THE WEST
Matters of moment in the West are a Hollywood epic called Birth of the AAWU; another installment in the thrilling, real-life story of the Air Force Academy; and a new chapter in the career of a small school's big, big fish, Dick Bass.
The new Coast epic is a sequel to that gripping drama of civil strife and secession, Gone with the Pacific Coast Conference, whose pivotal scenes were laid in and around the football-happy city of Los Angeles.
True addiction to college football on the nation's western slope was once the boast of the Angeleno, the Pasadenan, the San Marino-ite. By and large, his school was Southern California, and he exulted in the trouncings it gave the rest of the country in intersectional games. Its victory within the good old PCC was almost a foregone conclusion. If our fan was not a USC devotee, he was apt to be a Stanford man. Either way he was pretty smug about it. In the Bay area the University of California had its own claque, to be sure.
Then the emergence of UCLA as an athletic force complicated things. A great football coach, the late Red Sanders, began producing first-rate teams. This stuck in throats at Stanford and Southern California, and whether consciously or driven by frustrations and jealousies, the entrenched Bourbons of Coast football set out to vex Sanders and UCLA. The waters were further muddied by bad feelings between the big, rich California schools and their adherents and the smaller schools of the Northwest.
In any case, UCLA, USC, California and first-cousin Washington, of the Northwest, were all slapped with heavy penalties three years ago for impulsively illegal recruiting tactics.
Collegiate football gave up Los Angeles to the professional game and—some think—may never get it back. Whether the game will continue to wither depends on the remedy prepared for it. This is the new amalgam of the four bad boys of the old PCC, which officially expired June 30, and Stanford, whose moleskins were clean and whose stature was badly needed to help give the new group some semblance of the oldtime tradition.
This Athletic Association of Western Universities is, to say the least, loosely governed. Article VII of its code carries the astonishing proviso that "there shall be no central enforcement agent of this association." The members hired as executive director Admiral Tom Hamilton, the onetime Navy star and coach who left a job as director of athletics at Pittsburgh. His duties are exceedingly vague, to say the most.
As one official of a member school put it, "In Hamilton you have a powerful, forceful guy—with no power and no force. He will be a little like Mr. Anthony on the radio. He will talk over problems and quarrels between schools and try to get them together to resolve their differences before they hit the courts again. Each school will govern itself under the honor system. The expression for it in the AAWU is 'mutual confidence,' and believe me, it will be a confidence game."
Not everyone is so cynical. Both UCLA and USC, for example, report season ticket sales far above last year's level. Followers of UCLA, who have been driving around for three years with Rose Bowl stickers on their windshields proclaiming, "We'll be back!" pray that this will be the year. Indeed, this is the first season UCLA has been out of the doghouse and able to go to the Rose Bowl since the scandals broke. (USC, however, got its hand caught in the cookie jar again last year and cannot go to the Rose Bowl next January even if it has, as appears likely, the best football team on the Coast.)
Says Art Spander, a student at UCLA: "The feeling down deep inside is, we might go!" This is a feeling devoutly shared by the novelist Paul Wellman, as rabid a UCLA fan as you will find. "Last year," Well-man says, "if there had been two points difference in three games, UCLA would have won the conference championship. Who can say they won't this year?"
Meanwhile, with the corpse of the PCC scarcely cold, there is kiss-and-make-up talk in the Northwest. Bob Swan, president of the Portland alumni of Oregon State, goes so far as to say that the admission of Oregon State and Oregon to the AAWU is "inevitable." Swan bases this remarkable statement on the fact that one Orlando J. Hollis has resigned as faculty representative at Oregon. Hollis is regarded as the man who hollered cops longest and loudest on the errant members of the PCC.
At bottom, football-minded people in Oregon are torn between hurt pride over being snubbed by the AAWU and a desire to get on the AAWU bandwagon anyway. Swan insists that he feels no bitterness toward the California schools or toward Washington and that he encounters little of this. On the other hand, he can speak with considerable spirit on the theme that the orphaned schools will do nicely, thank you, if they have to go it alone. "Other bowl bids will be open," he says, "and we won't have to split the loot as in the case of the Rose Bowl."
If widespread animosity toward the AAWU members is not discernible to Swan, it assuredly is to others. "UCLA and profanity," says one Oregon U. official, "are synonymous. The real animosity is toward the Los Angeles people. UCLA is an s.o.b. to everyone."
Don Brown, Portland advertising salesman and Oregon State booster, detects much anger over Washington but looks toward the California schools with forebearance. "Why be bitter," he asks, "against those people you'd like to be like?"
And in a recent letter to a Los Angeles fan, Leo Harris, director of athletics at Oregon, talked peace: "We sincerely hope that the new conference will include the University of Oregon and Oregon State College."
Reunion or not, says Art Litchman, Oregon sports publicity director, football up north is very much alive. "We have an outstanding schedule," he says, "which has furnished a cushion for everyone's ego. People have confidence in the future. They see the six-year schedule and say, 'That's better than we were playing.' "
Over the next six years Oregon has, in fact, scheduled such powers as Ohio State and Texas on the road, the Air Force and Pittsburgh at home. Iowa and Wisconsin are among intersectional blue chips on the Oregon State future book. However, Oregon must play Washington State twice this season after being dumped from UCLA's 1959 schedule.
In the suspenseful days ahead for Coast football, not the least provocative situation is that centering on the Rose Bowl. With every evidence of joy, the AAWU shut out the other members of the old PCC in its new contract with the Tournament of Roses, effective after the current series with the Big Ten expires next New Year's Day. The Big Ten, after humiliating PCC contenders in 12 of the last 13 games, decided this summer not to renew its end of the contract on a conference-wide basis but authorized individual members to accept Rose Bowl invitations at their discretion. Since five schools voted against the contract extension in the showdown balloting, these (Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Northwestern) are not believed likely to accept bids if tendered.
If ferment is the order of the day on the Pacific slope, glory and wonder abound up on the Colorado plateau where the Air Force Academy drills. Let us now red-circle October 31 on our calendars, for on that day, in Yankee Stadium, Ben Martin's marvelous Falcons will meet Army for the first time.
And, lest we forget, Mr. Dick Bass, total offense leader in the land last year with 1,440 yards, will be performing each weekend for College of the Pacific.
With all that in store, it seems safe to assume that the only circle deeply uncommitted to college football in the West is that in which the beatniks drearily revolve. "All [sports] have their heroes, who might well pass for gods," says the beatniks' Boswell, Lawrence Lipton, in his book The Holy Barbarians. " 'What's the score?' might well pass for a 'God be with you' greeting among the faithful and serve as a badge and a ritual bond.... Whatever the merits of the argument, the Beat Generation isn't buying. Neither the church ritual nor the sports ritual."
Well, the beatniks might not know anything so square as the score of a football game, but they are out of step. This is an upbeat year.
[originallink:10493526:43223]
AIR FORCE
Air Force Academy, Colo.
Colors: Silver and blue
THE DOPE: The Falcons, in their first year of big-time football last fall, chalked up a fabulous record of nine wins, one tie and 0-0 draw in the Cotton Bowl with TCU. However, the first graduating class took away some of the staunchest linemen; now Coach Ben Martin has only spotty line strength. Two holdovers—explosive Guard Howard Bronson and End Sam Hardage—will set a fast pace for the new starting linemen. Last year the Academy favored a passing game, and fortunately Quarterback Rich Mayo, the fourth-best passer in the country in 1958, is back. Go-getter End Bob Brickey (25 receptions last season) returns along with able Halfbacks Phil Lane and Mike Quinlan. Versatile Senior George Pupich moves over to fullback. Even so, Coach Martin's straight T and wide-open offense will need plenty of punch to overcome a tougher schedule and the problems of center and tackle.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 9, lost 0, tied 1
SEPT. 26 at Wyoming (21-6)
OCT. 3 at Trinity, N (no game)
OCT. 10 Idaho at Denver (no game)
OCT. 17 Oregon at Portland (no game)
OCT. 23 at UCLA, N (no game)
OCT. 31 Army at New York (no game)
NOV. 7 at Missouri (no game)
NOV. 14 Arizona at Boulder (no game)
NOV. 21 New Mexico at Denver (45-7)
NOV. 28 at Colorado (20-14)
BRIGHAM YOUNG
Provo, Utah
Colors: Blue and white
THE DOPE: The Cougars have recently been making tracks toward the Skyline Championship, but this year a retrogression may be coming. New Coach Tally Stevens has 24 lettermen returning, but missing from last year's team are the most effective passer, the leading ground-gainer and the top pass receiver. Still, the Cougars have all-conference Halfback Nyle McFarlan returning and 202-pound Quarterback Gary Dunn, who runs effectively. Talented Tailback Keith Hubbs handles the offensive chores when the team works out of the single wing in Stevens' multiple offense. Defensively, the Cougars rely heavily on stalwarts, two-time all-conference Tackle John Kapele and all-conference Guard Lon Dennis, who make it tough to penetrate the Cougar line. The linebackers. Paul Eckel and Dick Magoffin, diagnose plays very effectively. The Cougars, weak offensively, will slip back a notch in spite of a comforting schedule.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 4, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Arizona, N (no game)
SEPT. 26 at Fresno State, N (29-7)
OCT. 3 Montana, N (41-12)
OCT. 9 at Utah, N (14-7)
OCT. 17 at Wyoming (14-22)
OCT. 24 Denver (22-7)
OCT. 31 Utah State (13-6)
NOV. 7 at New Mexico (36-19)
NOV. 14 at Arizona State, N (no game)
NOV. 21 Colorado State (6-32)
CALIFORNIA
Berkeley, Calif.
Colors: Blue and gold
THE DOPE: The Golden Bears, having been the last representative of the Pacific Coast Conference in the Rose Bowl, would this year like to be the first representative of the Athletic Association of Western Universities. Coach Pete Elliott has a faster, beefier line than the one which brought the Bears the PCC championship last year. Transfer End Gael Barsotti, a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder, has moved into a starting berth and fits in nicely with the furious pace set by Captain Pete Domoto, the team's outstanding guard. The Bears, with 23 lettermen back, favor the split-T, but the logical contender for the quarterback spot. Larry Parque, is an uncertain performer. Wayne Crow, a halfback, may shift to quarterback, where his strong running compensates for his lack of experience. The running will be improved with side-stepping, spinning Halfback Grover Garvin, joined by Steve Bates and best fullback foursome in the country.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 3, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Wash. St. at Spokane, N (34-14)
SEPT. 26 Iowa (no game)
OCT. 3 at Texas (no game)
OCT. 10 Notre Dame (no game)
OCT. 17 at UCLA (20-17)
OCT. 24 Oregon State (8-14)
OCT. 31 Southern California (14-12)
NOV. 7 Oregon at Portland (23-6)
NOV. 14 Washington (12-7)
NOV. 21 at Stanford (16-15)
COLLEGE OF PACIFIC
Stockton, Calif.
Colors: Orange and black
THE DOPE: The Tigers have the potential for a high national rating if the limber legs of All-America Halfback Dick Bass hold up, but it must be remembered that Bass was considerably slowed by a leg injury in midseason last year. Unfortunately, other injuries could also hurt Coach Jack Myers' squad anywhere along the line, for reserve depth is not one of its major assets. The first unit has size, strength and speed. Tackle Bob Denton, a 6-foot-4 230-pounder who was out all last year with a leg injury, rejoins Guards Carl Kammerer, who made 21% of all the team's tackles last year, and Willie Hec or to form an awesome interior line. Add to this a back-field that has the speed of 9.7-second flanker man Ola Murchison, the elusiveness of Halfback Dick Bass, the brute power of Fullback Hank Wallace and the pinpoint passing of Quarterback Gary Hubb, and you have a team that could beat anyone on a given day.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 4, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Colorado State, N (no game)
OCT. 3 at Stanford (no game)
OCT. 10 Washington State, N (0-34,)
OCT. 17 Marquette, N (18-27)
OCT. 24 at Cincinnati (6-12)
OCT. 30 at Hawaii, N (no game)
NOV. 7 Fresno State, N (52-6)
NOV. 14 Idaho, N (no game)
NOV. 20 San Jose State, N (26-13)
COLORADO
Boulder, Colo.
Colors: Silver and gold
THE DOPE: The Buffaloes have undergone considerable change. They have a new coach, Sonny Grandelius, a new jazzed-up offense in the variable T and virtually a whole new team since seven starters graduated. In spite of the changes, the Buffaloes' immediate future doesn't look bright. Colorado starts off against Washington, then faces Baylor and Oklahoma in order, all this with slow, uncertain offensive material. Coach Grandelius has six first-class ends with Mel Semenko and Bill Elkins heading the list. Hopefully a quarterback-passer can be found among newcomers—Frank Montera, Gale Weidner or Tony Reed, a dark horse. The line gathers its strength from Guards Bob Salerno and Bob Nagel and Center Walt Klinker. The tackle position, with only one letterman, is causing some worry at Boulder. The halfbacks are slow and largely inexperienced, and only at fullback is there depth with Chuck Weiss leading the way.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 4, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Washington (no game)
SEPT. 26 Baylor (no game)
OCT. 3 at Oklahoma (7-23)
OCT. 10 at Kansas State (13-3)
OCT. 17 Iowa State (20-0)
OCT. 24 at Arizona, N (65-12)
OCT. 31 Missouri (9-33)
NOV. 7 Kansas (31-0)
NOV. 14 at Nebraska (27-16)
NOV. 28 Air Force Academy (14-20)
COLORADO STATE
Fort Collins, Colo.
Colors: Green and gold
THE DOPE: The Aggies without much fuss or furor have been quietly creating apprehension within the Skyline Conference. With 22 lettermen back, Coach Don Mullison will field a solid, seasoned unit. Tackle Ron Stehouwer, a hard hitter on defense, characterizes the line style which favors defense over offense. Jim Eifrid, a 220-pound center, is another ranking defensive performer who needs more offensive aggressiveness. Quarterback Joe Crider in limited play last year showed to good advantage as a passer and ball handler, but he must take a firm hold on the position early in the season to be effective. Halfback Wayne Schneider, considered the fastest back in the conference, is a dangerous go-for-broke guy, while Joe Martinez, a handy halfback, appears near the top in all statistics. Perked-up offensive line play could help settle the tyro quarterback who, in turn, could make the Aggies a dangerous contender.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 4, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Coll. of Pacific, N (no game)
SEPT. 26 at New Mexico, N (12-17)
OCT. 3 Denver, N (9-8)
OCT. 10 at Wyoming (6-7)
OCT. 17 Arizona State (no game)
OCT. 24 at Army (no game)
OCT. 31 at Montana (57-7)
NOV. 7 Utah State (0-15)
NOV. 14 at Utah (20-0)
NOV. 21 at Brigham Young (32-6)
DENVER
Denver
Colors: Crimson and gold
THE DOPE: The Pioneers lost more lettermen (16) than there are returning (14), and two of those graduates were tackles. So Coach John Honing has been searching the lists of the junior college graduating classes to find a choice lineman or two. Nebraska transfer Walt Beddeo, 225 pounds, will be pressed into starting action. The middle of the line is strong with gritty Guards Gerry Smith and Augie Tammariello flanking Center Victor Morris, while the end has Caesar D'Urso, strong all-conference candidate. The running will be hard to contain with three strong types in Fullback Jack Work and hammering Halfbacks Art Neece and Gene Gatewood. Gatewood has the ability to break loose or to throw the running pass. This is important if split-T Quarterback Bob Miller fails to recover from an injury. The backs are alert, capable defenders; and they'll need to be with a porous, not too effective line in front of them.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 2, lost 8, tied 0
SEPT. 18 San Jose State, N (7-27)
SEPT. 25 Iowa State, N (no game)
OCT. 3 at Colorado State,N (8-9)
OCT. 10 at Montana (29-0)
OCT. 16 Utah, N (16-20)
OCT. 24 at Brigham Young (7-22)
OCT. 31 at New Mexico (15-21)
NOV. 7 at Oklahoma State (14-31)
NOV. 14 Utah State, (20-8)
NOV. 26 Wyoming (12-15)
IDAHO
Moscow, Idaho
Colors: Silver and gold
THE DOPE: The Vandals won't be victimized by lack of seasoned hands this year, as all but one of the starters are seniors. The exception is Sophomore Reg Carolan, a 6-foot-6, pass-catching end. The Vandals rely heavily on 245-pound Tackle Jim Prestel, who has a free hand in slipping and sliding in and out of position on the defensive line. At deep defensive back they have Jim Norton, a spindly shanked end on offense who last year from his deep defensive post led the nation with nine pass interceptions. Three quarterbacks working out of the split-T completed 50% of their passes in 1958, and they're all back—with Gary Farnworth, a do-everything guy, leading the way. Halfbacks June Hanford and Hal Fisher have the quick throttle speed for breaking away. Coach Skip Stahley has a deeper, faster squad, and his expectations should be tempered only slightly by lack of depth at center and end.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 5, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Utah State(34-7)
SEPT. 26 at Washington (no game)
OCT. 3 at Arizona, N (24-16)
OCT. 10 AF Academy at Denver (no game)
OCT. 17 at Oregon State (6-20)
OCT. 24 at Washington State(0-8)
OCT. 31 Oregon (0-27)
NOV. 7 Utah at Boise, Idaho (20-0)
NOV. 14 at Coll. of Pacific, N (no game)
NOV. 21 Montana (14-6)
MONTANA
Missoula, Mont.
Colors: Copper, silver and gold
THE DOPE: The Grizzlies, 0-10 last year, can't help but improve according to Coach Ray Jenkins. As he points out, they play only nine games. It will be a year of sophomores, as Jenkins figures to start as many as five in his multiple offense formations. The flanks will be strong with All-Skyline End John Lands, the conference's leading receiver and 10th-best punter in the country, being joined by solid (203 pounds) Sophomore Jim Harris. Tackle could be improved by the return to health of Gary Kennedy (6 feet 5 inches, 230 pounds), a stylish starter in 1957 but injured most of last season. In the backfield Halfback Henry Greminger, an alert defender, may find himself the sole experienced hand. He's joined at halfback by Tony Ramos, a swift 195 pounds. The sophomore motif will be carried out at fullback, with burly Clyde Gossert leading the way, and at quarterback, where Bob O'Billovich hopes to have the job.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 0, lost 10, tied 0
SEPT. 12 North Dakota (no game)
SEPT. 19 Wyoming at Billings (14-21)
OCT. 3 at Brigham Young (12-41)
OCT. 10 Denver (0-29)
OCT. 17 at Utah State (14-27)
OCT. 24 New Mexico (16-44)
OCT. 31 Colorado State(7-57)
Nov. 7 at Montana State College (6-20)
NOV. 21 at Idaho (6-14)
OREGON
Eugene, Ore.
Colors: Yellow and green
THE DOPE: The Ducks have a fixation. They insist upon either shutting out their opponents or holding them to a single touchdown. Last year they allowed only 50 points in 10 games but were stifled themselves four times. That's the rub, their inability to score. The first unit runs true to the strong defensive tradition created by Coach Len Casanova. The line features the lambasting linebacking tactics of All-Coast Center Bob Peterson and the tough tackle play of 230-pound John Wilcox and Tom Keele. The team will be running out of eight variations of the T, and they'll add a new fillip each week. Quarterback Dave Gosz, a strong all-phase player, has improved on his drop-back passing. In Willie-went-that-away West, Oregon has an all-conference back. The Ducks should benefit from six home games, the presence of a fine pass-catching sophomore end, Kent Peterson, and transfer Halfback Cleveland Jones.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 6, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Stanford (12-0)
SEPT. 26 Utah (no game)
OCT. 3 Washington State(0-6)
OCT. 9 at San Jose State,N (no game)
OCT. 17 Air Force Acad. at Portland (no game)
OCT. 24 Washington at Portland (0-6)
OCT. 31 at Idaho (27-0)
NOV. 7 California at Portland (6-23)
Nov. 14 at Washington State(0-6)
NOV. 21 Oregon State (20-0)
OREGON STATE
Corvallis, Ore.
Colors: Orange and black
THE DOPE: The Beavers boast a big, fierce line, but the backfield—as was the case last year—appears injury-prone. In Coach Tommy Prothro's version of the single wing the major duties are handled by the tailback, but whether it will be Sophomore Don Kasso, a brilliant runner, or Dainard Paulson, a reliable but unspectacular senior, awaits developments. Grimm Mason, an elusive wing-back-tailback, and Fullback Jim Stinnette (215 pounds) are dangerous runners when healthy, but they are both brittle. The big line, spearheaded by Hawaiian Ed Kaohelaulii, a 220-pound tackle, provides them with a rugged defense and the strong offensive blocking needed to spring the backs. The Beavers have two defenders in Jerry Doman and Don Thiel. But there's neither a passer nor receivers on the squad. Even with their one-sided offense the Beavers should have a successful season if Mason and Stinnette stay well.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 6, lost 4, tied 0
SEPT. 19 So. Calif. at Portland, N (0-21)
SEPT. 26 at Texas Tech, N (no game)
OCT. 3 at Nebraska (no game)
OCT. 10 at Michigan (no game)
OCT. 17 Idaho (20-6)
OCT. 24 at California (14-8)
OCT. 31 Washington State (0-7)
NOV. 7 at Washington (14-12)
NOV. 14 Stanford (24-16)
NOV. 21 at Oregon (0-20)
SAN JOSE STATE
San Jose, Calif.
Colors: Gold and white
THE DOPE: The Spartans, despite strong support from Sprinter-Halfback Ray Norton and End Dan Colchico, a good pro prospect, must face a dangerous schedule with a not-too-strong squad. Two player conversions have corrected strident weaknesses: Leon Donohue, 6 feet 4 inches and 230 pounds, moves over to tackle from end, while Howard Poyer switches from reserve tackle to starting guard. Colchico and Tackle Chuck Ennis are the defensive stalwarts with their crunching tackles. Coach Bob Titchenal advocates the pro T with the left halfback, Chuck Yeyna, flanked right and the left end, Claire Appledoorn, split. The bulk of the ball carrying is done by newly crowned sprint king Halfback Ray Norton. Quarterback Emmet Lee throws a nifty short pass while Mike Jones tries for distance. Ineffectual fullbacking and lack of halfback depth may be compensated for by improved overall defense.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4,lost 5, tied 0
SEPT. 18 at Denver, N (27-7)
SEPT. 26 Washington State (no game)
OCT. 3 Hawaii, N (6-8)
OCT. 9 Oregon, N (no game)
OCT. 17 at Fresno State,N (48-6)
OCT. 24 Arizona State,N (21-20)
OCT. 31 at Stanford (no game)
NOV. 7 Wyoming, N (no game)
NOV. 14 at Iowa State (6-9)
NOV. 20 at College of Pacific, N (13-26)
STANFORD
Palo Alto, Calif.
Colors: Cardinal and white
THE DOPE: The Indians, who reluctantly joined the four other members of the Association of Western Universities, could cause plenty of trouble inside the conference before the season is done. They have a superb passing-catching combination with Dick Norman, ranked eighth in the nation last year, throwing to Ends Chris Burford and Irv Nikolai, third and seventh respectively in the national pass-catching ratings. The running game doesn't have the same stature as the passing in Coach Jack Curtice's open T offense, but it is effective with Fullback Rick McMillen and Halfback Gil Dowd testing the defenses. The line, from tackle to tackle, had to be replaced. Quick relief was gained when letterman Tackle Phil Burkland returned after being sidelined last year. The remaining interior linemen are all sizable and all junior letter-men. Anything goes for the Indians, who could finish first or last depending on breaks.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 2, lost 8, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Oregon (0-12)
SEPT. 26 at Wisconsin (no game)
OCT. 3 College of Pacific (no game)
OCT. 10 at Washington (22-12)
OCT. 17 Washington State (6-40)
OCT. 24 at Southern California (6-29)
OCT. 31 .San Jose State (no game)
NOV. 7 UCLA (21-19)
NOV. 14 at Oregon State (16-24)
NOV. 21 California (15-16)
UCLA
Los Angeles
Colors: Blue and gold
THE DOPE: The Bruins, long the bad little bears of the West, return to the Rose Bowl eligibility list after three years on probation. Coach Bill Barnes will use the same old UCLA single wing-balanced line but will spread it more to take advantage of the greater team speed. The word out of L.A. is that the Bruins have a great tailback in Bill Kilmer and that he'll have speedy assistance from Wingback Jim Johnson and rampaging Fullback Ray Smith. The offense should approximate the golden days of Red Sanders, for the run or pass option will be particularly effective with Kilmer throwing to Johnson. The line has the valued quick offensive charge, but the defensive firmness is yet to be determined. Center Harry Baldwin gives the line strong backing, while Jim Johnson improves the deep defensive area. Chances are the light but fast Bruins have too tough a schedule to permit a spectacular won-lost record in 1959.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 3, lost 6, tied 1
SEPT. 18 Purdue, N (no game)
OCT. 3 at Pittsburgh (6-27)
OCT. 17 California (17-20)
OCT. 23 Air Force Acad., N (no game)
OCT. 31 Washington (20-0)
NOV. 7 at Stanford (19-21)
NOV. 13 North Carolina St., N (no game)
NOV. 21 at Southern California (15-15)
NOV. 28 Utah (no game)
DEC. 5 Syracuse (no game)
USC
Los Angeles
Colors: Cardinal and gold
THE DOPE: The Trojans were hobbled last year by excessive reliance on sophomores, but this fall Coach Don Clark will present a game-hardened, seasoned squad. Dan Ficca, 230-pound tackle, and Marlin McKeever,215-poundend, were precocious prodigies, making all-coast honors last year as sophomores. Marlin's twin, brother Mike, a swift operator at guard, should be named to this year's honor squad. The backfield bears the mark of ability but has a frightening medical folder. Quarterback Willie Wood completed 50% of his passes last year but missed six games due to injuries. Sprinter-Halfback Angelo Coia had a knee operation. Fullback Clark Holden had his 1958 performances stunted by injuries. The only one not tainted by arnica was sophomore Halfback Lynn Gas-kill. A thundering-fast line and whippet backs must face a tough intersectional schedule. Fragility and little reserve depth are the big problems.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 5, tied 1
SEPT. 19 Oregon State at Portland, N (21-0)
SEPT. 25 Pittsburgh, N (no game)
OCT. 2 Ohio State,N (no game)
OCT. 17 at Washington (21-6)
OCT. 24 Stanford (29-6)
OCT. 31 at California (12-14)
NOV. 7 West Virginia (no game)
NOV. 14 Baylor (no game)
NOV. 21 UCLA (15-15)
NOV. 28 at Notre Dame (13-20)
UTAH
Salt Lake City
Colors: Crimson and white
THE DOPE: The Utes seem to have nothing but problems. After rebuilding the interior line last year they must now replace the better part of the backfield. Utah has been a passing team the last few years, with Grosscup throwing to Ends Dick White and Jack Seul, but they have all graduated. Now the quarterback is Ken Vierra, a fair passer and poor runner. Meanwhile,Coach Ray Nagel expects transfer student Daryl Eisner, a more agile performer, to learn the multiple T duties in time to help out at quarterback. Larry Wilson.a holdover halfback who led the team with 6.3 yards per carry last year, will do most of the ball carrying. The interior line, with Tackle Bob Coogan leading the way, shows to good advantage. Utah may get some further junior college transfer assistance, but the weak offensive end play, coupled with the depleted back-field, appears to be too great a detriment to overcome in one season.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 4, lost 7, tied 0
SEPT. 26 at Oregon (no game)
OCT. 3 at Washington (no game)
OCT. 9 Brigham Young, N (7-14)
OCT. 16 at Denver, N (20-16)
OCT. 24 Wyoming (20-25)
OCT. 31 Arizona (no game)
NOV. 7 Idaho at Boise, Idaho (0-20)
NOV. 14 Colorado State (0-20)
NOV. 21 Utah State (12-7)
NOV. 28 at UCLA (no game)
UTAH STATE
Logan, Utah
Colors: Blue and white
THE DOPE: The Aggies, who are ambitious for a greater role in Skyline Conference football, have hired Coach John Ralston, added an additional assistant and increased the number of athletic scholarships. Unfortunately, with a dearth of experienced backs the team faces an 11-game schedule, one of the longest for major college teams. Halfback Buddy Allen, the only returning backfield starter, will be joined by 10 junior college transfers, including Quarterback Mel Montalbo. A thundering herd of linemen are led by 6-foot-4, 230-pound All-Skyline Tackle Len Rohde, who will have beside him on defense an even bigger man, 6-foot-5, 238-pound End Merl Olsen,while the middle of the line is cushioned by Center Mike Connelly and Guard Bill Meglen, 230-pounders. Coach Ralston is installing a new variable T,but if he doesn't round up some more of those good junior college backs, then 11 games are going to seem like five or six too many.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 3, lost 7, tied 0
SEPT. 19 Idaho (7-34)
SEPT. 26 at Arizona State,N (no game)
OCT. 3 at Wyoming (13-41)
OCT. 10 New Mexico (14-34)
OCT. 17 Montana (27-14)
OCT. 24 Montana State Coll.( no game)
OCT. 31 at Brigham Young (6-13)
NOV. 7 at Colorado State(15-0)
NOV. 14 at Denver (8-20)
NOV. 21 at Utah (7-12)
DEC. 11 at Hawaii, N (no game)
WASHINGTON
Seattle
Colors: Purple and gold
THE DOPE: The Huskies have an able defense, particularly in the interior line. From tackle to tackle the linemen all appear of the same cut, 6 feet 2 inches and 210 to 215 pounds, and all of them are rough-and-ready defenders. Guard Chuck Allen and Tackles Kurt Gegner and Bill Kinnune, rock-solid defenders and quick-moving blockers, are among the best in the West. Only one sophomore, Jim Skaggs, a quick mobile guard, and one senior, Quarterback Bob Hivner, who ranked second in the PCC total offense ratings, could crack the junior-jammed lineup. Halfback George Fleming, the most elusive man in the back-field, adds to his importance with on-the-mark place kicks. The wider goal posts will give Coach Jim Owens an added incentive to try Fleming's kicking accuracy. The Huskies are weak at pass receiving and without an all-out offense, but they hope to bolster the deep pass defense and play for baseball scores, like 3-0.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 3, lost 7, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Colorado (no game)
SEPT. 26 Idaho (no game)
OCT. 3 Utah (no game)
OCT. 10 Stanford (12-22)
OCT. 17 Southern California (6-21)
OCT. 24 Oregon at Portland (6-0)
OCT. 31 at UCLA (0-19)
NOV. 7 Oregon State (12-14)
NOV. 14 at California (7-12)
Nov. 21 Washington State (14-18)
WASHINGTON STATE
Pullman, Wash.
Colors: Crimson and gray
THE DOPE: The Cougars are moving, and they hope it will be all the way to the Rose Bowl. Frankly optimistic, Coach Jim Sutherland appraises his squad as being considerably improved at the interior line, slightly off form at end and substantially inferior to last year at quarterback. The Cougars will compensate for their quarterback failings by playing triple-threat Halfback Keith Lincoln at deep man in the punt formation, where they can make use of his multiple talents. Early in the fall the Cougars will start converted End Mike Agee at quarterback, but later in the season Sophomore Mel Melin, a very fine passer, is expected to take over. Another sophomore, George Reed, is a smashing fullback and may unseat incumbent Ted Cano from a starting role. The hub of the determined defense is built around the quick, decisive play of Guards Jim Grieg (202 pounds) and Ron Green (230 pounds) and the linebacking of Center Marv Nelson.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 3, tied 0
SEPT. 19 California at Spokane, N (14-34)
SEPT. 26 at San Jose State(no game)
OCT. 3 at Oregon (6-0)
OCT. 10 at College of Pacific, N (34-0)
OCT. 17 at Stanford (40-6)
OCT. 24 Idaho (8-0)
OCT. 31 at Oregon State (7-0)
NOV. 14 Oregon (6-0)
NOV. 21 at Washington (18-24)
WYOMING
Laramie, Wyo.
Colors: Brown and yellow
THE DOPE: The Cowboys are once again humming Happy Days are Here Again as they look forward to retaining the Skyline Conference lead. The middle line revolves around scrappy, 5-foot-9, 176-pound Captain-Guard Len Kuczewski (29-year-old father). The rest of the pony-sized linemen, defensive leaders of the conference last year, are all compact, quick chargers, with Tackles Howard Colling 202 pounds and Dick Schnell 200 pounds, the Gullivers of the line. Coach Bob Devaney's unbalanced line—-multiple offense—is commanded by imaginative play-caller Jim Walden, an elusive-running but seldom-throwing quarterback. Halfbacks Jerry Hill (195 pounds) and Dick Hamilton form the crux of a forceful ground game. But even though the Cowboys are stronger defensively and have a more substantial running game than last season, they are pig-tied by a lack of good pass-catching ends and sure-throwing quarterbacks.
SCHEDULE (1958 Scores)
1958 Record: Won 7, lost 3, tied 0
SEPT. 19 at Billings, Mont. (21-14)
SEPT. 26 Air Force Academy (6-21)
OCT. 3 Utah State (41-13)
OCT. 10 Colorado State (7-6)
OCT. 17 Brigham Young (22-14)
OCT. 24 at Utah (25-20)
OCT. 31 at N. Carolina State (no game)
NOV. 7 at San Jose State, N (no game)
NOV. 14 at New Mexico ( 12-13)
NOV. 26 at Denver (15-12)
ILLUSTRATION
JOE KAUFMAN
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Commander of Falcons' air attack, Rich Mayo
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: John Kapele's enthusiastic contact work
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: The wide, elusive sweeps of Grover Garvin
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Dick Bass to run up some exciting scores
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Play-smashing tactics of End Mel Semenko
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Defensive Bulwark Center Jim Eifrid
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: The rugged play of End Caesar D'Urso
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Jim large, quick-stepping tackle
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: The high-spiraling punts of End John Lands
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Halfback Willie West, galloping goalward
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: High-spirited line play of Ed Kaohelaulii
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: The smashing defensive play of Dan Colchico
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Eye-popping catches by End Chris Burford
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Ray Smith, a guaranteed ground gainer
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Dan Ficca, an All-America candidate
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Long gains by holdover Halfback Larry Wilson
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Len Rohde, defensive terror of the conference
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Tackle William Kinnune, among the West's best
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Do-every thing, triple-threat Keith Lincoln
PHOTO
WATCH FOR: Quick, forceful stride of Halfback Jerry Hill