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With the new season about to begin, I'm including a copy of the 2015 schedule below as it stands now:
Click to enlarge
However going back to the beginning, in 1894, some 121 years ago, the schedule wasn't quite as filled out as it is now. The first year's schedule had only three entries as the team (known as the Cardinals at the time) was led by a part time coach and full time Latin professor - John C. Futrall. Futrall would coach for three seasons and end with a record of 5-2-0 winning only to Fort Smith High in his three years (losing to Texas and Drury College). During his first year, the Cardinals won their first two games (against Fort Smith High: 42-0, and 38-0) and were pumped to make it three and zero as they boarded the train to Austin to meet the Longhorns. Arriving in Austin, they had a November 22 meeting before 1,500 spectators where they were dominated in a loss of 54-0. The rivalry had now begun, and it would last forever in the hearts of Razorback fans.
After this, Futrall would coach just two more seasons before turning the reins over to B.N. Wilson. In the 1896 team photo (oldest team football picture in existence), Futrall can be seen on the right end of the back row, while Wilson, as assistant coach, is on the left side of the same row. Futrall would also go on to become University President in 1913 and remain there until his death in an automobile accident in 1939. During his tenure, the period would also include the dedication of the Greek Theater.
The 1894 Cardinal football schedule was a slim one, to be sure, that would have looked much like this:
After this, Futrall would coach just two more seasons before turning the reins over to B.N. Wilson. In the 1896 team photo (oldest team football picture in existence), Futrall can be seen on the right end of the back row, while Wilson, as assistant coach, is on the left side of the same row. Futrall would also go on to become University President in 1913 and remain there until his death in an automobile accident in 1939. During his tenure, the period would also include the dedication of the Greek Theater.
The 1894 Cardinal football schedule was a slim one, to be sure, that would have looked much like this:
Click to enlarge
The loss to Texas set up a rivalry that would become one of the greatest in college football. Fans during the '60s would see the rivalry rise to its peak when it would culminate on December 6, 1969, in Razorback Stadium (during the 100th year of college football) in the Big Shootout between #1 Texas and #2 Arkansas. This game has since been termed the Greatest Game for the First 100 Years of College Football history.
"the Greatest Game for the First 100 Years of College Football history"
Rivalries today may exist between Alabama, LSU, or others, but there was never one bigger than the one that existed between Texas and Arkansas. All test were cancelled on campus during Texas Week, parties were abundant, and the school was on holiday preparing for The Game. Banners would be suspended over Dickson street while all of a sudden signs would appear everywhere proclaiming "Beat Texas." It was truly pandemonium. The campus (and state for that manner) would be totally out of control. The rivalry was still intact and would continue.
During the '60s, the SWC was the dominate football conference in the nation much like the SEC is now days. Throughout the '60s Arkansas would either win or share the Southwest Conference championship in eight of the ten years for the decade. Until its demise, Arkansas would win the national championship once, and Texas would win it four times. To find out how close the Hogs were to winning three more national championships, you can take a look at "Hit That Line" (by the way, they were very, very close). The rivalry that began in 1894 and continues today, makes it more sweet when the Hogs are able to "Beat Texas."
During the '60s, the SWC was the dominate football conference in the nation much like the SEC is now days. Throughout the '60s Arkansas would either win or share the Southwest Conference championship in eight of the ten years for the decade. Until its demise, Arkansas would win the national championship once, and Texas would win it four times. To find out how close the Hogs were to winning three more national championships, you can take a look at "Hit That Line" (by the way, they were very, very close). The rivalry that began in 1894 and continues today, makes it more sweet when the Hogs are able to "Beat Texas."
If you are one of those rabid Razorback fans interested in knowing even more about the history of the Hog football program, then get your very own copy of "Hit That Line" from the Apple Store, Barnes and Nobles online, or the world's largest e-book publisher - Smashwords.com.
Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.
Send us your name and e-mail address to receive a FREE copy of the 1960's 45-rpm records in mp3 format to play on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. They make a great gift for any Razorback football history buff. Don't forget to let us know where you are from. WPS!
