College Football: 150 Years

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: 150 YEARS n what has been determined to be the first college football game, Rutgers Idefeated Princeton 6-4 on Nov. 6, 1869. The game was nothing like what fans see on the field today as 25 players from each team took the field at the same time to play a game that would be more associated with soccer than modern football. But since 1869, the game has evolved throughout the years, with changes to rules and equipment as well as innovation of how the game is played. Each development has played its role in shaping it into the magnificent sport that is now annually supported by tens of millions of fans. Former BYU head football coach LaVell Edwards spearheaded one of those major developments with his aggressive and innovative passing attack while coaching The college football world is in the midst of celebrating the 150th BYU from 1972-00. His deviation from traditional offenses led the Cougars to 19 anniversary of the sport. The sesquicentennial celebration showcases the conference titles, an overall record of 257- rich history and traditions of the sport and its contribution to American 101-3, the 1984 National Championship and a spot in the College Football Hall of society and culture. With tens of millions annual fans and more than Fame. 5.33 million people who have played college football since 1869, “Honestly, I don’t think people understand college football has become an integral part of the national landscape. how radical his decision was to commit fully to the passing offense,” said Ivan Maisel, ESPN senior writer and editor-at- large of ESPN College Football 150, at the 2019 BYU Football Media Day. “I think LaVell’s contribution to college football was making the pass an accepted form of offense. He brought it mainstream and had national success with it. He led the parade.” 24 GAMEDAY GUIDE 2019 Originally, the forward pass was against the rules and wasn’t made legal until 1906. Even after revisions to the game, the newly instituted rules did not initially favor the passing game as any incomplete pass was considered a loose ball fumble and could be picked up by the defense. A round ball that was shaped more like a balloon also made passing difficult until 1930 when the ball was made more streamlined. Other college football teams had successful seasons throwing the football prior to Edwards. However, the success was often based on a particular player’s skillset playing quarterback and usually short-lived. “LaVell saw that Navy became good for a couple years when they had Roger Staubach,” said Duff Tittle, BYU associate athletic director – Communications, as extension of what we were doing back in of back-to-back-to-back All-American he recounted previous conversations with the 1980s in college. It’s taking advantage quarterbacks,” Nielsen said. “I’m not sure Edwards. “The same thing happened at of the intricacies of the relationship there is one. It was just an interesting run BYU when they had Virgil Carter. The between the quarterback and receivers.” of tremendous players that really listened problem with those situations was that to the coaches and developed under these it was like a gimmick. As soon as that From 1972 to 2000, the Cougars led coaches.” particular quarterback was gone, the the nation in passing eight times and coaches couldn’t repeat it and they would finished in the top-five in passing 17 Edwards has helped reshape college go back to running the ball like everyone times. Nicknamed “The Quarterback football and the National Football League else.” Factory,” BYU produced eight All-American through his offensive schemes as well quarterbacks during Edwards’ tenure that as his coaching tree of former assistant Edwards’ pass attack was known for broke a combined 173 NCAA records coaches and players. His coaching tree using the defense against itself. Former during their careers. includes three NFL head coaches, over BYU quarterbacks quote him as saying, 20 college head football coaches, 14 NFL “Whatever the they do, it’ll be wrong.” Edwards coached one Heisman Trophy or college coordinators, and 18 college His offense featured motions, run-pass winner, four Dave O’Brien Award assistants. options, play-action passes, running back recipients, seven Sammy Baugh Trophy delays and tight end delays. The head Winners and had 26 other Cougars “I came into the NFL and they said that coach helped create an offense that was receive All-America honors as an offensive I threw the ball too much – and they fundamentally sound and helped coach lineman, running back or tight end. The hammered me on it,” said Andy Reid, quarterbacks to make the right play head coach has been joined in the College current Kansas City Chiefs head coach depending on the defense. Football Hall of Fame by quarterbacks and a former BYU offensive lineman. Gifford Nielsen, Marc Wilson, Jim “Now, they tell you you cannot win in the “It’s a dance step,” former BYU McMahon, Steve Young and Ty Detmer, National Football League without throwing quarterback Steve Young said. “We were along with tight end Gordon Hudson. the ball. Where did that start? It started timed up. Everyone knew their timing and with LaVell Edwards. He not only touched no one could keep track of us. I look at “If you think about the history of college the college football world, he changed it. what Tom Brady is doing and what Peyton football and 150 years of college football, But he also changed professional football, Manning did in the 2000s. It was an name another program that had a list which is genius.” GAMEDAY GUIDE 2019 25.

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