Historic Newspapers: NCAA Football

LOS ANGELES TIMES, April 5, 2007

* Head coach Eddie Robinson death
* Grambling State University football
* Negro - black college - civil rights icon
* During racial segregation in college sports

Near the bottom of the front page has a three column heading: "Record-setting Grambling coach made civil rights part of game plan" with lead-in: "Eddie Robinson: 1919-2007" and photo. (see images) More inside. He held the record for most wins for a college football coach until Joe Paterno…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 5, 2004

* LSU - Louisiana State University
* Wins Sugar Bowel vs. Oklahoma
* Wins National Championship
* Nick Saban's first college football title

Near the bottom of the front page is a three column color photo of Nick Saban celebrating his first national championship with his players. Also a heading: "LSU Defeats Oklahoma; USC Beats BCS" (see)
The front page of the sport's section has a banner headline: "Not Quite Crystal Clear" with subheads and related…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 3, 2000

* Tom Brady last college football game
* Michigan Wolverines vs. Alabama
* 2000 Orange Bowl

The top of page 3 of the sports section has a two column heading: "An Exhausted Brady Delivered for Michigan" with photo of Brady during the game. This was Tom Brady's last collegiate football game in which he threw a career-high 369 yards and four touchdowns in a overtime win vs. Alabama in the Orange Bowl. I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 5, 1999

* Tennessee Volunteers college football
* Wins Fiesta Bowl vs. Florida State
* National Championship game

The front page has a two column photo headed: "Tennessee Is Tops"
The front page of the sport's section has a banner headline: "Tennessee Is Peerless" with subhead and related photo. (see) First report coverage continues inside with a few more photos.
Complete with all sections (90+ pages), very nice condition.

LOS ANGELES TIMES, January 3, 1995

* Penn State Nittany Lions college football
* Wins Rose Bowl vs. Oregon Ducks
* Undefeated season without a title
* Kerry Collins, Kyle Brady, Bobby Engram

The front page has a two column heading: "Penn State Wears Rose Crown Despite Thorny Ranking Issue" with a photo showing Ki-Jana Carter running for a touchdown on the opening play. Also a color photo of the Rose Parade with heading. 
The front page of the sport's section has a headline: "Penn…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 2, 1995

* Nebraska Cornhuskers college football
* Wins Orange Bowl for championship title
* Nebraska - Penn State controversy season

The front page of the sport's section has a headline that reads: "Nebraska Leaves Little Doubt" with subhead and 2 related photos. (see) First report coverage continues inside with a few more photos.
Very nice condition.

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Oct. 7, 1990

* Colorado Buffaloes college football
* "Fifth Down Game" debacle

The bottom of the front page of the sport's section has a two column heading: "Colorado Takes Fifth, Wins" with subhead. (see) First report coverage continues inside. This enabled Colorado to stay undefeated and eventually take a share of the national title with Georgia Tech.
Complete 1st and sport's sections only totaling 66 pages, very nice condition.

wikipedia notes: The Fifth Down…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, March 18, 1990

* Tom Harmon "Old 98" death - editorial 
* Michigan Wolverines Heisman trophy winner
* NCAA college football star

Near the bottom of the front page of the sport's section has a heading: "Old 98: Something Special to the End" with photo. (see images) 
Complete 1st and sport's sections only with a total 62 pages, nice condition.

Background:Tom Harmon, born September 28, 1919, was a legendary University of Michigan football star who played from 1938…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 3, 1989

* Lou Holtz's 1st and only title
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish
* Wins Fiesta Bowl vs. West Virginia
* College football national champions

The front page of the sport's section has a heading: "#1: There's No Stopping Notre Dame" with subhead and related photo. (see) First report coverage continues inside. Much reporting on the Rose Bowl between Michigan and USC.
Complete with all sections (80+ pages), very nice condition.

background: On January 2,…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 3, 1987

* Penn State Nittany Lions wins title
* NCAA college football championship
* Fiesta Bowl vs. Miami Hurricanes

The front page of the sport's section has a banner headline: "Penn State Picks Off Miami, 14-10" with subhead: "Testaverde Intercepted Five Times" and two related photos to the game ending interception by Pete Giftopoulos. First report coverage continues inside with a few more photos, one showing Joe Paterno. This was probably the most memorable…

SPORTS SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 24, 1983

* Herschel Walker signs with USFL
* United States Football League
* Georgia Bulldogs college football
* Republican senator nominee

The front page of this section has a heading: "Walker Goes for USFL Gold" with subheads and two related photos. More inside.
Complete sport's section only with 16 pages, nice condition.

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 27, 1983

* Coach Paul Bear Bryant death
* Alabama Crimson Tide
* NCAA college football icon

The front page has a one column photo with small heading: "Bryant Dead" The front page of the sport's section has a headline: "Bear Bryant Dies of Heart Attack; Alabama Coach Had Retired Only Last Month After Winning 323 Games" and more with a few related photos.
Complete 1st and sport's sections only with a total of 40 pages, nice condition.

THE SPORTING NEWS, St. Louis, Missouri, October 11, 1982

Certainly the premier newspaper/magazine for the sporting world, its 40+ pages are simply filled with the latest news in American sports, including a front page photo which was the highlight of the week. The top names and events of all American sports eventually found their way in the pages of The Sporting News.

* Milwaukee vs. California

The front page photo of this issue shows "Brewers are Masters--As Pennant Race Dust Clears,…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 3, 1979

* Charles White wins Heisman Trophy
* University of Southern California
* USC Trojans NCAA college football
* Best publication to be had ? (rare)

The front page has a banner headline for display announcing: "White Wins the Heisman" with lead-in: "'DIDN'T SLEEP ALL NIGHT'" with subhead and photo.
Complete 1st section only with all 3e2 pages, nice condition.

SPORT'S SECTION ONLY of the New York Times, Nov. 20, 1977

* Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
* NCAA college football rivalry game w/ photos

The front page of this section has a banner headline: "Woody's the Aggressor but Michigan Wins on Points" with subhead: "106,024 See Wolverines Earn Rose Bowl Trip, 14-6" and two related photos. (see images)
Much coverage on other college football games throughout. Complete sport's section only with all 16 pages, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 24, 1975

* 1st mention of "Black Friday" in the NYT

Pages 21 & 23 contain coverage of the Army Navy game with an article in which the New York Times links Thanksgiving and the Army Navy Game via Black Friday. "Philadelphia police and bus drivers call it 'Black Friday' - that day each year between Thanksgiving Day and the Army-Navy game.  It is the busiest shopping and traffic day of the year in the Bicentennial City as the Christmas list is checked off and the…

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, Dec. 16, 1974

* Coach Ara Parseghian retires
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish
* NCAA College Football

The top of the front page has a headline that reads: "Ara quits Irish" with small photo of Parseghian. 
The back page has a similar heading that reads: "Ara resigns as Notre Dame coach" (see images) He is noted for bringing Notre Dame football back to glory from  years of futility.
Complete with all 108 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, December 4, 1974

* RB Archie Griffin
* Ohio State Buckeyes
* 1st Heisman Trophy

The sport's section (page 159) has a heading: "Heisman Trophy goes to Ohio States Griffin" with photo list of past winners. (see images) Another related article about Griffin is on page 155. First report coverage on Ohio State Buckeyes running back, Archie Griffin, winning the HeismanTrophy for the first time. He is still the only college football player to win this prestigious honor…

THE HAYS DAILY NEWS, Kansas, January 3, 1974

* Notre Dame, Alabama, Penn State - Joe Paterno, and Ohio State - Woody Hayes

This 18 page newspaper has various reporting concerning who should  be the national champions after all the bowl games have finished. Headlines include: "Joe, Woody Have Other Ideas", "Parseghian Favors Grid Playoff System", and more, with supporting text. Other news of the day throughout. A little margin wear, otherwise in good condition.

THE HAYS DAILY NEWS, Hays, Kansas, January 2, 1974

* Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Ara Parseghian
* Alabama Crimson Tide - Coach Paul Bear Bryant
* Sugar Bowl - college football - game of the century ?

This 14 page newspaper has a four column headline on page 10: "Irish Topple Tide In Thriller" with caption: "Who's No. 1" Tells of the game between Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Alabama Crimson Tide which some regard as the game of the century.

Also a two column headline on the same…

THE RUSSELL DAILY NEWS, Kansas, December 5, 1973

* John Cappelletti wins Heisman
* Penn State Nittany Lions
* NCAA college football

Page 5 has a very brief and inconspicuous report under "Player of Year" which begins: "Penn State Cappelletti was named Player of the Year..." which is actually him winning the Heisman. (see)
Complete with 8 pages, a few binding holes along the spine, generally nice.

THE RALEIGH TIMES, North Carolina, December 4, 1973

* John Cappelletti wins Heisman
* Penn State Nittany Lions
* NCAA college football

The sport's section (page 10-B) has a five column headline: "Penn State's Cappelletti takes the Heisman Trophy" with photo of Cappelletti (see) First report coverage on Penn state running back, John Cappelletti, winning the 1973 Heisman trophy. Also the final AP rankings for the 1973 season.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete…

THE SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE, Indiana, Oct. 1, 1972

* Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
* vs. Purdue Boilermakers
* Best publication to be had (rare)

The front page has a nice banner headline: "SUPER SOPHS CRUNCH PRUDUE" with subhead and color photo. More in the sport's section.
Seventy pages, light toning along the central fold, nice condition.

THE SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE, Indiana, Oct. 10, 1971

* Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
* vs. Miami Hurricanes - college game
* Best publication to be had (rare)

The front page has a nice banner headline for display: "N.D. WEARS DOWN MIAMI, 17-0" with subhead and color photo. More in the sport's section.
Complete with all sections (60+ pages), light toning along the central fold, nice condition.

Background: On October 9, 1971, the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced the Miami…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Springfield, Massachusetts, January 2, 1970  This 38 page newspaper has a four column photo at the bottom of the front page with heading: "Football Reigns Supreme on TV".

Page 39 has a nice banner headline: "Texas Conquers Notre Dame, 21-17" and more with photos..

Also, page 40 has a banner headline: " Penn State Turns Back Missouri, 10-3".

This tells of the of the bowl games played that had controversy over who should be National Champions. Penn State and Texas…

THE RUSSELL DAILY NEWS, Russell, Kansas, January 2, 1969

* Penn State Nittany Lions
* Joe Paterno as coach
* Kansas Jayhawks
* Orange Bowl - college football

This 6 page newspaper has a three column headline on page 4: "KU Nipped on Final Play".

Tells of the game between Penn State Nittany Lions and the Kansas Jayhawks.

Other news of the day. Some spine wear, otherwise good.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, November 23, 1968 

* Harvard Crimson vs. Yale Bulldogs 
* Game of the century - Ivy League 
* NCAA college football (DAY OF)

The top of page 64 has a banner heading: "Yale Rules 7-Point Favorite Over Harvard in Battle of Undefeated Today" with related photo. 
Complete with all 96 pages, a little margin wear, generally in very nice condition.

background: On November 23, 1968, the legendary Yale–Harvard football game, often called the “Harvard–Yale Game of the…

SPRINGFIELD SUNDAY REPUBLICAN, Springfield, Massachusetts, November 19, 1967

* USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins
* Signature game of the rivalry
* NCAA college football

The front page of the sport's section (inside) has a three column headline: "So. Cal. Nips UCLA, 21-20" with caption "Roses for the Trojans" and photo of O.J. Simpson being carried off the field.

Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 94 pages, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 6, 1966

* Notre Dame Fighting Irish
* Named National champions
* NCAA college football

The sport's section (page 62) has a one column heading: "Notre Dame Voted No. 1 by Writers In Concluding Poll" with standings. (see) First report coverage on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish officially being named national champions of college football by the AP poll..
Complete with all 96 pages, a little margin wear with tiny tears, generally in good condition.

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, November 23, 1966

* Steve Spurrier wins Heisman
* Florida Gators
* NCAA college football

This 38 page newspaper has a three column headline on page 29: "Heisman Trophy Goes To Florida's Spurrier" with related photo. (see)

Tells of the now famous college football coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks winning the Heisman Trophy as a player for the Florida Gators.

Other news of the day throughout. Nice condition.

wikipedia notes: Stephen…

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Detroit, Michigan, November 29, 1964 This 40+ page newspaper has a very nice banner headline on the front page of the sport's section: "USC WINS BUT GETS NO BOWL" with subheads and related photos. (see)

This tells of the upset of # 1 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish by the USC Trojans at the end of the 1964 regular season. This is considered one the biggest upsets in college football history.

Other news of the day throughout. Some small binding holes along the…

SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN, Massachusetts, November 18, 1962

* Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
* Alabama Crimson Tide
* NCAA college football upset

This 50+ page newspaper has a banner headline on page 2 of the sport's section (inside): "GEORGIA TECH HANDS ALABAMA FIRST GRID DEFEAT IN 27 GAMES, 7-6" with subheads and stats (see photos). This tells of the upset of Alabama by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This is considered one the biggest upsets in college football history.

Other news,…

SPORT'S SECTION ONLY of the Springfield Sunday Republican, Dec. 20, 1959

* Penn State Nittany Lions
* Alabama Crimson Tide
* Liberty Bowl - college football
* PSU Quarterback Galen Hall

The front page of this section has a banner headline: "PENN STATE WINS, 7-0, IN LIBERTY BOWL" with subheads and stats. Related photo on page 2. (see) Other games reported as well.
Complete sport's section only with all 16 pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 13, 1958

* Two - 2-point conversion adopted  
* NCAA College Football rule change
* 36 years prior to the NFL adding it 

The front has a two column heading: "College Football to Give 2 Points For Conversion on Pass or Run" (see images)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with 50 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

Background: On January 12, 1958, college football…

TAUNTON DAILY GAZETTE, Massachusetts, November 18, 1957

* Oklahoma Sooners, Norman OK
* 47 game win streak ends - college football
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish

This 14 page newspaper has a three column headline on page 8:

* Notre Dame 7-0 Upset Victory Over Sooners Starts Festivities

Tells of the longest ever college football NCAA division I win streak coming to an end at 47 games by the Oklahoma Sooners.

Other news of the day throughout. Minor margin wear, otherwise in good…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 4, 1966

* Coach Joe Paterno takes over for Rip Engle
* Explains his plan for the team - I formation
* Penn State Nittany Lions  - PSU
* NCAA college football

The sport's section (page 38) has a three column heading: "Joe Paterno Finds Room at the Top"  with subhead and photo of the Paterno brothers. (see) Paterno was a native of Brooklyn so I suspect that's why it was reported in this NYC publication, rare as such.
Complete with 56 pages, in good condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 5, 1956

* Paul Hornung wins Heisman Trophy
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish college football
* Oklahoma Sooners declared National Champions

The sport's section (page 55) has a banner headline: "Hornung of Notre Dame Wins Heisman Trophy as Leading Football Player" First report coverage on Paul Hornung winning the Heisman Trophy.
Also on the same page is a two column heading: "Oklahoma Eleven Again on Top In Last Writers', Coaches' Polls" (see) Always nice to…

THE DETROIT NEWS, November 30, 1955

* Howard 'Hopalong' Cassady wins Heisman Trophy
* Ohio State Buckeyes - NCAA college football

The front page of the sport's section (near the back) has a small one column heading: "Best Player Award Stays in Midwest" with lead-in: "Cassady Wins" (see images) Nice to have from the city (Lions) where he would be drafted in the NFL.
Complete with all 50+ pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, some small binding holes along the spine,…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 10, 1954

* Alan Ameche wins Heisman Trophy
* Wisconsin Badgers college football

This 56 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 37: "AMECHE RECEIVES HEISMAN TROPHY", "Wisconsin Fullback Saluted  as 'Outstanding' Player at Downtown A. C. Event"
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Nice condition.

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Springfield, Massachusetts, February 2, 1954

* Terry Brennan named head coach
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish
* NCAA college football

This 28 page newspaper has two column headlines on page 22: "Brennan Youngest Head Coach of Major Eleven" and "New Notre Dame Mentor Only 25, Had Phenomenal High-School Mark" with related photo. This tells of Terry Brennan becoming the new head coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish college football team. He succeeded Frank Leahy.

…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Springfield, Massachusetts, February 1, 1954

* Frank Leahy resigns due to illness
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish  coach
* NCAA college football

This 20 page newspaper has a nice banner headline on the front page above the masthead: "Leahy Resigns as Notre Dame Grid Coach" with subhead: "Notre Dame Football Coach Leahy Resigns Because of Ill Health" and photo (see photos).

Page 14 has a photo with caption: "Just After Leahy's Resignation"

This tells of Frank…

Michigan State Football... Woman play football too?

THE DETROIT NEWS (Pictorial Magazine section only), Detroit, MI, November 8, 1953  The front cover has a great photo titled, "Rookies of the Big Ten", with additional coverage on page eight and nine.  The image shows close-up shots of Evan Slonac, Jim Neal, Don Dahoney, and Tom Yewic - players from Michigan State in its first season in the Big Ten. Inside coverage also has articles and photos focused on woman in football, which includes a shot of Debbie Reynolds posing as a passer standing on…

SPRINGFIELD SUNDAY REPUBLICAN, Mass. Oct. 11, 1953

* Oklahoma Sooners - NCAA college football
* 1st win of the iconic 47 game winning streak 
* Coach Bud Wilkinson vs. Texas Longhorns 

Page 4 of the sport's section has a one column heading: "OKLAHOMA SCORES EARLY TO DEFEAT TEXAS FOE, 19-14" with subhead. (see images) See details below. Other college football game results of the day. 
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the…

MINNEAPOLIS MORNING TRIBUNE, December 2, 1952

* Michigan State Spartans
* National champions (1st report)
* NCAA college football

The top of the front page has a small inset with text: "Michigan State No. 1 Team in Final Associated Press Poll"
Page 17 has a two column heading: "Spartans First in Final Polls" with standings. (see images) First report coverage on the Michigan State Spartans officially being named national champions of college football by the associated press (AP poll).
…

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, December 5, 1951

* Tennessee Volunteers
* National champions (1st report)
* NCAA college football

The sport's section (page 26) has a one column heading: "Tennessee Wins First Grid Crown" with subhead and top 20 list. First report coverage on the Tennessee Volunteers officially being named national champions of college football by the associated press (AP poll).
Complete with 38 pages, light toning at the margins, small binding holes along the spine, generally…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 13, 1944

* Angelo Bertelli wins Heisman Trophy
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish
* NCAA college football

This 44 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 24 that include: "BERTELLI PRAISED AT CEREMONY HERE"; "Former Notre Dame Ace Gets Heisman Award at Luncheon in the Downtown A.C." with photo.

Other news of the day throughout. Good condition.

wikipedia notes: When Angelo Bertelli entered Notre Dame in 1940, he was 6 feet 1 inch and 173 pounds, a…

LEOMINSTER DAILY ENTERPRISE, Leominster, Massachusetts, December 4, 1950

* Navy Midshipmen upsets Army Cadets
* NCAA college football

This 8 page newspaper has a one column heading on page 7: "Navy to Play Rice Next Year; Drops Ohio State"

This game is considered one the greatest upsets in college football history.

Other news, sports and advertisements of the day throughout. A little spine wear, otherwise good condition.

SPRINGFIELD SUNDAY REPUBLICAN, Mass., December 3, 1950 

* The Army-Navy game (upset)
* College football rivalry
* West Point vs. Annapolis

The front page of the sport's section has a nice banner headline: "NAVY SNAPS ARMY''S STREAK, 14-2, BEFORE 103,000" with subheads and a nice action photo. Another related photo on the next page. (see images) This game is considered one the greatest upsets in college football history.
The complete Sunday edition with 70+ pages, light toning and…

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Michigan, November 5, 1950 

* Grover Cleveland Alexander death 
* Philadelphia Phillies - Chicago Cubs 

This 50+ page newspaper has a two column headline in the sport''s section: "'Old Pete' Alexander, Baseball Great, Dies" with caption: "Game Ends At 63"

Tells of the death of famous major league baseball star Grover Cleveland Alexander.

Other news of the day with much on the college football games from the previous day.

Light browning with some…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, sport's section only, October 29, 1950 This 12 pages section has various sporting news with many college football reports with a few related photos and scores.
Complete sport's section only, rag edition, a little creasing, generally very nice.