Today's Tidbit... Much Ado About Nothing To Nothing

Fordham and Pitt were top Eastern and evenly-matched teams in the mid-1930s, sporting similar records in 1935, 1936, and 1937. Fordham went 6-1-2, 7-1-2, and 8-0-1 during that stretch, while Pitt went 7-1-2, 8-1-1, and 9-0-1, claiming national championships in 1936 and 1937. Fordham's coach was Jim Crowley, one of the Four Horsemen in his playing days. On the other hand, Jock Sutherland was at the helm at Pitt. He replaced Pop Warner in Steel Town, earning as good as or a better record.

Given the strength of the two teams, excitement abounded when they scheduled a series of games to be played at the Polo Grounds. The rain made the Polo Ground’s well-worn field more problematic than usual in 1935, perhaps leading to Pitt’s sophomore-dominated team playing lethargically. Fordham did not play much better since neither team penetrated the other's 20-yard line and combined for 11 first downs. Fordham at least attempted two field goals, but quarterback Andy Palau missed both as the tilt ended in a 0-0 tie.

Pitt had the opportunity to return only one kickoff that day, as did Fordham. ('Rams Hold Panthers At Bay,' Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, November 3, 1935.)