Arkansas Razorback Football: hawg-tales.com

1947 Cotton Bowl - The "Ice Bowl" 05/06/2012

1947 Cotton Bowl Classic (known as "The Ice Bowl"). Click to enlarge.

It was now January 1, and Coach John Barnhill was bringing his 6-3-1, No. 16 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks into Dallas to match up with Coach Bernie Moore's 9-1-0, No. 8 rated LSU Tigers in the 1947 Cotton Bowl Classic. This would be LSU's first appearance in this bowl and one they would not soon forget.

The Hogs had gone 5-1 in conference play and were able to clinch a tie with Rice for the SWC conference title. The only loss was a 20-0 defeat in Austin by, you guessed it, TEXAS. Rice went to the Orange Bowl, Arkansas to the Cotton.

The Hogs had been led all season by the running and receiving of their star sophomore Clyde "Smackover" Scott who had transferred to Arkansas from the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the receiving by second team All-American end Alton Baldwin.

LSU had come in with their famous quarterback Yelberton Abraham "Y. A." Tittle, and running backs Jim Cason and Dan Sandifer. Prior to the game, the oddsmakers had picked LSU to dominate as a 10 point favorite. In some ways, they in fact did dominate the game.

The 11th game of the Cotton Bowl Classic had been sold out weeks before with 45,507 tickets having been purchased. However, the weather had taken a turn for the worse proving itself miserable with snow, sleet, and ice in what would later become known as the "Ice Bowl". Even with the weather as it was, 38,000 spectators trampled through a foot of snow in the aisles of the stadium just to watch the game in person. The game time conditions had the temperature in the 20's, a wind averaging 9 mph with gusts of 13 coming out of the north, and snow surrounding what had been a tarp covered field. Not used to this type of cold, the LSU team filled oil drums with charcoal for makeshift heaters, as some of the fans had to start fires in the stands just to try and stay warm. A true "Norther" had blown into Dallas, without even slowing down as it crossed the plains of Oklahoma. It was truly a miserable day for football!

Throughout the season Ken Holland had been the leading rusher with a total of 397 yards on 112 carries. The receiving had been led by second team All-American end Alton Baldwin. However, the Hogs had a true ringer in the running and receiving of their star sophomore Clyde "Smackover" Scott who had recently transferred to Arkansas from the Naval Academy at Annapolis. At quarterback, the Hogs featured Aubrey Fowler who was 18 of 40 for 320 yards passing, with 183 of these yards having been received by the speedster Scott on 11 receptions.

True to form, Tittle was able to move the Tigers between the 20's, but was unable to break the Razorback defense as LSU was stopped three times inside the 10 yard line. Even with the miserable playing conditions, LSU was able to roll up a 271-54 yardage advantage over the Hogs for the game. Throughout the game, Arkansas could only muster one first down compared to 15 by LSU. It seemed that LSU was on a roll, but yet they could not SCORE!

The battle on the gridiron continued as LSU kept going back and forth, up and down the field, while the Razorback defense would bend, but not break. Offensively, Arkansas was never able to get on track, as most of the game was played on the Hogs' end of the field.

There were two occasions in the first half, and three in the second half, where LSU was able to move inside of the 20 yard line, but failed to come away with any points. Perhaps it was the weather, or perhaps it was the Arkansas' defense meeting the challenge.

Arkansas was only able to put together one drive that yielded a first down, and failed to complete any of the Hogs' four pass attempts. In what was probably the most miserable conditions that Arkansas had ever found themselves trying to execute a game plan, the Hogs fought just to try and stay in the game. The weather had completely taken over the game. Numb hands, frozen pigskin, poor footing, and sleet combined to be the rule of the day.

On what proved to be one of the most significant LSU drives inside the 20, Tittle moved the Tigers on third down to the six yard line. It was now fourth down from the six, Tittle faked a sweep, then flipped a pass to receiver Jeff Adams (some reports list him as Jeff Odom, however the LSU roster lists him as Jeff Adams) at the one. Clyde Scott moving in fast from his defensive position, collided in a tumultuous collision with Adams knocking him out of bounds only inches shy of the goal line. The pass was ruled too short for a score, so once again the Hogs had held on to preserve the 0-0 tie. This one single play, of denying the score, provided the momentum and necessary confidence for the defense to deny any penetration of the end zone by the LSU offense for the remainder of the game.

During the fourth quarter, LSU was able to move inside the 10 yard line twice.
Once to the one yard line where Razorback Floyd Thomas stopped LSU Tiger Ray Coates at the goal line. Once again Arkansas would bend but not break, while continuing to maintain the 0-0 tie.

Finally on the last drive of the game, LSU moved inside the 20 when the Tigers' Dale Gray and Willard Landry combined to lead the charge down to the Arkansas 9 yard line. Three plays later, LSU found themselves with fourth down and having been stopped after gaining only three yards to the six. With time running out, the Tigers were forced to attempt a field goal from the 15. On the ensuing attempt and last play of the game, the ball was snapped. A frozen ball and numb fingers would only lead to a fumble by holder Ray Coates. Suddenly as the ball went scooting across the ground, it was picked up by kicker Holly Heard. Heard was immediately hit and downed for a loss at the 16 and so ended the 11th Cotton Bowl Classic. A fitting end for a game built on total frustration by both teams as they struggled throughout that afternoon in Dallas. Not a Hog win, but an enormous accomplishment of showing character by a team facing horrific conditions. Defense proved to win the day.

Final score LSU 0, Arkansas 0.

On that snowy, Wednesday in January when the offense could only gain one first down, a pride emerged from the defense as they faced one of the leading teams in the nation under intolerable conditions. It was a pride born by a small back known more for his running and receiving skills than for his defense. It was a pride that turned back LSU time and time again from reaching the goal line. It was a pride that built a tradition of "Bend, but don't break". It was Razorback pride.

1947 Cotton Bowl Trophy. Click to enlarge

During the game LSU had accumulated 255 yards rushing, and 16 yards passing after going 5 for 17 with no interceptions. They had lost two fumbles, while during the game the Hogs had turned the ball over three times due to fumbles. Statistically LSU looked like they had beaten Arkansas, but the scoreboard showed otherwise with a 0-0 tie. The Hogs rushing was led by Leon "Muscles" Campbell who carried the pigskin for only 21 yards on 7 attempts.

After the game LSU's Coach Bernie Moore claimed the trophy since they had the most first downs, however Barnhill countered by saying that the Hogs had the most tackles. After a coin toss, the trophy was awarded to Arkansas and is shown above. It hung in Barnhill's den until his death and is now individually owned.

A few weeks later following the game, LSU would also receive their duplicate trophy shipped to Baton Rouge.

Follow and Like us on Facebook at Hawg-tales, and on Twitter at @Hawg_Tales.

Add Comment

1951 Football in the Ozarks 04/06/2012

It was a 73 degree day with an 8 mph wind at 2:00 pm in the Ozarks, when Ed Price brought his No. 4 Texas Longhorns (4-0) to meet the Razorbacks on the fall afternoon of October 20, 1951. An estimated crowd of 18,000 was on hand to watch the rivalry scheduled between the two teams in Razorback Stadium. The Hogs had not defeated the Longhorns since 1938 when Tommy Thompson had coached them. Otis Douglas was now at the helm and Thompson, who had been the coach from 1929 through 1941, was now at his side.

It was the days of the old Southwestern Conference. A rivalry that goes all the way back to 1894 and the beginning of Arkansas football. In that inaugural year, Texas would win 51-0 in Austin. Setting the stage and with the win, the rivalry was ON.

By the mid to late ‘60s, Texas Week would develop to where all tests on campus would be cancelled, parties were everywhere, pep rallies were at their peak, and times were good. The UT/Arkansas rivalry was orders of magnitude greater than what is now experienced with the Alabama, or LSU games. After all this was TEXAS! Arkansas, as the only non-Texas team in the conference, always had to fight an uphill battle as the red-headed stepchild. This day would be no different.

But on that warm Saturday afternoon it would once again be the Texas Longhorns matching up against the Razorbacks of Arkansas in what fans had grown accustomed to being a loss. The first quarter had almost been a draw until Hog tackle Fred Williams recovered Texas’ Carl Mayes fumble. With 37 seconds left Bobby Sutton ended a two play 15 yard possession by punching through the left side for the final yards to give the Hogs a six point lead. Following the touchdown, the extra point kick was blocked by Texas’
5’-11”, 160 lb. senior Don Barton. The quarter would end with the Hogs leading 6-0.

Halfway through the second quarter, Longhorn Gibert Dawson took a pitchout from quarterback T. Jones, sprinted around right end breaking free and ran 78 yards for Texas’ first touchdown. The PAT was good, and Texas was once again in command over their opponent. Arkansas 6, Texas 7. Fans had seen this all too often, when what appeared to be success would suddenly be taken away.

Pat Summerall's FG. Click to enlarge

The Hogs were now down but not out, as this lead
would again switch hands, when after a 65 yard drive Arkansas would find itself with fourth down at the 2-yard line. Pat Summerall (later to become a CBS, Fox,
and ESPN television sports announcer) was called on for a 12-yard field goal attempt. Boos went up from the crowd over this decision, rather than going for
six. Why would Douglas do this? What was he thinking? Regardless, the ball was snapped, the kick was on the way. It’s GOOD! The crowd, in just a blink of the eye, went from booing to cheering as Arkansas had once again claimed the lead and pulled ahead of Texas 9-7.

Halftime came and went with its usual festivities.

The momentum would not shift. The third quarter would start with the Hogs once again scoring after a short kickoff to the Arkansas 40 yard line. On the next play, Jack Troxell sprinted 40 yards to the Texas 20. Quarterback Lamar McHan then carried for eight, followed by fullback Lewis Carpenter (older brother of Preston Carpenter who later would make his own mark on Razorback football history) carrying to the ten yard line. Troxell then swept right end and went the final 10 yards for the score. This culminated a 60 yard 4 play drive.

The kick by George Thomason was good, increasing the score to 16-7. The scoreboard showed the Hogs ahead, but you knew that the hammer was surely going to fall.

Texas would not score again until 7:30 in the final quarter on a seven yard pass from quarterback Dan Page to No. 45 junior right end Tom Stolhandske. The pass had been set up when Texas’ right guard June Davis recovered a fumble on the Arkansas 16. This would be the only pass completion by the Longhorns that day as they went one for twelve in their
passing.

The PAT was good, giving the final margin of victory 16-14 to the Razorbacks. Summerall’s three points had made the difference. The monkey was finally gone. The red-headed stepchild had stepped up and beaten the No. 4 team in the nation. So for the first time since 1938, the Hogs had beaten Texas, and it had taken place before an ecstatic home crowd.
Although Texas would go on and win most of the games played in this series, this was one that had gotten away.

This would not happen again until the 1954 Southwestern Conference Champion Razorback squad under Bowden Wyatt with a 20-7 win in Austin. Texas would end the season 7-3 and claim a No. 16 AP ranking.

Football in the Ozarks! Does it get any better? Pat Summerall would emphatically say, “No
way!”.

Arkansas had gone five for fourteen (55 yards) in passing with one interception. Both teams had 173 yards rushing. In the first down category, Texas had five first downs, Arkansas
fifteen.

This would be Douglas’ high point as he would leave Fayetteville after only one more season with a record of nine wins and 21 losses. Bowden Wyatt would be up next as head coach on his way to a conference championship.

The song this month is Short Squashed Texan, which expresses the sentiments of most fans during the SWC period. If you didn't beat anyone else, you wanted to beat Texas. The song may sound a little (or maybe a lot) cheesy today, but it was popular during the mid to late '60s. The song was a parody of Long, Tall Texan first performed in 1959 and made famous in 1963 by The Kingsmen of Louis, Louis fame. Hope you enjoy it.

Follow and Like us on Facebook at Hawg-tales, and on Twitter at @Hawg_Tales.

"Damn Texas Refs" 03/06/2012

1982 Ark. vs. SMU Billy Ray Smith, Jr. Click to enlarge

Finding themselves behind, “The Pony Express” started their move. After breaking free for 22 yards, Dickerson fumbled the ball only to have it recovered by Billy Ray Smith, Jr. in SMU territory. Arkansas then drove to the SMU 10 before the defense stiffened and stopped the Hogs, thereby forcing a field goal attempt. With fourth and goal and 57 seconds left in the first quarter, the Hogs would attempt a 26-yard field goal by Martin Smith.

The field goal squad came on. The ball was snapped. Defensive end Russell Carter rushed from his right end spot, into the backfield, and was able to knock the ball from its predestined course, preserving the 7-0 score. This play alone added the much needed motivation that SMU required to get back on track and into the game. Much to the Hogs dismay, they would not score for the remainder of the half.

During the second quarter, SMU would even the score at seven each after a 21 yard run by quarterback Lance McIlhenny on a third and 17 made during the drive. The scoring would then come after a six yard run by Dickerson. Halftime would find the game much as it had started, with a tied score, except this time both teams were at seven apiece.

The third quarter would see the Mustangs take a 10-7 lead on a Jeff Harrell 49-yard field goal, set up by passes from McIlhenny to split end Gary Smith for both 11 and 12 yards each. The Hogs would tie it at 10 all with a 27-yard field goal by Martin Smith following a 45 yard pass from Hog quarterback Brad Taylor to Derek Holloway. Again the quarter would end in a tie.

Fourth quarter and it was crunch time. Arkansas scored first. The Hogs would march 77 yards finishing with an end sweep by Anderson from the three. It was
now 17-10, Hogs. The battle continued and with six minutes left, McIlhenny led
his team 80 yards in what was one of the most controversial drives in Hog football history.

On third and eight McIlhenny threw left to his split end Bobby Leach for a 21 yard gain. Next came the play that only reinforced the feelings of Hog fans everywhere, that the cards were always stacked against them in the SWC.

The ball was snapped. McIlhenny faded left and threw a bomb to his senior flanker Jackie Wilson. Wilson was being tightly covered by cornerback Nathan Jones as the ball sailed over both players. Being uncatchable was one thing, but Wilson ran up the back of Jones. Out came the yellow flag. The referee named Horton Nsersta had called pass interference. What had been seen by the fans as offensive pass interference had all of a sudden taken a 180 and turned into defensive pass interference. This resulted in a 40-yard penalty moving SMU to the Arkansas 17 with 4:25 left in the game (after the game, it was noted that SMU practiced this fake to be used in desperate situations to gain pass interference calls). To no surprise, after the game, bumper stickers emerged throughout Arkansas with the sentiments of “Damn Texas Refs” and “Pass Interference, My @##”.

Dickerson would rush to the left side for four and six yards resulting in a first and goal at the seven. From here, noseguard Ricky Richardson stopped Dickerson for no gain. SMU would now go to their bread and butter play which had always been the option. McIlhenny faked left to both Dickerson and James, went right, got one block and found himself in the end zone. Kicker Jeff Harrell again tied the score at 17-17.

Although SMU had not been able to stop the Hogs for most of the second half, they were now fired up. The defense held and forced a punt to the Mustang 13 with 1:34 left in the game. Two downs later, Dickerson ran for 35 yards from the 15. McIlhenny runs for nine yards around left end. Dickerson gets a first down at the 39.

Dickerson now runs for two, followed by a four yard pass reception by Leach with seven seconds left. Harrell, who had previously kicked a 49-yard field goal earlier, would now come on and attempt a 52-yarder for the win. Ball snapped. Kick up. Short, wide right. Final score Arkansas 17, SMU 17.

With this tie, SMU would go on to win the SWC title and proceed to the Cotton Bowl (for the first time since 1966) where they defeated Pittsburg 7-3 before a crowd of 72,000 fans. The Mustangs ended the season ranked No. 2 by AP, and UPI. Hog fans from yesteryear all know that without the pass interference call SMU would most likely not have won the SWC or have been rated No. 2. But all that can be said is “Damn Texas Refs”.

Follow and Like us on Facebook at Hawg-tales, and on Twitter at @Hawg_Tales.

Arkansas Fight - As a side note: This song is not owned by the U of A, but rather by The Southern Music Company of San Antonio, TX (how ironic).

1954 Gameday in War Memorial 02/05/2012

Notice Razorback Stadium in the background.

It was October 23, 1954, John Vaught brought his nation leading offense and undefeated No. 5 rated Ole Miss Rebels to do battle with Bowden Wyatt and his undefeated Arkansas Razorbacks in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium. Before a sellout crowd estimated at 38,000 in a clash of the undefeateds, the Rebels were favored to win by six.

By October, everbody knew the Hogs as "the 25 little pigs" although, this had no reference to the number of players on the team. The team was small, yet they were quick and the nickname stuck. Their quickness and winning throughout the season led to game reports becoming front page news on Sundays in the state's largest newspaper, the Arkansas Gazette.

At the beginning of the Ole Miss game, the Hogs didn't feel that they belonged on the same field with the team that had dominated their opponents in their first five games by scoring 171 points against only 35. However, the Hogs had found ways to take away the Ole Miss lifeblood which had been their long yardage plays.

During the first quarter the Rebels had moved to a first down on the Arkansas 14 yard line. Not used to having to grind out short yardage in their previous wins, Ole Miss found itself at a real disadvantage. Two plays later, they were at fourth and two from the six. Ole Miss put in a fresh backfield with Slick (that's right - Slick) McCool at the fullback spot. With McCool in, it was widely known that he would be carrying the ball off tackle on a belly play. At the snap, 210 lb., junior Bill Fuller met McCool and the drive was ended. This play alone seemed to take the life out of the Rebels and would set the tone for the rest of the game.

Arkansas was convinced that Eagle Day, the Rebel quarterback, was the best passer in the nation. However, Wyatt had noticed that it was taking extra time for Day to set up and get his passes off. Defensive end Teddy Souter would never give him the needed time, and a frustrated Day went two for eleven that day including two interceptions. The long pass plays of 40 to 60 yards from the previous games never developed. Speed kills.

There would be no scoring throughout the remainder of the game until with only six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Hogs had advanced the ball from the 17 to the Arkansas 34 yard line. With time running out and the real possibility that Arkansas might not get the ball back again, it was now time to run what became known as the Powder River Pass Play. George Walker was the quarterback and best passer, but Arkansas could not risk faking a run with the ball in Walker's hands. Ole Miss would never fall for it. The play had to be run with tailback Buddy Bob Benson. It was set up where Benson would be passing to the blocking back, Preston Carpenter, who would block the end and drift into the secondary. Arkansas comes to the line on third and six. The ball is snapped, Benson rolls to his left along with the whole Ole Miss team convinced that it must be a run. Rebel safety, Houston Patton, makes his move and comes up for support to help. Carpenter makes his block and slips into the secondary where he suddenly finds himself wide open. Benson pulls up and throws a pinpoint 33 yard strike to a streaking Carpenter who then tightropes down the sideline for the final 33 yards. The play goes for sixty-six yards in all from the Arkansas 34, Touchdown! Pandemonium breaks loose in Little Rock.
Final score: Arkansas 6, Ole Miss 0.

This pass is one of the most mentioned single plays remembered by Hog fans of yesteryear. The upset game moved Arkansas into national prominence and solidified the Razorbacks as having a true statewide following.

Join us next month on the 6th at hawg-tales.com.

Preston Carpenter - "The Pass" Click to enlarge

Well known players and connections on this team:

Row 1 (L-R) #45 Buddy Bob Benson
Row 2 (L-R) #79 George Bequette (Jake Bequette's grandfather)
Row 2 (L-R) #63 Teddy Souter
Row 3 (L-R) #71 Billy Ray Smith, Sr. (Billy Ray Smith's, Jr. father)
Row 3 (L-R) #44 George Walker
Row 4 (L-R) #72 Bill Fuller
Row 4 (L-R) #34 Preston Carpenter
Row 4 (L-R) #30 Henry Moore (Billy Moore's older brother)

Follow and Like us on Facebook at Hawg-tales, and on Twitter at @Hawg_Tales.

Going Back to Texas in a Hatbox

Bill Burnett #33 01/06/2012

Bill Burnett vs.Texas Dec. 5, 1970 Click to enlarge

With the encouragement of Tommy and Bobby, Bill got his chance to play for the Hogs, although he was listed as 9th on the depth chart by running back coach Johnnie Majors. As luck would have it, with the departure of Majors to Iowa State and the arrival of Don Breaux with his pro-style offense, Bill had found a new home. Along with Montgomery, Chuck Dicus, Bruce Maxwell, and John Rees at the skill positions, the Hogs were now national contenders leading up to the famous "Big Shootout" meeting with Texas on December 6, 1969. This "Shootout" between the #1 and #2 teams in the nation played as the last game of the decade and in the 100th year of college football would become the most notable football game in Hog history.

During his career the Hogs had a record of 28 wins and only 5 losses (3 times against Texas-Texas once again shows up as spoiler). Bill still holds the single season scoring record of 120 points scored in 1969 on 20 touchdowns based on 209 carries for 900 yards. He also holds the career scoring record of 294 points from 1968 through 1970. Throughout his career, he scored 49 touchdowns and rushed for 2,204 yards on 526 carries. What a legend! As one of the true legends in Razorback football history, he has been selected as a member of the University of Arkansas Hall of Honor. With his selection in 1996, Bill along with Clell, and Bobby make up the only football family honored with three members belonging to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. In the classroom, Bill was no slacker either, after having been selected as an Academic All-American for his efforts there.

Follow and Like us on Facebook at Hawg-tales, and on Twitter
at @Hawg_Tales.

Razorback Red written by J. Paul Scott,
performed by The Rivermen

Send us your name and e-mail to receive the mp3 files FREE for all of the '60s Razorback songs to play on your computer or mp3 player. Makes a great gift for that Hog history buff. Have fun and enjoy the music!

The Decade of the '60s 12/06/2011

Recruited in Broyles first recruiting class, Billy Moore (#10) came to Fayetteville as a highly touted quarterback out of Little Rock. During his career as a Hog, he scored 14 touchdowns and became the Razorbacks only quarterback to be named an All-American (1962). The 5'-10", 178 lb. Moore played his varsity ball from 1960 through 1962 where he had the opportunity to have a backfield consisting of another All-American great by the name of Lance Alworth. While playing for the Hogs, Moore took part in the Cotton Bowl (1960) losing to Duke 7-6, the Sugar Bowl (1961) losing to #1 Alabama 10-3, and again in the Sugar Bowl (1962) losing to Ole Miss 17-13.

In Matt Bradley's book The Hogs - Moments Remembered, he mentions that Frank Broyles is credited as saying "Billy Moore was the most exciting running quarterback that I can remember. He was quick - like a hiccup, some said."

The 1962 season brought a 9-1 record going into the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss in New Orleans. The only loss up to this point had been a 7-3 loss to Texas at Austin on a touchdown by Tommy Ford. Leading by 3-0 in the third quarter, fullback Danny Brabham was hit by Longhorn linebackers Pat Culpepper and Leon Treadwell as he fought for the goal line. The ball squirted free ending up on the ground where the ruling was a fumble, although many Razorback fans felt that he had crossed over the goal line prior to the ball coming loose. RULING: Texas ball. Instead of the score being Arkansas 10 and Texas 0, it remained 3-0. However, with 36 seconds left in the game Ford scored his game winning touchdown. Had the game ended one minute earlier or had Brabham's touchdown counted, the Hogs would have been contending for the national championship. As a result, the national championship and the dream of a perfect season had "gone by the wayside". At that time, the national championship was awarded prior to the bowl games. USC won it with a record of 9-1. Without the loss at Texas, the Hogs would have had a record of 10-0 and been undefeated going into their bowl game.

In the final regular season game against Texas Tech at Lubbock, Moore had suffered a knee injury. It came late in the game when Moore had gone in to try and score a touchdown on a goal line play. The play failed, but the damage had now been done. The game ended as a Razorback win 34-0.

After the regular season, the Hogs once again found themselves scheduled to play in the Sugar Bowl against the Rebels of Mississippi. The knee injury reappeared and his knee went out on him again during preparation for the bowl game. In the actual bowl game, Moore had to be replaced on two different occasions because of the reoccurring knee injury. Arkansas lost by a score of 17-13 to end their season at 9-2. The game should not have been that close, except for the Rebel quarterback Glynn Griffing setting a Sugar Bowl record for total offense with over 300 yards (most occurring with sprint-out pass plays on third down). During the 9-2 season, Arkansas scored 299 points, while only giving up 115. So ends the first chance for a national championship, although it would later become reality in 1964.

The decade was one of change, and one that propelled Arkansas to the forefront of national recognition as a football powerhouse (along with its key rival - Texas). The rivalry would continue throughout the decade although the winner of the Texas vs. Arkansas game would go on to be or tie for the conference championship in 8 of the 10 years. The Hogs very easily could have won the national championship four times during the '60s (1962, 1964, 1965 and 1969). See the previous Hawg-tales to see how close they really were!

Follow us on Facebook at Hawg-tales, and on Twitter at @Hawg_Tales.

The Texas Rivalry 11/06/2011

Join us on the 6th of each month for the newest blog in our series on hawg-tales.com. Feel free to make comments and suggestions for subjects that you would enjoy seeing. Be sure and tell your friends about us, so they can also take part. Thanks for your support.

The 45-rpm record featured on this post is one about a quarterback that played in 1963, 1965, and 1966. His name was Jon Brittenum and he had come to Fayetteville from the small town of Brinkley 61 miles to the east of Little Rock. After a red-shirt year in 1964, Brittenum as a junior helped the Hogs lead the nation in scoring with 331 versus 118 points by the opposition. This team had just come off of a national championship year and went 10 - 1 for the 1965 season losing only to LSU 14 - 7 in the Cotton Bowl (Brittenum had dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter and played only sparingly and ineffectively during portions for the remainder of the game). This was the Arkansas heyday when they were at the top of the national rankings. "The Rivermen" made a record about Jon Brittenum called "Quarterbackin' Man" and it is featured below.

The Arkansas-Texas rivalry goes back to the very beginning when the Cardinals (as they were known before they became the Razorbacks) met the Longhorns in Austin during their initial year of 1894. The Cardinals lost this game 54 - 0. Not a memorable day for Fayetteville fans. The rivalry had begun.

It would not be until 1933 that Arkansas (now known as the Razorbacks) would win their first game against the Longhorns of Texas. After 14 consecutive losses, this would turn into a score of 20 – 6 in favor of Arkansas played at Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Since the rivalry began, Texas has won 56 games, while Arkansas has won only 27% or 21 times.

This has always been a David and Goliath type of rivalry and there were none more intense (especially during the Frank Broyles and Darrell Royal era of the mid '60s). Texas Week during this period meant no tests at the University, signs and banners being seen everywhere proclaiming "Beat Texas", and records playing on all of the popular radio stations throughout the state declaring the feats of the Razobacks, and exploits of its players. What a special time!

October 16, 1965

On October 16, 1965, #3 Arkansas (5 - 0) would face #1 Texas (4 - 0) in Fayetteville before a crowd of 42,000. It was partly cloudy and 74 degrees with a SSE wind at 15 mph for a scheduled 2:30 kickoff. For those that don't remember, all games played back then were day games, since Razorback Stadium had no lights on the field .

The first score came after a 58 yard punt by the Hogs. Texas halfback Phil Harris bobbled the ball inside the five yard line after end Richard Trail collided with him following the catch. The ball squirted free and ended up in the end zone leading to a fumble recovery by Martine Bercher with 5:49 left in the first quarter. Touchdown Arkansas. After a Ronnie South extra point, the scoreboard showed Arkansas 7 - Texas 0.

While still in the first quarter and 10 plays later, Texas had driven to the Arkansas 23 when Tommy Trantham would the take a Harris fumble and return it 77 yards for the next score. After a blocked extra point attempt, the score was 13 - 0 Arkansas. The score would remain at this for the final 2:18 of the quarter.

At the start of the second quarter after a Texas punt and holding call, Jon Brittenum took over on the Hog 40. He was determined that the offense would finally score (all of the scoring up to this point had been made by the defense). Brittenum stepped to the line and began his cadence. During the drive he hit "Lighthorse" Harry Jones on a pass for 23 yards, added a five yard keeper, and with 11:03 remaining in the quarter, he ended the drive with an 11 yard pass to end Bobby Crockett . Touchdown Arkansas. South's kick was good making the score 20 - 0. The drive had taken 9 plays for, 60 yards, and removed 4:33 off the game clock.

With 8:42 left in the half, David Conway finally put Texas on the board with a 35 yard field goal culminating a 8 yard, 5 play drive. The score was now 20 - 3 Arkansas.

The scoring for the half would end when Texas quarterback Marvin Kristynik would run a quarterback sneak for 1 yard ending a 9 play, 73 yard drive. At this point Darrell Royal decided to go for two. Greg Lott completed the two point conversion making the score at halftime: Arkansas 20 - Texas 11.

The only scoring in the third quarter was at 4:51 when Conway kicked a 34 yard field goal after 9 plays and 27 yards eating up 5:24 on the clock. Texas was inching back into the game with the scoreboard now showing Arkansas 20 - Texas 14. They were now only 6 points down.

With only fifteen minutes remaining, the game couldn't end quick enough. The fourth quarter started with Kristynik weaving his team in seven quick plays both inside and outside for 40 yards ending with a 14 yard run of his own, giving Texas their first lead in the game at 21 - 20. There were only ten minutes left in the game and Arkansas found itself now behind. Texas had now scored 21 unanwered points and things were getting just a little bit tense.

The Hogs could maintain possession for only one minute before they were forced to give the ball back to Texas. Kristynik now moved Texas and took the ball 54 yards in 11 plays where Conway again kicked a 34 yard field goal. His third field goal of the game, making the score 24 - 20 Texas. During the drive, Kristynik had runs of 19 and 16 yards. Now it was 24 unanswered points and the hammer was falling. Afterall, this was the #1 team in the nation. The Hogs had seen it too many times before with Texas. Was the winning streak over?

Following the touchback after the kickoff, Arkansas found itself 80 yards away from scoring with 4:06 left in the game. It would take a touchdown to win, a field goal would still be a loss. Now it was time for Brittenum to go to work. After immediately hitting Crockett for 22 yards, Brittenum rolled out and hit Crockett for 13, 8, and 11 yards ending up at the Texas 22. With third and four from the 15, Brittenum rolled right while Crockett sprinted toward the right corner. Brittenum launched the ball to Crockett's outstretched hands. With all of the effort that he could muster, he dove and made the catch while rolling out of bounds at the one.The Hogs would not be denied. Brittenum then took the ball the final yard and punched it into the Texas endzone with 1:32 left in the game. He was home. Final score: Arkansas 27 - Texas 24. After losing the Arkansas game in 1964 and costing Texas a national championship, this was the first time a Darrell Royal team had lost two consecutive years to the same team. #1 Texas had now fallen to #3 Arkansas.

In the game, Brittenum had gone 10 for 19 passing, gaining 131 yards. Arkansas had a total offense of 181 yards to 401 for Texas. When the polls came out, Arkansas was the new #1 team in the nation. GO HOGS!

Quarterbackin' Man written by J. Paul Scott,
performed by The Rivermen

The Way We Were 10/06/2011

"Lighthorse" Harry Jones vs. Baylor 1965

During the 1965 miracle season coming off of a national championship and being undefeated, the Hogs routed North Texas State 55 – 20 on October 23. With this win, they were elevated to the #1 spot nationally for the first time in school history. Bobby Burnett scored three touchdowns while Jim Lindsey added two of his own. Not to be outdone, “Lighthorse” Harry Jones rushed six times for 123 yards, while scoring on an 83-yard touchdown run. Additionally, he had two other touchdowns called back.

As Hog fever was growing throughout the state, 45-rpm records began showing up and became popular by telling the glory of the team and its key players. These records became so well known that they could be heard on all of the popular radio stations throughout the state. Stock in “Lighthorse” Harry Jones had risen to the point that he had his own record declaring “Run Harry Run, Oh run, you son of a gun, Give the ball to Har-ry Jones.”

In the 1965 and 1966 seasons, Jones rushed 166 times for 974 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 598 yards and five touchdowns for a total of 1572 and 12 touchdowns making him a true legend that started out as a defensive safety and ended up as a folk hero running back. This was a time when football was played for the love of the sport with no thought of trying to make millions in the pros. Many went on to play pro, but it was always about the game and the love. “Run Harry Run"

Light Hoss Harry written by J. Paul Scott,
performed by The Rivermen

The start of "22 Straight" 09/06/2011

Join us on the 6th of each month for the newest blog in our series. Feel free to make comments and suggestions for subjects that you would enjoy seeing. Be sure and tell your friends about us, so they can also take part. Thanks for your support.

The 1963 football season was coming to an end with what was to become the Hog's longest winning streak. It was a season that couldn't end a moment too soon. This blog will cover how the season ended leading to a complete turnaround in the program.

Continuing with our posting of 45-rpm songs that were played across the state during the '60s, we are adding a copy of The Big Red performed by Cecil Buffalo and the Prophets. This song was written and produced by J. Paul Scott on Sho-Boat Records.

Texas Tech 11/23/63

In what was predicted to be a SWC Championship season, the Hogs ended with a disappointing 5-5 record and no bowl bid. They had been perhaps one of the best Razorback football teams in school history, yet they ended up with the worst record in Frank Broyles’s coaching tenure since his first season losses in 1958. Among the things that led to their final record was a lack of leadership provided by a clear starter being named at quarterback. Along with Freddie Marshall, the lack of consistency at the quarterback position was only aggravated by the use of quarterbacks Bill Gray, and Jon Brittenum. In 1964, Gray would be moved to defensive back, and Brittenum would return as the starting quarterback for the 1965 and 1966 seasons.

Compounding the situation with the quarterbacks, would be a NCAA rule regarding player substitution and one platoon participation (players required to play both offense and defense – established in 1954). Typically, players at Arkansas could play one position very well, but it was asking a lot for them to learn two positions (offense and defense, both). Oftentimes, this would lead to timeouts or delay of game penalties in order to get the right personnel on the field as possession of the ball changed hands.

These issues would all be rectified by the 1964 season.

The week before - On the plane ride back from Dallas following the SMU game played on Nov. 16, 1963 (loss 7-14), quarterback Freddie Marshall and end Jerry Lamb approached Broyles. The season had been weighing heavily on both the team and the coaching staff. This had now reached a boiling point. It was a point where, during their discussion, they mentioned that the team was embarrassed and wanted to begin scrimmaging the following Monday in preparation for their upcoming game against Texas Tech. This was something new. It was widely known that a Broyles’s team had never scrimmaged during in-season, but worked on assignments in order to keep the team fresh and injury free. Monday came and, along with it, so did the scrimmage.

Broyles realized that the team was lacking a consistent leader and he now knew that he had found one in Marshall. While on the plane ride back from Dallas, Broyles let it be known to Marshall that if he would come back for his senior year he would be given sole possession of the starting quarterback position.

On Monday preparation for the upcoming Texas Tech game began. The last game of the season was scheduled for November 23, 1963, against Texas Tech at Fayetteville. It was a time when I’m Leaving It Up To You was Billboard’s Hot 100 #1 45-rpm record, and Billboard’s top LP was (Blowing) In The Wind by Peter, Paul, and Mary. The Beverly Hillbillies, Bonanza, and The Dick Van Dyke Show were the top three shows on TV that season. Times were good, and the team was preparing like they had never prepared before, they were scrimmaging during in-season. All focus was being placed on winning the last game of the season. This would be their bowl game and they needed it to propel them strongly into the next season.

The ‘60s had escorted in a change to the nation. It was no longer a Father Knows Best or Leave It To Beaver place to live. Times can change in an instant, and on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. A popular president now laid dead.

A gloom had settled over Fayetteville, just as it had for the rest of the country. Due to what had just happened, all SWC games for the next day were cancelled: except the one to be played in Razorback Stadium. Despite the student protests against the game, Coach J.T. King had already brought his Texas Tech team with All American halfback Donny Anderson and receiver Dave Parks to Fayetteville for a match up with the Hogs. They played a pro-I with two receivers which was an adaptation of the USC offense used by Southern Cal the year before to win the 1962 National Championship. It may have worked for USC, but it did not work for the Red Raiders of Tech.

A cold front had come through the night before with game time temperatures in the mid 30s to low 40s, and a wind around 10 mph. Influenced by the events that happened the previous day, the game was played without the normal emotions associated with a Razorback football game. Regardless, the Hogs were able to secure a 27-20 win. The win against Tech, despite the controversial setting, was the first win in what would turn out to be the longest winning streak in college football to occur during the 1960s. This was the end of the 1963 season, and the beginning of the famous 22 Straight.

After the season Broyles announced to the team that Freddie Marshall would be the starting QB for the entire 1964 season. Although injury would prevent him from being the only quarterback used that year, he would provide the leadership necessary to continue the streak and follow the path all the way to the Hogs first football National Championship. It was a season and championship that was 80 years in the making.

The second key factor in the upcoming Hog success was when the 1964 seniors approached Broyles and let it be known that they were committed to correcting the mistakes encountered during the 1963 season. 1964 would not be a repeat of ’63. With no post-season bowl game came a pledge, by the seniors-to-be, to start practicing for the 1964 season as soon as they returned from Christmas break. Their commitment expanded to the whole team as they returned in the fall in top physical condition for the upcoming ’64 season. The story doesn’t end here, the Hogs are now ready and there’s plenty more to come.

The Big Red    written by J. Paul Scott,
                    performed by Cecil Buffalo and the Prophets

First Post! 08/06/2011

3 Comments

Have you ever wanted to recollect how it was "back in the day" when the Hogs played in the old SWC? Well, as the first post of HAWG-Tales.com, we're going to provide blogging info on Hog football with a primary emphasis on Razorback football history. Each post will contain stories about games played in the past. Sometimes there will be music from the old 45 rpm records played on radio stations in the mid and late '60s about the Hog football players and teams. Sometimes there will be Razorback football trivia. Sometimes it will just be stories from the past games and players.

There is an abundance of Razorback forums and blogs about the current news of the program and players. This is all GOOD stuff, but we will try to fill the niche about Hog stories, games, players, and music that helped bring the program to where it is today. If you agree, add comments, stories, trivia, etc. that others will find interesting and we will provide the place to get these items out. Next post will be on September 6th.

First up on the list is a recollection of the 1965 Nebraska Cotton Bowl when the Hogs won their first National Championship. Following that, comes music about the '64 Hog football team written by J. Paul Scott and performed by Cecil Buffalo and the Prophets. It was a 45 rpm record known as Razorback Number One and played throughout the state on local AM radio stations (there were only a few FM stations, back then and they seemed to only play "elevator" music).

Nebraska 1/1/65

Tensions were high in Dallas on that New Year’s Day, when Frank Broyles brought his SWC Conference champion Hogs face-to-face against Bob Devaney and the Big 8 Conference champion Cornhuskers of Nebraska. It was estimated that a capacity 75,504 loyal fans were in attendance for this Cotton Bowl Classic.

As the stadium filled up, it was hard to tell which team the fans were rooting for. From overhead, it appeared to be a sea of red with that being the home color for both teams. On the field though, Arkansas would don the red home jerseys while Nebraska would be in the white visitor’s uniform. The outcome for this game could lead to a flawless season and the Hogs only football national championship crown. It was a game to be played for “all of the marbles.”

Prior to the game, Broyles had made the decision to play a defensive game against Nebraska. This proved to be a good decision since the Hogs were able to hold Nebraska to 100 yards rushing and 68 yards passing. This was not only a decision by Broyles, but Devaney also envisioned the same game plan as the ‘Huskers were able to limit the Hogs to 45 yards rushing and 131 yards passing. Both teams had outstanding defensive squads and with the wind in Dallas, the strongest defense would have the advantage in the game.

In Dallas, the game would begin as a day that was warm, humid, and having a southerly wind. After Nebraska won the toss and choose to receive, Arkansas decided to take the wind. The wind would go on to play a key role in the outcome of the game.

The Cornhuskers received the kickoff and were immediately met by a strong Arkansas defense. Nebraska found it hard to move the ball against both the wind and the Hogs combined. With the help of the wind, the Hogs quickly gained possession of the ball and moved it down field into field goal range. With five minutes and thirteen seconds gone in the game, Tom McKnelly made it Arkansas 3, Nebraska 0 with his 31-yard FG. It was only the first quarter and Nebraska found itself in a hole. However, this would not be the flow for the remainder of the game.

After a Freddie Marshall fumble and with the assistance of the wind, Nebraska would make their only touchdown of the game. On a drive taking place about midway in the second quarter, Nebraska’s sophomore quarterback, Bob Churchich passed the ball to a turbo-charged 189-pound halfback named Harry Wilson for 36-yards that moved the ball from the Nebraska 46-yard line to the Arkansas 18. Four plays later Wilson would muscle his way into the Hogs end zone with 7:45 left in the quarter to end a streak of 21 consecutive scoreless quarters by the Arkansas defense. The PAT was added by Duncan Drum, making the score Nebraska 7, Arkansas 3. A score here came as the first score against the Hog defense in five games. This was not a position that Arkansas was used to being in. They were winners. They had won their last eleven games and a win here would match the longest winning streak in the nation. However, they would go into halftime in just this position, behind, with the national championship on the line.

The third quarter began with the Hogs having possession, but Nebraska had the wind at their backs.

It appeared that Arkansas’s plan was to capitalize on their defense and maintain field position while waiting until the fourth quarter when they would have the all important wind even if they were trailing by four. The Hog defense would have to hold.

To this point, Arkansas had maintained a field position advantage and on the opening of the last quarter, a Bobby Nix punt forced Nebraska well back into their own end of the field. The game continued with no significant plays. It was a stalemate.

Until midway in the fourth quarter, Wilson scrambled for 45 yards down to the Arkansas 36. The Hogs had seen their field advantage evaporate in just one play. The defense, recognizing what had just taken place, stiffened and allowed only 4 yards on the next three plays.

With a four-point lead and knowing that it would take a touchdown to beat them, Nebraska, counting on its defense, took a delay of game penalty, moving the ball back to the 37 where Ron Kirkland punted. The ball was kicked through the end zone for a touchback and brought out to the 20.

It was now time for Marshall to take charge of the destiny of this team. It had all come down to this. A field goal would do no good. A national championship was on the line. With 80 yards to go, Marshall began the journey with 9:21 showing on the clock. In this drive, he went 5 for 5 stacking up 60 yards passing starting with Jerry Lamb for 12, and then Burnett for 11.

Marshall scrambled for another 11 yards carrying the ball to the Nebraska 33. On the next play Jim Lindsey found himself alone at the 25 where he caught Marshall’s pass and rambled down to the five. First and goal. After a gain of 2, junior tailback #33 Bobby Burnett went the final three yards running wide on a perfectly timed pitchout from Marshall. Nebraska's linebacker, Joe McNulty hit Burnett at the one-yard line, but could not overcome Burnett’s determination and momentum to keep him from scoring. McKnelly added the extra point, and with 4:41 showing on the clock it was Arkansas 10, Nebraska 7.

Throughout the year, Nebraska was known for their long plays. With 4:41 left on the clock, it was time for the defense to step up one more time. The defense stiffened and Marshall ran the clock out for the last minute and a half. Final: Arkansas 10, Nebraska 7.

Each team had ended up with 11 first downs in what was a defensive struggle played on both sides, This was the Hogs first Cotton Bowl Classic win in school history, thus ending a perfect 11 – 0 season.

The fate of the Hogs would be determined later that day as the #5 Texas Longhorns would meet the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Orange Bowl. Alabama was rated #1 by the AP and Coaches Poll prior to the bowl games.

For once all of the Razorbacks, and the whole state of Arkansas had temporarily turned burnt orange and were cheering for the Longhorns. This is not a common occurrence, but it seemed appropriate at the time. In what was a close game where Tommy Nobis made one of the most famous tackles in Longhorn history on fourth and inches, Texas defeated Alabama 21 – 17.

With the bowl games over, Arkansas was voted the Football Writers Association of America National Champions as the only undefeated football team in the nation.

In what started 80 years earlier with 14 inexperienced players, Arkansas had finally won its first football national championship.

Razorback Number One written by J. Paul Scott,
performed by Cecil Buffalo and the Prophets

3 Comments

Send us your name and e-mail to receive the mp3 files FREE for all of the '60s Razorback songs to play on your computer or mp3 player. Makes a great gift for that Hog history buff. Have fun and enjoy the music!

Send us your name and e-mail to receive the mp3 files FREE for all of the '60s Razorback songs to play on your computer or mp3 player. Makes a great gift for that Hog history buff. Have fun and enjoy the music!

Send us your name and e-mail to receive the mp3 files FREE for all of the '60s Razorback songs to play on your computer or mp3 player. Makes a great gift for that Hog history buff. Have fun and enjoy the music!

Send us your name and e-mail to receive the mp3 files FREE for all of the '60s Razorback songs to play on your computer or mp3 player. Makes a great gift for that Hog history buff. Have fun and enjoy the music!

Send us your name and e-mail to receive the mp3 files FREE for all of the '60s Razorback songs to play on your computer or mp3 player. Makes a great Christmas gift for that Hog history buff. Have fun and enjoy the music!

Send us your name and e-mail to receive the mp3 files FREE for all of the '60s Razorback songs to play on your computer or mp3 player. Have fun and enjoy the music!

Let us hear what you would like to see, send us your comments!

Let us hear what you would like to see, send us your comments!

Let us hear what you would like to see. Send us your comments.

Author

Archives

Categories