Football Daily

Born April, 22, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the Washington and Lee fullback from 1921 to 1924, Eddie Cameron. Cameron was the spark plug of his team. The FootballFoundation.org shares a story of the 1923 between the W&L Generals and arch rival Virginia. Eddie was not present at kick off due to attending his mother’s funeral back in Pennsylvania.  The two teams slugged it out to a halftime scoreless tie. The home crowd went wild when Cameron came racing out to the field before the second half kickoff. The guy travelled by train throughout the night and while an awaiting car sped him from the station to the field he was throwing on his football uniform in a car!. On a fourth quarter series, Cameron carried the ball on 10 of 11 General plays, bucking for short yardage which netted the only score of the game as W&L won, 7-0. General coach Jimmie DeHart called it the greatest performance by a fullback he had ever seen, and it was typical of Cameron's career. The next season in 1924 he ended up in a tie for the national scoring title. The National Football Foundation selected Eddie Cameron for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976. After school was completed Cameron became the backfield coach at Duke University.  Later on he then became the head coach of the Blue Devils and posted 25 victories in 36 games before becoming the Athletic Director at Duke University.

Born May 5, 1927, in Newark, New Jersey, was Al DeRogatis the Center/Tackle that played for Duke University from 1945 to 1948. Al was a special player as the NFF states that he was an All-America at Duke University in 1948.

Al DeRogatis was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Al also had a promising pro career as he made All-Pro with the New York Giants in 1951, but an unfortunate ankle injury at age 25 derailed his football career.

He never quite got the football out of his blood as he began broadcasting football games on radio station WNEW, Newark, in 1960. Later in 1966 moved to NBC-TV as part of the Curt Gowdy television crew and eventually did pro football game of the week and college bowl games. NCAAF Jersey 68

While Duke University might be synonymous with powerhouse basketball, its football program boasts a rich history filled with unexpected triumphs, enduring rivalries, and iconic figures. This series delves into the Blue Devils' gridiron journey, from their early beginnings to their modern-day pursuits.

We'll venture back to the late 19th century, when the first pigskin was tossed on Duke's campus. You'll witness the program's evolution, including periods of national prominence under legendary coaches like Wallace Wade. We'll explore the challenges and triumphs that shaped the Blue Devils' identity, from heartbreaking losses to thrilling victories.

Prepare to meet the remarkable men who donned the blue and white. From early stars like Ace Parker to modern-day standouts like Thomas Beer, we'll celebrate the players who left their mark on Duke football. We'll also delve into the passionate fan base that has cheered the Blue Devils through thick and thin.

This series isn't just about reliving past glories. We'll explore the program's current landscape, analyzing its recent successes and the strategies shaping its future. Whether you're a die-hard Duke fan or simply curious about college football history, this exploration promises to be an enriching journey.

The Duke University gridiron program has had some ups and downs over the years including hosting a Rose Bowl Game!

Duke University's football program boasts a history as long and winding as the road that leads to its iconic Wallace Wade Stadium. Here's a glimpse into its highs and lows:

Early Years and Golden Era (1888-1939):

Founded in 1888, the program initially played as the "Trinity Blue and White."
The early years saw modest success, including a 9-1 season in 1903 and a New England Championship in 1955.

However, the "Golden Era" arrived in the 1930s and 40s under legendary coach Wallace Wade.
The "Iron Dukes" captured four Southern Conference championships and played in the 1942 Rose Bowl (the only Rose Bowl ever played outside of Pasadena, California except for the COVID year).

Struggles and Coaching Changes (1940s-1980s):

Following Wade's departure in 1950, the program faced a period of inconsistency and struggles.
Despite sporadic bowl appearances, the elusive conference championship remained out of reach.
Coaching changes and periods of losing seasons characterized this era.

Resurgence and Bowl Appearances (1990s-2000s):

-The arrival of head coach Fred Goldsmith in 1993 marked a turning point.

-Goldsmith instilled a winning culture, leading the Blue Devils to five bowl appearances in six years.

-The 1994 team won the ACC Championship, ending a 40-year drought.

-Duke's offense, led by quarterback David Green, became known for its exciting, pass-oriented style.

Modern Era and Rebuilding (2010s-Present):

-Following Goldsmith's retirement, the program has experienced further coaching changes and inconsistent results.

-While flashes of potential have emerged, the
Blue Devils have struggled to sustain success in the ACC.

You can tell a lot from a football program how the designs of the headgear, leather coverings, and eventual helmets look. The colors, logos, and emblems say a tale all their own, and Duke University's gridiron team is no exception.

The Duke Blue Devils football helmet history isn't as extensive as some programs, but it has seen exciting changes throughout the years:
Early Days (Unknown - 1950s): Information on very early Duke helmets is scarce. They likely followed the standard leather style typical in the early to mid-20th century.
Traditional Blue (1950s - Present): Duke's primary helmet design has been a royal blue base for most of its history. Variations might have existed with minor tweaks to shade or striping, but the blue base has remained a constant.
Numbers and Script Lettering (Early - Mid 20th Century): In the program's early years, helmets likely featured player numbers or simple script lettering spelling out "Duke" on the sides.

-"D" Logo (Mid-20th Century—Present): At some point, the iconic "D" logo, a stylized capital D with a devil's tail, became the primary helmet decal. Its placement and size have varied slightly over time.

-Cursive Script (Rare): For a brief period, a cursive script version of "Duke" appeared on the helmets, similar to the one used on the basketball jerseys.

-Throwback Helmets (2015, 2023): Duke has occasionally used throwback helmets for special occasions. In 2015, they donned helmets featuring a 1960s-era Blue Devil logo for the Pinstripe Bowl. In 2023, they debuted helmets with white bases and gothic script lettering inspired by their basketball jerseys for a game against Notre Dame.

Overall, Duke football helmets prioritize a simple and classic design with the iconic blue color and "D" logo at their core. The occasional throwback offers a glimpse into the program's past and showcases its evolution.

George McAfee's name might not be etched in the NFL's record books, but his impact on the game in the early 1940s is undeniable. McAfee's career, marked by versatility and innovation, helped pave the way for the emergence of the dual-threat running back in the NFL.

Hailing from Duke University, McAfee arrived in the league with the Chicago Bears in 1940. Standing at a sturdy 6 feet and weighing 200 pounds, he possessed a unique blend of power and speed. While primarily a running back, McAfee's skillset extended beyond the backfield. He excelled as a kick returner, a punter, and even played some defense. This versatility made him a valuable asset for the Bears, allowing them to utilize him in various offensive and defensive schemes.

McAfee's most significant contribution lies in his innovative running style. Unlike the typical straight-ahead rushers of the era, he incorporated lateral movements and jukes into his game, confusing defenders and creating space. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield further expanded his offensive repertoire, a concept that would become commonplace in future decades.

McAfee's career was tragically cut short after just four seasons due to a serious knee injury sustained during World War II. Despite the brevity of his playing time, his impact is undeniable. He is credited with helping to redefine the role of the running back, showcasing the effectiveness of a player who could not only run the ball with power but also contribute in the passing game and on special teams.

The legendary back that played for Duke University and the Chicago Bears was so good at both levels that he is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Duke Blue Devils football program, while overshadowed by their basketball success, has had some thrilling and memorable games throughout its history. Here are a few that stand out:

-1938 Perfect Season: Led by coach Wallace Wade, the 1938 Duke team etched their name in history by achieving a perfect 9-0 record, shutting out every single opponent they faced. This undefeated season remains a significant accomplishment in program history. It was the Rose Bowl Game against USC though where the first points all season were scored late in the game handing the Deviles their only loss 3-7 to the Trojans.

-1942 Rose Bowl: Duke reached the pinnacle of college football by playing in the 1942 Rose Bowl. Though they fell short against the USC Trojans, the appearance in the prestigious bowl game marked a high point for the program.

-2015 Upset of Clemson: In a major upset for college football fans, the unranked Blue Devils defeated the heavily favored and nationally ranked Clemson Tigers 41-24. This victory sent shockwaves through the college football landscape and remains a cherished memory for Duke fans.

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The 1941 college football season unfolded under a dark cloud. While teams across the nation battled for gridiron glory, the world was on the precipice of war. This essay delves into a season marked by exceptional players, thrilling matchups, and an uncertain future.

Dominant Teams and Fierce Rivalries:

Multiple teams rose above the rest in 1941. The best may have been the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota, led by the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bruce Smith, boasted an undefeated record (8-0) and a suffocating defense directed by head coach Bernie Bierman. The Gophers survived competitive games against Washington (14-6), Michigan (7-0), and Northwestern (8-7). Minnesota was ranked Number one in the AP poll and was a unanimous choice for the retroactive selectors to be the nation's Top Team of '41.

Texas, under the guidance of legendary coach Dana X. Bible, also enjoyed a winning season with a potent offense led by All-Americans: Malcolm Kutner (end), Guard Chal Daniel, Halfback Jack Crain, and Pete Layden at fullback. The Longhorns finished with an 8-1-1 campaign, their sole setback a 7-14 loss to TCU just before Thanksgiving.

Many considered these two teams, representing the Big Ten and Southwest Conferences, respectively, top contenders. Still, they were not alone in the ranks of the best in the nation.

Other contenders included the mighty Duke Blue Devils, who finished the regular season undefeated. Legendary head coach Wallace Wade led the team in his 11th season with the program.

Also at the top of the AP poll was the ever-present powerhouse Notre Dame Fighting Irish, under the first-year coach Frank Leahy, who took the Irish to an 8–0–1 record, as they outscored opponents by 189 to 64. They had a rising star in Quarterback Angelo Bertelli, who would eventually take home a significant award a few seasons later. The Irish stalemate with a 5-3-1 Army team at Yankee Stadium prevented ND from taking any claim to the mythical National title.

Grandaddy Flips Coasts

After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, thrusting America into World War II depicts this notion. With the threat of a Japanese attack on the West Coast of the US, the Government decided to ask the Rose Bowl not to play in Pasadena. By December 16, Duke University invited the game and Oregon State to Duke's home stadium in Durham, North Carolina; after all, Western sites, such as Oregon, were eliminated as locations for the Rose Bowl Game to be played. Oregon accepted, and for the first time, the "Grand-daddy of them All" would be played in a place other than Pasadena, California.

In the heated contest, the Beavers rallied to score 13 points in the third quarter. Duke responded with another TD and a fourth-quarter safety to round out the final score of Oregon State 20, Duke 16. Those 16 points were the season's first ones the Beavers' opponents scored.

Other Bowl Games

Orange Bowl Miami, Fla.
1942
01/01/43
Alabama
37
Boston College
21

Sugar Bowl New Orleans, La.
1942
01/01/43
Tennessee
14
Tulsa
7

Cotton Bowl Dallas, Tex.
1942
01/01/43
Texas
14
Georgia Tech
7

Sun Bowl El Paso, Tex.
1942
01/01/43
Second Air Force
13
Hardin-Simmons
7

Summary of the Top Player Accolades{/b]

-Heisman Trophy: halfback Bruce Smith Minnesota. ,

-Maxwell Award: halfback Bill Dudley Virginia.

-Leading Rusher: Frank Sinkwich of Georgia with 1,103 rushing yards.

- Passing Leader: Bud Schwenk of Washington University in St. Louis with 1,457 passing yards,

-Leading Receiver: Hank Stanton of Arizona with 820 receiving yards.

-Top Scorer: Bill Dudley with 134 points.

[b]A Season of Change:

The events of December 7, 1941, with Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, forever altered the landscape of American life, including college athletics. Many players soon enlisted in the military, putting their football careers on hold. The nation's focus shifted from the gridiron to the battlefields abroad. The 1941 college football season, despite its outstanding talent and thrilling matchups, would be remembered as a season overshadowed by the looming world war.

The legacy of the 1941 college football season lies not just in the exceptional players and undefeated teams but also in the context of a nation on the brink of war. It reminds us of the power of sports to bring people together, even during uncertain times. The 1941 college football season was a brief national pride and athletic excellence moment before the world stage took a dramatic turn.