Football Daily

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July 14, 1911 - Carrollton, Mississippi - Riley Smith is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame as a quarterback out of the University or Alabama. The National Football Foundation claims that this 6-1, 195-pounder could pass, block, punt, kick extra points and boot field goals, yes just about anything on the gridiron. In 1935 he was named to the All-America teams of the Associated Press, Collier's Magazine and the All- America Board. He also won the Jacobs Trophy as the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. Mr Smith performed exceptionally and his contributions were vital in the 1935 Rose Bowl win over Stanford as he kicked the final points in the 29-13 contest to give Alabama the victory. Riley is known for being the first player to play football in the NFL that was drafted! Though the University of Chicago's Jay Berwanger, was picked one selection before Smith in the NFL's first draft selection process of 1936, Berwanger never played in the NFL. In the late 1930's Mr. Riley served as the QB for the Boston and later Washington Redskins (the teamm moved to the Nation's Capital just before his second season). His pro career started off very promising as during the 1936 and 1937 seasons he missed only three minutes in 26 Redskins games, but an injury prematurely cut short his promising NFL career. He later became the head coach at Washington and Lee University for their football program.

Born September 11, 1913, in Arkansas, was College Football Hall of Fame Coach Paul Bear Bryant. Coach set a record (which was later broken) for the most games won in a collegiate coach's career, The majority of the NCAA victories came during his tenure (1958–82) at the University of Alabama. During his 25-year tenure as Alabama's head coach, he amassed six national championships and thirteen conference championships. Prior to heading up the Crimson Tide, Bryant was head football coach at the University of Maryland, the University of Kentucky, and Texas A&M University.

Saddle up for a deep dive into the heart of Texas A&M football, a journey steeped in tradition, thunderous cheers, and the undeniable swagger of the 12th Man. We'll unpack the rich history of this iconic program, from its humble beginnings on the dusty plains of College Station to its rise as a gridiron force, fueled by the Aggie Spirit.

Get ready to hear tales of legendary coaches like Bear Bryant and Johnny Manziel, witness the power of Kyle Field's Midnight Yell, and celebrate the Aggies' signature triple-option offense, where deception reigns supreme. We'll delve into the fiery rivalries, from the annual showdown with LSU to the historic clashes with Texas, each pulsating with adrenaline and bragging rights.

But this isn't just about wins and losses; it's about the unyielding spirit of the 12th Man. We'll explore the unique traditions that define Aggie football, from the iconic maroon and white to Reveille the mascot's bone-chilling barks. We'll celebrate the unwavering support of a fanbase that bleeds maroon and bleeds for victory.

So, whether you're a seasoned Aggie or a curious newcomer, join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of Texas A&M football.

In the heart of Texas, Texas A&M University's football program isn't just a team; it's a cultural phenomenon. Its story, woven with threads of tradition, triumph, and unwavering Aggie spirit, spans over a century, showcasing the evolution of a program from dusty fields to national contenders.

In 1894, a ragtag group of students took to the field, planting the seeds of a program that would one day blossom into a gridiron giant. Early years were marked by grit and determination, with iconic coaches like E.P. "Shorty" Moran etching their names in program lore. Victories were hard-fought, losses accepted with Aggie resilience, and the foundation for a unique identity was laid.

Then came the "Golden Age." Under Bear Bryant, a legend was born. National championships in 1939 and 1952 solidified A&M's place among the nation's elite, with players like John David Crow becoming Aggie heroes. Kyle Field, once a field of dreams, transformed into a crucible of champions, echoing with the deafening roars of the 12th Man – the Aggie spirit personified.

The latter half of the 20th century saw the Aggies navigate various landscapes. Coaches like Gene Stallings and Jackie Sherrill kept the program competitive, while Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel in the 2010s injected a new breed of excitement, with his Johnny Football magic captivating the nation. Through it all, Aggie traditions like the Midnight Yell and the Fish Pond stayed strong, binding generations of fans together.

Today, Texas A&M stands at a crossroads. Under coach Jimbo Fisher, the program aims to recapture its championship glory, leveraging an influx of talent and a revitalized Kyle Field. The future holds new challenges and opportunities, but one thing remains constant: the unwavering spirit of the 12th Man. Every Saturday, Aggieland bleeds maroon and white, ready to support their team through thick and thin, etching their own chapters in the ever-evolving story of Texas A&M football.

This is more than just a history; it's a testament to the unwavering Aggie spirit, a spirit that thrives on tradition, celebrates victory, and endures defeat with unyielding optimism.

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From the sun-baked plains of College Station to the thunderous roars of Kyle Field, Texas A&M football echoes with a history as rugged and resilient as the Texas landscape itself. But how did this gridiron giant first take its steps onto the field?

The year was 1894, when a young A&M, then known as Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College, yearned for an athletic outlet beyond track and baseball. Enter F. Dudley Perkins, a professor turned coach, who brought the first official football team to life. It was a humble beginning, a ragtag group of 11 men facing off against rivals like Baylor and Trinity University. Their initial record – 1 win, 1 loss – might not have set the world on fire, but it sparked a flame that would blaze for over a century.

Early years were marked by both grit and growth. Teams led by coaches like Charles Moran and Dana X. Bible carved their names in A&M lore, capturing conference titles and etching a reputation for tough, Texas-style football. The 1919 team, undefeated and untied, even earned a retroactive national championship title from the Billingsley Report.

Texas A&M's Aggie helmet has undergone a fascinating evolution, mirroring the program's journey from scrappy underdog to gridiron powerhouse. Here's a concise overview:

Early Days (1920s-40s):

The earliest helmets were leather with maroon ear flaps and stripes, reflecting the school's colors.

-Transition to white leather shells with a single maroon stripe down the center emerged in the 40s.

The Maroon Era (1950s-70s):

-Bold shift to full maroon shells with a white stripe in the 50s, solidifying the team's iconic identity.

-Variations included gray facemasks and the addition of the "Tm" logo in the 60s and 70s.

Experimentation and Tradition (1970s-Present):

-A brief experiment with white shells and maroon stripes in 1978 was quickly abandoned due to fan disapproval.

-The classic maroon and white scheme returns, becoming the primary helmet design.

-Alternate helmets introduced in recent years, featuring camo patterns, matte finishes, and special decals for specific games.

Texas A&M football isn't just about touchdowns and tackles; it's a theatrical display of time-honored rituals that infuse the gridiron with the Aggie spirit. From the thundering echoes of Midnight Yell to the electrifying "Gig 'em, Aggies!" roar, these traditions transcend the game, weaving a vibrant tapestry of Aggie identity.

At the heart lies the 12th Man, a concept not etched in a roster but forged in the spirit of unwavering support. In 1922, when an injured player left the Aggies short-handed, E. King Gill volunteered to stand on the sidelines, symbolizing the ever-present, ever-roaring 12th Man on the field. This spirit resonates in every cheer, every "Howay!" and every triumphant "Whoop!"

Midnight Yell, held the night before every home game, is a spectacle of Aggie unity. Under the Texan sky, thousands pour into Kyle Field, their voices rising in a symphony of cheers, yells, and Aggie hymns. Reveille, the beloved collie mascot, joins the chorus, her barks punctuating the rhythmic chants that electrify the air and send shivers down opposing spines.

Then there's the iconic maroon and white. Fans transform the stadium into a sea of vibrant hues, creating a visual spectacle that rivals any highlight reel. From the maroon pom-poms dancing in the stands to the Aggie Ring gleaming on hands, these colors are emblems of pride, worn with unwavering loyalty.

Beyond the chants and the cheers lies the unique Aggie language. From the simple "Howdy!" greeting to the playful "Gig 'em" battle cry, these colloquialisms bind Aggies together, creating a sense of belonging that transcends generations.

These traditions are more than just rituals; they're threads woven into the very fabric of Aggie football.

Texas A&M football history is woven with moments of grit, passion, and against-all-odds triumphs. Here are some of their most electrifying upset victories:

2011 Johnny Football's Debut: In 2011, Johnny Manziel's freshman debut against #1 Oklahoma was a coming-of-age moment for both player and program. Manziel's electric play and game-winning touchdown pass in overtime cemented his legend and signaled a new era of Aggie swagger. This upset propelled Texas A&M back into national relevance and sent the college football world buzzing.

2019 "Bonfire Game" Redemption: After a tragic fire destroyed Bonfire, a beloved Aggie tradition, the 2019 season opener against #1 Clemson carried the weight of collective grief and determination. In a nail-biting 24-17 victory, the Aggies defied the odds and honored Bonfire's memory with a win that transcended the scoreboard. This emotional upset embodied the Aggie spirit of resilience and unity.

These upsets represent the Aggie spirit at its finest, where grit, determination, and a dash of Aggie magic combine to defy expectations and rewrite narratives. They showcase the program's ability to rise to the occasion, leaving an indelible mark on Texas A&M football lore and proving that even when the odds are stacked against them, the Aggies can still "whoop" the nation.

The roar of Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi, resonates with over a century of gridiron tradition. But the journey of the Mississippi State Bulldogs began not in fanfare, but under the humble moniker of the "Miss Aggies" in 1895.

Mississippi A&M College, as it was known then, dabbled in the nascent sport with limited success until 1903. Enter Daniel S. Martin, a coach poached from rival Ole Miss, who ignited a spark. His Aggies tasted victory, laying the foundation for a program rooted in grit and determination.

Over the next three decades, the Aggies faced a revolving door of coaches and uneven results. Still, moments of brilliance emerged, like the 1914 season under E.R. Jones, where MSU claimed their first conference championship.

The school transitioned to Mississippi State College in 1932, and with it came a change in mascot. The Aggies officially became the Bulldogs, though the "Maroons" nickname had already been unofficially adopted after a 1905 victory over Ole Miss, where a bulldog pup was buried to symbolize the Aggies' spirit.

New Mexico State Aggies Logo on Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. A virtual museum of sports logos, uniforms and historical items. Currently over 10,000 on display for your viewing pleasure