Born March 19, 1913, in Santa Clara, California was Nello “Flash” Falaschi the star QB of Santa Clara from 1934 to 1936 arrived into this life. Nobody gave Santa Clara Broncos a chance against the Tigers of LSU in the 1937 Sugar Bowl per his bio on the Football Foundation’s website. The Tigers after all were undefeated and looked like a lock to win the game. But they were not ready for the player that Flash Falaschi was. Nello used his athleticism and smarts to put the Broncos up by 14 points early in the game according to the All State Sugar Bowl website. A muddy rain soaked field helped to restrict the famed LSU passing offense they had counted so heavily upon all season but LSU did manage to get back within 7 points until Flash struck again with a fumble recovery in the endzone and provided a Santa Clara 21-14 upset. Nello Falaschi was placed into the college Football Hall of Fame in 1971. He later played in the NFL for the Giants.
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Nello Falaschi
The 1922 Rose Bowl
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Nello Falaschi the Santa Clara Flash
Nello "Flash" Falaschi, born March 19, 1913, in Santa Clara, California, established a legacy as a dynamic fullback, primarily remembered for his pivotal role in a historic upset victory.
Nello “Flash” Falaschi was the star quarterback of Santa Clara from 1934 to 1936
-College Career:
Falaschi's collegiate career at Santa Clara University from 1934 to 1936 showcased his athleticism and strategic play. He quarterbacked the Broncos, leading them to prominence. His most memorable performance came in the 1937 Sugar Bowl against undefeated LSU. Despite being heavy underdogs, Falaschi's leadership and playmaking abilities propelled Santa Clara to an upset victory. He orchestrated an early 14-point lead, showcasing his offensive capabilities. In a rain-soaked, muddy game that neutralized LSU's passing attack, Falaschi sealed the victory with a crucial fumble recovery in the end zone, securing a 21-14 triumph.
-Road to the Pro Game:
Following his standout college career, Falaschi transitioned to the professional ranks, playing in the NFL for the New York Giants. While his professional career is less extensively documented than his collegiate achievements, his move to the NFL demonstrated his talent and recognition at the sport's highest level.
-Football Legacy:
Falaschi's football legacy is primarily defined by his role in Santa Clara's upset victory in the 1937 Sugar Bowl. His performance in that game, against a highly favored LSU team, has become legendary in college football history. His ability to lead his team to victory against overwhelming odds solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971 is a testament to his significant contributions to the sport.
-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-Led Santa Clara to a 21-14 upset victory over LSU in the 1937 Sugar Bowl.
-Fumble recovery touchdown in the 1937 Sugar Bowl.
-Played for the New York Giants in the NFL.
-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
Nello "Flash" Falaschi's impactful performance in the 1937 Sugar Bowl and his subsequent Hall of Fame induction have ensured his place in college football history.
Nello “Flash” Falaschi was the star quarterback of Santa Clara from 1934 to 1936
-College Career:
Falaschi's collegiate career at Santa Clara University from 1934 to 1936 showcased his athleticism and strategic play. He quarterbacked the Broncos, leading them to prominence. His most memorable performance came in the 1937 Sugar Bowl against undefeated LSU. Despite being heavy underdogs, Falaschi's leadership and playmaking abilities propelled Santa Clara to an upset victory. He orchestrated an early 14-point lead, showcasing his offensive capabilities. In a rain-soaked, muddy game that neutralized LSU's passing attack, Falaschi sealed the victory with a crucial fumble recovery in the end zone, securing a 21-14 triumph.
-Road to the Pro Game:
Following his standout college career, Falaschi transitioned to the professional ranks, playing in the NFL for the New York Giants. While his professional career is less extensively documented than his collegiate achievements, his move to the NFL demonstrated his talent and recognition at the sport's highest level.
-Football Legacy:
Falaschi's football legacy is primarily defined by his role in Santa Clara's upset victory in the 1937 Sugar Bowl. His performance in that game, against a highly favored LSU team, has become legendary in college football history. His ability to lead his team to victory against overwhelming odds solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971 is a testament to his significant contributions to the sport.
-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-Led Santa Clara to a 21-14 upset victory over LSU in the 1937 Sugar Bowl.
-Fumble recovery touchdown in the 1937 Sugar Bowl.
-Played for the New York Giants in the NFL.
-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
Nello "Flash" Falaschi's impactful performance in the 1937 Sugar Bowl and his subsequent Hall of Fame induction have ensured his place in college football history.
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
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