Football History

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The American football game between Marshall and Xavier on September 25, 1971, was more than just a contest on the gridiron. It was a symbol of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of a community that had suffered a devastating loss.

Just ten months and eleven days earlier, the Marshall Thundering Herd had experienced a horrific plane crash that claimed the lives of 75 players, coaches, and supporters. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the entire state of West Virginia, leaving the school and community reeling from grief.

As the 1971 season approached, the question of whether Marshall would even field a football team was a major concern. However, the university decided to move forward, determined to honor the memory of those who had perished. A new team was assembled, composed primarily of young and inexperienced players.

The game against Xavier was the Thundering Herd's first since the tragedy. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the players took the field, their hearts heavy but their spirits determined. The game itself was a hard-fought battle, with both teams playing with intensity and passion.

In the end, it was a freshman wide receiver named Terry Gardner who would provide the Thundering Herd with their first victory since the crash. With just seconds left on the clock, Gardner hauled in a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Reggie Oliver to give Marshall a thrilling 15-13 win.

The victory was more than just a football game; it was a moment of catharsis for the entire community. The young Thundering Herd had lifted the spirits of a grieving school and a hurting city. Their triumph was a testament to the power of human resilience and the enduring spirit of the American people.

The Marshall vs. Xavier game of September 25, 1971, will forever be remembered as one of the most significant moments in the history of American football. It was a story of tragedy, loss, and ultimately, triumph, a story that continues to inspire people around the world.

The Portsmouth Spartans, a professional football team that played in the National Football League (NFL), holds a unique place in sports history. On July 12, 1930, the Spartans were officially granted their franchise, becoming a symbol of Portsmouth, Ohio’s enthusiasm for the sport. Established as a member of the NFL during a time when professional football was still in its infancy, the Spartans quickly gained a reputation for competitiveness and skill.

The team played its first game in 1930, and by the 1932 season, they had established themselves as a formidable opponent in the league. Under the leadership of coach Luf McCarty, the Spartans achieved notable success, finishing the 1932 season with a record of 6 wins, 1 loss, and 4 ties. Their tenacity on the field earned them respect among their peers and a loyal local fanbase.

However, despite their on-field success, the Spartans faced financial difficulties. In 1934, the franchise was sold to a group from Detroit, leading to its relocation and rebranding as the Detroit Lions. This transition marked the end of the Spartans' era but allowed the team to thrive in Detroit, ultimately becoming one of the NFL’s iconic franchises.

The legacy of the Portsmouth Spartans lives on, especially among historians and sports enthusiasts who recognize their contribution to the development of professional football. The Spartans’ brief existence is a reminder of the passion and commitment that helped lay the foundation for the NFL's growth into a national pastime.

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The 1994 Colorado-Michigan football game, a classic showdown between two college football powers, will forever be remembered for its dramatic finish. The Wolverines, led by quarterback Todd Collins, appeared to be cruising to victory, holding a comfortable 26-14 lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Colorado, sparked by the electrifying play of quarterback Kordell Stewart and wide receiver Michael Westbrook, staged a furious comeback.

With time running out, Stewart connected with Westbrook for a crucial touchdown pass, narrowing Michigan's lead to 26-21. The Wolverines faced a third-and-seven situation, needing just one first down to seal the win. However, a costly false start penalty pushed them back, giving Colorado one last chance.  

The Buffs took over on their own 15-yard line with 15 seconds left. Stewart, in a desperate attempt to keep his team's hopes alive, launched a Hail Mary pass deep into the end zone. The ball hung in the air, seemingly destined to fall incomplete. But then, in a moment of pure magic, Blake Anderson, a Colorado receiver, tipped the ball toward Westbrook, who leaped over Michigan safety Chuck Winters and made an incredible one-handed catch for the game-winning touchdown.

The play, now famously known as "The Miracle at Michigan," sent shockwaves through the college football world. It was a stunning upset that defied all odds and showcased the extraordinary athleticism and determination of both Stewart and Westbrook. The fact that Westbrook, a Detroit native who had grown up playing youth football with Winters, made the winning catch against his former teammate added an extra layer of drama and emotion to the moment.

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June 24, 1922 - Milwaukee Badgers franchise forms and plays from 1922 through 1926.

According to the SqueakyCurd.com the Badgers ended their 5 seasons, with a total record of 16-27-6, including only one season above .500 and one season at 0-6. The Borchert Field at Athletic Park in fact became the stop for the Green Bay Packers when they played their home games in Milwaukee after the Badgers demise. The most famous story according to the article of the Badgers may be the infamous 1925 Chicago Cardinals scandal.

Apparently the Cardinals scheduled two extra games at the end of the 1925 season in an effort to have a better win loss record that the Pottsville Maroons so that the NFL title could be claimed. The Badgers who had already disbanded at this time were resurrected by some crafty Chicago football folks that allegedly gathered some highschool, suited them up as the Badgers and then fed them to the Cardinals only to be whallopped 59-0. This win put the Cardinals ahead of the Maroons in the win-column, and with it the championship title. Our friend and Chicago Cardinals historian Joe Ziemba tells us though that the Cardinals , and any other NFL team, could schedule as many games as they wanted up until December 20, 1925 (when the season officially ended).

Of course, there are several other underlying stories in play here, including the Pottsville team playing in a game forbidden by Joe Carr and the Cardinals refusing the 1925 NFL championship at the league meeting in February of 1926. But as historians such as Joe Horrigan and Chris Willis have pointed out, the Cardinals did indeed have the best record in 1925 and should be recognized as the NFL champs. Joe will give us more detail in on this story of the Caridnals versus Badgers saga in his new book that is in the works, that is yet untitled. I can't wait for that one! As far as the Badgers and their lack of success though, it was not for lack for talent, as their roster featured three future hall of famers in Jimmy Conzelman, Johnny “Blood” McNally, and Fritz Pollard. They were open to anyone with skills, and employed one of the largest contingencies of black players in the league. For whatever reason, they simply just didn’t put it all together with "W's."

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On September 10, 1971, the Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to Los Angeles to face the USC Trojans in a highly anticipated showdown. The previous year, USC had dominated Alabama 42-21, and the Trojans were favored to win again. However, Alabama coach Bear Bryant had a surprise in store.

Coach Bryant's teams had dominated College football from 1959 to late 1960, but the last three seasons had seen the Tide lose 13 games, and folks in Tuscaloosa were wondering if the Bear magic had lost its luster. Some are even calling for the great coaches dismissal. Bryant needed to regain his reputation and the respect of the boosters, and this contest, the backend of a home-and-home with USC in 1971, is widely regarded as the beginning of the revival of Bryant’s career. A year prior 'Bama Southern Cal arrived and embarrassed the Tide, leading Bryant and the Alabama board to rethink their stance on playing black players, a gridiron racial milestone moment in the Deep South. The '71 game also brought a fairly new concept and offensive scheme into living rooms nationwide.

Bryant had secretly implemented a new offensive scheme called the Wishbone, a triple-option attack that relied on speed and deception. USC was completely caught off guard by the new offense, and Alabama took an early 17-10 lead.

In the second half, both defenses stiffened, and neither team was able to score. Alabama held on to win the game 17-10, stunning the college football world. The victory was a major upset and a turning point for Alabama football. The Wishbone offense would become a staple of Alabama's offense for the next several years, and the Crimson Tide would go on to win five national championships in the 1970s.

The 1971 Alabama-USC game is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in college football history. It showcased Bear Bryant's brilliance and the Alabama Crimson Tide's resilience.

The Arizona Cardinals, known for their scorching desert home, boast a rich history that began far from the cactus needles. Their roots trace back to 1898 in Chicago, Illinois, where they started as the amateur Morgan Athletic Club. Soon after, a shipment of faded maroon jerseys, nicknamed "Cardinal red," gave birth to their iconic moniker – the Chicago Cardinals.

The Cardinals became a founding member of the league that evolved into the National Football League (NFL) in 1920. They tasted early success, capturing the 1925 NFL championship. However, the following decades were a mixed bag. While they secured another championship in 1947 with their explosive "Dream Backfield," consistent success proved elusive. The shadow of the more popular Chicago Bears loomed large, making fan support a challenge.

Financial struggles in the late 1950s ultimately led to a move in 1960. St. Louis became their new home, where they remained for nearly three decades. Despite flashes of brilliance, including division titles in the 1970s, a championship remained out of reach.

In 1988, the Cardinals migrated once again, this time settling in Phoenix, Arizona. While they haven't yet replicated their early Chicago glory, they've experienced periods of strong play, reaching the Super Bowl in 2009. The franchise holds a unique distinction: the longest active championship drought in American professional sports, dating back to 1947.

Despite the lack of recent titles, the Cardinals' legacy is undeniable. They are the oldest continuously operating NFL franchise, carrying with them a rich history that began on the streets of Chicago. Their journey across cities reflects the evolution of professional football itself, reminding us of the changing landscape of the sport we love.

Joe Ziemba joins us to tell the origin story of the Chicago Cardinals.

The early NFL franchise in Portsmouth, Ohio competed for a couple of NFL titles in the League's first decade.

This team played an important part in early professional football and, in particular, the early NFL. The legacy of the franchise continues today as the Spartans moved to a different state and became the Detroit Lions.

Portsmouth's pro football story is an integral part of the Detroit Lions origin story and we share it here.

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On November 10, 1928, the iconic Yankee Stadium hosted a clash between two college football titans: Notre Dame and Army. This matchup, however, presented a unique twist. The Fighting Irish, typically a powerhouse, entered the game as underdogs, having suffered two losses. In contrast, the Black Knights boasted an undefeated 6-0 record.

Despite the odds, Notre Dame's legendary coach, Knute Rockne, possessed a secret weapon: his ability to inspire. At halftime, Rockne delivered a rousing speech that ignited the passion of his players. His words, "Win one for the Gipper!" became a rallying cry that echoed through the locker room.

The "Gipper" was George Gipp, a former Notre Dame player who had tragically passed away a few years earlier. Rockne, who had been by Gipp's side during his final moments, claimed that the fallen athlete had requested a final favor: to remind the team of him. Whether this tale was true or a piece of Rockne's motivational arsenal remains a mystery.

Nevertheless, the Irish players responded to the coach's impassioned plea. They stormed back onto the field, fueled by a desire to honor Gipp's memory. The result was a thrilling comeback victory, with Notre Dame emerging triumphant with a final score of 12-6. This game, forever linked to Rockne's inspiring speech, became a legendary chapter in college football history.

William Herbert "Pa" Corbin, born July 20, 1864, wasn't just a football player; he was a leader who embodied the spirit of the sport in its nascent years. Playing for Yale University from 1886 to 1888, Corbin captained the legendary 1888 team, etching his name in the annals of college football history.

Standing tall at 6-foot-2, Corbin wasn't just physically imposing; he commanded respect on and off the field. His nickname, "Pa," wasn't simply bestowed upon him – it reflected the leadership qualities he possessed. He believed a captain should be a strategist, a motivator who inspired with a firm but fair approach. "The captain should be the real leader," he said, appraising his position among his peers. "He should be able to say 'come on' instead of 'go on.' He should be a strategist, always checking the signals and often changing them. Quarterbacks may come and go, but the captain should always be largely responsible for the tactics and the success of the plays." This resonated with his teammates, propelling Yale to a dominant run.

Corbin's era was one of unbridled offense. Yale, under his leadership, perfected the flying wedge, a powerful but dangerous formation. Despite the inherent risks, Corbin led his team to an astounding 31-0-1 record during his three-year career. The pinnacle came in 1888, where Yale, under Corbin's captaincy, achieved the unthinkable: an undefeated season, outscoring their opponents by a staggering margin (698 points to 0) while showcasing a dominant defense.

Corbin's legacy extends beyond statistics. He was a pioneer who helped shape the sport. His leadership and strategic mind were instrumental in Yale's dominance, laying the groundwork for the evolution of football into the sport we know today. His dedication continued even after graduation, returning to coach and inspire future generations of Yale players.

Pa Corbin's story isn't just about individual achievements; it's about the birth of a footballing legend. He embodied the grit, determination, and strategic brilliance that defined the early days of the game. His leadership and passion for the sport cemented his place as a true pioneer, forever etched in the history of college football.

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The 1982 Penn State-Nebraska football game, played on September 25th, is remembered for one play: Todd Blackledge's 2-yard touchdown pass to Kirk Bowman with four seconds left to give Penn State a 27-24 victory. However, the play that Huskers fans will never forget is the previous snap, where Blackledge threw a 15-yard pass to Mike McCloskey. To everyone in the stadium, it appeared that McCloskey came down out of bounds, but the officials ruled it a touchdown.

This controversial call had major implications for the national championship race. Both Penn State and Nebraska were undefeated, and the winner of the game would likely have a clear path to the national title. With the win, Penn State moved to No. 1 in the polls, while Nebraska dropped to No. 2. However, the controversy surrounding the McCloskey catch continued to linger, and many felt that Nebraska had been robbed of a victory.

In the end, neither Penn State nor Nebraska played for the national championship. Penn State lost to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, while Nebraska was upset by Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. The debate over whether Penn State or Nebraska would have played Georgia in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship remains one of the biggest "what if" scenarios in college football history.

The following year, in the Kickoff Classic, Nebraska got its revenge, defeating Penn State by a score of 44-6. While this victory provided some consolation for the Huskers fans, it did not erase the memory of the controversial call from the previous year. The 1982 Penn State-Nebraska game will always be remembered as one of the most thrilling and controversial games in college football history.