THE MIDWEST
The Midwest has been described as "the most American part of America" and "perhaps the richest area of its size mankind has known." Rich in fertile soil, tall corn, vast forests and great factories, it is rich in football tradition as well.
By and large, Midwesterners believe they have the best college football in the country. It is a point they feel has been undeniably established in the record books, in the national rankings and in intersectional games over the years. Card-carrying Southeastern and Southwest Conference fans may argue the matter until blue in the face; your Mid westerner simply accepts his football superiority on Saturday as part of the established order, along with church and chicken on Sunday.
The eminent teams are, of course, those of the big, rich schools of the Big Ten, of Notre Dame and of Oklahoma (the latter geographically in the Southwest but formally in the Midwest's Big Eight Conference).
If a certain amount of de-emphasis has set in—the Big Ten's inability to muster enough votes to renew its Rose Bowl contract after the present series expires on New Year's Day; the restrictive recruiting rules adopted in 1957, with grants-in-aid based on the athlete's need—enthusiasm for football has not fallen off one whit.
"I see no reason for a decline in interest around here because of the Rose Bowl picture," says Kenneth Doyle, a World War II fighter pilot who now runs a bar in Madison. "I think people realize that Wisconsin has a good football team this year. They'll go to see a good football team any time."
"I think," says Al McGuff, a Chicago businessman and talent scout for Purdue, "that each Big Ten school has a rivalry overshadowing the Rose Bowl. As far as I'm concerned, the Rose Bowl is an anticlimax."
Old Wisconsin grad William Nathanson, 47, a Chicago lawyer, is one who thinks the tough recruiting code is just fine. "We've got bigger squads now than we ever had," Nathanson says. "We lose a few kids, but those are the kids who are out for the buck. Generally, they don't turn out to be such good players anyway. We're rather proud of the way the program has been working out. The effect is to give a boy the impetus to make the top quarter of his high school class. We're making scholars out of these kids as well as football players."
Columbus insurance salesman Joe Boyce is counting on that old prestidigitator Woody Hayes to bring off another fine Buckeye season. Although he feels Ohio State does not pass enough and admits that the team may be a trifle green this fall, Boyce says, "Hayes knows what he's doing. That Woody, he's smart."
Coach Forest Evashevski of Iowa's Rose Bowl champions has imbued all Hawkeyes with a similar spirit. Says Ralph Young, publisher of the Marion, Iowa Sentinel: "We were down so low so long that it's a wonderful feeling to know we can hold our own with any of them now. We can hold our heads up."
For Waldo Ames, a former track athlete and now a Chicago insurance executive, football means a chance to see old friends. "I think the game has a great value in that it keeps the older alumni tied to their schools," Ames says. "This wouldn't be possible if it wasn't such a wonderful game. It has an interest above all other sports. It's a sport in which everybody pictures himself as the hero."
To Mrs. Betty Young, 37, paralyzed from the neck down and imprisoned in an iron lung, the season is a wondrous time. She will be taken to most of the Iowa home games on her portable bed. "I've got my Minnesota tickets already," she says. "I think I'll get a season ticket. I just get football fever, that's all. It's one of those intangibles that kicks you in the seat of the pants and makes you want to yell, 'Rah! rah! rah!' "
At South Bend the furor over the Brennan affair died down long ago. At Christmastime, when young Terry Brennan was fired as coach of Notre Dame after five reasonably good but not Notre Dame-good years, fans were passionately split for and against the move. Now the fans have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. New Coach Joe Kuharich, back at his old school after a spell of coaching the professional Washington Redskins, has generally been well accepted. He is considered a bit distant, rather aloof compared with Brennan, but he has been extremely careful to avoid controversy.
The word from South Bend is that Kuharich, not surprisingly, is dead serious about football. He had better be.
Down at Oklahoma, which is engraved "Oklahoma!" as in the hit musical in the minds of suffering opponents, the waving wheat smells just as sweet as it ever did, and Coach Bud Wilkinson, the smiling genius of the prairie, has one of the best teams of his improbable career (114 games won, 10 lost and three tied).
People in the Big Eight, however, just can't get themselves worked up over football as hotly as their neighboring fans of the Big Ten. With Oklahoma 99.44% sure of winning the conference title again, as it has the last 12 years running, the Big Eight race lacks an element of suspense. The contrast is especially strong this year, when at least five Big Ten teams—Wisconsin, Purdue, Iowa, Ohio State and Northwestern—have preseason support as championship contenders.
In any case, campuses large and small, from Muskingum to Minneapolis, share the unique electricity that comes with the beginning of a football season, whatever the state of the various teams and conferences.
"I like football, love it," says William Porter, 40, an Iowa professor in the School of Communications, "but that doesn't mean I'm going to kneel down and light candles for any tired old academic war horse.
"Football means a certain type of excitement when school opens. It is purely a calendar experience, but it comes closer to bringing the whole campus together at one time than anything else. It means bands, color and our guys playing their guys."
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BOWLING GREEN
Bowling Green, Ohio
Colors: Brown and orange
THE DOPE: The Falcons at the conclusion of the season will be back at their old stand in the Mid-American Conference. In the past four years they have finished between first and third, and they should be in between that this year. Coach Doyt Perry, a disciple and former aide to Ohio State's Woody Hayes, has a sharp-throwing quarterback in Bob Colburn (87 attempts, 46 completions for 52.9%). Colburn has two crack catchers in End Tom Colaner and Halfback Bernard Casey, last season's leading receiver (16 receptions). With only plunging Fullback Jerry Dianiska and Halfback Casey as the main running threats, the Falcons will have to revise their offensive thinking. The line at both end and tackle still impresses, for here they have all-conference hopefuls in Colaner and Tackle Bob Zimpfer. At center is strong but untried Sophomore Ray Kwiatkowski, while the guards, Dan Roberds and Jerry Colaner, have no backers.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 2, tied 0
SEPT. 26 at Marshall, N (21-7)
OCT. 3 Dayton (25-0)
OCT. 10 Western Michigan (40-6)
OCT. 17 Toledo (31-16)
OCT. 24 at Kent State (7-8)
OCT. 31 Miami (Ohio) (14-28)
NOV. 7 at Southern Illinois (no game)
NOV. 14 Delaware (no game)
NOV. 21 at Ohio University (33-6)
CINCINNATI
Cincinnati
Colors: Red and black
THE DOPE: The Bearcats might appear like easy pickings to the rest of the Missouri Valley Conference; but beware. Coach George Blackburn lost seven starters from last year's team, including the entire backfield except for Quarterback Jack Lee. But at end 216-pound Jim Leo cavorts in a manner that excites the pros, while opposite End Dave Canary is a bear for contact, and at tackle Max Messner, a 227-pound converted guard, is a mite rough on rival ball carriers. But best of all is Quarterback Lee, who works the wing T and flanker T successfully, sometimes passing short and sometimes long and most always finding the mark. The empty hole at tackle will be filled by a rangy, rough sophomore, Gus Schmidt, while the fullback void has been plugged by Ed Banks, a burly, fast 201-pound sophomore speedster. The Bearcats may hurt from inexperience early in the schedule, but they should come around fast enough to be a contender.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 2, tied 2
SEPT. 19 at Oklahoma State (14-19)
SEPT. 26 Dayton, N (14-0)
OCT. 3 at Houston, N (13-34)
OCT. 10 North Texas, N (8-8)
OCT. 17 at Wichita, N (16-16)
OCT. 24 College of Pacific (12-6)
OCT. 31 Xavier (Ohio) (14-8)
NOV. 7 at Tulsa (15-6)
NOV. 14 Marquette (15-0)
NOV. 26 Miami (Ohio) (18-7)
DAYTON
Dayton
Colors: Blue and red
THE DOPE: The Flyers, though long on linemen, are almost backless. Coach Bud Kerr must look to the sophomores to fill the backfield positions as the 1958 returnees don't have the talent to man his spread T formation. Sophomore Dan Laughlin has moved into the starting quarterback position by showing running ability along with a deft ball-handling touch, but he has yet to indicate any particular skill as a passer. Sophomores Milton Kam, Frank Gniazdowski and Joe Grieco will be shifted to starting roles to give the Flyers more offensive go. The line is liberally endowed with strong, fast workers, and there is not only quantity here but also quality. End Tony Latell, 6 feet 1 inch, 215 pounds, proved to be tough on defense and a pass-catching glutton. The Flyers will also have strong linebacking due to Guard Steve Palenchar, a 5-foot-9, 200-pounder, who is a hard-charging offensive blocker.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 2, lost 8, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Richmond, N (13-12)
SEPT. 26 at Cincinnati, N (0-14)
OCT. 3 at Bowling Green (0-25)
OCT. 10 at Holy Cross (0-26)
OCT. 17 at Louisville, N (26-13)
OCT. 24 Xavier (Ohio), N (0-16)
OCT. 31 at Villanova (6-9)
NOV. 7 Detroit (7-27)
NOV. 14 Miami (Ohio) (0-34)
NOV. 21 Wichita (no game)
DETROIT
Detroit
Colors: Cardinal and white
THE DOPE: The Titans, bustling and busy under new Coach Jim Miller, will have trouble improving on last year's 4-4-1 record. The squad has 20 lettermen back and a new system—the straight T with flankers. A determined organizer, Coach Miller sifted through the 97 men that turned out for spring practice before he came up with Tony Hanley, a slight 151-pounder, to fill the vacant quarterback job. Hanley had an unpromising 14 for 46 passing record last season. There will be exceptional receivers in Halfback Bruce Maher and Ends Tom Chapman, Dennis Flynn and Larry Vargo. Vargo, a sophomore, looks like a real find with a slashing defensive style; and Maher is an exceptional offensive player who has pass defense shortcomings but makes up with his speed around end on pitchouts and by slipping behind the defenders to grab passes. The line is big and ponderous and reacts a shade too slow for the hectic pace of the T formation.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 4, tied 1
SEPT. 18 George Washington, N (21-6)
SEPT. 26 at Marquette, N (14-14)
OCT. 2 Kentucky, N (no game)
OCT. 9 at Tulane, N (no game)
OCT. 17 Xavier (Ohio), N (31-6)
OCT. 24 at Tulsa (no game)
OCT. 30 Boston College, N (0-40)
Nov. 7 at Dayton (27-7)
NOV. 14 at Western Michigan (no game)
NOV. 21 Villanova (0-7)
ILLINOIS
Urbana, Ill.
Colors: Orange and blue
THE DOPE: The Fightin' Illini Coach Ray Eliot's lame duck year will measure up to Big Ten physical standards for the first time in five years. The linemen, in particular, fill out their game uniforms to the gussets. The heft even spreads to the backfield; it is only at the flanks and at quarterback that the football beef is lean. Quarterback John Easterbrook, a 5-foot-8 ball-handling dandy, is merely adequate as a thrower but manages the Illinois T and sliding T formations slickly. Easterbrook could keep his jersey spotless if he would remain in the tight passing pocket created by the blocking of Guards John Gremer and Bill Burrell, and Joe Rutgens, the 240-pound terrier-quick tackle. However, his lack of size forces Easterbrook to roll out in order to spot his favorite receiver. The Illini, heavier and faster than last year, are talented in spots but are deficient at linebacker and on the bench. Their rise will be limited.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 5, tied 0
SEPT. 26 at Indiana (no game)
OCT. 3 Army (no game)
OCT. 10 at Ohio State (13-19)
OCT. 17 Minnesota (20-8)
OCT. 24 Penn St. at Cleveland (no game)
OCT. 31 Purdue (8-31)
NOV. 7 Michigan (21-8)
NOV. 14 at Wisconsin (12-31)
NOV. 21 Northwestern (27-20)
INDIANA
Bloomington, Ind.
Colors: Cream and crimson
THE DOPE: The Hoosiers have a renewed interest in football. Indiana, long a runt pine amidst the Big Ten's tall timber, cut down Minnesota, Michigan State, Michigan and tied Purdue all in successive weeks last year, finishing the season with a 5-3-1 record in their first season under Coach Phil Dickens and his single wing. Out to improve upon last year's record, Indiana must now replace the entire middle of the line. Lettermen Guards Elvin Caldwell and Dan Noone move up to starting roles, though neither has proved himself to be more than barely adequate. The center slot will be filled by Sophomore Walt Thomas, poised but inexperienced. With Ted Aucreman and All-America candidate Earl Faison manning the flanks, the opposition will have no place to run but inside. Faison, a 230-pounder, proved himself as talented at cornering passes as opposing runners. Tailback Ted Smith is an elusive runner but weak on passing.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 5, lost 3, tied 1
SEPT. 26 Illinois (no game)
OCT. 3 at Minnesota (6-0)
OCT. 10 Marquette (no game)
OCT. 17 at Nebraska (no game)
OCT. 24 at Michigan State (6-0)
OCT. 31 at Northwestern (no game)
NOV. 7 at Ohio State (8-49)
NOV. 14 Michigan (8-6)
NOV. 21 Purdue (15-15)
IOWA
Iowa City, Iowa
Colors: Gold and black
THE DOPE: The Hawkeyes in Iowa City have no joy, for the mighty Mitch Ogiego and the fleet Willie Fleming have flunked out and gone on to the Canadian pros. Ogiego was to replace the graduated Randy Duncan at quarterback and make the high-spirited Iowa wing T offense step out. His scholastic failure created an almost impossible problem for Coach Forest Evashevski, who now must count only on Olen Treadway—who can't pass. Otherwise, Iowa will have much the same cast that routed California in the Rose Bowl: All-America Curt Merz and Co-captain Don Norton at ends; Bill Lapham, possible All-America, at center; Don Horn at fullback; and Bob Jeter, the gold-dust halfback, joined by Co-captain Ray Jauch to form a formidable phalanx of football talent. Iowa was being boomed for the No. 1 national ranking, but now it will have to shore up the defense to stay in the running for Big Ten honors.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 1, tied 1
SEPT. 26 at California (no game)
OCT. 3 Northwestern (26-20)
OCT. 10 Michigan State (no game)
OCT. 17 at Wisconsin (20-9)
OCT. 24 at Purdue (no game)
OCT. 31 Kansas State (no game)
NOV. 7 Minnesota (28-6)
NOV. 14 at Ohio State (28-38)
NOV. 21 Notre Dame (31-21)
IOWA STATE
Ames, Iowa
Colors: Cardinal and gold
THE DOPE: The Cyclones won't blow up much of a storm, as they are a little undersized for the rest of the Big Eight. Coach Clay Stapleton has 15 lettermen back and has suffered only two significant losses—End Gale Gibson and Fullback Bob Harden—from last year's starting eleven. Tailback Dwight Nichols is the key to the Cyclone single wing. He has been an all-conference back the last two years; as a sophomore he was the leading passer in the conference and as a junior he was the leading ground-gainer. Now in his senior year, Nichols could be in line for All-America honors. Sophomore Guard Hank Vogelman and swift-swarming Tackle Larry Van Der Heydon at 200 pounds are the heaviest linemen, while Fullback Tom Watkins, a 182-pound speedster, looms as the weightiest backfield starter. The Cyclones will be well drilled, but the team doesn't have the speed to compensate for its lack of size.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 6, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Drake (33-0)
SEPT. 25 at Denver (no game)
OCT. 3 Missouri (6-14)
OCT. 10 at South Dakota (53-0)
OCT. 17 at Colorado (0-20)
OCT. 24 Kansas State (6-14)
OCT. 31 at Kansas (0-7)
NOV. 7 Nebraska (6-7)
NOV. 15 San Jose State (9-6)
NOV. 21 at Oklahoma (0-20)
KANSAS
Lawrence, Kans.
Colors: Crimson and blue
THE DOPE: The Jayhawks would like to take to the air, but their material looks more suited to ground travel. Quarterback Bill Crank, a strong runner, also handles Coach Jack Mitchell's sliding T formation competently. although he is not fully recovered from a knee operation. The backfield has no real speed but shows good power. John Peppercorn, all-conference tackle, has switched to end, and the 198-pounder handles all the end chores well, including receiving passes. Two sophomores, John Hadl, a strong defensive player with a great punting potential, and Curtis McClinton, a 210-pound powerhouse, are making a strong play for starting berths. Doyle Schick holds the fullback hopes. The line looks steady and strong, particularly on defense. Dale Remsberg at end and Ken Fitch at tackle appear ripe for outstanding seasons. Six-foot 5-inch, 220-pound junior transfer Fred Hageman moves in at center.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 5, tied 1
SEPT. 19 at Texas Christian, N (0-42)
SEPT. 26 at Syracuse (no game)
OCT. 3 Boston U. (no game)
OCT. 10 at Nebraska (29-7)
OCT. 17 Kansas State (21-12)
OCT. 24 at Oklahoma (0-43)
OCT. 31 Iowa State (7-0)
NOV. 7 at Colorado (0-31)
NOV. 14 Oklahoma State (3-6)
NOV. 21 Missouri (13-13)
KANSAS STATE
Manhattan, Kans.
Colors: Purple and white
THE DOPE: The Wildcats, bigger and better than last year but not overconfident, will impress with their increased offensive power. The team needs time to solidify, time for the juniors and sophomores to get blooded. The line appears to be strong and fast enough but may make mistakes early in the schedule. John Stoltle, 235-pound senior tackle, is like a house-wrecking crew as he uses his strength and mobility on enemy blockers and ball carriers. Meanwhile, Dave Noblitt, 205-pound guard, presses opposing linemen, keeping them constantly off balance. Coach Bus Mertes may play scrappy Al Kouneski, a sophomore, at center although he lacks experience at the position. The quarterbacking could be exceptional if John Solmos, sharp-throwing, slick-handling wing T operator, is able to gain game confidence. Halfbacks George Whitney, a scatback, and Bill Gallagher, a heavyweight powerback, bring variety to the backfield.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 3, lost 7, tied 0
SEPT. 10 Wichita (no game)
SEPT. 26 at South Dakota N (no game)
OCT. 3 Oklahoma State (7-14)
OCT. 10 Colorado (3-13)
OCT. 17 at Kansas (12-21)
OCT. 24 at Iowa State (14-6)
OCT. 31 at Iowa (no game)
NOV. 7 Oklahoma (6-40)
NOV. 14 at Missouri (8-32)
NOV. 21 Nebraska (23-6)
MARQUETTE
Milwaukee
Colors: Blue and gold
THE DOPE: The Warriors will greet ex-Coach Lisle Blackbourn, who recently returned from four years with the Green Bay Packers, with a sizable senior squad. Coach Blackbourn is brightened considerably by the 23 returning lettermen and a first-unit line that averages 215 pounds. The line is led by Herb Roedel, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound guard, and shows excellent mobility. However, the lack of depth at center and at guard is apt to take its effect late in the tough schedule. The Warriors will use a pro-style slot-T offense. Quarterback Pete Hall can throw, and he will have four good receivers to go get the passes. End Larry Hubbard, 6 feet 1 inch, 215 pounds, is a jimdandy on defense. Hall will loft the ball up to 6-foot-7 Sophomore End George Andrie and out to slotback Silas Woods. In Fullback Frank Mestnik the Warriors have the complete ballplayer who runs hard, tackles decisively, blocks efficiently and will be sought by the pros.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 2, lost 7, tied 1
SEPT. 19 Pittsburgh (no game)
SEPT. 26 Detroit (14-14)
OCT. 3 at Wisconsin (0-50)
OCT. 10 at Indiana (no game)
OCT. 17 at College of Pacific, N (27-18)
OCT. 24 at Boston College (13-21)
OCT. 31 Oklahoma State (no game)
NOV. 7 North Dakota State (no game)
NOV. 14 at Cincinnati (0-15)
NOV. 21 Holy Cross (0-14)
MIAMI (OHIO)
Oxford, Ohio
Colors: Red and white
THE DOPE: The Redskins, famous for their coaching graduates—Paul Brown, Paul Dietzl, Weeb Ewbank and Earl Blaik—always provide top entertainment. This year Coach John Pont shuffles his 20 returning lettermen to come up with a solid lineup. It's operation big switch with three calculated shifts: Dale Chamberlin, 210-pound tackle, becomes a fullback; Gary Cobb moves over to starting guard to pair with Gary Huber to make this the strongest line position; and Bill Miller, a fullback, switches to halfback. The tackle situation lacks neither size nor talent—just experience. Juniors Ron Brooks and Bob Fletcher have the edge, but either could be unseated by Dave Stebner, the 240-pound sophomore. The running is sound, as both halfbacks, Dave Girbert and Bill Miller, have power. Meanwhile, Quarterback Tom Kilmurray, a good passer, sets up the straight T and flanker situations deftly.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 3, tied 0
SEPT. 26 at Western Michigan (34-20)
OCT. 3 Xavier (Ohio) (8-22)
OCT. 10 at Kent. State (35-0)
OCT. 17 Villanova (no game)
OCT. 24 Ohio U. (14-10)
OCT. 31 at Bowling Green (28-14)
NOV. 7 Toledo (no game)
NOV. 14 at Dayton (34-0)
NOV. 26 at Cincinnati (7-18)
MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Colors: Maize and blue
THE DOPE: The Wolverines will be starting anew after last fall's dismal 2-6-1 record. There will be a new coach (Bump Elliott), a new system (wing T) and a lot of new faces. Elliott is hoping to find a superior passing quarterback in hitherto unpredictable Stan Noskins. The rest of the backfield—Brad Myers at right half, Darrell Harper at left half and John Walker at fullback—has the speed and power to keep opposing defensemen honest. The ends are the X quantity as they lack the size and experience usually associated with Michigan flankers. Candidates Bob Johnson and John Halstead are expected to start there, but they need to improve. The line generally will be lighter and hopefully faster, but the interior linemen led by Captain George Genyk appear undersized for Big Ten play. Twenty-three lettermen returning and 23 sophomores moving up should provide a modest improvement in the record.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 2, lost 6, tied 1
SEPT. 26 Missouri (no game)
OCT. 3 Michigan State (12-12)
OCT. 10 Oregon State (no game)
OCT. 17 Northwestern (24-55)
OCT. 24 at Minnesota (20-19)
OCT. 31 Wisconsin (no game)
NOV. 7 at Illinois (8-21)
NOV. 14 at Indiana (6-8)
NOV. 21 Ohio State (14-20)
MICHIGAN STATE
East Lansing, Mich.
Colors: Green and white
THE DOPE: The Spartans failed—believe it or not—to win a single conference game in 1958, managing to avert a Big Ten shutout only by tying Michigan. This fall, with 24 lettermen returning and Coach Duffy Daugherty with a job to worry about, the men from East Lansing are bound to move up in the standings. Daugherty is not without problems, however. He has but two established linemen: Captain Don Wright, a guard who shifted from center, and Tackle Palmer Pyle, around whom a new line will be built. The backfield is strong, with Dean Look, an outstanding ball carrier and passer who will be shifted from halfback to quarterback, and Blanche Martin, a freewheeling fullback now recovered from a knee operation, while Sophomore Halfback Gary Bollman provides outstanding running support. A new formation, the double wing T, and greater team speed make the Spartans a good long shot for Big Ten honors.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 3, lost 5, tied 1
SEPT. 26 Texas A & M (no game)
OCT. 3 at Michigan (12-12)
OCT. 10 at Iowa (no game)
OCT. 17 Notre Dame (no game)
OCT. 24 Indiana (0-6)
OCT. 31 at Ohio State (no game)
NOV. 7 Purdue (6-14)
NOV. 14 Northwestern (no game)
NOV. 20 at Miami, N (no game)
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis
Colors: Maroon and gold
THE DOPE: The Gophers, short of talent and racked by administrative feuding, will be skinned and stuffed by Big Ten hunters. The line is skin thin after the graduation of six of the seven 1958 starters but will be rebuilt with lettermen. Captain Mike Wright will be joined by converted End Jerry Friend at tackle. Greg Larson at center and Guards Tom Brown and Jerry Shelter all lettered last year. The end material, though not distinctive, appears to be improved with high-reaching Dick Johnson at one flank and Sophomore Tom Hall at the other. An infusion of newcomers—Stan Stephens, a 205-pound hard-running bullet-passing quarterback, Judge Dickson and Tom King at halfbacks—mixed with holdover line crusher Roger Hagberg at fullback should perk up the wing T offense. The Gophers, sizable but slow, lack reserves and brilliance in any one department, so there is little pleasure in sight for Coach Murray Warmath.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 1, lost 8, tied 0
SEPT. 26 Nebraska (no game)
OCT. 3 Indiana (0-6)
OCT. 10 at Northwestern (3-7)
OCT. 17 at Illinois (8-20)
OCT. 24 Michigan (19-20)
OCT. 31 Vanderbilt (no game)
NOV. 7 at Iowa (6-28)
NOV. 14 at Purdue (no game)
NOV. 21 Wisconsin (12-27)
MISSOURI
Columbia, Mo.
Colors: Gold and black
THE DOPE: The Tigers from Ole' Mizzou will play rack-'em smack-'em football, the only way Coach Dan Devine knows how to instruct. The Tigers are just shy of being a good club, with 19 hustling lettermen returning. Missouri will be slow afoot except at halfback, where hefty scooter back Mel West can really go. Phil Snowden. the quarterback play caller in Coach Devine's multiple offense, can throw them long and punt them longer. Snowden has two top receivers in a pair of 6-foot-4 ends, Marv LaRose and Russ Sloan. LaRose, an all-conference pick, caught 14 passes, while his blocking and tackling resounded around Big Eight stadiums. Though light in spots, the first-unit line shapes up as an efficient combination. Mike Majac, at 208 pounds, is a stripling tackle, makes up for his slight size by fierce, heady play. An acute lack of guard and tackle depth and negligible sophomore aid cast a slight pall over the Tigers' hopes.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
SEPT. 19 Penn State (no game)
SEPT. 26 at Michigan (no game)
OCT. 3 at Iowa State (14-6)
OCT. 9 at SMU, N (19-32)
OCT. 17 Oklahoma (0-39)
OCT. 24 Nebraska (31-0)
OCT. 31 at Colorado (33-0)
NOV. 7 Air Force Academy (no game)
NOV. 14 Kansas State (32-8)
NOV. 21 at Kansas (13-13)
NEBRASKA
Lincoln, Neb.
Colors: Scarlet and cream
THE DOPE: The Cornhuskers have had shaky going the last three years. Starting in 1956, Coach Bill Jennings' first year, the team has been 4-6-0, 1-9-0 and 3-7-0. The prospects for 1959 are improved by the availability of three transfer students: Tom Kramer, a fleet ball handler, provides Coach Jennings with a running quarterback, enabling him to drop the multiple offense and return to the split-T; Darrell Cooper, the 225-pound center, the best and biggest they've had in some time, releases last year's center, Don Fricke, for regular fullback duties; George Haney, another 225-pounder, lumbers into a starting tackle role. Thus far the best lineman appears to be holdover junior tackle Roland McDole. The prospects for an improved standing depend upon the development of the sophomores, as the 19 lettermen returning just don't have enough talent. A vicious schedule offers little comfort for a team relying on transfers and sophomores.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 3, lost 7, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Texas (no game)
SEPT. 26 at Minnesota (no game)
OCT. 3 Oregon State (no game)
OCT. 10 Kansas (7-29)
OCT. 17 Indiana (no game)
OCT. 24 Missouri (0-31)
OCT. 31 Oklahoma (7-40)
NOV. 7 at Iowa State (7-6)
NOV. 14 Colorado (16-27)
NOV. 21 Kansas State (6-23)
NORTHWESTERN
Evanston, Ill.
Colors: Purple and white
THE DOPE: The Wildcats, after stumbling about in the wastelands of the second division for 10 years, are about to be led into the promised land—the Big Ten first division. Coach Ara Parseghian has 26 lettermen back. The starting lineup is studded with players of exceptional ability: Center Jim Andreotti is a particularly able and smart linebacker; Tackle Gene Gossage has a strong, crisp charge; End Elbert Kimbrough is a top receiver; Halfback Ron Burton is perhaps the best all-round back in the conference; while Dick Thornton as a sophomore quarterback last year led the conference in total offense. All this starting talent could lead to stadium-filling optimism. Parseghian will augment his straight T with more flankers and split-end formations. A weak bench, a tough schedule and a fullback problem could be overcome by the outstanding ability of the starting eleven and an even-Stephen league.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 5, lost 4, tied 0
SEPT. 26 Oklahoma (no game)
OCT. 3 at Iowa (20-26)
OCT. 10 Minnesota (7-3)
OCT. 17 at Michigan (55-24)
OCT. 24 at Notre Dame (no game)
OCT. 31 Indiana (no game)
NOV. 7 Wisconsin (13-17)
NOV. 14 at Michigan State (no game)
Nov. 21 at Illinois (20-27)
NOTRE DAME
South Bend, Ind.
Colors: Blue and gold
THE DOPE: The Irish will do their fighting like pros this year. Their attack will be the Washington Redskins' favorite—the straight T with an unbalanced line—installed by ex-Redskin Coach Joe Kuharich and his NFL-trained aides. At the quarterback controls will be George Izo, big and far-throwing—the way the National Football League likes 'em. For his prime target he will have Monty Stickles. Izo will have two fast halfbacks—Pat Doyle and Bill Mack—to grab the handoffs. From this point the Irish dwindle to collegiate caliber and an unpromising shade of green. The tackle problem will be eased by installing Sophomore George Williams, but the fullback solution figures to be makeshift with Halfback Jim Crotty moving over. A rebuilding year similar to 1956 (2-8-0) but an easier schedule and three possible All-Americas (Stickles, Izo and Red Mack) may preserve a degree of satisfaction for old pro Joe Kuharich.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 4, tied 0
SEPT. 26 North Carolina (34-24)
OCT. 3 at Purdue (22-29)
OCT. 10 at California (no game)
OCT. 17 at Michigan State (no game)
OCT. 24 Northwestern (no game)
OCT. 31 Navy (40-20)
NOV. 7 Georgia Tech (no game)
NOV. 14 at Pittsburgh (26-29)
NOV. 21 at Iowa (21-31)
OHIO STATE
Columbus, Ohio
Colors: Scarlet and gray
THE DOPE: The Buckeyes' bulldozing, barrel-house style will undergo a thinking man's change. For 13 years Coach Woody Hayes has abided by his own adage: "When you start getting fancy you start losing." Now the word out of Columbus is of zippy trick plays and pass patterns. Nonetheless, Hayes has all the material he needs to make Ohio's conservative old system go. Returning is bruising All-America Fullback Bob White, while up from the freshmen is Bob Ferguson, a 217-pound halfback with end-turning quickness. Complementing the backfield are little Jim Herbstreit, a rapid scatback, and Jerry Fields, a strong heavyweight quarterback who throws well. The line, anchored by All-America End Jim Houston, may lack the depth of previous years, but two freshmen, End Tom Perdue and Center Jene Watkins, are the big hopes. The Buckeyes are bound to be bold but no better than last year.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 1, tied 2
SEPT. 26 Duke (no game)
OCT. 2 at Southern Calif., N (no game)
OCT. 10 Illinois (19-13)
OCT. 17 Purdue (14-14)
OCT. 24 at Wisconsin (7-7)
OCT. 31 Michigan State (no game)
NOV. 7 Indiana (49-8)
NOV. 14 Iowa (38-28)
NOV. 21 at Michigan (20-14)
OKLAHOMA
Norman, Okla.
Colors: Crimson and cream
THE DOPE: The Sooners will once again run away from the seven other teams in the ill-matched Big Eight. Speed—speed—speed will do it. Coach Bud Wilkinson, an expert two-unit manipulator, has 24 lettermen back. The first unit, thanks to the vicious ground bursts of Fullback Prentice Gautt, a genuine All-America candidate, will be able to mount a diversified attack. Quarterback Bobby Boyd has proved that he has mastered Coach Wilkinson's split-T and multiple offense techniques. Two Texans, Tackle Gilmer Lewis and Center Jim Davis, team with an Oklahoma guard, Jerry Thompson, to lead a herd of lean and eager linemen. The second unit will be shy on experience, as most of the holes have been filled by sophomores, but there are some good ones. The best appear to be two tackles, Tom Cox and Karl Milstead. The Sooners, with the most dazzling footwork in college football, could go undefeated.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 9, lost 1, tied 0
SEPT. 26 at Northwestern (no game)
OCT. 3 Colorado (23-7)
OCT. 10 Texas at Dallas (14-15)
OCT. 17 at Missouri (39-0)
OCT. 24 Kansas (43-0)
OCT. 31 at Nebraska (40-7)
NOV. 7 at Kansas State (40-6)
NOV. 14 Army (no game)
NOV. 21 Iowa State (20-0)
NOV. 28 Oklahoma State (7-0)
OKLAHOMA STATE
Stillwater, Okla.
Colors: Orange and black
THE DOPE: The Cowboys last year put their brand on seven teams and almost upset their powerful neighbor, Oklahoma. Score: Oklahoma 7-Oklahoma State 0. This season the Cowboys will be hard put to stave off last year's victims, as they have lost 16 lettermen including nine starters. Coach Cliff Speegle has some large holes to fill in the starting lineup. Fortunately, the Cowboys have Dick Soergel returning, and he is one of the best passers ever to peer out of the T formation at OSU. In Sophomore Fullback Jim Dillard the Cowboys have a 200-pounder who has been called the best back ever recruited by Speegle or his assistants. Center is well taken care of by 220-pound Don Hitt, who backs up the line and protects the passer with equal vigor and skill. The Cowboys appear to be woefully short of depth, especially at guard and end, and must rely primarily upon sophomores for their alternate unit strength.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 3, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Cincinnati (19-15)
SEPT. 25 at Arkansas (no game)
OCT. 3 at Kansas State (14-7)
OCT. 10 Tulsa (16-24)
OCT. 17 Houston (7-0)
OCT. 24 Wichita (43-12)
OCT. 31 Marquette (no game)
NOV. 7 Denver (31-14)
NOV. 14 at Kansas (6-3)
NOV. 28 at Oklahoma (0-7)
PURDUE
Lafayette, Ind.
Colors: Gold and black
THE DOPE: The Boilermakers have been four years building up enough steam to take them to the top. This could be the year. With 24 lettermen back, Coach Jack Mollenkopf is well fixed for seasoned players. Last year Purdue ranked second nationally in total defense, and all of the regulars at center and at guard are back. It is only at tackle and end where the team will be short of experience. The backfield incorporates the good speed of breakaway Halfback Joe Kulbaki with the jarring power of Fullback Bob Jarus. Ross Fichtner at quarterback is a ho-hum passer but a shrewd straight T tactician and an able ball handler. Ron Maltony in the middle and Dick Brooks at end stand out in what appears to be a talented line. Purdue looks like the dark horse in a Big Ten race which is without a stickout team, but a wicked schedule for the first five games may force Purdue to use up its steam too early in the season.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 1, tied 2
SEPT. 18 at UCLA, N (no game)
OCT. 3 Notre Dame (29-22)
OCT. 10 Wisconsin (6-31)
OCT. 17 at Ohio State (14-14)
OCT. 24 Iowa (no game)
OCT. 31 at Illinois (31-8)
NOV. 7 at Michigan State (14-6)
NOV. 14 Minnesota (no game)
NOV. 21 at Indiana (15-15)
TULSA
Tulsa
Colors: Blue, crimson and gold
THE DOPE: The Hurricanes are hardy and hustling but handicapped by the inexperience of the tackles and ends. The latter can either catch but can't tackle, or tackle but can't catch. The tackles are more promising as Coach Bobby Dobbs has come up with an important transfer—junior college All-America Art Murphy—and red shirt Bill Zaleski. None of these will be competition for Joe Novsek, 6 feet 4 inches and 223 pounds, who is of all-conference caliber. The guards will be solid, as Seniors Chuck Janssen and John Girdano have substantial sophomore Charlie Batton, 6 feet 6 inches, 270 pounds, to back them up. In Quarterback Jerry Keeling, a standout as a sophomore, the Hurricanes have the kind of passer that hits the deep receiver. Fullback Bob Brumble and Sophomore Halfback Jack Kreider are the hard-running punch of the offense. Defensively uncertain, the Hurricanes may be particularly vulnerable to passing.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 3, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Arkansas (27-14)
SEPT. 26 New Mexico State, N (no game)
OCT. 3 at Texas Tech, N (9-7)
OCT. 10 at Oklahoma State (24-16)
OCT. 17 Hardin-Simmons (0-14)
OCT. 24 Detroit (no game)
OCT. 31 Houston (25-20)
NOV. 7 Cincinnati (6-15)
NOV. 14 North Texas State (7-8)
NOV. 26 at Wichita (25-6)
WICHITA
Wichita, Kans.
Colors: Yellow and black
THE DOPE: The Wheatshockers still lack a full complement of first-string caliber to fill out their inadequate ranks. They have several outstanding ballplayers but not nearly enough just plain good ones. Coach Woody Woodard is most apt to enthuse about Fullback Ted Dean, a 6-foot-2, 208-pound line thumper, and, perhaps in the same breath, go on at length about 6-foot-4, 235-pound Center Roland Lakes, a junior giant. Quarterback Dick Young is one of the better players. He passed for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns last year. The 5-foot-9 quarterback tied the school record for interceptions when he gathered in six last season. After Young the material falls off to adequate players like Senior End Ray Wichert, the team's best pass catcher but defensively undistinguished. From there the Wheatshockers dwindle down to position fillers. Wichita is strong down the middle, but there will be no titles or bowl bids here.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 5, tied 1
SEPT. 19 at Kansas State (no game)
SEPT. 26 Hardin-Simmons, N (6-13)
OCT. 9 at George Washington, N (26-12)
OCT. 17 Cincinnati, N (16-16)
OCT. 24 at Oklahoma State (12-43)
OCT. 31 at North Texas State (15-13)
NOV. 7 Houston (0-44)
NOV. 14 Drake (32-8)
NOV. 21 at Dayton (no game)
NOV. 26 Tulsa (6-25)
WISCONSIN
Madison, Wis.
Colors: Cardinal and white
THE DOPE: The Badgers look forward to 1959 as the year of fulfillment. This is much the same club that compiled a promising record as sophomores (6-3) and improved upon it as juniors (7-1-1). Now as seniors the team is ripe and ready to take charge of the conference. Coach Milt Bruhn has a few tender spots on the squad—lack of depth at end and at center—but otherwise the squad is well tended at key positions. Quarterback Dale Hackbart is a swift, powerful runner, a deadly passer and equally effective on defense. A pair of 220-pound tackles, Jim Heineke and Dan Lanphear, discourage the opposition from running too close to their area. Co-captain Jerry Stalcup, the defensive whip, was a second-team All-America as a result of his astute line-backing. The big line, averaging 214 pounds, is a mite slow but capable of giving the backs running space. There are plenty of Big Ten experts who figure the Badgers are bowl-bound.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 1, tied 1
SEPT. 26 Stanford (no game)
OCT. 3 Marquette (50-0)
OCT. 10 at Purdue (31-6)
OCT. 17 Iowa (9-20)
OCT. 24 Ohio State (7-7)
OCT. 31 at Michigan (no game)
NOV. 7 at Northwestern (17-7)
NOV. 14 Illinois (31-12)
NOV. 21 at Minnesota (27-12)
ILLUSTRATION
JOE KAUFMAN
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WATCH FOR: Bob Colburn's infrequent but sharp passing
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WATCH FOR: Prime pro prospect End Jim Leo
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WATCH FOR: Fast, furious football from End Tony Latell
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WATCH FOR: Side-stepping, twisting runs of Bruce Maher
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WATCH FOR: Bill Burrell, fierce, blocking guard
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WATCH FOR: Play-stopping tactics of End Earl Faison
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WATCH FOR: The flying feet of Bob Jeter
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WATCH FOR: Catch-if-you-can style of Dwight Nichols
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WATCH FOR: The aggressive play of Tackle Ken Fitch
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WATCH FOR: Vest-pocket play-stopper Dave Noblitt
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WATCH FOR: Line-shattering thrusts by Frank Mestnik
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WATCH FOR: Standout lineman Center Gary Huber
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WATCH FOR: Brad Myers, Michigan's busiest back
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WATCH FOR: Dean Look give the new look to quarterback
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WATCH FOR: The stout tackle tactics of Mike Wright
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WATCH FOR: Tackle titan Mike Majac
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WATCH FOR: Fullback Don Fricke's line-piercing bursts
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WATCH FOR: Touchdown terror Back Dick Thornton
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WATCH FOR: Monty Stickles, pass catcher and point kicker
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WATCH FOR: Pass grabbing made easy by End Jim Houston
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WATCH FOR: Prentice Gautt, a two-way tornado who go-go-goes
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WATCH FOR: Massive middle man Don Hitt, 220-pound center
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WATCH FOR: Fullback Bob Jarus storm up the middle
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WATCH FOR: Touchdown passes thrown by Jerry Keeling
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WATCH FOR: Surefire pro prospect Ted Dean
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WATCH FOR: Offense-minded Quarterback Dale Hackbart