Football History

Born amidst the bustling energy of Austin, Texas, the Longhorns football program has a history as rich and vibrant as the state itself. Its origins trace back to 1893, when a group of students led by the visionary William T. Conner formed an informal team. Their passion and dedication ignited a fire that would blaze a path for future generations of Longhorn athletes.
The early years were characterized by a spirit of determination and resourcefulness. Despite limited resources and infrastructure, the Longhorns carved their own path, competing against local teams and gradually building a reputation for grit and tenacity. Their first official season in 1894 marked the beginning of a legacy that would transcend generations, establishing the Longhorns as a force to be reckoned with in the nascent world of college football.
Through the early decades of the 20th century, the Longhorns navigated a landscape of evolving rules and growing competition. Yet, their unwavering spirit continued to shine through. Coaches like E.J. "Doc" Steckel and Blair Cherry instilled a sense of discipline and tactical acumen that helped the Longhorns rise to prominence.
The journey of the early Longhorns was one of unwavering spirit, remarkable resilience, and a deep-seated love for the game. These foundational years laid the groundwork for the program's future success, paving the way for legendary coaches, iconic players, and countless victories that would solidify the Longhorns' place among college football's elite.

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Timothy P Brown of Football Archaeology examines the history of the memorial Stadiums of College Football

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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.

The Virginia Tech Hokies' football helmet, adorned with the iconic VT logo and bold maroon and orange, is more than just headgear. It's a symbol of school pride, athletic prowess, and a long history steeped in tradition. Let's embark on a journey through time and explore the evolution of this beloved helmet design:

Early Gobblers (1893-1972):

-No Helmets: In the early days of Virginia Tech football (then Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College), players faced the gridiron with nothing but leather caps or straw hats for protection.

-Leather Shells (1920s-1930s): The first semblance of modern helmets was introduced in the 1920s, with simple leather shells offering more protection but lacking any visual identity.

-Orange Experiment (1946-1947): For two seasons, the Hokies donned orange helmets with a maroon VT logo and a single white stripe. This short-lived attempt, while unique, didn't resonate with fans or players.

-Maroon Dominance (1948-1972): The maroon helmet with the white VT logo finally emerged as the official design in 1948. This classic look, with its clean lines and bold colors, remained essentially unchanged for over two decades.

The Modern Era: Variations on a Theme (1973-Present):

-Stripes and TV Logo (1973-1977): The iconic "TV" logo, featuring a maroon VT within a white rectangle, graced the maroon helmets with orange and white stripes. This design added a touch of dynamism while retaining the recognizable Hokie identity.

-The Flying Hokie (1978-1983): Enter the stylized "Flying Hokie," a fierce turkey in motion emblazoned on the maroon helmet. While popular initially, this design proved difficult to reproduce consistently and was eventually retired.

-Return to Simplicity (1984-1996): The minimalist approach returned with the streamlined VT logo, placed slightly higher on the maroon helmet for better visibility. This design, emphasizing the school's initials, resonated with fans and remained in use for over a decade.

-Homage to History (1997-2011): The "TV" logo made a nostalgic comeback, accompanied by a single orange stripe down the center of the maroon helmet. This design blended modern elements with a nod to the Hokies' past.

-Present Day (2012-Present): The current helmet retains the basic maroon base and white VT logo but adds two subtle orange stripes along the crown. This subtle evolution represents both tradition and forward movement, reflecting the Hokies' continuing journey.

The rivalry between Appalachian State and Wake Forest football is a relatively young one, but it has quickly grown to be one of the most heated in the state of North Carolina. Here's a brief history of the series:

Early Years (1941-1997):

The two teams first met in 1941, with Wake Forest winning 35-0.
The series was sporadic in the early years, with only five games played between 1941 and 1997.
Wake Forest dominated the early encounters, winning all five games by an average margin of 22 points.
Appalachian State's Rise and Rivalry Grows (1998-2013):

The rivalry began to heat up in the late 1990s as Appalachian State, then an FCS powerhouse, challenged Wake Forest to closer games.
In 1998, Appalachian State pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset victory, marking their first win over the Demon Deacons.
The series became more frequent after Appalachian State's victory, with the two teams playing seven times between 1998 and 2013.
The Mountaineers continued to compete well, winning three of those games and keeping the rivalry competitive.
FBS Era and Increased Competition (2014-Present):

Since Appalachian State's transition to the FBS in 2014, the rivalry has taken on a new level of significance.
Both teams have been competing for Sun Belt Conference championships, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup.
The series has been tightly contested during this era, with Wake Forest holding a slight 3-2 edge.
The most recent encounter in 2022 saw Wake Forest win a close 34-31 battle, highlighting the continued competitiveness of the rivalry.

Beyond the gridiron, the Texas Longhorns football program boasts a vibrant tapestry of traditions that enrich the game experience and bind generations of fans together. These traditions, passed down through the years, contribute to the unique atmosphere and passionate spirit that define a Longhorn football game.
Standout Traditions:

Bevo: The beloved mascot, a live Longhorn steer, embodies the strength and spirit of the Longhorns. Bevo makes grand entrances at every home game, captivating fans with his majestic presence.

The Eyes of Texas: This iconic song, sung after each touchdown and at the end of the game, serves as a powerful anthem of unity and pride for Longhorn fans.

Hook 'em, Horns: This ubiquitous phrase, accompanied by the iconic hand gesture, is a universal expression of Longhorn spirit, uniting fans in a shared passion for the team.

Smokey the Cannon: This historic Civil War cannon, fired after each Texas score and at the end of winning games, booms with resounding pride, adding a thrilling element to the gameday atmosphere.

Texas Fight: This spirited chant, led by the Longhorn Band, engages fans in a synchronized display of unity and excitement, reminding the players of their unwavering support.

Burnt Orange and White: These colors, representing the Texas flag and the university's official colors, are proudly displayed by fans, players, and coaches, symbolizing loyalty and belonging to the Longhorn family.

The University of Texas Tower: This iconic landmark, illuminated in burnt orange after every victory, serves as a beacon of Longhorn pride, visible throughout Austin and symbolizing the program's enduring legacy.

The UMass Minutemen football program, dating back to 1879, has a rich history of triumphs and challenges. Starting as members of independent leagues, they eventually settled into the Yankee Conference, later known as the Atlantic 10 and Colonial Athletic Association. Their early years saw modest success, including a 9-1 season in 1903 and a New England Championship in 1955. However, the program struggled throughout the 20th century, experiencing long periods of losing seasons and coaching changes.
A significant shift came in 1998 when they captured the FCS National Championship under coach Mark Whipple, defeating Appalachian State 55-43. This victory marked a turning point, injecting new life into the program and raising expectations. In 2011, UMass boldly decided to move up to the FBS level, joining the Mid-American Conference. This transition proved challenging, with the team facing the competition and financial demands of the higher division. Despite the difficulties, the Minutemen have shown flashes of potential, including a 3-9 record in 2018, their best season yet as an FBS team.
While national championships and consistent winning seasons remain elusive, the UMass Minutemen football program strives to progress and build upon its legacy. Their journey embodies resilience, a spirit of competition, and a commitment to developing young athletes on and off the field. The program's future remains open, but the unwavering dedication of players, coaches, and fans fuels the hope for future success and a brighter chapter in the history of UMass football.

Learn the essence and history of Texas Longhorns football through the visual images of helmets showing the variations and changes to Burnt Orange football over the years. HelmetHistory.com does an amazing job as always to share these.

What better way to enjoy the history of Burnt Orange football than to sit back and enjoy this great video on the lore of the Longhorns.

In what is considered one of the biggest upsets in college football history, the unranked Texas Tech Red Raiders shocked the top-ranked Texas Longhorns in a dramatic 39-33 comeback victory on November 1, 2008.


Dominant Defense Turns the Tide:


Texas appeared to be cruising to victory, leading 33-27 with just over two minutes remaining in the game. However, Texas Tech's defense stepped up, forcing a critical fumble deep in Texas territory. With momentum shifting, Texas Tech capitalized on the turnover.


Crabtree's Catch Seals the Win:


Taking over at the Texas 28-yard line, quarterback Graham Harrell found his star wide receiver Michael Crabtree for a game-winning 28-yard touchdown pass with just six seconds left on the clock. The play, instantly dubbed "Crabtree's Catch," became iconic and etched Crabtree's name in college football lore.


A David vs. Goliath Victory:


The win marked a monumental upset for Texas Tech, who were significant underdogs entering the game. It served as a testament to the effectiveness of the "Air Raid" offense, led by Harrell and Crabtree, and the resilience of the Red Raiders.


National Implications:


The 2008 Texas Tech-Texas game had significant national implications. The Longhorns' loss knocked them from the top spot in the rankings and opened the door for several other teams to contend for the national championship.


A Legacy of Upsets:


This game cemented its place in college football history as one of the most memorable upsets ever witnessed. It is a reminder that anything is possible in the unpredictable world of college football.