the season undefeated, capturing the national championship and etching their names in college football history as one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Here's a closer look at what made them so special:

Dominant Offense:

Led by the legendary Ben Schwartzwalder, the "perfect offense" of the '59 Orange averaged a staggering 39 points per game, an unheard-of number in that era.

Their multifaceted attack boasted a balanced blend of run and pass, featuring a lethal combination of the Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ernie Davis, quarterback Gerhard Schwedes, and a talented receiving corps.

Their innovative "T-formation" offense, often with unbalanced sets and misdirection, kept defenses guessing and led to explosive playmaking.
Unflappable Defense:

While the offense grabbed headlines, the defense was anything but a pushover. They held eight of their ten opponents under 10 points, showcasing suffocating discipline and tackling prowess.

Led by linebackers Floyd Little and Ron Stone, the unit shut down opposing offenses and created opportunities for the Orange offense to shine.