THE MIDWEST
Ever since football became a truly national game, not just a sport that Harvard, Yale and Princeton somewhat condescendingly shared with the less fortunate academies of learning, the Middle West has continuously produced more first-class football than any other section of the country. For a period in the late 1920s and early 1930s, California briefly challenged this hegemony, and during the last decade the South has certainly achieved relative equality. Yet, for the last 40 years it has been the middle western states that have produced the great legends of football. Yost of Michigan, Zuppke and Grange of Illinois, Stagg and Eckersall of Chicago, Rockne and the Four Horsemen and heroes innumerable of Notre Dame, Bierman and Nagurski of Minnesota; these names bring memories of football thrills and glory to anyone who loves the game.
It is virtually an axiom of middle western football that no college dominates the competition for long or, conversely, stays long in the doldrums; unless, as was the case with the University of Chicago, it decides to abandon big-time football for good. Every team in the Western Intercollegiate (i.e., Big Ten) Conference has had its day and will again. There could be no better proof of this than the variety of representatives that the Big Ten has sent to the Rose Bowl each New Year's Day since 1947, when that postseason contest was converted into a playoff between the champions of the Big Ten and Pacific Coast Conference.
This year it is generally assumed that Ohio State will repeat its 1957 championship, although the strength of such rivals as Michigan State, Wisconsin, Purdue and Iowa make it anything but a foregone conclusion. The ground-hogging, passless Buckeyes play what would be considered as a very dull brand of football in the rest of the country, but the way that their followers fill the 79,000 seats in Ohio Stadium every Saturday would indicate that this sentiment is not shared in Columbus. In fact, Coach Woody Hayes, who has engineered an amazing streak of victories, shows no inclination to argue with the success of his formula which has been described quite accurately as "three yards and a cloud of dust."
Yet few teams in the country own such a wealth of fine players as Ohio State. If one were to be singled out, it would probably have to be Fullback Bob White. Strangely enough, this 6-foot 2-inch, 210-pound bull of a man is a bespectacled art student when he is not trampling over the opposition on the football field. Michigan Coach Bennie Oosterbaan has called him "one of the most powerful fullbacks we ever played against."
Experience warns that it would be a mistake to overlook several other fine teams in the Big Ten just because the Ohio State preseason prospects are so bright. Wisconsin has had a letdown since its brilliant 1952 season when it represented the Big Ten at the Rose Bowl—and suffered the only loss (to USC) that the Big Ten has taken in Pasadena. This year Wisconsin has more veterans back than any other team in the conference, and all they seem to lack is the one big star that so often spells the difference between a championship and just a good performance. Coach Milt Bruhn's principal assistant, Perry Moss, was hired away from the University of Miami to add the so-called Miami drive series to Wisconsin's attack, and it worked so well last year that Moss is now considered heir apparent to any Big Ten job that comes along.
Although it has not won the Big Ten championship since 1950, Michigan has always been such a powerful football force that it ranks as news when Michigan is not a contender. And this year the Wolverines are at one of their lowest points in years. One theory has it that Michigan is soft-pedaling its recruiting activities, hoping that its prestige both academically and athletically will be enough of an attraction to good football players. Head Coach Bennie Oosterbaan plans to inspire his athletes this season with thoughts of the great tradition they have behind them. "We'll see how many ball games it wins," says Oosterbaan without any real ring of conviction in his voice, but if anyone can evoke enthusiasm out of past glories it should be this greatest of all great Michigan ends.
Alongside the perennial suspense of the Big Ten dogfight, the rest of the middle western football competition has a somewhat pallid quality. To be sure, there is always Notre Dame, which this year is again a candidate for the nation's highest football honors after several seasons of readjustment under Terry Brennan, the able young coach who succeeded Frank Leahy in 1954 when he was only 25 years old. However, Notre Dame, except for three games against Big Ten opponents, must find rivals in other parts of the country in order to get the kind of competition it likes. This year, unfortunately, Brennan's Fighting Irish will not play Oklahoma in a rematch of last season's biggest upset, the one in which Notre Dame ended Oklahoma's 47-game winning streak. But the team meets SMU and Army and Navy and Pittsburgh among others in a characteristically rough 10-game schedule. If it survives without more than a couple of losses, Notre Dame will indeed be a great team, and Brennan will have proven his right to see his name alongside such distinguished Notre Dame coaches as Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy.
Of course, no discussion of midwest football would be complete without Oklahoma's name in prominence. Once again, the red-shirted, spare and dedicated players that turn up year after year on Coach Bud Wilkinson's teams will be among the nation's very best. This year the one who gets most of the attention is Bob Harrison, a tall and gifted center who is practically certain to be on most of the All-America teams. As usual Oklahoma will get its share of criticism for playing a soft schedule—seven of its opponents coming from the less than top-flight Big Eight Conference—but the team meets four rivals who would give their eyeteeth to pull an upset over the Sooners. One of these is neighboring Texas, a team that many have picked as the best in the Southwest. Texas has a strong grudge against Oklahoma, claiming that the Sooners have been carrying off the best young Texas athletes, so watch this contest for what might be the season's most spectacular news. Also watch Oklahoma against Colorado, a team that has come within a whisker of knocking over the Sooners in each of the last two seasons.
CINCINNATI
Cincinnati
COLORS: Red and black
BASIC OFFENSE: Wing T, spread T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 25 of 37
WATCH FOR: Pass catching of all-MVC End Jim Leo; ball carrying of Ed Kovac
THE DOPE: The Bearcats, on strength of 25 returning lettermen, a fast-moving offense and the best defense in the conference, should give Houston and Tulsa a tussle for top Missouri Valley honors. Coach George Blackburn's line, the same one that ranked ninth in the nation defensively in '57, returns virtually intact and is at least two deep at every position. Veteran Jack Lee, one of the finest passers in recent years at Cincinnati, will be No. 1 signal-caller and direct an effective, open aerial attack. Joe Morrison, starting quarterback the past two seasons, has been switched to halfback opposite Ed Kovac. Fullback Bob Del Rosa will be used mainly as a blocker. Lee has fine receivers in Ends Jim Leo and Don Reinhold, Morrison, and second-team Halfback Gene Johnson. The returnees on the line include Center Ben Blascovich, Guards Max Messner and John Giannandrea and Tackle Ed Denk. Blackburn's sophomore cup runneth over, and with such top prospects as End Larry Ellison, transfer Quarterback Lamar Switzer and 230-pound Tackle Jim Ross.
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1958 SCHEDULE | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Dayton, N (13-13) |
SEPT. 27 | Wichita, N (19-13) |
OCT. 4 | Houston, N (0-7) |
OCT. 11 | Xavier (23-14) |
OCT. 18 | at College of Pacific, N (7-2) |
OCT. 25 | Oklahoma State (no game) |
NOV. 1 | at North Texas State, N (no game) |
NOV. 8 | Tulsa (7-12) |
NOV. 15 | at Marquette (14-0) |
NOV. 27 | Miami (Ohio) (14-20) |
DAYTON
Dayton
COLORS: Blue and red
BASIC OFFENSE: Spread T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 13 of 26
WATCH FOR: The jolting line play of Tackle Emit Karas
THE DOPE: The Flyers completed their 1957 schedule with their first winning season in six years, but Coach Bud Kerr's pupils may lose some of their momentum due to a lack of experienced backs. The Flyers have a strong, mobile line with depth at all positions but end. The entire backfield is gone, however, including Quarterbacks Gerry Faust and Don Zimmerman. Mel Smolik, a long passer and good safety man, will try to take up where they left off. Short and stubby Frank Bongivengo and shifty Rob Narke will man the halfback posts while powerful but green Jerry Raiff will probably start at fullback. With the brilliant end, Fred Dugan, gone, the Flyers are thinking in the All-America terms of Tackle Emil Karas. Fullback Vince Palyan is being converted into Dugan's replacement on the line. If the receivers cooperate with Smolik, the Flyers will be effective in the air. So will their opponents, unless Dayton improves its pass defense. Watch for Tackle Ransom Piltz, a heralded sophomore who hails from Maui in Hawaii.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | at Cincinnati, N (13-13) |
SEPT. 27 | Richmond, N (12-7) |
OCT. 4 | Bowling Green, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Ohio U. (no game) |
OCT. 18 | Louisville, N (19-33) |
OCT. 25 | at Xavier (O.), N (24-13) |
NOV. 1 | at Holy Cross (6-32) |
NOV. 8 | Villanova (no game) |
NOV. 15 | at Miami (O.) (13-7) |
NOV. 22 | at Detroit (20-10) |
DETROIT
Detroit
COLORS: Cardinal and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Wing T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 18 of 32
WATCH FOR: The long, accurate passes of Captain Lou Faoro
THE DOPE: The Titans are short on experience, but Coach Wally Fromhart will field the biggest and fastest unit in his five years at Detroit. Quarterback Lou Faoro, who completed 48% of his passes last season, is back to captain the team, but missing are 1957's leading pass receiver and scorer, Halfback Al Korpak, and the leading rusher, Halfback Billy Russell. Dan Collins and Bruce Maher will try to fill their shoes and they will get help from Bill Dando. Jerry Leszczynski or Joe Pascuzzi will succeed Larry Strimas at fullback. The Titans have plenty of end replacements, most of them green, including Tom Chapman, Dennis Flynn and Jack Vance. The middle of the line will be strong with Tackles Emerson Dromgold and John Dingens, Guards Dick Kennedy and Art Brauer and Centers Joe Ivkovich and Ernie Fritsch. Offensive line play will be improved, as will running and passing. Pass receiving, what with the first four ends gone, is a question mark. All in all, however, it should be a year of misery for most of Detroit's opponents.
SEPT. 19 | Geo. Washington, N (no game) |
SEPT. 26 | Air Force, N (12-19) |
OCT. 3 | Quantico Marines, N (33-0) |
OCT. 11 | at Villanova (16-7) |
OCT. 18 | al Xavier (O.) (30-20) |
OCT. 25 | Arizona State (no game) |
NOV. 1 | Marquette (14-0) |
NOV. 8 | at Boston College (16-20) |
NOV. 22 | Dayton (10-20) |
ILLINOIS
Urbana, Ill.
COLORS: Orange and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: T with variations
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 22 of 33
WATCH FOR: Pile-driving of Fullback Jack Delveaux
THE DOPE: The Illini have a capable starting team and may fight their way back into the Big Ten first division. Coach Ray Eliot has his best line since 1953, but an apparent halfback weakness could spoil his chances for anything higher than fourth or fifth place. Among Eliot's 22 returning lettermen are three experienced guards—Dave Ash, Bill Burrell and Bob Allen; and three veteran tackles—Carl Johnson, Don Yeazel and Ron Nietupski. Center, a problem in '57, will be manned by Gene Cherney, a fair linebacker. Rich Kreitling, Illinois' leading receiver, is still a big if with his rib injury. He and Ron Hill are the only proven flankers. Eliot's usually explosive running game may suffer for Halfbacks Marshall Starks and L. T. Banner lack the necessary breakaway speed. Veteran Tom Haller has turned to pro baseball, so the quarterback job will probably fall to slow but resourceful Bill Offenbecher or Bob Hickey, a good passer. Captain Jack Delveaux in the shadow of Ray Nitschke, Illini's top ground-gainer and scorer, could blossom into a star fullback.
SEPT. 27 | UCLA (6-16) |
OCT. 4 | at Duke (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Ohio State (7-21) |
OCT. 18 | at Minnesota (34-13) |
OCT. 25 | Michigan State (14-19) |
NOV. 1 | at Purdue (6-21) |
NOV. 8 | at Michigan (20-19) |
NOV. 15 | Wisconsin (13-24) |
NOV. 22 | Northwestern (27-0) |
INDIANA
Bloomington, Ind.
COLORS: Cream and crimson
BASIC OFFENSE: Single wing
1957 RECORD: Won 1, lost 8
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 18 of 29
WATCH FOR: The tackling, pass defending of Tony Aloisio
THE DOPE: The Hoosiers are itching mightily to climb out of ninth place in the Big Ten, and this could be the year now that Coach Phil Dickens has finally assumed his portfolio. Dickens arrived in Bloomington fresh from an unbeaten 1956 season at Wyoming and was forthwith put in cold storage for a year for illegal recruiting. His line coach and understudy, Bob Hicks, suffered through a disastrous 1957 campaign in which the Hoosiers ranked last in the conference both offensively and defensively. Now the reinstated Dickens inherits a green squad (52 of 83 men are sophs) and is changing his system from a side-saddle T (a variation of the single wing permitting certain phases of T and split-T) to a straight single wing. Dickens is placing the burden of the passing and running on Tailback Tom Kendrick and Fullback Vic Jones. Wil Scott is at wingback, and Eddie Fritz, the blocking back, will call offensive signals. Tony Aloisio, MVP as an end last year, will switch to center. The Hoosiers are expected to improve, but it will take time for a contender.
SEPT. 27 | at Notre Dame (0-26) |
OCT. 4 | West Virginia (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Iowa (7-47) |
OCT. 18 | at Ohio State (0-56) |
OCT. 25 | Miami (O.) (no game) |
NOV. 1 | Minnesota (0-34) |
NOV. 8 | Michigan State (0-54) |
NOV. 15 | at Michigan (13-27) |
NOV. 22 | at Purdue (13-35) |
IOWA
Iowa City, Iowa
COLORS: Gold and black
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 7, lost 1, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 17 of 35
WATCH FOR: Passing of Randy Duncan, running of John Nocera
THE DOPE: The Hawkeyes were well on their way to their second straight Big Ten crown until the final three minutes and 54 seconds of the Ohio State game last year. Coach Forest Evashevski's 1958 squad could be even more threatening offensively than last year's edition, but his defense will suffer from the loss of five starting linemen, including two All-Americas—Tackle Alex Karras and End Jim Gibbons. The latter led the Big Ten in pass catching with 26 for 276 yards (36 for 587 over-all). Experienced reserves will, for the most part, man the vacant line posts. However, Iowa's regular center, 6-foot-6, 280-pound Mac Lewis, will shift to tackle. Evashevski lost Halfbacks Mike Hagler and Bill Happel, his two top rushers, but he still has the conference's total offense leader in Quarterback Randy Duncan and his regular fullback, Captain John Nocera. Duncan completed 70 of 119 passes for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns. Although Gibbons is gone, Duncan will be tossing even more this season, because the line may hamper Iowa's running attack.
SEPT. 27 | Texas Christian (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Air Force (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Indiana (47-7) |
OCT. 18 | at Wisconsin (21-7) |
OCT. 25 | Northwestern (6-0) |
NOV. 1 | at Michigan (21-21) |
NOV. 8 | at Minnesota (44-20) |
NOV. 15 | Ohio State (13-17) |
NOV. 22 | Notre Dame (21-13) |
IOWA STATE
Ames, Iowa
COLORS: Cardinal and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Single wing
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 5, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 18 of 30
WATCH FOR: The land, air assaults of Tailback Dwight Nichols
THE DOPE: The Cyclones have a new coach and enough material to crash the Big Eight first division. With Jim Myers gone to Texas A&M after just one year at Ames, another Tennessee alumnus, Clay Stapleton, will guide the Cyclones through their second year of single-wing competition. The former Oregon State assistant inherits star Tailback Dwight Nichols, the top passer in the conference and the nation's No. 3 total offense leader. This 24-year-old junior was the busiest back in the country last year, with 211 scrimmage rushes and 99 passes for 310 plays. His 1,419-yard total was just 25 short of the top. Chuck Lamson, Pete Goeser and Bob Harden will keep Nichols company in the light but speedy backfield. End Gale Gibson and Tackle Andris Pontius are key men on the line. Stapleton's chief problems are a lack of experience and depth. His first four tackles, for example, are ex-fullbacks. The first two teams are loaded with nine sophomores. The Cyclones expect to blow up a small storm in the Big Eight but not enough to scare the likes of Oklahoma and Colorado.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Drake (0-20) |
SEPT. 27 | at Arizona, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Nebraska (13-0) |
OCT. 11 | Kansas (21-6) |
OCT. 18 | Colorado (21-38) |
OCT. 25 | at Missouri (13-35) |
NOV. 1 | South Dakota (33-0) |
NOV. 8 | Oklahoma (14-40) |
NOV. 15 | at Kansas State (10-14) |
NOV. 21 | at San Jose State, N (no game) |
KANSAS
Lawrence, Kans.
COLORS: Crimson and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Sliding T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 24 of 35
WATCH FOR: A wide-open offense
THE DOPE: The Jayhawks may take a few weeks to get off the ground but with 24 lettermen back, they should win enough games to finish well up in the Big Eight listings. Coach Jack Mitchell, who left Arkansas to replace Chuck Mather, receives his baptism against the lines of Texas Christian, Oregon State, Colorado and Oklahoma. To survive this bone-crushing ordeal during the first half of the season and have anything left for the remainder, his tackles and guards must be extraordinarily durable and his back-field has to generate plenty of speed. "When you can't run wide," says the ex-Oklahoma quarterback, "you limit your offense, and the opponent is able to concentrate his defense. That tends to make even the things you can do well ineffective." With Wally Strauch graduated and Bob Marshall injured, Mitchell has only one proven quarterback—Duane Morris. Homer Floyd and Dave Harris are other backfield regulars. The Jayhawks are strong at center with Bill Burnison, and at end with John Peppercorn. A third-place finish may be in store for Kansas.
SEPT. 20 | Texas Christian (13-13) |
SEPT. 27 | Oregon State at Portland, N (6-34) |
OCT. 4 | Colorado (35-34) |
OCT. 11 | at Iowa State (6-21) |
OCT. 18 | Oklahoma (0-47) |
OCT. 25 | Tulane (no game) |
NOV. 1 | at Kansas State (13-7) |
NOV. 8 | Nebraska (14-12) |
NOV. 15 | at Oklahoma State (13-7) |
NOV. 22 | at Missouri (9-7) |
KANSAS STATE
Manhattan, Kans.
COLORS: Royal purple and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Wing T
1957 RECORD: Won 3, lost 6, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 19 of 34
WATCH FOR: Fast, hard-hitting Captain Gene Meier at tackle
THE DOPE: The Wildcats have lost eight starters, including the entire backfield, to graduation, but they still have size, speed and depth to help them improve on their 3-6-1 record for 1957. Coach Bus Mertes has the wherewithal for a good running game with Tony Tiro and Max Falk at halfback and Craig Jones at fullback, but the team will also step up its passing attack. Besides Quarterback Les Krull, Mertes has three promising sophomores who are able to throw well, including the highly regarded Ron Blaylock. He also has a pair of good receivers at ends—Sophomore Ced Price and Junior Joe Vader. Two other sophomores could make Kansas State unexpectedly strong—Center Ron Praglowski and Guard Dave Noblitt. Tackle Gene Meier, a hard-hitting ex-fullback who played guard last season, and Guard Don Miles will bulwark the line. Inexperience is Kansas State's main problem, so the offense may be somewhat ragged. Nine sophomores on the first three units need game action in the worst way. They'll get it too with such opponents as Michigan State and Oklahoma coming up.
SEPT. 20 | Wyoming (7-12) |
SEPT. 27 | at Colorado (14-42) |
OCT. 4 | Utah State (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Nebraska (7-14) |
OCT. 18 | Missouri (9-27) |
OCT. 25 | at Oklahoma (0-13) |
NOV. 1 | Kansas (7-13) |
NOV. 8 | at Oklahoma State (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Iowa State (14-10) |
NOV. 22 | at Michigan State (9-27) |
MARQUETTE
Milwaukee
COLORS: Blue and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won none, lost 10
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 26 of 29
WATCH FOR: The broken field running of Halfback Jim Webster
THE DOPE: Coach Johnny Druze starts his third season at Marquette with renewed hope for his first victory. The end of a humiliating 19-game losing streak is in sight with the return of 26 lettermen, including all but one of last year's starters. The Warriors also have a good sophomore crop. Druze expects to have better depth, a touch more speed, a better defense, more outside running power and better passing. A reformed basketball player, Pete Hall, may win the quarterback assignment from Ernie Safran. Druze is two deep at halfback and three deep at fullback. Jim Webster, younger brother of the New York Giants' Alex Webster, starts at halfback with Tim Zhulkie. Frank Mestnik will handle the fullback chores. Center Gil Sedor will replace the only departed starter, Dick Campbell. Druze's chief assets in the hefty (212-pound average) line are Guard Bill O'Connell and End Silas Woods. He is short on speed and depth at the tackles which may be troublesome. The Warriors are still overmatched but the famine may be over.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | S. Dakota State, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Wisconsin (6-60) |
OCT. 11 | at Penn State (7-20) |
OCT. 18 | Boston College, N (14-19) |
OCT. 25 | College of Pacific (no game) |
NOV. 1 | at Detroit (0-14) |
NOV. 8 | at Texas Christian, N (7-26) |
NOV. 15 | Cincinnati (0-14) |
NOV. 22 | at Holy Cross (7-26) |
NOV. 29 | at Arizona State, N (no game) |
MIAMI (OHIO)
Oxford, Ohio
COLORS: Red and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T and split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of 32
WATCH FOR: The bruising line play of Guard John Drew
THE DOPE: The Redskins have enough speed, power and depth to repeat as MidAmerican Conference champions. Their experienced line averages 208 pounds and is held together by defensive stars John Drew at guard and Herb Fairfield at tackle. Gary Cobb and Eddie Hill have shifted from tackles to center and guard, respectively. Coach Johnny Pont's key to a successful season is his quarterback situation. If Nick Mourouzis' broken leg is not sufficiently healed, Pont may call on a sophomore, Tom Jennell, to direct Miami's strong running game. Fullback Jerry Gnabah and Halfbacks George Scott and Harold Williams all can run, with Scott providing the speed and the others the power. Miami is weak on passing and will stick close to the ground. Joe Griffith is Miami's best passer. Also, expect this team to go for the two-point conversion on all occasions. Each of Pont's first two units are well stocked with experienced veterans, giving Miami good depth for the first time in several years. If Mourouzis can play, the Redskins will definitely be hard to beat.
SEPT. 27 | Western Michigan (20-0) |
OCT. 4 | Xavier (O.) (19-39) |
OCT. 11 | Kent State (27-14) |
OCT. 18 | at Ohio U. (26-0) |
OCT. 25 | at Indiana (no game) |
NOV. 1 | Bowling Green (13-7) |
NOV. 8 | at Marshall (25-13) |
NOV. 15 | Dayton (7-13) |
NOV. 27 | at Cincinnati (20-14) |
MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor, Mich.
COLORS: Maize and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 3, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 24 of 40
WATCH FOR: The blocking, power-running of John Herrnstein
THE DOPE: To lose men like Jim Pace, Jim Van Pelt and Mike Shatusky from the backfield in one sweep would be catastrophic for most teams. Not so the Wolverines. Their chief problem is replacing a line from tackle to tackle. Coach Bennie Oosterbaan has salvaged some strength at ends, with the return of lettermen Gary Prahst, Walt Johnson, Gordon Morrow and Chuck Teuscher. But he'll be green at most other positions. Newcomers include Sophomore Don Deskins, a 235-pound guard with four years playing experience in the Marines. The Wolverines may not be so dangerous from left half with Pace gone nor so potent in passing or quarterbacking without Van Pelt, but they should prove a good rugged team that might very well jell into a power by season's end. Stanton Noskin will replace Van Pelt. He's a good general, excellent passer, only fair runner. Pace's understudy, Bob Ptacek, will move up and also spell Noskin on occasion. Shifty Brad Myers will be at right half. Captain John Herrnstein should be one of the season's great fullbacks.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 27 | Southern California (16-6) |
OCT. 4 | al Michigan State (6-35) |
OCT. 11 | Navy (no game) |
OCT. 18 | at Northwestern (34-14) |
OCT. 25 | Minnesota (24-7) |
NOV. 1 | Iowa (21-21) |
NOV. 8 | Illinois (19-20) |
NOV. 15 | Indiana (27-13) |
NOV. 22 | at Ohio State (14-31) |
MICHIGAN STATE
East Lansing, Mich.
COLORS: Green and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple
1957 RECORD: Won 8, lost 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 24 of 44
WATCH FOR: Sammy Williams' All-America performance at end
THE DOPE: An upset loss to Purdue spoiled an otherwise perfect season for the Spartans, and the Big Ten's top offensive and defensive team had to settle for second place. Coach Duffy Daugherty won't have to take anything less this year with the right breaks and the development of depth. State's passing attack loses some of its luster with the departure of Quarterback Jim Ninowski and Receiver Dave Kaiser. But filling the vacuum is another dangerous tandem—little Mike Panitch, who completed close to 60% of his passes as Ninowski's understudy, and Sammy Williams, drafted by the pros even before he played a college game. The Spartans will also flash a strong running attack despite the graduation of All-America Halfback Walt Kowalczyk, their top rusher and scorer, and the loss through injury of brainy Blanche Martin. Powerful Bob Bercich returns to the fullback slot that was being dusted off for Martin, and Dean Look and Art Johnson provide the speed at halfback. Replacing All-America Dan Currie at center is Don Wright, converted guard.
SEPT. 27 | California (19-0) |
OCT. 4 | Michigan (35-6) |
OCT. 11 | Pittsburgh (no game) |
OCT. 18 | at Purdue (13-20) |
OCT. 25 | at Illinois (19-14) |
NOV. 1 | Wisconsin (21-7) |
NOV. 8 | at Indiana (54-0) |
NOV. 15 | at Minnesota (42-13) |
NOV. 22 | Kansas State (27-9) |
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis
COLORS: Maroon and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of 39
WATCH FOR: A young green squad that may blossom into a power—another year
THE DOPE: The Gophers have lost 23 lettermen and will field one of their poorest squads since World War II. Coach Murray Warmath has lost Quarterback Bobby Cox to the Los Angeles Rams and will have Dick Larson back, but only as a coaching assistant. He'll go with Jim Reese, a good passer but slow and not much of a running threat. Offsetting Reese's passing ability is the Gophers' mediocre pass receiving. Warmath also must go with untested sophomore fullbacks. Likely starter is Jim Rogers, who lacks the traditional Minnesota size and strength. Halfbacks Bob Soltis and Bill Chorske lack another important back-field ingredient: good speed. The line is woefully thin, and the only promising new material is Guard Tom Brown, who played two years of service football for Great Lakes. Strongest spot should be at end, where veterans Perry Gehring and Ken Schultz are backed by able juniors. Warmath has a complete rebuilding job on his hands, and the Gophers, in seventh place last year, could wind up even deeper in the hole.
SEPT. 27 | at Washington (46-7) |
OCT. 4 | Pittsburgh (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Northwestern (41-6) |
OCT. 18 | Illinois (13-34) |
OCT. 25 | at Michigan (7-24) |
NOV. 1 | at Indiana (34-0) |
NOV. 8 | Iowa (20-44) |
NOV. 15 | Michigan State (13-42) |
NOV. 22 | at Wisconsin (6-14) |
MISSOURI
Columbia, Mo.
COLORS: Gold and black
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple, unbalanced line
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 15 of 27
WATCH FOR: Slam-bang running of Hank Kuhlmann
THE DOPE: The Tigers have taken on a new coach and a new system and will be no easy mark for the rest of the Big Eight. Young Dan Devine, the former Michigan State aide who logged a 27-3-1 record at Arizona State, succeeds Frank Broyles, who in turn takes over Jack Mitchell's job at Arkansas. He brings a multiple offense to be built around Halfback Hank Kuhlmann, top ground-gainer and scorer (48 points) for last year's split-T Tigers. Devine's quarterback situation is above average, with veteran Phil Snowden and Rookie Mike Shannon, but his passing game is just so-so. The running game should be stronger with speedy newcomers Mel West and Donnie Smith backing up Kuhlmann and Bob Haas. Sophomore Jim Miles is likely fullback starter. Guards Charlie Rash and Don Chadwick head a strong all-veteran line. New PAT rule may minimize the role of Rash, who kicked 20 of 20 conversions in '57 and whose toe was instrumental in one-point victories over SMU and Nebraska and a 7-7 tie with Vanderbilt. Rash has a string of 26 straight going.
SEPT. 20 | Vanderbilt (7-7) |
SEPT. 27 | Idaho (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Texas A&M, N (0-28) |
OCT. 11 | Southern Methodist (7-6) |
OCT. 18 | at Kansas State (21-23) |
OCT. 25 | Iowa State (35-13) |
NOV. 1 | at Nebraska (14-13) |
NOV. 8 | Colorado (9-6) |
NOV. 15 | at Oklahoma (14-39) |
NOV. 22 | Kansas (7-9) |
NEBRASKA
Lincoln, Neb.
COLORS: Scarlet and cream
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 1, lost 9
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 12 of 26
WATCH FOR: The running, passing of newcomer Pat Fischer
THE DOPE: The Cornhuskers are loaded with desire but not much else. Coach Bill Jennings will be trying to improve on a 1-9 record with a line that can be rated only fair, a shallow backfield that lacks breakaway speed and experience in all directions. Jennings' only hope is "that we improve as the season progresses." Nebraska has four lettermen returning to the backfield—Quarterbacks Leroy Zentic and Roy Stinnett, Halfback Larry Naviaux and Fullback Carroll Zaruba. Center Dick McCashland and Tackle Don Olson bolster the line. With only seven seniors back, the Cornhuskers will rely heavily on sophs and juniors. Best of these shape up as Halfbacks Pat Fischer and John Minnick, Center Robert Daniels and Tackles Dick Rudzik and Dennis Doyle. Doyle is the son of former Nebraska Tackle Ted Doyle, who later played with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fischer's three brothers all lettered at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers face another suicide schedule, which includes Purdue, Pitt and Oklahoma, and will be fortunate to climb out of the Big Eight cellar.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Penn State (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at Purdue (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Iowa State (0-13) |
OCT. 11 | Kansas State (14-7) |
OCT. 18 | at Syracuse (9-26) |
OCT. 25 | at Colorado (0-27) |
NOV. 1 | Missouri (13-14) |
NOV. 8 | at Kansas (12-14) |
NOV. 15 | Pittsburgh (0-34) |
NOV. 22 | at Oklahoma (7-32) |
NORTHWESTERN
Evanston, Ill.
COLORS: Purple and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won none, lost 9
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 18 of 27
WATCH FOR: Sprinting Halfbacks Ron Burton and Willmer Fowler
THE DOPE: The Wildcats didn't win a game last year and haven't scored a point since Nov. 9. Furthermore, Coach Ara Parseghian has lost seven of his regulars through graduation, and one of his best soph replacements, Flanker Bill Schwanbeck, broke his leg in spring practice and is out for the season. Still, hope springs eternal, and with the Wildcats flat on their back, there's no way to look but up. With only five seniors on the squad, "we'll be forced to rely heavily on youth in our rebuilding plans," says Parseghian. "I realize that the Big Ten isn't a sophomore league, but we have no other alternative." Passing may improve with Soph Dick Thornton alternating with Chip Holcomb at quarterback, but this will be primarily a running team. Willmer Fowler, conference sprint champ last year, and Ron Burton will do most of the running, along with Sophomore Fullbacks Irv Cross and Fred Hecker plus injury-prone Jim Knowles. Only sure bets on the line are Center Jim Andreotti and Tackles Andy Cvercko and Gene Gossage. Another lean year at Evanston.
SEPT. 27 | Washington State (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Stanford (6-26) |
OCT. 11 | at Minnesota (6-41) |
OCT. 18 | Michigan (14-34) |
OCT. 25 | at Iowa (0-6) |
NOV. 1 | Ohio State (6-47) |
NOV. 8 | at Wisconsin (12-41) |
NOV. 15 | Purdue (0-27) |
NOV. 22 | at Illinois (0-27) |
NOTRE DAME
South Bend, Ind.
COLORS: Blue and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 7, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 25 of 38
WATCH FOR: Bob Williams' passing, Nick Pietrosante's ball carrying
THE DOPE: Despite the fact they won't have to face Oklahoma and Michigan State again, the Fighting Irish may have to struggle to live up to their reputation of last season. Coach Terry Brennan has lost Halfbacks Dick Lynch and Aubrey Lewis, Center Ed Sullivan and End Dick Prendergast. He has a bulky but slower line and his over-all defense has suffered. Virtually the same team that was underrated last season may now be a bit overrated. While it is the team that won thrilling fourth-quarter victories over Oklahoma (snapping the Sooners' record 47-game win streak) and Army, it is also the team that was pushed around by Navy and Michigan State. Still, anything can happen at South Bend. Brennan has 25 of his 38 lettermen back, including Quarterback Bob Williams and ND's leading ground-gainer, Fullback Nick Pietrosante. A couple of juniors, Pat Doyle and Jim Crotty, will operate at halfbacks. Guards Al Ecuyer and Jim Schaaf, Ends Dick Royer and Monty Stickles and Tackle Bronko Nagurski are the line stalwarts.
SEPT. 27 | Indiana (26-0) |
OCT. 4 | at Southern Methodist (54-21) |
OCT. 11 | Army (23-21) |
OCT. 18 | Duke (no game) |
OCT. 25 | Purdue (12-0) |
NOV. 1 | Navy at Baltimore (6-20) |
NOV. 8 | at Pittsburgh (13-7) |
NOV. 15 | North Carolina (no game) |
NOV. 22 | at Iowa (13-21) |
NOV. 29 | at Southern California (40-12) |
OHIO STATE
Columbus, Ohio
COLORS: Scarlet and gray
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 9, lost 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of 33
WATCH FOR: A powerful running attack built around Don Clark and Bob White
THE DOPE: The Buckeyes have lost All-America Guard Aurelius Thomas and 16 other lettermen, but shed no tears for Coach Woody Hayes. The Bucks have enough gas of the right ingredients to win their fourth Big Ten crown in the last five years and perhaps another national championship. Hayes boasts probably the most devastating backfield in the league and a stubborn line that needs patching only at the guard positions. Quarterback Frank Kremblas will be calling signals again for the Buckeye infantrymen (only 78 passes in 10 games), and speedy, driving Don Clark returns to halfback with Dick LeBeau. In Bob White OSU has an All-America fullback candidate who averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season and doubled as a center. A couple of promising sophomores, 240-pound Ernie Wright and Don Young, replace Thomas and Bill Jobko on the line. Other returnees include End Jim Houston, Tackles Jim Marshall and Dick Schafrath and Center Dan Fronk, light at 189 but the best pound-for-pound man on the line. Another winner will be toasted in Columbus.
SEPT. 27 | Southern Methodist (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Washington (35-7) |
OCT. 11 | at Illinois (21-7) |
OCT. 18 | Indiana (56-0) |
OCT. 25 | Wisconsin (16-13) |
NOV. 1 | at Northwestern (47-6) |
NOV. 8 | Purdue (20-7) |
NOV. 15 | at Iowa (17-13) |
NOV. 22 | Michigan (31-14) |
OKLAHOMA
Norman, Okla.
COLORS: Crimson and cream
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 9, lost 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 26 of 39
WATCH FOR: Two-way play of Dave Baker; a "running spread" formation
THE DOPE: Beaten for the first time in nearly five years and blanked for the first time in 12, the Sooners came back from their loss to Notre Dame to crush Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Duke. Coach Bud Wilkinson has lost all but three starters from that team, but there's no reason to believe he won't come up with another Big Eight titlist and perhaps his third national crown in four years. Chief problem is rebuilding the line. Among the five missing linemen is All-America Guard Bill Krisher, to be replaced by Dick Corbitt. Carl Dodd is succeeded at quarterback by Dave Baker and Brewster Hobby replaces All-America Halfback Clendon Thomas. The defense won't be as strong even with the return of star Center Bob Harrison. But Bud expects "to be a little more dangerous offensively." He'll make his running game more effective with a sharper passing attack built around Baker, Bobby Boyd and Ends Ross Coyle and Joe Rector. Jakie Sandefer and Fullback Dave Rolle complete the backfield. The Sooners should reign, again despite the ambush waiting at Colorado.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 27 | West Virginia (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Oregon (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Texas at Dallas (21-7) |
OCT. 18 | at Kansas (47-0) |
OCT. 25 | Kansas State (13-0) |
NOV. 1 | at Colorado (14-13) |
NOV. 8 | at Iowa State (40-14) |
NOV. 15 | Missouri (39-14) |
NOV. 22 | Nebraska (32-7) |
NOV. 29 | at Oklahoma State (53-6) |
OKLAHOMA STATE
Stillwater, Okla.
COLORS: Orange and black
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 29 of 37
WATCH FOR: Pass receiving of Jim Wood, running of Jim Wiggins
THE DOPE: The Cowboys, out of the Missouri Valley Conference and awaiting their Big Eight baptism in 1960, shape up as one of the top independents in the country. The return of 29 lettermen gives them their most experienced squad in years and their best depth since the 1946 Sugar Bowl championship team. Coach Cliff Speegle loses nothing of his good striking power on the ground or in the air. He has four lettermen quarterbacks led by Dave Cross, best runner of the bunch and a good short passer. Speedy Duane Wood and hard-running Jim Wiggins, the team's leading scorer with 62 points, will man the halfback slots. Larry Rundle, who averages five yards per carry, returns to fullback. Jim Wood, a top receiver who also averages 40 yards per punt, is top dog of a solid offensive line. The Cowboys also field one of the best tackles in the area, Jim Howard. Speegle's roster is not only loaded with lettermen but also is top-heavy with promising sophomores who will be seasoned veterans when OSU gets its first crack at the Big Eight title two years hence.
SEPT. 20 | at Denver (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | North Texas (25-19) |
OCT. 4 | at Wichita, N (26-0) |
OCT. 11 | at Tulsa (28-13) |
OCT. 18 | at Houston, N (6-6) |
OCT. 25 | at Cincinnati (no game) |
NOV. 1 | Air Force (no game) |
NOV. 8 | Kansas State (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Kansas (7-13) |
NOV. 29 | Oklahoma (6-53) |
PURDUE
Lafayette, Ind.
COLORS: Gold and black
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 26 of 40
WATCH FOR: Pass catching of Tom Franckhauser
THE DOPE: The Boilermakers finished last season with a 5-1 flourish that included a major upset over Michigan State. Twenty-six lettermen from that team are back, giving Coach Jack Mollenkopf a real dark-horse contender. Purdue's big backfield losses are Fullback Mel Dillard and Halfbacks Kenny Mikes (the Big Ten's leading punter) and Tommy Fletcher. Graduation also took a big chunk out of the center of the line, including "most valuable" Center Neil Habig. The Boilermakers still have two equally effective quarterbacks in Bob Spoo and Ross Fichtner, a 1-2 punch at fullback with leading ground-gainer Bob Jarus and Jim Redinger, plus a flock of good halfbacks. Probable starters are Tom Barnett and Leonard Wilson. Standouts among the returning linemen are Tom Franckhauser, the team's top pass receiver, and massive Tackles Nick Mumley (6 feet 6 inches, 240 pounds) and Gene Selawski (6 feet 4 inches, 248 pounds). Success of the team rests on juniors in the middle—Fred Brandel and John Ciccone at guards and Sam Joyner at center.
SEPT. 27 | Nebraska (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Rice, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Wisconsin (14-23) |
OCT. 18 | Michigan State (20-13) |
OCT. 25 | at Notre Dame (0-12) |
NOV. 1 | Illinois (21-6) |
NOV. 8 | at Ohio State (7-20) |
NOV. 15 | at Northwestern (27-0) |
NOV. 22 | Indiana (35-13) |
TULSA
Tulsa
COLORS: Red, blue and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: T and belly series
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 22 of 27
WATCH FOR: The power bursts of Halfback Ronnie Morris
THE DOPE: The Golden Hurricanes will make a race of it barring any more of the operations and flu epidemics which kept them winless until midseason last year. Twenty-two lettermen are back, giving Coach Bobby Dobbs a good first unit and a potentially sound second one. "The success of our team this year depends on the ability of the second team to play as much as the first," says Dobbs. "You can't play winning football without two teams." Dobbs's strength is his quarterbacks, where standout George Cagliola and Benny Davis return with two all-state freshmen, Bob West and Jerry Keeling. Behind them are senior Halfback Ronnie Morris, a New York Giants' draft choice after his sophomore year; Right Half Kelly Burden and Fullback John Arnold. A couple of 220-pounders, End Dick Brown and Tackle Opie Bandy, are top musclemen of a forward wall which could use more experienced tackles and linebackers. Tulsa opens with virtually the same schedule it stumbled through the first five weeks of '57, but the outcome should be different.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Hardin-Simmons, N (0-14) |
SEPT. 27 | at Arkansas (14-41) |
OCT. 4 | Arizona, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Oklahoma State (13-28) |
OCT. 18 | Drake (no game) |
OCT. 25 | at North Texas State (12-14) |
NOV. 1 | at Houston, N (7-13) |
NOV. 8 | at Cincinnati (12-7) |
NOV. 15 | Texas Tech (3-0) |
NOV. 27 | Wichita (24-0) |
WICHITA
Wichita, Kans.
COLORS: Black and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: T and split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 1, lost 9
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 13 of 28
WATCH FOR: Inside-outside running of fast and powerful Ted Dean
THE DOPE: The Wheatshockers have been hard hit by graduation but expect to be an improved team. That may not be too difficult a goal to achieve considering last season's ignominious record of nine defeats, including four shutouts. Coach Woody Woodard has lettermen back at every position but will lean heavily on a group of 38 sophomores and junior college transfers. "Our losses were heaviest in the line," says Woody, "but I can't help but think that with all of the big newcomers we have our line will be bigger, faster and stronger than last season." The big thing going for Woodard is 6-foot-2, 208-pound Halfback Ted Dean who led the varsity in every statistical department last year but passing. The 'Shockers might use him occasionally as a fullback. With the possible switch of Dean to full, Tom Wright and Dwight Dinsmore loom as halfback starters. Quarterback poses a problem, with Dick Young, Dick Johnson and transfer Passer Norm Cobb all taking a crack. Woodard's best linemen are Center Bob Cooper and Tackle Jack Deeter, back after a knee operation.
SEPT. 20 | Bowling Green, N (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at Cincinnati, N (13-19) |
OCT. 4 | Oklahoma State, N (0-26) |
OCT. 11 | at Houston, N (6-27) |
OCT. 25 | at Hardin-Simmons, N (14-27) |
NOV. 1 | Villanova, N (6-24) |
NOV. 8 | North Texas State, N (no game) |
NOV. 15 | at Drake (14-7) |
NOV. 22 | George Washington (no game) |
NOV. 27 | at Tulsa (0-24) |
WISCONSIN
Madison, Wis.
COLORS: Cardinal and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 26 of 34
WATCH FOR: The passing, breakaway running of Dale Hackbart
THE DOPE: The Big Ten championship could be decided Oct. 25 when the Badgers invade Columbus to challenge Ohio State. The same sophomore team that gave the Buckeyes their toughest conference battle will be back in force (26 lettermen), and if anybody's going to unseat the Ohioans, it will be Wisconsin. Coach Milt Bruhn's rushing attack, which ranked third in the conference and eighth in the nation, will be good despite the loss of Halfback Danny Lewis, and the defensive backfield will rank with the best. The Badgers also pose a serious aerial threat with such passers as Sid Williams and the man who took his quarterback job from him midway through the season, Dale Hackbart. Both are dangerous sprinters, too. Ed Hart, Ron Steiner or Billy Hobbs will work opposite Williams, and Jon Hobbs will share fullback duties with Bob Zeman. End Dave Kocourek and Tackle Dan Lanphear are mainstays of a fast, rugged line. Kocourek and Earl Hill are excellent pass receivers. Bruhn lacks depth in the center of the line, but the over-all picture is very bright.
SEPT. 26 | at Miami, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Marquette (60-6) |
OCT. 11 | Purdue (23-14) |
OCT. 18 | Iowa (7-21) |
OCT. 25 | at Ohio State (13-16) |
NOV. 1 | at Michigan State (7-21) |
NOV. 8 | Northwestern (41-12) |
NOV. 15 | at Illinois (24-13) |
NOV. 22 | Minnesota (14-6) |
ILLUSTRATION
PHOTO
JIM LEO MANS CINCINNATI FLANK
PHOTO
CO-CAPTAIN KARAS GETS THE PLUGS
PHOTO
BRUCE MAHER WILL HELP DETROIT RUN
PHOTO
JACK DELVEAUX IS OUT OF THE SHADOW
PHOTO
TAILBACK KENDRICK HAS A BURDEN
PHOTO
JOHN NOCERA LEADS THE HAWKEYES
PHOTO
DWIGHT NICHOLS, A VERY BUSY BACK
PHOTO
HOMER FLOYD MUST SHOW HIS SPEED
PHOTO
GENE MEIER SPARKS WILDCAT LINE
PHOTO
SILAS WOODS IS WARRIOR MAINSTAY
PHOTO
JOHN DREW, THE BRUISING LINEMAN
PHOTO
BOB PTACEK MAKES MICHIGAN RUN
PHOTO
TALENTED MSU END: SAM WILLIAMS
PHOTO
JIM REESE DIRECTS GOPHER ATTACK
PHOTO
HANK KUHLMANN HEADS TIGER BACKS
PHOTO
'HUSKERS COUNT ON LARRY NAVIAUX
PHOTO
JIM ANDREOTTI STARS AT CENTER
PHOTO
NICK PIETROSANTE POWERS THE IRISH
PHOTO
BOB WHITE: OSU'S BATTERING RAM
PHOTO
DAVE BAKER CALLS SOONER SIGNALS
PHOTO
COWBOY JIM WIGGINS SCORES OFTEN
PHOTO
ACE RECEIVER TOM FRANCKHAUSER
PHOTO
DICK BROWN IS RUGGED TULSA END
PHOTO
WICHITA MIDDLEMAN: BOB COOPER
PHOTO
BADGER BALL HAWK DAVE KOCOUREK