Science Fiction "V": What Should "V" Represent Amid ESPN's Annual Rerun?
Weekly, we get a weak effort from #MessMedia hacks telling the entire story as public respect for their vocation goes down quicker than NFL ratings running in parallel with National Anthem-loving GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick taking a knee. During the messy presidential campaign, Wikileaks hacking confirmed what many believed about collusion between left-leaning politicians and a predictably pathetic press. If the lame-stream media did its job, there wouldn't be any need for paying attention to undisputed facts distributed by Wikileaks. At any rate, the best pre-Christmas present in decades for conservatives has been watching unhinged leftists whine in fetal position after biased bozos were Trumped. Seems as if majority of press puke are in the woods tracking down loser to console her and take a Shrillary selfie with flipping electors. Regrettably, the progressive mindset depicted by inauguration-nauseated Rockette(s) and in lopsided editorial endorsements for POTUS also infects the toy department (sports).
According to Wikipedia, V was an American science fiction TV series running two seasons on ABC, chronicling the arrival on Earth of a technologically advanced alien species ostensibly coming in peace, but actually boasting sinister motives. This could be Webster's definition of the lame-stream media seeking therapy for post-election anxiety. But according to CollegeHoopedia.com, ABC also has an annual V rerun on vaunted ESPN while losing nine million subscribers over three years. The intent isn't vile but, if an observer values the whole truth, there is vast soap-boxing fiction involved amid the "V" all day every day as the vindicated big man on ESPN's Jesus-free campus.
Veering off-course with velocity promoting gabby "V" - not baby "J" - as the reason for the season, the Nationwide Leader's culture violates the time-honored vow of telling the entire story in a veracious way. It's vexing as ESPN's parade of glorification pitchmen, including staffers and it-takes-a-village coaches, incessantly laud former commentator Jim Valvano by chapter and verse. If "V" sycophants could fly, the mess media highlighted by ESPN and most of the coaching community would be jets. A "Jimmy V Week" culminates with an early-season classic to enhance cancer research fundraising for a foundation named after an individual who joins John Calipari (UMass/Memphis) and Jerry Tarkanian (Long Beach State/UNLV) as the only repeat-offender coaches shackled with having multiple schools under their watch forced to vacate NCAA playoff participation. Too bad 100% of the donated plaudits don't go straight through a truth detector such as the "biased" New York Times, which detailed how ESPN received more than $250 million in state tax breaks and credits thus far this century.
Anyone with a visible pulse supports the vision of finding a cure for the vulnerable afflicted by cancer, but a classic lack-of-proper-perspective stemming from the cult-of-personality dynamic is ESPN's vivid hero worship of the vibrant Valvano. He wasn't a bloodthirsty vampire villain but there are a variety of vigorous reasons for not carrying ESPN's water supporting his canonization in the wake of vanquishing Houston to vault to the 1983 NCAA playoff title. How was his deceit that much different from another cancer celebrity such as Lance Armstrong? After Valvano ran afoul of NCAA investigators at Iona, a private attorney retained by North Carolina State volunteered he was convinced that the institution could successfully sue him for failing to ensure the academic progress of his NCSU players. While Duke overdoses on recruiting one-and-done exemptions with board scores nowhere close to average Cameron Crazy student, the biggest scholastic question in the ACC is which school - NCSU vs. UNC - wins the battle for most egregious academic scandal over the last three decades.
At the very least, virile Valvano should have verified that standout guard Sidney Lowe took a remedial tax preparation course to help him steer clear of vice squad by vandalizing the state; especially if Lowe, twice voted All-ACC and a first-teamer with teammate Thurl Bailey in 1983, was going to become one of his head coaching successors with the Wolfpack. Additional suspect characters aligning with Valvano at NCSU included Kenny Drummond, Russell Pierre, Dinky Proctor, Charles Shackleford, Craig Tyson and Chris Washburn (of 470 SAT fame in a league where athletes previously had to reach 800 to be eligible). Did Jimmy V brag that stereo-stealer Washburn was going to "make our program"? Did V mean break rather than make? Awash in intellect, Shackleford, who admitted accepting $65,000 cash from outside influences during his final two years enrolled in college, is perhaps best known for the following quote: "Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." After a series of drug-related incidents, he was found dead in his apartment at the age of 50.
At the same time of holiday season King Herod-like ESPN vetoed a "venal" hospital ad a couple of years ago celebrating Jesus before relenting, it seemingly will "never give up" a vintage and valiant voyage portraying V as the most virtuous coach in history. The sanitized version is in the network's veins akin to trying to duplicate anchorman Ron Burgundy's humor in promotional ads. Voicing opposition to this mythical narrative leaves a cynic open to vilification as being venomous. Still, the network's doctored depiction of V is as honest as POTUS and his vultures telling citizens with a "period" about retaining their current physician (ESPN previously aired ObamaCare ad passing its rigid standards); authentic as the sign language interpreter at a Nelson Mandela memorial; genuinely patriotic as lip-syncing Beyonce; real as Ray "Dancin' On Their Graves" Lewis lecturing us about NFL violence and ball-deflation ethics; genuine as claiming no behind-the-scenes negotiations occurred naming Bruce Jenner's inner woman courageous nearly 40 years after he was a gold-medal winning Olympian, or as valid as fake girlfriend of former Notre Dame All-American linebacker Manti Te'o.
Irish idealist Dick Vitale spearheads promoting the V Foundation, impressively raising in the neighborhood of $200 million. Understandably, his visceral reaction probably is that any dissent makes Valvano the victim of a vicious vendetta. Anything but vapid, there is no doubt vivacious Vitale means well and has his heart in the proper place serving as Valvano's valet. But as verbose Vitale is wont to do, he is vulnerable to vehemently going overboard with his voluminous embellishment. Preying on emotions, a majority of the media smugly fall in line seemingly signing off on one of those old phantom NCSU readmission agreements after flunking out where they made a commitment "pledging to work hard (at maintaining image) and keep a positive mental attitude."
In an affront to valuable numbers that never lie, there are fake-news times when ESPN sycophants operate in a vacuum shamelessly enhancing Valvano's credentials as a "survive-and-advance" tactician, perpetuating a falsehood he was a late-game strategical genius. You can't take a vacation from the veracity of cold hard facts having Valvano rank in the lower third of DI coaches among those with at least 150 close contests (decided by fewer than six points). Capitalizing on six opponents combining to shoot an anemic 56.8% from the free-throw line, the law of averages was with NCSU in 1983 when it became the only school to have as many as four NCAA playoff games decided by one or two points en route to a title. The Wolfpack trailed in the final minute of seven of its last nine triumphs.
People in power need to be held accountable even if a coach such as Duke's Mike Krzyzewski claims many of the "allegations were fabrications" against his ACC counterpart. "I can't breathe" holding opinion unless Coach K moonlighted as an investigator because there is no reason to be vague and treat big boys with velvet gloves. ESPN could virtually avoid any vanishing credibility in this instance by incorporating deceased Rick Majerus in the foundation equation. After all, the 24-year veteran college head coach was also a vocal ESPN analyst. Unless it detracts from the storyline, call it the V & M Foundation and add heart disease to the venture's research grants. Didn't Majerus exhibit as much, if not more, valor? Perhaps trend-setting broadcaster Stuart Scott and his battle with cancer should be included as a focal point.
A tearjerker ESPY speech notwithstanding, it's a cancer of priorities and ESPN simply sullies its reputation with insufferable verbal voodoo vouching Valvano was something he wasn't beyond a good coach who never had a season with fewer than four defeats in conference competition. Amid narcissism and extensive self-promotion, an "inspirational" story reeks of overkill because vermin among a complicit sports media are predictably unprincipled and offer the maximum tear-inducement reminiscent of a fairytale sans conveying the entire picture. Forget the vulgar academic progress of Valvano's players at N.C. State (735 average SAT score and excessive number of positive drug tests during the 1980s). No Extra Sensitive Pious Network should be an outside-the-lines enabler seemingly unaccountable while selling only a partial story. They have an obligation to visit the whole story; not vacillate and be on verge of failing their constituency in regard to vainly providing a viable role model.
As for venerable Majerus, there won't be a vicarious movie or "30 for 30" special made about his self-effacing humor, eating habits and fact none of his NCAA playoff teams with three different schools ever had to vacate NCAA play. In a stark scholastic contrast, his 1998 Utah squad provided the vanguard of Final Four achievements - only team ever to feature three Academic All-Americans among its versatile regulars. For the record, Majerus ranked among the top third of coaches in games decided by fewer than six points. But he simply doesn't fit into a contrived storyline. It would be a surprise if Utah players under Majerus took an "Understanding Music" class during Christmas vacation to help stay eligible like NCSU scholars did under Valvano.
Just keep everything in perspective. Alluding to allegations about a professor altering grades of Wolfpack players, the faculty senate chairman at the time asked SI: "If we're supposedly changing grades, how come we have so many people in academic difficulty?" Pulitzer Prize winner Claude Sitton, a doughty local editor/columnist for the Raleigh News & Observer during Valvano's tenure, was unapologetic about the paper's contemporaneous coverage of the NCSU scandal. "Looking back on it, Valvano just initiated academic rape as far as basketball players were concerned," Sitton said. "But Valvano only did what (Chancellor Bruce) Poulton wanted him to do, and that was win ball games no matter how."
In a scornful column, Sitton wrote: "College sports, in short, are corrupt. The rot reaches far beyond the campus - to the kid on the corner who thinks sports opens the glory road, the high school teacher who gives a player a free pass, the TV executive who manipulates universities for profit, sportswriters who see, hear and speak no evil, and all who know that higher education has been turned into a sideshow by the commercial sports conglomerate and do nothing to end it." Sitton's summary continued to ring true as the ACC summoned Louisville and Syracuse to its ranks in recent years as they each soon went on probationary status with their Hall of Shame coaches.
ESPN's abundant coverage seemed to revel in cancer frontman Lance Armstrong's arrogant stumblin' and bumblin' "one big lie" rather than taking his bike-ride fall in a valley as time for self-reflection. The view from this vantage point is that defend-the-brand revisionist history is a misguided echo chamber. Amid the distortion, a final verdict persists about a greater-good higher calling. As many folks as possible should make a vintage donation to the V Foundation. Just envision V as Victory (over cancer) or as Vitale (for his long-term heavy lifting in the project).
It wasn't long before name-dropping ESPN, via Out House correspondent Andy Katz apparently getting as much beer-summit face time with trustworthy POTUS as ex-HHS Secretary Kathleen "Get-In-Line" Sebelius, went viral giving a prominent "Audacity-of-Hype" venue for Oval Office NCAA bracket selections. But the West Wing(ing) verve must absorb so much dignified time for the selfie-taking hoopster-in-chief that a Sgt. Schultz "I-know-nothing" routine emerges while chronically pleading ignorance about various less vital matters such as the Benghazi terrorist attack, ShrillaryRotten's multiple email address changes as Secretary of Yoga, IRS targeting of conservatives, Fast and Furious gun-running, healthcare exchange ineptitude, NSA spying on allies, North Korea's cyber "vandalism," Justice Department snooping on national media, etc., and then failing to attend a church service at Christmas. Meanwhile, a void in thought-police treatment made more faith-influenced individuals nearly vomit when the network's "inn" didn't have room for the authentic Messiah's message vying for a little air time more important to many Americans than giving free political points.
As our departing fearless leader might proclaim: "Cut it out!" Thus, it was no surprise sister network A&E emerged equally intolerant of deeply-held religious beliefs when "be(ing) original" by suspending/marginalizing the brassy "Duck Dynasty" patriarch for his version of "Vagina Monologues." Are you buyin' what ESPN's flock of quacks are sellin' verbatim - accepting the laughing/thinking/crying hook, line and sinker? Very odd this vociferous emphasis on V. Upon "ducking" and turning the other cheek again, it's time to say an old-fashioned: "Merry CHRISTmas, ESPN!" If this vernacular is objectionable to sensibilities of the politically-correct elite, then avoid a GQ bearded set-up with a patronizing "Happy Holidays!"
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready For Some Football in December
The NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves in December football at the professional level:
DECEMBER
1: B Len Barnum (West Virginia Wesleyan hooper) accounted for the New York Giants' lone score with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jim Lee Howell (All-SWC first-five hoops selection as Arkansas senior in 1935-36) in 14-6 setback against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1940. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught two touchdown passes from Bob Waterfield in a 31-21 win against the New York Giants in 1946. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 179 yards on 29 carries in a 24-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. . . . B Olie Cordill (Rice hoops letterman in 1938) caught a third-quarter touchdown pass to help the Cleveland Rams secure a 13-13 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1940. . . . Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) had three of his league-high nine rushing touchdowns in a 20-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 1946. . . . Los Angeles Dons rookie E Dale Gentry (averaged 5.3 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) caught two touchdown passes in a 62-14 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1946. . . . Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) had two interceptions in a 34-27 setback against the New York Giants in 1963. . . . TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught a touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter to give the Baltimore Ravens the lead in a 27-23 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2002. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw four touchdown passes in a 41-17 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 1996. . . . Chicago Cardinals rookie E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) caught two touchdown passes from Paul Christman in a 35-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1946. . . . Los Angeles Rams TE James McDonald (four-year Southern California letterman in early 1980s averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg as senior forward) had a 35-yard pass reception in a 29-3 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1985. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) threw two touchdown passes in a 14-6 win against the New York Giants in 1940. One of the TD receptions was caught by rookie HB Banks McFadden (led Clemson in scoring each of his three seasons en route to becoming school's first All-American in 1939). . . . Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked three of his league-high 25 field goals in a 23-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1968. . . . New York Giants B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) had a decisive 31-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter of 21-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1935. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had eight pass receptions for 124 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 35-31 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1991. . . . Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 332 yards in a 36-20 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1963. . . . Cincinnati Bengals QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 33-14 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1968. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) had six pass receptions for 60 yards in a 9-7 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1991.
2: Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) caught two touchdown passes (70 and 29 yards) from QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) in a 24-0 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1945. Baugh finished with three TD passes. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 44-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1979. . . . Dallas Cowboys TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) caught two touchdown passes in a 22-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1973. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes for 140 yards in a 24-10 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2007. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four first-half touchdown passes in a 49-28 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1951. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoop letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 19-13 setback against the New York Yankees in 1928. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) had a 91-yard touchdown reception from Bob Waterfield in a 42-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1951. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 42-10 win against the Chicago Bears in 1956. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for two first-quarter touchdowns in a 42-17 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1951. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) caught two touchdown passes in a 30-13 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1956. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Tom Rychlec (collected four points and six rebounds in one hoops game for American International MA in 1954-55) opened the game's scoring with a touchdown reception from Jack Kemp in a 23-14 win against the Dallas Texans in 1962. . . . New York Giants DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown in a 14-0 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1951. . . . Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 37-14 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-7 win against the New York Giants in 1979. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught two touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle (one for 77 yards) in a 20-17 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1956. . . . Boston Redskins B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1926) opened the game's scoring with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) in a 13-3 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1934.
3: Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown in a 24-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1972. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two first-half touchdown passes (56 and 21 yards) from Ron Jaworski in a 28-27 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1978. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught eight passes for 121 yards in a 24-10 setback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie RB Glenn Davis (Army hooper in 1944-45 and 1945-46) scored two second-quarter touchdowns (one rushing/one receiving) in a 51-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Vern Den Herder (finished Central College IA career in 1970-71 as school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder) returned an interception 24 yards in a 37-21 win against the New England Patriots in 1972. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught nine passes - including two touchdowns - in a 31-28 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 2006. . . . Washington Redskins DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) had two interceptions in a 38-24 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted nine times for 432 yards (48.0 average) in a 35-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1961. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 30-27 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1967. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes (82, 67 and 32 yards) in a 45-21 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1950. Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) had four touchdowns among his 12 pass receptions for 302 yards. In 1961 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Layne threw three TD passes in a 35-24 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles. . . . Cleveland Rams rookie B Bill Lazetich (three-year Montana hoops letterman in late 1930s) opened the game's scoring with a five-yard touchdown catch in a 35-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1939. . . . Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) caught two touchdown passes from Brian Sipe in a 47-24 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 1978. . . . Philadelphia Eagles B Fran Murray (All-EIL first-team guard for Penn in 1935-36 and 1936-37) caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Dave O'Brien in a 35-13 setback against the Cleveland Rams in 1939. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two touchdown passes from Tom Flores (32 and 31 yards) in a 28-28 tie against the New York Jets in 1966. . . . Minnesota Vikings WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) caught two touchdown passes from Fran Tarkenton - including one of them for 51 yards - in a 42-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1961. . . . Chicago Bears QB Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) threw three touchdown passes in a 49-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1944. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw four touchdown passes in a 35-35 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1967. Six years earlier with the Washington Redskins, Snead threw a 60-yard TD pass to WR Tom Osborne (scored 1,291 points for Hastings NE during last half of 1950s) in a 38-24 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 17-10 win against the New England Patriots in 1978. . . . Rookie WR Dave Stief (hoop teammate of Portland State All-American Freeman Williams in 1977-78) caught a 53-yard touchdown pass from Jim Hart in the fourth quarter to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 21-14 win against the Detroit Lions in 1978. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 33-6 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2000. . . . Detroit Lions rookie HB Doak Walker (SMU letterman as freshman in 1945-46) rushed for two touchdowns in a 45-21 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1950.
4: Chicago Bears TE Martellus Bennett (averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg as Texas A&M freshman in 2005-06 before playing briefly next season under coach Billy Gillispie) had a career-high 12 pass receptions in a 41-28 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 135 yards on 15 carries and caught two passes for 64 yards in a 27-16 win against the Washington Redskins in 1960. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught 15 passes for 238 yards in a 24-23 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2005. . . . Portsmouth Spartans TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) rushed for two touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1932. . . . Chicago Bears LB George Connor (Holy Cross hoops letterman in 1943 and 1944 before averaging 2.5 ppg as Notre Dame center in 1946-47) recovered a fumble and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown in a 21-20 win against the Detroit Lions in 1955. . . . Buffalo Bills LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had two sacks in a 24-23 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 2005. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 11 passes for 147 yards in a 30-24 setback against the New England Patriots in 2000. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two touchdown passes (51 and 49 yards) in a 31-21 playoff win against the Buffalo Bills in 1949. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoop letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown in a 14-0 win against the New York Yankees in 1927. . . . Oakland Raiders rookie WR Charlie Hardy (played in nine hoops games for San Jose State in 1954-55) caught four passes for 123 yards in a 41-17 setback against the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960. It was the first of three consecutive contests during the month where Hardy had a touchdown reception. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) scored two second-half touchdowns in a 41-13 win against the Chicago Bears in 1960. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught five passes for 148 yards in a 34-7 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2008. . . . Chicago Bears E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) accounted for the game's only score with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Keith Molesworth (three-year letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) in a 6-0 win against the New York Giants in 1932. . . . Atlanta Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had an interception and returned a punt 23 yards in 16-10 setback against the New England Patriots in 1977. . . . New York Bulldogs QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-27 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1949. . . . New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) had three sacks in a 44-7 win against the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988. . . . Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier letterman in 1943) caught two touchdown passes from George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) in a 31-21 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1949 AAFC playoff game. Ratterman finished with three TD passes. . . . Washington Redskins rookie WR Tom Osborne (scored 1,291 points for Hastings NE during last half of 1950s) had a career-high six pass receptions in a 27-16 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1960. . . . New York Yankees E Barney Poole (Ole Miss hoops letterman in 1943) had a 15-yard pass reception in a 17-7 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1949. Yankees DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) returned three punts for 34 yards. . . . New York Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had three touchdown catches in a 30-27 win against the Denver Broncos in 1960. Broncos S Al Romine (four-year hoops letterman from 1951-52 through 1954-55 for Florence State AL) returned an interception 13 yards and SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 11 pass receptions - including two second-half TDs from Frank Tripucka. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw three touchdown passes in a 52-10 win against the New York Jets in 1971. . . . In 1960, New York Giants HB Ed Sutton (seven hoop games for North Carolina as sophomore in 1954-55) rushed for 62 yards on seven carries in a 31-31 tie against the Dallas Cowboys after rushing for 57 yards on five carries in a 31-23 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles the previous week.
5: Washington Redskins RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) rushed for two first-quarter touchdowns in a 49-14 win against the New York Giants in 1937. Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two touchdown passes. . . . Philadelphia Eagles E Tony Bova (St. Francis PA hoops letterman in 1942) caught two touchdown passes (48 and 13 yards en route to leading league with 24.6-yd average) in a 38-28 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1943. . . . In 1937, Chicago Bears QB Ray Buivid (Marquette hoops letterman in 1935-36) became the first rookie to throw five touchdown passes in a single NFL game (42-28 nod over Chicago Cardinals). . . . Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg for North Carolina in 1998-99 and 2000-01) caught nine passes for 141 yards - including two touchdowns from Kerry Collins - in a 34-27 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers TB Ray Evans (two-time All-American was four-year letterman and second-leading scorer for Kansas in 1942 NCAA Tournament) opened the game's scoring with a nine-yard rushing touchdown in a 38-28 win against the New York Giants in 1948. . . . Los Angeles Dons rookie WR Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) caught two touchdown passes from Glenn Dobbs in a 38-21 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1948. . . . New York Giants' Dave Jennings (forward averaged 5.9 ppg for St. Lawrence NY in 1972-73 and 1973-74) punted four times for 55.3-yard average in 17-14 win against the Houston Oilers in 1982. Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) had three sacks. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three touchdown passes in a 37-16 win against the New York Jets in 1976. . . . Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) had two of his league-high 14 pass reception touchdowns in a 42-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1948. . . . Philadelphia Eagles rookie QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 21-17 setback against the Arizona Cardinals in 1999. Five years later, McNabb completed 32-of-43 passes - including five TDs - in a 47-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2004. WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had eight of McNabb's 32 pass completions for 161 yards. Five years earlier with the San Francisco 49ers, Owens caught nine passes for 145 yards in a 44-30 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1999. . . . Philadelphia Eagles B Dom Moselle (leading hoops scorer for Wisconsin-Superior in 1947-48 and 1948-49) had a career-high 46 rushing yards in 13-13 tie against the Detroit Lions in 1954. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 320 yards in a 21-19 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1965. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had eight pass receptions for 164 yards in a 24-13 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1965. . . . New York Giants LB Brad Van Pelt (averaged 4.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg while shooting 61.7% from floor as Michigan State sophomore in 1970-71) had two interceptions in a 24-10 win against the Detroit Lions in 1976. . . . Cincinnati Bengals DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) supplied a safety by tackling Steve Young in the end zone in a 21-8 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1993.
6: San Francisco 49ers RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) rushed for two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers to finish the 1953 campaign with seven TDs. . . . Boston Braves RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) scored a touchdown on a 74-yard punt return in a 14-0 win against the New York Giants in 1936. . . . Cleveland Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught three first-half touchdown passes (22, 23 and 36 yards) in a 62-14 win against the New York Giants in 1953. Browns QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three TD passes. . . . FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for all four of the Chicago Bears' touchdowns in a 27-21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1959. . . . Indianapolis Colts DE Sam Clancy (two-time Eastern 8 first-team selection ended career in 1981 as Pittsburgh's all-time leading rebounder) had 2 1/2 sacks in a 6-0 win against the New England Patriots in 1992. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught eight passes for 167 yards in a 30-23 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2009. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) threw two first-half touchdown passes to Boyd Dowler (26 and 30 yards) in a 38-20 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1959. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes and contributed a pair of one-yard plunges for TDs in a 28-19 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1964. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 23-12 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1987. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bill Mackrides (Nevada-Reno hoops letterman in 1944) passed for one fourth-quarter touchdown to Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoops letter in 1947) and rushed for another TD in a 21-17 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1953. . . . Cleveland Browns WR Evan Moore (Stanford hooper in 2003-04 and 2004-05) had a career-high six pass receptions in his pro debut, a 30-23 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2009. . . . A fourth-quarter touchdown catch by WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) gave the Oakland Raiders a 16-13 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1964. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie WR Dave Smith (averaged 15.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg while shooting 51.1% from floor for Indiana PA in 1968-69 and 1969-70) caught an 87-yard touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw in a 20-12 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1970. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught eight passes for 165 yards in a 35-31 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) scored two touchdowns (46-yard pass reception and 25-yard rush) in a 26-17 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1971. . . . Providence Steam Roller rookie TB Cy Wentworth (New Hampshire hoops letterman in 1922 and 1923) opened the game's scoring with a 20-yard rushing touchdown in 13-10 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1925.
7: St. Louis Cardinals DE Bubba Baker (averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg as forward-center for Colorado State from 1974-75 through 1977-78) posted 2 1/2 sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 10-10 tie in 1986. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 20-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941. . . . Detroit Lions WR Marlin Briscoe (averaged 9.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Nebraska-Omaha in 1964-65) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 25-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1975. Briscoe finished the game with five catches for 119 yards. . . . Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had at least 10 tackles for the second consecutive contest in 2008. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 42-0 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1947. . . . Philadelphia Eagles E Bud Grant (third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre) caught two touchdown passes in a 38-21 win against the Dallas Texans in 1952. . . . Dallas Cowboys SS Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) had two interceptions in a 41-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1974. . . . E Red Hickey (three-time All-SWC selection and member of Arkansas' 1941 Final Four team) caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in the fourth quarter to give the Los Angeles Rams a 17-14 win against the Chicago Bears in 1947. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught 10 passes for 159 yards in a 34-17 setback against the Detroit Lions in 2014. . . . Chicago Cardinals FB Bert Johnson (played one game in 1934-35 under legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp) had a 26-yard touchdown reception in a 34-24 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1941. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 14-7 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2003. . . . Chicago Bears E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) caught two touchdown passes from Red Grange (21 and 30 yards) in a 21-0 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1930. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns in a 30-27 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1975. . . . Chicago Cardinals E-DB Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns - including a 56-yard interception return - in a 45-21 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. . . . Washington Redskins DB Joe Lavender (averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had three interceptions - returning one of them 51 yards for a touchdown - in a 40-17 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1980. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the Chicago Bears in 1952. Three of league-high 15 TD receptions for Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) each was at least 25 yards in the first half. Six years later with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Layne threw two second-half TD passes - including a 28-yarder to E Cy McClairen (two-time all-league selection scored 36 points for Bethune-Cookman in 1953 SIAC Tournament championship game) - in a 14-14 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1958. . . . Cleveland Rams HB Bill Lund (hooper for Case Western Reserve OH) scored two second-half touchdowns - including a 63-yard run from scrimmage - in a 42-0 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1947. . . . New York Giants WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) caught a career-long 72-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Rote in 27-17 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1952. Redskins E Hugh Taylor (OCU leading scorer with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) caught three touchdown passes from Eddie LeBaron. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 36-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. . . . Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) returned an interception 74 yards in a 27-13 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1975. It was Moore's first of three INTs in as many games to close the season. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 50-14 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2003. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had eight pass receptions in a 31-17 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) had 10 pass receptions - including go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter - in a 17-14 win against the New York Jets in 1980. . . . Chicago Rockets B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) had an 80-yard touchdown reception in a 34-14 setback against the Los Angeles Dons in 1947. . . . Buffalo Bills rookie QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 21-21 tie against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught two first-half touchdown passes from John Elway (37 and 25 yards) in a 35-24 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw three touchdown passes in a 41-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1974. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle (44 and 22 yards) in a 48-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1958.
8: Cleveland Browns DB Erich Barnes (played briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in a 24-21 win against the Washington Redskins in 1968. . . . Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) had two interceptions in a 40-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1968. . . . Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (redshirt freshman forward for BYU in 2006-07 before playing briefly for Southern California in 2008-09 under coach Tim Floyd) had nine pass receptions for 121 yards in a 27-26 setback against the New England Patriots in 2013. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three first-half touchdown passes - including a 68-yarder to Frank Pitts - in a 40-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1968. . . . New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two of his NFL-high 16 touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 31-13 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2013. . . . Denver Broncos DB Charlie Greer (played seven basketball games for Colorado in 1965-66 as sophomore) had two interceptions in a 33-27 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1968. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 38-7 win against the Boston Patriots in 1968. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Red Hickey (three-time All-SWC selection and member of Arkansas' 1941 Final Four team) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Bob Waterfield in a 38-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1946. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) had two touchdown catches in a 42-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1957. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-22 win against the Detroit Lions in 1996. Six years later with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Johnson threw four TD passes in a 34-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 315 yards - including four touchdowns (three for more than 40 yards) - in a 38-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1963. . . . Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for two second-quarter touchdowns in a 20-14 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1991. . . . Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown in a 29-26 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) rushed for two touchdowns in a 30-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1968. . . . Frankford Yellow Jackets E Chuck Kassel (Illinois hoops letterman in 1925 and 1926) contributed the game's lone touchdown with a 10-yard pass reception in a 7-0 win against the New York Giants in 1928. . . . Cleveland Rams rookie HB Bill Lund (hooper for Case Western Reserve OH) opened the game's scoring with a 22-yard touchdown reception in a 66-14 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. . . . Baltimore Colts rookie TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught two touchdown passes from Johnny Unitas (61 and 27 yards) in a 41-10 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1963. . . . Rookie E Eggs Manske (point guard led Northwestern to share of 1933 Big Ten Conference crown) supplied the Philadelphia Eagles' only score with a pass reception touchdown in a 13-6 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1935. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Keith McKeller (starting center for Jacksonville State's 1985 NCAA Division II championship team led Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of his first three seasons and finished second as senior) had 10 pass receptions in a 30-27 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1991. . . . B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) rushed for both of the game's touchdowns to power the Chicago Bears to a 13-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1935. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had 12 pass receptions - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns from Jeff Garcia (including game winner with 12 seconds remaining) in a 31-27 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2002. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had three touchdown catches in a 41-27 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1963. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had a career-high eight pass receptions in a 24-6 setback against the Houston Texans in 2002. . . . Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 350 yards - including three touchdowns - in a 34-21 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1962. Six years later with the Philadelphia Eagles, Snead threw three TD passes in a 29-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1968. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie HB Jack Wilson (Baylor hoops letterman in 1942) caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in a 38-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1946. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Roy Zimmerman (San Jose State hoops letterman as center in 1938 and 1939) threw three touchdown passes in a 40-14 win against the Boston Yanks in 1946. Six years earlier with the Washington Redskins as a rookie, Zimmerman returned a kickoff 37 yards and had a 61-yard punt in a 73-0 setback against the Chicago Bears in the 1940 NFL championship game. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) had a 23-yard rushing TD in the title tilt. Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) coached the Redskins.
9: Minnesota Vikings WR Tom Adams (two-time All-MIAC honoree set Minnesota-Duluth single-season mark for rebounds with 367 as senior in 1961-62) caught two passes from Fran Tarkenton for 45 yards in a 37-23 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1962. . . . San Francisco 49ers rookie RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) rushed for two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. . . . Minnesota Vikings LB Matt Blair (played in 1970 NJCAA Tournament for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M hoops team finishing in seventh place) intercepted two passes in a 10-3 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1979. . . . Minnesota Vikings rookie QB Todd Bouman (South Dakota State transfer averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for St. Cloud State MN from 1993-94 through 1995-96) passed for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-24 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2001. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) had five of his NFL-high 67 pass receptions for 146 of his NFL-high 1,116 yards in a 24-23 win against the New York Jets in 1973. . . . Philadelphia Eagles CB Jimmy Carr (three-year hoops letterman for Morris Harvey WV appeared in NAIA Tournament in 1953 and 1954) had an interception in his second straight game in 1962. . . . New York Giants rookie TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) had a game-high 83 passing yards and chipped in with 59 rushing yards (including fourth-quarter touchdown) in a 30-13 win against the Chicago Bears in the 1934 NFL championship contest. Giants E Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) had two pass receptions for 28 yards in his second straight NFL title tilt. Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) completed 4-of-9 passes, returned four punts for 67 yards and punted nine times for 40.7-yard average. Bears B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) caught one pass for 23 yards and returned an interception 16 yards. . . . Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught six passes for 155 yards in a 30-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 28-10 win against the Detroit Lions in 1979. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught six passes for 131 yards in a 23-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 305 yards in a 15-12 win against the Detroit Lions in 2001. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 302 yards and five touchdowns (two for more than 70 yards) in a 52-20 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1962. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 34-24 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. Two years later, Kilmer threw three second-quarter TD passes in a 23-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1974. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for three touchdowns in a 45-21 win against the New York Yanks in 1951. . . . Houston Oilers TE Bob McLeod (all-time leading rebounder for Abilene Christian TX with 1,237 from 1957-58 through 1960-61 also ranks among school's top 10 career scorers) caught five passes for 114 yards - including a career-long 55-yard touchdown from George Blanda - in a 32-17 victory against the Oakland Raiders in 1962. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 win against the San Diego Chargers in 2001.
10: New York Giants B Len Barnum (West Virginia Wesleyan hooper) had an interception in 27-0 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1939 NFL championship game. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two touchdown passes in a 41-6 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2001. . . . New York Giants QB Randy Dean (played in two hoop games in 1973-74 under Northwestern coach Tex Winter) threw his lone NFL touchdown pass in a 17-0 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 48-20 win against the Denver Broncos in 2006. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the Washington Redskins in 1950. . . . Cleveland Rams WR Ray Hamilton (Arkansas letterman for two SWC hoop champions from 1936 through 1938) caught a 70-yard touchdown pass in a 26-13 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1944. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars rookie WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Mark Brunell in a 41-31 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1995. . . . Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 30-23 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1972. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes in a 30-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1961. . . . Chicago Cardinals rookie B Ike Mahoney (Creighton hooper in early 1920s) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Red Dunn (four-time Marquette hoops letterman first half of 1920s) in a 59-0 win against the Milwaukee Badgers in 1925. . . . Rookie WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) scored the New York Giants' only touchdown by catching a pass from Charlie Conerly in 9-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1950. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 23-of-36 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-24 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2000. . . . New York Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) scored two second-half touchdowns in a 20-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1933. . . . Indianapolis Colts rookie WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had five pass receptions for 135 yards in a 23-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1989. . . . Rookie B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) scored the Chicago Bears' lone touchdown with a 42-yard pass reception from Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) in 7-6 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1933. . . . New England Patriots WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Jim Plunkett in a 17-10 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1972. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had three touchdown receptions in a 28-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had nine pass receptions for 171 yards in a 41-33 setback against the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960.
11: Philadelphia Eagles E Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) caught a touchdown pass in his fourth consecutive contest in 1949. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 53-27 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1949. Rams E Bob Shaw (Ohio State hoops starter in 1942 and 1943) had four TD pass receptions. . . . New York Giants B lEN Barnum () had a nine-yard run from scrimmage and 20-yard pass reception in 23-17 win against the Green Bay Pacers in 1938 NFL championship game. Packers E Wayland Becker (Marquette hoops letterman in mid-1930s) had a game-high 78 receiving yards. Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two touchdown passes, including a 21-yarder to rookie E Hap Barnard (four-year hoops letterman for Central Oklahoma played in 1938 NAIA Tournament as senior). C-LB Mel Hein (Washington State hoops letterman in 1930), the only offensive lineman earning NFL MVP award, recovered a fumble near midfield to help set up a Giants TD. Giants E Jim Lee Howell (All-SWC first-five selection as Arkansas senior in 1935-36) had two pass receptions. Giants TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) had a six-yard rushing TD. . . . Philadelphia Eagles CB Jimmy Carr (three-year hoops letterman for Morris Harvey WV appeared in NAIA Tournament in 1953 and 1954) had an interception in his second consecutive contest in 1960. Pittsburgh Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) scored two first-half touchdowns - including an 87-yard run from scrimmage - in a 27-21 win against the Eagles. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 23-21 win against the San Diego Chargers in 2005. Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught 13 passes for 123 yards. Six years later, Gates caught two TD passes from Philip Rivers in a 37-10 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2011. . . . New Orleans Saints rookie WR Eugene Goodlow (scored 38 points in 19 games for Kansas State in 1977-78 and 1978-79) caught a career-high seven passes in a 20-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1983. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-24 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1955. . . . In his lone professional game, Oakland Raiders QB Charlie Green (averaged 3.7 ppg and 2 rpg for Wittenberg OH runner-up in 1963 NCAA Division II Tournament) completed both pass attempts for a total of 17 yards in a 28-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1966. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoops letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) rushed for a 60-yard touchdown in a 13-0 win against the New York Yankees in 1927. . . . Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) had an interception in a 24-17 win against the Washington Redskins in 1988. . . . New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 155 yards in a 3-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1993. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 23-10 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1983. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw six of his league-high 23 touchdown passes in a 52-21 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1949. . . . New York Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had 10 catches for 179 yards - including two touchdowns (one for 72 yards) - in a 31-28 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1960. Six years later with the Raiders, Powell caught two TD passes from Tom Flores (46 and 45 yards) in a 28-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1966. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had two of his league-high 15 touchdown receptions in a 27-24 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1993. . . . Atlanta Falcons LB Marion Rushing (Southern Illinois hooper from 1954-55 through 1956-57) had an interception in a 16-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966. . . . New York Giants LB Tom Scott (hoops letterman as Virginia forward in 1951) returned an interception 14 yards for a touchdown in a 17-3 win against the Washington Redskins in 1960.
12: Washington Redskins RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) opened the game's scoring with a seven-yard rushing touchdown and LB Eddie Kawal (Illinois hoops letterman in 1930) returned an interception 19 yards in a 28-21 win against the Chicago Bears in the 1937 NFL Championship. Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) coached the Redskins. Bears E Eggs Manske (point guard led Northwestern to share of 1933 Big Ten Conference crown) had a four-yard pass reception touchdown plus 51-yard catch, Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries, Bears B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) returned an interception 16 yards and Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) completed a pass for 35 yards to rookie E Dick Plasman (Vanderbilt two-year starting center named to 1936 All-SEC Tournament second five). Plasman also had two sacks. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-21 win against the New York Giants in 1948. Redskins E Hugh Taylor (OCU leading scorer with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) caught two second-half TD passes from Baugh. Six years later, Taylor had three first-half TD receptions in a 37-20 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1954. . . . . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) completed 23-of-37 passes for 355 yards in a 34-25 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1965. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Al Dixon (Iowa State hooper in 1975-76 and 1976-77) had a career-high 102 receiving yards (on six catches) in a 21-16 setback against the Los Angeles Raiders in 1982. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 31-28 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1999. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two touchdown passes in a 37-14 win against the New York Giants in 2004. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Red Hickey (three-time All-SWC selection and member of Arkansas' 1941 Final Four team) opened a game's scoring with a touchdown reception of more than 20 yards for the third time in less than a month in 1948. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) scored five touchdowns - including two via pass receptions (50 and 65 yards from Bart Starr) - in a 42-27 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1965. . . . Washington Redskins QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 28-3 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 1999. . . . Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the New York Giants in 1992. . . . Chicago Bears rookie QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 24-21 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1948. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) scored two touchdowns in a 42-35 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1977. Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) completed 14-of-19 passes for three TDs. Six years earlier, Staubach threw three first-half TD passes in a 42-14 win against the New York Giants in 1971. . . . Buffalo Bills QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-17 win against the Baltimore Colts in the 1948 AAFC playoffs. . . . Cincinnati Bengals rookie WR Patrick Robinson (starting guard for Tennessee State in 1990-91 when averaging 6.7 ppg and 2.9 apg) had a career-high three pass receptions in a 7-2 setback against the New England Patriots in 1993. . . . Philadelphia Eagles LB George Tarasovic (led NLU forerunner Northeast Junior College LA with 21 ppg in 1950-51) returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in a 47-13 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1965. . . . New York Giants E Will Walls (starting forward with TCU for three years from 1935 through 1937) caught a 33-yard touchdown pass in a regular-season ending 31-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 1943. . . . Philadelphia Eagles DE Norm Willey (Marshall hoops center in late 1940s) opened the game's scoring by recovering a fumble for a touchdown in a 29-14 win against the New York Giants in 1954.
13: New York Giants TE Kevin Boss (averaged 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg while shooting 51.9% from floor for Western Oregon in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had a career-high seven pass receptions in 45-38 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. . . . Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) closed out 1952 campaign with his third consecutive contest contributing three pass receptions for touchdowns (including 77-yarder). . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw four touchdown passes in a 49-6 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1964. . . . Chicago Bears rookie WR George Farmer (teammate of UCLA legend Lew Alcindor in 1968-69) caught a career-high nine passes for 142 yards in a 35-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1970. . . . Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) coached the Washington Redskins in 1942 when they registered a 14-6 win against the Chicago Bears in the NFL championship game. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 25 yards on eight carries, caught one pass for 11 yards, had one interception and returned a kickoff for 23 yards. . . . Chicago Cardinals QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 35-20 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1959. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for three touchdowns in a 36-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1959. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 371 of a league-high 3,045 yards - including two third-quarter touchdowns - in a 38-13 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1964. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1970. The next year with the Washington Redskins, Kilmer threw three TD passes in a 38-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1971. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 41-6 win against the Dallas Texans in 1952. The next year, Layne threw two first-half TD passes in a 27-16 win against the New York Giants in 1953. In 1959 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Layne threw four TD passes in a 35-20 win against the Chicago Cardinals. . . . New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) returned a fumble recovery 20 yards for a touchdown in a 20-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1981. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie WR Bucky Pope (two-time All-Carolinas Conference pick for Catawba NC averaged 19.4 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) opened the game's scoring by catching a 95-yard touchdown pass from Bill Munson in a 24-24 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1964. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 301 yards - including three second-quarter touchdowns - in a 36-34 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. . . . Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted seven times for 324 yards (46.3 average) in a 27-10 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1969. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught a touchdown pass in last four games to finish with a league-high 10 TD catches in 1953.
14: Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 40-13 win against the Boston Yanks in 1947. Redskins B Dick Poillon (Canisius hooper in early 1940s) scored two TDs. . . . Green Bay Packers LB Fred Carr (played for defending NCAA champion Texas Western in 1967 playoffs) had two interceptions in a 22-5 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1975. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) had a 43-yard rushing touchdown in a 35-3 win against the Boston Patriots in 1963. . . . In 1930, the Green Bay Packers' lone score in a 6-6 tie against the Portsmouth Spartans was a 15-yard pass from Red Dunn (four-year Marquette letterman first half of 1920s) to rookie Weert Engelmann (All-NCC selection for South Dakota State). . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 45-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 2003. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 37-34 setback against the New York Giants in 1952. . . . San Francisco 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two touchdowns in a 35-13 win against the Detroit Lions in 1998. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 214 yards on 26 carries - including three touchdowns - in a 40-14 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1975. Browns WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) had six pass receptions for 130 yards.
15: Miami Dolphins LB Larry Ball (played eight hoop games for Louisville as sophomore in 1968-69 before persuaded by coach Lee Corso to concentrate on football) had an interception in a 34-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1973. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught seven passes for 138 yards in a 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2002. . . . Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) rushed seven times for a game-high 80 yards - including 40-yard touchdown - in 26-7 win against the New York Giants in 1935 NFL championship contest. TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw a 42-yard pass for the Giants' lone touchdown. Giants rookie E Tod Goodwin (West Virginia hoops letterman in 1933) had two pass receptions for 26 yards. Giants B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries and returned one kickoff for 30 yards. . . . Cincinnati Bengals LB James Francis (averaged 3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Baylor in 1986-87 and 1987-88) had two interceptions - returning one 42 yards for a touchdown - in a 21-13 win against the Houston Texans in 1996. . . . A fourth-quarter touchdown reception by rookie E Dale Gentry (averaged 5.3 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) propelled the Los Angeles Dons to a 17-17 tie against the Chicago Rockets in 1946. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Eugene Goodlow (scored 38 points in 19 games for Kansas State in 1977-78 and 1978-79) caught five passes for 135 yards - including a 76-yard touchdown from Bobby Hebert - in a 31-19 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1985. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw four touchdown passes to Paul Warfield in a 34-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1973. . . . Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) recorded a safety in a 25-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1991. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) caught two touchdown passes from Norm Van Brocklin in a 37-21 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1957. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 299 yards - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 28-24 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1963. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968. . . . Frankfort Yellow Jackets B Ken Mercer (three-year letterman as Simpson IA forward) rushed for three touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the Chicago Bears in 1928. . . . Baltimore Colts RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had two pass reception touchdowns - including a 61-yarder from Earl Morrall - in a 28-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1968. . . . New York Giants E Buster Poole (three-year Arkansas letterman was senior captain in 1936-37) caught four passes for 40 yards in a 24-14 setback against the Chicago Bears in the 1946 NFL championship game. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two of his AFL-high 16 touchdown passes in a 35-31 win against the Denver Broncos in 1963. Broncos TE Gene Prebola (Boston University hooper in 1957-58) had four pass receptions for 106 yards. Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 10 of his AFL-leading 78 pass receptions. . . . New England Patriots TE-LB John Tanner (JC recruit averaged 3.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1968-69) played on offense, defense and special teams in a 34-27 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1974 finale. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2002. . . . Washington Redskins rookie QB Harry Theofiledes (averaged 9.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Waynesburg PA in 1964-65 and 1965-66) threw a 39-yard touchdown pass in 14-3 win against the Detroit Lions in 1968 season finale. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught 12 passes for 150 yards in a 37-34 setback against the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
16: Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw three touchdown passes for the third time in last four games of 1973 campaign. . . . San Francisco 49ers RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter with a 67-yard punt return against the Baltimore Colts in 1956. . . . Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) had a 38-yard pass reception for the game's first touchdown in a 15-14 setback against the Cleveland Rams in 1945 NFL championship contest. E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) scored the Rams' first TD with a 37-yard pass reception from Bob Waterfield en route to game highs of nine catches and 125 receiving yards. Rams E Steve Pritko (Villanova two-year hoops letterman) caught two passes for 17 yards. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers DB Tony Dungy (roommate of Flip Saunders averaged 2.6 ppg for Minnesota in 1973-74 under coach Bill Musselman) intercepted a pass in second consecutive contest in 1978. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) had three of his league-high 17 touchdown receptions in a 42-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught three touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 34-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 386 yards - including two first-half touchdowns (one of them 77 yards to Sonny Randle) - in a 45-35 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw four touchdown passes - three to Larry Brown - in a 38-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973. . . . Green Bay Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) opened the game's scoring with a 45-yard touchdown catch in a 20-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. . . . San Francisco 49ers E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught two touchdown passes from John Brodie in a 27-24 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1961. . . . Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tony Romo in a 38-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2006. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had five pass receptions for 108 yards in a 35-34 win against the Washington Redskins in 1979. Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) passed for 336 yards and three TDs. Six years earlier, Staubach completed 14-of-19 passes - including three touchdowns - in a 30-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973. . . . New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown in a 27-17 win against the New York Yanks in 1951.
17: New York Giants E Red Badgro (first-five All-Pacific Coast Conference pick as forward in 1926-27 when named USC's MVP) had a 29-yard pass reception for a touchdown in a 23-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in the 1933 NFL championship game. Giants B Dale Burnett (two-time all-conference hooper for Emporia State KS) had game highs with five catches for 94 receiving yards. Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) completed 2-of-5 passes for 24 yards, rushed once for five yards, returned three punts for 33 yards and punted 10 times for a 39.8-yard average. Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) had a team-high 40 rushing yards and returned one kickoff 36 yards. Bears rookie B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) rushed for a game-high 73 yards. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three first-half touchdown passes to Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) in a 38-24 win against the Denver Broncos in 1967. . . . Chicago Bears rookie TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught eight passes for 102 yards - including two touchdowns - in a 52-35 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1961. Vikings DB Dick Pesonen (two-year Minnesota-Duluth hoops letterman was starting guard in 1959-60) returned five kickoffs for 133 yards. Vikings WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) caught three TD passes from Fran Tarkenton. Reichow had a total of seven TD pass receptions in the last five games of season. . . . Denver Broncos TE Wesley Duke (averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Mercer from 2001-02 through 2004-05) caught a touchdown pass from Jake Plummer in a 28-17 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2005. Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught 11 passes for 137 yards. . . . Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) scored two second-quarter touchdowns - one rushing and one receiving - in a 14-7 win against the New York Giants in 1944 NFL championship contest. Giants LB Mel Hein (Washington State hoops letterman in 1930) had an interception. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 41-32 win against the Boston Patriots in 1967. . . . Houston Oilers WR Bill Groman (led Heidelberg OH in scoring average as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught two touchdown passes from George Blanda in a 47-16 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1961. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) had eight pass receptions for 156 yards in a 34-21 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2001. . . . Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the New England Patriots in 1972. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) opened the game's scoring with an 80-yard touchdown pass to Danny Abramowicz in a 30-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1967. Ten years later with the Washington Redskins, Kilmer threw two first-quarter TD passes in a 17-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) completed 15-of-29 passes but threw three interceptions in a 24-14 playoff setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1950. . . . New York Giants rookie WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) had a pass reception for 19 yards in 8-3 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1950 playoff game. Browns rookie B Dom Moselle (leading hoops scorer for Wisconsin-Superior in 1947-48 and 1948-49) returned two kickoffs for 55 yards. Giants DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) had an interception. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught 20 passes for 283 yards in a 17-0 win against the Chicago Bears in 2000. . . . Chicago Bears rookie K Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked three field goals in a 23-14 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1967. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 182 yards on 22 carries in a 48-16 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1978. Pruitt closed out the campaign with at least 113 yards rushing in his last three contests. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-24 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1967. Five years later with the New York Giants, Snead threw two second-quarter TD passes in a 23-3 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. . . . St. Louis Cardinals rookie WR Dave Stief (hoop teammate of Portland State All-American Freeman Williams in 1977-78) had career highs of nine pass receptions for 183 yards in a 42-21 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1978.
18: St. Louis Cardinals DE Bubba Baker (averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg as forward-center for Colorado State from 1974-75 through 1977-78) posted three sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 1983 game. . . . Washington Redskins TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) had four pass receptions for 61 yards in a 35-20 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1976 playoff game. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 35-19 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1999. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) passed for 298 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 35-20 playoff setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1976. . . . Boston Patriots rookie SE Oscar Lofton (collected 31 points and 30 rebounds in 12 games for Southeastern Louisiana in 1958-59) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes (37 and 39 yards) in a 37-21 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1960. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned a fumble recovery 60 yards for a touchdown in a 34-31 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2004. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had five pass receptions for 149 yards in a 33-30 win against the New York Giants in 2004. . . . Green Bay Packers CB Quinten Rollins (led Miami OH in steals all four seasons from 2010-11 through 2013-14 including MAC as senior) had a career-high eight tackles in 30-27 win against the Chicago Bears in 2016. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers LB Bill Saul (averaged 6.1 ppg for Penn State in 1959-60) returned an interception eight yards in a 57-33 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1966. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) passed for 307 yards and four touchdowns in a 29-28 win against the Houston Oilers in 1966. . . . Indianapolis Colts TE Erik Swoope (averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Miami FL from 2010-11 through 2013-14) caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Luck in 34-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2016. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 24-20 win against the New York Jets in 2005.
19: Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown in a 22-9 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1971. . . . E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team pick for SMU in late 1930s) and E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) each had one of the Chicago Cardinals' three pass receptions in a 7-0 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1948 NFL championship game. . . . New Orleans Saints rookie TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 30-24 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2010. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught nine passes - including two touchdowns - in a 48-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2005. . . . Oakland Raiders TE Teyo Johnson (part-time starting forward for Stanford averaged 4.9 ppg and 3 rpg in 2000-01 and 2001-02) opened the game's scoring with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Kerry Collins in a 40-35 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2004. . . . Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had a career-high seven pass receptions in a 31-17 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2010. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had nine pass receptions for 148 yards in a 47-34 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1993. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 14-10 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1954. . . . Green Bay Packers TE Rich McGeorge (all-league hooper for Elon averaged 13.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg while making 59% of his field-goal attempts) had a career-high five pass receptions in a 27-6 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1971. . . . Cleveland Browns rookie HB Ara Parseghian (Miami of Ohio hooper in 1946-47 and 1947-48) rushed for 14 yards on four carries in a 49-7 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1948 AAFC championship game. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) rushed 13 times for 43 yards and caught six passes for 41 yards in a 14-12 playoff setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1976. . . . Washington Redskins CB Lonnie Sanders (averaged 10.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg as Michigan State forward in 1961-62) closed out the 1965 campaign with an interception in his second straight game. . . . New York Jets DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) recorded a safety in a 22-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010. . . . Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught a touchdown pass in each of last three games of his rookie season in 1965. . . . E Will Walls (starting forward with TCU for three years from 1935 through 1937) had one of the New York Giants' four pass receptions in a 28-0 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1943 NFL championship game. . . . San Diego Chargers DB Bud Whitehead (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 15 games for Florida State in 1959-60) had two interceptions in a 24-14 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1965.
20: Carolina Panthers rookie TE Luther Broughton (forward scored five points in five games for Furman in 1994-95) scored the go-ahead touchdown with a 68-yard reception in fourth quarter of a 20-13 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1998. . . . QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw a 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give the Kansas City Chiefs a 13-6 playoff win against the New York Jets in 1969. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Bruce Ellington (South Carolina's leading scorer as freshman point guard with 12.8 ppg in 2010-11 before averaging 11.1 ppg as sophomore) scored two touchdowns - one receiving/one rushing - in a 38-35 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2014. . . . New York Giants DB Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) had two interceptions - including one for a 43-yard touchdown - in a 28-7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage (averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Missouri from 1999-00 through 2001-02) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Vince Young in a 27-24 win against the Miami Dolphins in 2009. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 38-35 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. . . . Minnesota Vikings TE Andrew Glover (All-SWAC second-team selection as senior in 1990-91 when leading Grambling with 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg while pacing league in field-goal shooting) caught two touchdown passes from Randall Cunningham in a 50-10 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from Joe Flacco in a 31-7 win against the Chicago Bears in 2009. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 27-24 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 346 yards and four touchdowns in a 30-28 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2003. . . . Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 146 yards in a 16-13 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1992. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 306 yards in a 27-13 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2009. . . . Houston Oilers QB Gifford Nielsen (BYU swingman averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75) passed for a career-high 377 yards - including three touchdowns to Dave Casper - in a 21-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1981. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Stan Rome (All-ACC second-team choice as Clemson junior averaged from 10.4 to 15.3 ppg while hitting 53% of FGAs from 1974-75 through 1977-78) scored the game's lone touchdown with a 15-yard pass reception in a 10-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 30-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970.
21: Cleveland Browns DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) had an interception in a 31-20 playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1968. . . . Chicago Bears QB Young Bussey (LSU hoops letterman in late 1930s) completed his lone pass in the 1941 NFL championship game for eight yards in a 37-9 win against the New York Giants. George Halas (starting guard for Illinois' Big Ten Conference titlist in 1916-17) coached the Bears. TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) passed for 73 yards and chipped in with a Giants-high 52 rushing yards. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 13 yards on four carries. Bears E Dick Plasman (Vanderbilt two-year starting center named to 1936 All-SEC Tournament second five) had a game-high 48 receiving yards on two catches. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie E Bob Carey (forward-center averaged 8.8 ppg in three-year Michigan State career in early 1950s) had three pass receptions for 30 yards in 31-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1952 playoff game. Rams S Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) returned an interception 20 yards. Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) threw a 24-yard touchdown pass and had two receptions for 75 yards. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers TB Johnny Clement (SMU hoops letterman in 1940) had a team-high 59 rushing yards in a 21-0 playoff setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) had team-high 32 receiving yards. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 41-24 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. . . . Chicago Bears rookie TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) caught three touchdown passes in a 42-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1975. . . . Philadelphia Eagles DB Joe Lavender (averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown in a 26-3 win against the Washington Redskins in 1975. Five years later as a member of the Redskins, Lavender had two interceptions in a 31-7 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980. . . . Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) had an interception in a 56-7 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1969. . . . Minnesota Vikings rookie TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tommy Kramer in a 20-16 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1980 season finale. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from John Elway in a 38-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1997. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 20-3 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2003. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Lamar Thomas (collected 16 points and 4 rebounds in four games for Miami FL in 1990-91) had six pass receptions for 136 yards - including three touchdowns from Dan Marino - in a 31-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1998. Thomas had multiple catches in all but one of 15 regular-season games. . . . TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from John Brodie in the fourth quarter to power the San Francisco 49ers to a 14-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969.
22: Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw four touchdown passes -including an 82-yarder to Frank Jackson - in a 48-0 win against the New York Jets in 1963. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-14 playoff setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1968. Vikings DT Gary Larsen (ex-Marine played multiple hoops seasons for Concordia MN in early 1960s) had a sack. Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught three passes for 92 yards - including a 49-yard TD from Earl Morrall. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers E Cy McClairen (two-time all-league selection scored 36 points for Bethune-Cookman in 1953 SIAC Tournament championship game) opened the game's scoring with a 48-yard touchdown pass reception from Morrall in a 27-2 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1957. . . . San Francisco 49ers rookie E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) opened a playoff game's scoring by catching a 34-yard touchdown pass from Y.A. Tittle in a 31-27 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1957. 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught a 12-yard TD pass from Tittle. . . . New York Yankees TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) completed 8-of-18 passes in 14-9 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1946 NFL championship game. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught 10 passes for 247 yards - including four touchdowns from Tom Flores - in a 52-49 win against the Houston Oilers in 1963. . . . Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) had four pass receptions for 117 yards in a 41-6 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1968 AFL playoffs.
23: Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) coached the Chicago Bears to a 27-17 wild-card game setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979. Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two touchdown passes. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg for North Carolina in 1998-99 and 2000-01) caught 11 passes in a 20-9 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006. It was Curry's third consecutive contest with at least eight receptions. . . . Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had an interception for the third consecutive contest and chipped in with 10 tackles in a 27-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes for 137 yards in a 25-20 setback against the Detroit Lions in 2007. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two touchdown passes in a 34-16 playoff win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1973. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) had a game-saving tackle in a 24-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1951 NFL championship contest. Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) caught four passes for 66 yards. . . . Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) had an interception in a 17-3 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990. . . . Dallas Texans rookie DE Bill Hull (forward for Wake Forest squad finishing third in 1962 NCAA Tournament averaged 6.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg in two varsity seasons) returned an interception 23 yards to help set up the game-winning field goal in overtime in a 20-17 win against the Houston Oilers in 1962 AFL championship game. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three touchdown passes in a 48-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2001. . . . Los Angeles Rams TE James McDonald (four-year Southern California letterman in early 1980s averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg as senior forward) caught two passes for 18 yards in a 16-13 playoff setback against the New York Giants in 1984. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-23 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2007. . . . Chicago Bears DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 28-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2012. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-28 playoff win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1972. The next year, Staubach threw two TD passes - including an 83-yarder to Drew Pearson - in a 27-16 playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1973. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown in a 24-21 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990.
24: Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-10 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2005. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie RB Glenn Davis (Army hooper in 1944-45 and 1945-46) opened the 1950 NFL championship game's scoring with an 82-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in a 30-28 setback against the Cleveland Browns. Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) completed 22-of-33 passes for 298 yards and four TDs while chipping with 99 rushing yards. . . . Oakland Raiders TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught two touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 52-9 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2000. . . . Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown in a 50-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1967 playoff game. . . . San Diego Chargers rookie WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 20-7 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2006. . . . Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown in 23-20 win against the Detroit Lions in 2000. . . . Seattle Seahawks TE Pete Metzelaars (averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Wabash IN while setting NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for single season as senior in 1981-82 and career) had a five-yard touchdown reception in a 31-7 playoff win against the Denver Broncos in 1983. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 24-20 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. . . . Baltimore Colts WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1971-72) had two pass receptions for 45 yards in a 37-31 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1977 playoff game. . . . San Diego Chargers rookie DB Bud Whitehead (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 15 games for Florida State in 1959-60) had two interceptions in a 10-3 playoff setback against the Houston Oilers in 1961.
25: Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 11 of his league-high 102 passes - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 31-30 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2004. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 30-23 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 2005.
26: Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 41-21 playoff setback against the Chicago Bears in 1943. Bears E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Sid Luckman. Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) co-coached the Bears. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 30 yards on seven carries and returned two punts for 17 yards. . . . Rookie FB Bill Bowman (fouled out with four points in only basketball game with William & Mary in 1953-54) scored the Detroit Lions' only touchdown (five-yard rush) in a 56-10 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1954 NFL championship game. Bowman also had a 50-yard run from scrimmage in the contest. Browns DE Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) returned two interceptions a total of 45 yards. Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught an eight-yard TD pass and 45-yard reception from Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43). Graham threw three first-half TD passes and rushed for three TDs. The next year, Graham threw two TD passes (50 and 35 yards) and rushed for two TDs while Ford had another INT in a 38-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1955 NFL title tilt. . . . A fourth-quarter touchdown reception by TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) carried the Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-24 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1998. . . . RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) opened the Green Bay Packers' scoring with a rushing touchdown in a 13-10 playoff win against the Baltimore Colts in 1965. . . . QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 471 yards - including a 33-yarder for a touchdown in overtime - to give the Washington Redskins a 26-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1999. . . . New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) totaled 175 yards in rushing (94 on 16 carries) and pass receiving (81 on eight catches) in a 16-14 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1993. . . . Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had five pass receptions for 115 yards in a 24-23 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2010. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two touchdown passes in a 24-20 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1971. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two touchdowns in a 29-28 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. . . . Chicago Bears TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) had two pass receptions for 25 yards in a 37-7 playoff setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1977. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 83 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown in a 26-13 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1982. . . . Minnesota Vikings TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA) caught 10 passes in a 42-14 setback against the New York Jets in 1982. . . . San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught a touchdown pass from John Brodie in a 24-20 playoff win against the Washington Redskins in 1971.
27: Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught four passes for 54 yards in a 17-16 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1953 NFL championship contest. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw a 33-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) opened the game's scoring with a rushing TD. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 114 yards on 27 carries in 1964 NFL championship game (27-0 against Baltimore Colts). It was Brown's lone playoff win. . . . Weeb Ewbank (hoops letterman for Miami OH in 1926-27 and 1927-28) coached the Baltimore Colts to a 31-16 victory against the New York Giants in 1959 NFL championship game. Colts DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions - returning one 42 yards for a touchdown. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two touchdown passes in a 21-14 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1970. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two touchdown passes from Joe Flacco for the second straight week in 2009. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 2003. Six years later, McNabb passed for 322 yards and three TDs in a 30-27 win against the Denver Broncos in 2009. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown in a 38-19 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1998. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from John Elway in a 42-17 playoff win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1997. The next year, Smith had nine pass receptions for 158 yards in a 28-21 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 1998.
28: Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-28 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1975. . . . Philadelphia Eagles E Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) caught two passes for 16 yards in a 28-21 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1947 NFL championship game. Cardinals E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team pick for SMU in late 1930s) caught a team-long 38-yard pass from Paul Christman. Eagles E Dick Humbert (three-year starter captained Richmond as senior in 1940-41 when averaging 7.4 ppg) caught two passes for 30 yards. . . . Cleveland Browns rookie E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) had a game-high 53 receiving yards in a 17-7 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1952 NFL championship contest. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) opened the game's scoring with a two-yard rushing touchdown. Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) had a team-high 97 rushing yards featuring a 67-yard TD. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught nine passes for 153 yards in a 23-21 win against the New York Jets in 2003. . . . Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught a 93-yard touchdown pass from Daryle Lamonica in a 26-8 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1963 AFL playoff contest. . . . Weeb Ewbank (hoops letterman for Miami OH in 1926-27 and 1927-28) coached the Baltimore Colts to a 23-17 overtime victory against the New York Giants in 1958 NFL championship game. . . . Oakland Raiders DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 35 yards in a 10-6 playoff setback against the Kansas City Chiefs following 1991 season. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 44-6 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2008. . . . Miami Dolphins RB Jerris McPhail (starting point guard for Mount Olive NC with 11 ppg in early 1990s) had five pass receptions in a 17-3 setback against the New England Patriots in 1997 playoff game. . . . WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) got the Atlanta Falcons on the scoreboard with a 24-yard touchdown reception in a 27-20 playoff win against the New Orleans Saints in 1991.
29: Baltimore Colts DE Ordell Braase (first-team All-NCC pick for South Dakota in 1952-53 and 1953-54) had three sacks in a 34-0 playoff win against the Cleveland Browns in 1968. . . . George Halas (starting guard for Illinois' Big Ten Conference hoops titlist in 1916-17) coached the Chicago Bears to a 14-10 win against the New York Giants in 1963 NFL championship contest. Giants starting SS Dick Pesonen (two-year Minnesota-Duluth hoops letterman was starting guard in 1959-60) recovered a fumble. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught seven passes for 146 yards in a 34-31 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. . . . Detroits Lions RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for 34 yards on seven carries and caught one pass for 16 yards in a 59-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1957 NFL championship game. Lions QB Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) threw a 16-yard touchdown pass. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 38 yards in a 21-10 playoff win against the New York Giants in 1984. . . . Houston Oilers QB Gifford Nielsen (BYU swingman averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75) threw a go-ahead 47-yard touchdown pass to Mike Renfro in a 17-14 playoff win against the San Diego Chargers in 1979. . . . TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning with 2:26 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Indianapolis Colts a 20-13 win against Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002.
30: FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) contributed the Chicago Bears' lone touchdown with a nine-yard rush in a 47-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1956 NFL championship game. Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had six catches for team-high 87 receiving yards. . . . Cincinnati Bengals LB James Francis (averaged 3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Baylor in 1986-87 and 1987-88) returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown in a 21-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1990. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 30-26 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001. . . . New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught nine passes for 115 yards in a 44-38 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2012. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) caught three second-half touchdown passes in a 31-28 playoff win against the St. Louis Rams in 2000. . . . Dallas Cowboys DE Too Tall Jones (backup center averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tennessee State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had two sacks in a 27-20 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1978 NFC divisional playoffs. Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had an interception. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones (started two of his 11 Arkansas games in 2001-02 when averaging 4.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg and 10 of 17 in 2003-04 when averaging 5 ppg and 4.5 rpg) caught eight passes for 138 yards in a 42-28 setback against the Houston Texans in 2007. . . . Minnesota Vikings DT Gary Larsen (ex-Marine played multiple hoops seasons for Concordia MN in early 1960s) had a sack in 27-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1973 playoff contest. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the New York Giants in 2001. Six years later, McNabb passed for 345 yards in a 17-9 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2007. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars WR Micah Ross (Jacksonville's leading scorer, rebounder and FG% shooter as senior in 1997-98) returned four kickoffs in a 30-26 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught five passes for 69 yards in a 16-7 playoff setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1962.
31: Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) opened the game's scoring with a six-yard rushing touchdown in 37-0 playoff win against the New York Giants in 1961 NFL championship contest. Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) had game highs of four pass receptions and 80 receiving yards - including two touchdowns from Bart Starr. Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught three passes for 41 yards. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two touchdown passes in a 26-3 playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 21-3 playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000.
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in November
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in October
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in September
On This Date: December Calendar of Great Games in College Hoops History
Did You Know?: Marquee mentors John Beilein (Canisius), Vic Bubas (Duke), Denny Crum (Louisville), Bob Knight (Army), Guy Lewis (Houston), Ralph Miller (Wichita), Digger Phelps (Notre Dame) and Jerry Tarkanian (UNLV) lost their head coaching debuts with these schools between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Trivia buffs might also want to know bitter rivals Kentucky and Louisville each had their school rebounding record by an individual set on the same day in 1955.
Prominent players don't establish most of the school standards against lesser lights in non-conference competition. For instance, Utah's Billy McGill and Illinois' Skip Thoren set school single-game rebounding records in the early 1960s when each of them retrieved 24 missed shots against UCLA before the Bruins began their run of NCAA titles under legendary coach John Wooden.
Granted, fewer contests are played around Christmas but there clearly is a significant decrease in superior performances during that span. Holiday festivities can go awry between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Just ask top-ranked Virginia, which lost at tiny Chaminade in 1982, and NCAA champion-to-be Michigan, which bowed to Alaska-Anchorage on a neutral court in 1988. Following is a day-by-day calendar citing memorable moments in December college basketball history:
DECEMBER
1 - Eastern Kentucky's Jack Adams (49 points vs. Union in 1955), Iona's A.J. English (46 vs. Fairfield in 2015), Louisville's Wes Unseld (45 vs. Georgetown College KY in 1967) and NYU's Jim Signorile (50 vs. Herbert Lehman NY in 1969) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Ronnie Shavlik (55 points vs. William & Mary in 1954 set North Carolina State's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Vic Bubas made his Duke head coaching debut in 1959 with a 59-49 loss against Georgia Tech before guiding the Blue Devils to three Final Fours in a four-year span in the mid-1960s. . . . Pete Carril made his Princeton debut in 1967 with a 62-59 win against Army en route to becoming the Tigers' all-time winningest coach and capturing the Ivy League's only NIT championship (1975). . . . Denny Crum made his Louisville head coaching debut in 1971 with a 70-69 defeat at Florida before amassing a school-record 675 victories. . . . Eddie Sutton made his Creighton head coaching debut in 1969 with an 84-62 decision over Wisconsin-Oshkosh en route to 802 victories with five schools. . . . Jerry Tarkanian made his UNLV head coaching debut in 1973 with an 82-76 defeat against Texas Tech before notching a school-record 509 victories with the Rebels. . . . Ralph Miller made his Wichita head coaching debut in 1951 with a 62-55 defeat at Colorado before registering 657 victories with three schools. . . . Guy Lewis made his Houston head coaching debut in 1956 with a 97-78 defeat at Kansas State before compiling a school-record 592 victories. . . . Al McGuire made his Marquette debut in 1964 with a 69-49 triumph over St. Thomas MN en route to becoming the Warriors' all-time winningest coach. . . . Bob Knight made his Indiana debut in 1971 with an 84-77 triumph over Ball State en route to becoming the Hoosiers' all-time winningest coach. . . . Digger Phelps made his Notre Dame debut in 1971 with a 101-83 defeat against Michigan before compiling a school-record 393 victories. . . . Frank McGuire made his South Carolina coaching debut in 1964 with a 76-59 triumph against Erskine SC en route to a school-record 283 victories. . . . John Beilein made his Canisius coaching debut in 1992 with a 110-62 defeat at Duke before going on to win more than 20 games in a single season with four different DI schools. . . . Bob Nichols made his Toledo coaching debut in 1965 with a 108-77 triumph against Baldwin-Wallace OH en route to a school-record 375 victories. . . . Lynn Howden (24 vs. Florida State in 1970) set Texas' single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
2 - Eventual NCAA all-time scoring leader Pete Maravich collected 48 points and career-high 16 rebounds in his LSU varsity debut (97-81 win against Tampa in 1967). . . . Northern Arizona's Cory Schwab (43 points at Cal Poly in overtime in 2000) and Wisconsin's Christian Steinmetz (50 at Sparta's Company C in 1904) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Dean Smith made his North Carolina head coaching debut in 1961 with an 80-46 decision over Virginia en route to a school-record 879 victories. . . . Norm Stewart made his Missouri head coaching debut in 1967 with a 74-58 success at Arkansas en route to a school-record 634 victories with the Tigers. . . . Don Haskins made his Texas Western head coaching debut in 1961 with a 66-59 triumph at Iowa State en route to a school-record 719 victories. . . . Terry Holland made his Virginia coaching debut in 1974 with a 77-69 victory against Washington & Lee VA en route to a school-record 326 victories. . . . Phil Martelli made his Saint Joseph's debut in 1995 with a 64-56 success at Delaware en route to becoming the Hawks' all-time winningest coach and national COY in 2004.
3 - Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Von McDade (50 points at Illinois in double overtime in 1990) set school single-game scoring record. . . . DeWayne Russell (42 vs. Louisville in 2016) set Grand Canyon's DI single-game scoring record. . . . Lew Alcindor collected 56 points and 21 rebounds vs. Southern California in his varsity debut with UCLA in 1966. . . . John Wooden made his UCLA head coaching debut in 1948 with a 43-37 decision over UC Santa Barbara en route to a school-record 620 victories with the Bruins. . . . Lefty Driesell made his Davidson head coaching debut in 1960 with a 65-59 decision over Wake Forest en route to 786 victories with four schools. . . . Everett Case made his North Carolina State coaching debut in 1946 with a 63-28 decision over the Cherry Point Marines en route to a school-record 377 victories with the Wolfpack. . . . Arizona State's Mark Landsberger (27 vs. San Diego State in 1976), Jacksonville's Artis Gilmore (34 vs. St. Peter's in 1970) and UMKC's Tony Berg (23 vs. Baylor in 1996) set school single-game rebounding records.
4 - Mississippi State's Bailey Howell (47 points vs. Union TN in 1958) and Northwestern State's Billy Reynolds (42 at Lamar in 1976) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Brown's Ed Tooley shot an NCAA-record 36 free throws in a single game in 1954. . . . Long Beach State's school-record 75-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by San Francisco (94-84 in overtime in 1974). . . . Lou Carnesecca made his St. John's coaching debut in 1965 with a 64-62 triumph at Georgetown in overtime en route to a school-record 526 victories. . . . Bob Knight made his Army head coaching debut in 1965 with a 70-49 setback at Princeton before becoming Indiana's all-time winningest coach, capturing three NCAA championships with the Hoosiers in a 12-year span and compiling 899 victories. . . . UCLA's season-opening defeat by 27 points (110-83 at Illinois in 1964) was worst-ever for a team going on to capture an NCAA championship. . . . Marv Branstrom (28 vs. Arizona State in 1958) set San Jose State's single-game rebounding record.
5 - Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain (52 points vs. Northwestern in 1956), North Carolina State's David Thompson (57 vs. Buffalo State in 1974), Rider's Ron Simpson (48 at St. Francis NY in double overtime in 1987) and Washington State's Brian Quinnett (45 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1986 Amana Hawkeye Classic at Iowa City) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Chamberlain also grabbed 31 rebounds in his varsity debut, establishing an NCAA standard for most boards in first career game. . . . Charlotte's school-record 60-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Appalachian State (71-64 in 1977). . . . Dale Brown made his LSU head coaching debut in 1972 with a 94-81 triumph against Memphis State en route to a school-record 448 victories. . . . Harry Combes made his Illinois coaching debut in 1947 with a 67-27 success against Coe College IA before directing the Illini to three Final Fours in a four-year span from 1949 through 1952. . . . Shelby Metcalf made his Texas A&M head coaching debut in 1963 with a 61-58 triumph against Houston en route to a school-record 438 victories. . . . Gene Estes (24 vs. Texas Western in 1960) set Tulsa's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
6 - American's Russell "Boo" Bowers (45 points at Harvard in 1980), Nebraska-Omaha's Devin Patterson (41 at Montana State in 2015), Old Dominion's Alex Loughton (45 vs. Charlotte in double overtime in 2003), Rice's Doug McKendrick (47 vs. Georgia Tech in 1965) and Texas-San Antonio's Roderic Hall (52 vs. Maine in consolation game of 1997 Southwest Missouri Tournament at Springfield, Mo.) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Kent State's Doug Grayson set an NCAA single-game record by hitting 16 consecutive field-goal attempts vs. North Carolina in 1967. . . . Indiana's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Kentucky (66-51 in 1976). . . . Bob Presley (27 vs. St. Mary's in 1967) set California's single-game rebounding record.
7 - Niagara's Calvin Murphy (68 points vs. Syracuse in 1968) and St. Mary's Jim Moore (43 vs. Sacramento State in 1964) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Forest Arnold (46 points vs. Hardin-Simmons in 1955) set Memphis State's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Cincinnati's school-record 86-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Kansas (51-47 in 1963), Jacksonville's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Florida State (90-83 in 1971) and Tulsa's school-record 36-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Oklahoma State (93-75 in 1982). . . . Benny Becton (29 vs. Maine in 1962) set Vermont's single-game rebounding record.
8 - Davidson's Fred Hetzel (53 points vs. Furman in 1964), Morgan State's James McCoy (38 vs. Georgia State in semifinals of 1989 Godfather's Pizza Classic at Chattanooga, Tenn.), Rutgers' Bob Lloyd (51 at Delaware in 1965) and Wright State's Bill Edwards (45 vs. Morehead State in 1992) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Arizona's school-record 81-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Kansas State (76-57 in 1951) and Missouri's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Arkansas (95-82 in 1990). . . . Colgate's Jack Nichols (26 vs. Cornell in 1956) and Missouri State's Lee Campbell (20 vs. Southern Utah State in 1989) set school single-game rebounding records against DI opponents.
9 - Tony Bolds (41 points vs. Alcorn State in opening round of 1983 Great Busch Shootout at Southern Illinois) set Mercer's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Utah's school-record 54-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Weber State (79-77 in 2000). . . . Butler's Jeff Blue (23 vs. Michigan in 1961), College of Charleston's Thaddeous Delaney (21 vs. Charleston Southern in 1995), Dayton's Garry Roggenburk (32 vs. Miami Ohio in 1959), Iowa State's Bill Cain (26 vs. Minnesota in 1969), Lafayette's Ron Moyer (33 vs. Gettysburg PA in 1970) and Towson's Junior Hairston (21 vs. Niagara in 2007) set school single-game rebounding records against Division I opponents.
10 - Duke's Danny Ferry (58 points at Miami FL in 1988) and Long Beach State's Ed Ratleff (45 vs. St. Mary's in 1970) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Troy State (28 of 74) and George Mason (16 of 34) combined to set NCAA single-game three-point field-goal records in 1994 for shots made and attempted beyond the arc with Troy State's figures establishing marks for one team. . . . Tulane's school-record 42-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Arkansas (42-41 in 1949). . . . Bucknell's Hal Danzig (29 vs. Lehigh in 1958), Kentucky's Bob Burrow (34 vs. Temple in 1955) and Louisville's Charlie Tyra (38 vs. Canisius in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records.
11 - North Carolina A&T's Joe Binion (41 points vs. Livingstone NC in final of 1982 Miller Aggie Classic) and Virginia's Barry Parkhill (51 vs. Baldwin-Wallace OH in 1971) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Louisville's Clifford Rozier set an NCAA single-game record by hitting all 15 of his field-goal attempts against Eastern Kentucky in 1993. . . . Ohio State's school-record 50-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Davidson (95-73 in 1963). . . . Marvin Barnes (28 vs. Fairfield in 1972) set Providence's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
12 - Alabama's Mike Nordholz (50 points vs. Southern Mississippi at 1966 Birmingham Classic), North Dakota State's Ben Woodside (60 vs. Stephen F. Austin in 2008), Radford's Doug Day (43 at Central Connecticut State in 1990), Southern's Tim Roberts (56 vs. Faith Baptist LA in 1994) and Texas Christian's Lee Nailon (53 vs. Mississippi Valley State in first round of 1997 TCU Tournament) set school single-game scoring records. Woodside tied an NCAA mark by converting free throws against SFA. . . . Oklahoma's Mookie Blaylock set an NCAA single-game record with 13 steals vs. Centenary in 1987. . . . Henry "Hank" Iba made his Oklahoma A&M head coaching debut in 1934 with a 24-17 decision over Wichita en route to a school-record 655 victories with the Cowboys. . . . Kent State's Leroy Thompson (31 vs. Case Western OH in 1948) and Weber State's Willie Sojourner (25 vs. West Texas State in 1969) set school single-game rebounding records.
13 - Evansville's inaugural year at the NCAA Division I level ended in tragedy in 1977 when coach Bobby Watson and 13 members of his Purple Aces squad perished in a plane crash shortly after taking off en route to their fifth game of the season. . . . St. Peter's Rich Rinaldi (54 points vs. St. Francis NY in 1971), Southern Mississippi's Jerome Arnold (41 vs. Missouri-Kansas City in 1978), Toledo's Clarke "Pinky" Pittenger (49 at Bluffton OH in 1918) and Tulsa's Willie Biles (48 vs. St. Cloud State MN in 1973) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Phog Allen made his Kansas head coaching debut in 1907 with a 66-22 decision over Ottawa KS en route to a school-record 590 victories with the Jayhawks. . . . Bradley's Barney Cable (28 vs. Canisius in 1955), Eastern Kentucky's Garfield Smith (33 vs. Marshall in 1967) and UALR's Rashad Jones-Jennings (30 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2005) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
14 - Marshall's Keith Veney set an NCAA single-game record for three-pointers (making 15-of-25 shots from beyond arc vs. Morehead State in 1996).
15 - UC Irvine's Kevin Magee (46 points vs. Loyola Marymount in 1981) and Providence's Marvin Barnes (52 vs. Austin Peay in 1973) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Tennessee topped Temple, 11-6, in 1973 in the lowest-scoring game since 1938. . . . La Salle's Michael Brooks set the East Coast Conference single-game scoring record with 51 points at Brigham Young in 1979. . . . Jack Friel made his Washington State debut in 1928 with a 62-18 decision over Lewis-Clark State ID en route to becoming the Cougars' all-time winningest coach. . . . Cal State Fullerton's Kerry Davis (27 vs. Central Michigan in 1975), Colgate's Dick Osborn (26 vs. Yale in 1951), Texas A&M's Vernon Smith and Rynn Wright (21 vs. UNLV in 1978) and Utah State's Wayne Estes (28 vs. Regis CO in 1962) set school single-game rebounding records against DI opponents.
16 - Cal State Fullerton's Bobby Brown (47 points vs. Bethune-Cookman in 2006), Creighton's Bob Portman (51 vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1967), Murray State's Marcus Brown (45 vs. Washington MO in 1995) and North Carolina's Bob Lewis (49 vs. Florida State in 1965) set school single-game scoring records. . . . In 2000, Illinois guard Cory Bradford set an NCAA record by hitting a three-point field goal in his 74th of 88 consecutive games. . . . St. Joseph's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Fairfield (82-68 in 1966) and Texas-El Paso's school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Indiana (69-66 in 1989). . . . Florida State's Dave Cowens (31 vs. LSU in 1967), Mercer's Scott Farley (22 vs. Alabama in 1995), SMU's Ira Terrell (26 vs. New Mexico State in 1975) and UTEP's Jim Barnes (27 vs. Centenary in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
17 - Furman senior swingman Darrell Floyd set a Southern Conference single-game record with 62 points vs. The Citadel in 1955. . . . Oklahoma's Mookie Blaylock tied his NCAA single-game record with 13 steals vs. Loyola Marymount in 1988. . . . Cincinnati's LaZelle Durden set the Great Midwest Conference single-game scoring record with 45 points at Wyoming in 1994. . . . Illinois ended visiting San Francisco's school-record 60-game winning streak (62-33 in 1957). . . . Denver's Dick Brott (29 vs. Southern California in 1956) and Furman's Bob Thomas (35 vs. The Citadel in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
18 - Warren Isaac (50 points vs. Bates ME in 1964) set Iona's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Penn's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Temple (57-52 in 1971). . . . Adolph Rupp made his Kentucky head coaching debut in 1930 with a 67-19 decision over Georgetown College KY en route to a school-record 876 victories. . . . Hec Edmundson made his Washington debut in 1920 with a 30-14 decision over Varsity/Alumni en route to becoming the Huskies' all-time winningest coach. . . . Alabama's Harry Hammonds (28 vs. Massachusetts in 1966), Brigham Young's Scott Warner (27 vs. Texas Tech in 1969), Cleveland State's Dave Kyle (24 vs. Ohio University in 1976) and Hofstra's John Irving (28 vs. Long Island in 1975) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
19 - Iowa State's Lafester Rhodes (54 points vs. Iowa in overtime in 1987), Norfolk State's Tony Murphy (43 vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UNLV in 2006) and UNC Asheville's Ricky Chatman (41 vs. James Madison in overtime in 1987) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Kevin Thomas (46 vs. Tennessee in 1955 Carousel Invitational at Charlotte) set Boston University's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Auburn's Rex Frederick (27 vs. SMU in 1957), Lehigh's Greg Falkenbach (25 vs. Drexel in 1970) and New Mexico State's Sam Lacey (27 vs. Hardin-Simmons TX in 1969) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
20 - Fresno State's Charles Bailey (45 points at North Texas State in double overtime in 1973), Georgia's Ronnie Hogue (46 vs. Louisiana State in 1971) and Maryland's Ernest Graham (44 vs. North Carolina State in 1978) set school single-game scoring records. . . . John Connors (23 vs. Iona in 1956) set St. Bonaventure's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
21 - Idaho's Orlando Lightfoot (50 points at Gonzaga in 1993), Ohio's Dave Jamerson (60 vs. Charleston WV in 1989), Pacific's Bill Stricker (44 vs. Portland in 1968) and Pittsburgh's Don Hennon (45 vs. Duke in double overtime in 1957) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Visiting Cincinnati outlasted Bradley in seven overtimes in 1981 in the longest game in NCAA history. . . . Texas Christian hit an NCAA-record 56 free throws in 70 attempts in 1999 against Eastern Michigan. . . . West Virginia ended North Carolina's school-record 37-game winning streak (75-64 in 1957 at Kentucky), Houston's school-record 59-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Illinois (97-84 in 1968) and Oklahoma State's school-record 49-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Southern California (28-25 in 1940). . . . Memphis State center John Gunn, who averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds per game the previous two years for national postseason tournament teams, died in 1976 due to complications of a rare disease (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome).
22 - Central Michigan's Tommie Johnson (53 points at Wright State in 1987), Georgia Tech's Kenny Anderson (50 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1990), Jackson State's Trey Johnson (49 at Texas-El Paso in 2006) and San Jose State's Adrian Oliver (42 vs. Puget Sound WA in 2010) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Centenary's Robert Parish (50 at Lamar in 1972) and Seton Hall's Nick Galis (48 vs. Santa Clara in 1978 Cable Car Classic at San Francisco) set school single-game scoring records against a Division I opponent. . . . Louisiana State All-American Pete Maravich set an NCAA single-game record for most successful free throws by converting 30 foul shots at Oregon State in 1969. . . . Oklahoma's school-record 51-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Duke (90-85 in 1990). . . . Rich Kelley (27 vs. Kentucky in 1973) set Stanford's single-game rebounding record. . . . Oklahoma set an NCAA record for most consecutive points against a DI opponent with a 39-point run in the first half against Weber State in 2014.
23 - Scott Fisher (39 points at Montana State in 1985) set UC Santa Barbara's school single-game scoring record. . . . Bob Portman (46 vs. Weber State in 1968) set Creighton's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Top-ranked Virginia and national player of the year Ralph Sampson lost in Hawaii at tiny NAIA school (Chaminade) in 1982 in perhaps the biggest upset in college basketball history.
27 - Gene Harris (46 points vs. Holy Cross in 1961 Quaker City Classic at Philadelphia) set Penn State's single-game scoring record.
28 - Oklahoma's Wayman Tisdale (61 points vs. Texas-San Antonio in All-College Tournament at Oklahoma City in 1983) and Texas A&M's Bennie Lenox (53 vs. Wyoming in 1963 All-College Tournament at Oklahoma City) set school single-game scoring records. . . . NCAA champion-to-be Michigan lost on a neutral court at Salt Lake City to non-Division I opponent Alaska-Anchorage in 1988. . . . Providence's school-record 55-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by St. John's (91-79 in 1974). . . . Detroit's Bill Ebben (38 vs. Brigham Young in 1955), Gonzaga's Paul Cathey (28 vs. UNLV in 1977), Illinois' Skip Thoren (24 vs. UCLA in 1963), Michigan State's Horace Walker (29 vs. Butler in 1959), Niagara's Alex Ellis (31 vs. Villanova in 1956), UAB's Cameron Moore (24 vs. George Washington in 2011) and Washington State's Jim McKean (27 vs. West Virginia in 1966) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
29 - Chattanooga's Vincent Robinson (20 vs. Tennessee State in 1989), Colorado's Burdette Haldorson (31 vs. Oklahoma in 1952), Louisiana-Monroe's Calvin Natt (31 vs. Georgia Southern in 1976), Ohio State's Frank Howard (32 vs. Brigham Young in 1956), San Diego State's Michael Cage (26 vs. La Salle in 1980), Texas A&M's Steve Niles (21 vs. Furman in 1969) and Utah's Billy McGill (24 vs. UCLA in 1961) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
30 - Austin Peay's James "Fly" Williams (51 points vs. Georgia Southern in final of 1972 Claxton Fruitcake Classic), Florida International's Carlos Arroyo (39 at North Texas in overtime in 2000), Fordham's Charlie Yelverton (46 vs. Rochester NY in 1970), Hawaii's Trevor Ruffin (42 vs. Louisville in 1993), Penn's Ernie Beck (47 vs. Duke in 1952 Dixie Classic at Raleigh, N.C.), St. Joseph's Tony Costner (47 vs. Alaska-Anchorage in 1983 Cable Car Classic at San Francisco) and Utah State's Wayne Estes (52 vs. Boston College in overtime at 1964 Rainbow Classic in Hawaii) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Duke overcame a 29-point halftime deficit to defeat Tulane in consolation game of 1950 Dixie Classic at Raleigh. . . . Stanford ended Long Island's school-record 43-game winning streak (45-31 in 1936). . . . Hawaii's Bob Nash (30 vs. Arizona State in 1971), Idaho State's Ed Wilson (26 vs. Arkansas in 1967), La Salle's Tom Gola (31 vs. Brigham Young in 1953), Michigan State's Johnny Green (29 vs. Washington in 1957), St. John's LeRoy Ellis Sr. (30 vs. NYU in 1961), South Alabama's Leon Williams (28 vs. Texas-Arlington in 1972) and Western Kentucky's Tom Marshall (29 vs. Louisville in 1953) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
31 - Loyola of Chicago's school-record 41-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by St. Louis (90-57 in 1964).
NCC Leaves Historically Black Mark on Mizzou's Previously-Proud Program
There goes the neighborhood. Kim Anderson's coaching stint at Missouri doesn't appear as if it will provide enough vitality to propel his alma mater back to national significance, let alone its first Final Four. A 62-52 defeat shooting a miserable 25% from the floor at home against North Carolina Central is not what Mizzou fans had in mind when Anderson arrived back on campus as coach. The Tigers' embarrassing setback, leaving a historically black mark, represented another power-conference member succumbing at home against a HBCU (Historically Black College or University).
The possibility of a St. John's resurgence anytime soon doesn't appear likely after the Red Storm bowed against Delaware State, 79-72. Ditto Oregon State as the Beavers bowed to a HBCU opponent for the third time this decade (93-90 in OT against Savannah State). No HBCU institution ever has reached Sweet 16 of an NCAA Tournament, but following are additional HBCU road victories on a power league member's homecourt or neutral court during regular-season play since ACC member Miami (Fla.) succumbed to South Carolina State in 2004-05:
| Season | HBCU Winner on Road | Power League Member Loser | Competence of Power League School Incurring Defeat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-05 | South Carolina State 60 | Miami (Fla.) 50 | Hurricanes won at NCAA playoff-bound Florida. |
| 2004-05* | South Carolina State 63 | Penn State 43 | Nittany Lions lost by three points against 20-game winner Ohio State in Big Ten Tournament. |
| 2005-06 | Bethune-Cookman 75 | South Florida 68 | Bulls beat NCAA playoff-bound Georgetown in regular-season finale. |
| 2006-07 | Jackson State 71 | Rutgers 70 | Scarlet Knights twice defeated Cincinnati. |
| 2007-08 | Tennessee State 60 | Illinois 58 | Illini beat Oklahoma State and Missouri in nonconference competition before bowing to TSU. |
| 2008-09 | Morgan State 79 | DePaul 75 | Blue Demons defeated Cincinnati (18-14) in Big East Tournament. |
| 2008-09 | Morgan State 66 | Maryland 65 | Terrapins participated in NCAA Tournament. |
| 2009-10 | Morgan State 97 | Arkansas 94 | Razorbacks prevailed at Ole Miss, a 24-game winner. |
| 2010-11 | Texas Southern 66 | Oregon State 60 | Beavers beat 30-game winner Arizona. |
| 2011-12 | Tennessee State 64 | South Carolina 63 | Gamecocks upended Clemson, Alabama and Georgia. |
| 2012-13 | Alabama A&M 59 | Mississippi State 57 | Bulldogs beat Marshall Henderson-led Ole Miss and twice defeated Frank Martin-coached South Carolina. |
| 2012-13 | Southern (La.) 53 | Texas A&M 51 | Aggies won at Kentucky in inaugural SEC season and also beat NCAA playoff-bound Mizzou. |
| 2013-14 | Coppin State 78 | Oregon State 73 | Beavers bow to second HBCU school under coach Craig Robinson in last four seasons before winning at Maryland. |
| 2013-14 | North Carolina Central 82 | North Carolina State 72 | Wolfpack suffered first-ever defeat against a MEAC member. |
| 2013-14 | Texas Southern 90 | Temple 89 | Owls defeated UAB on neutral court by 21 points before the Blazers beat North Carolina, which whipped three PS Top 5 teams (Louisville, Michigan State and Kentucky). |
| 2014-15 | Delaware State 72 | Wake Forest 65 | Demon Deacons defeated North Carolina State and Pittsburgh. |
| 2015-16 | Alabama State 85 | Virginia Tech 82 | Hokies defeated eventual NCAA regional #1 seed Virginia. |
| 2015-16 | Southern (La.) 76 | Mississippi State 72 | Bulldogs defeated Arkansas by 32 points. |
*Neutral court (Milwaukee).
Calling Card: Giddy and Scoochie Among Most Entertaining Hoop Nicknames
Dayshon "Scoochie" Smith, Dayton's assists leader the last few seasons, and Nathanial "Giddy" Potts, Middle Tennessee State's three-point specialist), are the latest DI players with entertaining nicknames. Bo and Mo, Buck and Duck, Bud and Butch, Dutch and Skip plus Red and Whitey are too commonplace. But Potts and Smith joined the following long list of collegians over the years with a distinctive moniker:
- Forest (Frosty) Able, Western Kentucky
- Greg (Cadillac) Anderson, Houston
- Nate (Tiny) Archibald, Texas-El Paso
- Paul (Curly) Armstrong, Indiana
- Raymond (Peanut) Arrington, Radford
- William (Bird) Averitt, Pepperdine
- Anthony (Cat) Barber, North Carolina State
- Norwood (Pee Wee) Barber, Florida State
- Jim (Bad News) Barnes, Texas Western
- Amadou (Coco) Barry, Maine
- Segado (Cookie) Belcher, Nebraska
- Ralph (Stork) Bishop, Washington
- Roderick (Moo Moo) Blakney, South Carolina State
- Daron (Mookie) Blaylock, Oklahoma
- Tyrone (Muggsy) Bogues, Wake Forest
- Jermaine (Itchy) Bolden, Morgan State
- Roylin (Boot) Bond, Pepperdine
- Fred (Buzz) Borries, Navy
- Russell (Boo) Bowers, American
- Charles (Tub) Bradley, Wyoming
- Frank (Flash) Brian, Louisiana State
- Fred (Downtown) Brown, Iowa
- Murray (Mule) Brown, Florida State
- Simpson (Skip) Brown, Wake Forest
- Luther (Ticky) Burden, Utah
- Michael (Spiderman) Burns, UNLV
- George (Chink) Busch, Creighton
- (Pogo) Joe Caldwell, Arizona State
- David (Corky) Calhoun, Penn
- Bruce (Soup) Campbell, Providence
- Deltorio (Bam) Campbell, Georgia State
- John (Moose) Campbell, Clemson
- Earl (Kit) Carson, Washington & Lee
- Demond (Tweety) Carter, Baylor
- Sam (The Bam) Clancy, Pittsburgh
- Orrin (Tuffy) Clark, New Hampshire
- Craig (Speedy) Claxton, Hofstra
- Nathaniel (Sweetwater) Clifton, Xavier (La.)
- Vernell (Bimbo) Coles, Virginia Tech
- Derwin (Tank) Collins, New Orleans
- John (Chubby) Cox, Villanova/San Francisco
- Earl (The Twirl) Cureton, Robert Morris/Detroit
- Adrian (Ace) Custis, Virginia Tech
- Edwin (Greedy) Daniels, UNLV/Mississippi State
- E.B. (Ox) Darby, Texas A&M
- Anthony (Amp) Davis, George Mason
- Arthur (Yah) Davis, St. Joseph's
- McKinley (Deacon) Davis, Iowa
- Ronald (Boo) Davis, Milwaukee
- Lewis (Pick) Dehner, Illinois
- Paul (Shorty) des Jardien, University of Chicago
- Alfred (Dusty) DeStefano, St. John's
- Walter (Corky) Devlin, George Washington
- John (Hook) Dillon, North Carolina
- Julius (Daddy) Dolnics, Texas Christian
- Clyde (The Glide) Drexler, Houston
- Dwight (Dike) Eddleman, Illinois
- A.R. (Monk) Edwards, Kansas State
- LeRoy (Cowboy) Edwards, Kentucky
- Theodore (Blue) Edwards, East Carolina
- Eyo (Bubbles) Effiong, Winthrop
- Emil (Box) Englebretson, Creighton
- Julius (Dr. J) Erving, Massachusetts
- J.P. (Bubber) Farish, Auburn
- Kevin (Yogi) Ferrell, Indiana
- James (Bruiser) Flint, St. Joseph's
- Kevin (Ice) Florent, Southern
- Eric (Sleepy) Floyd, Georgetown
- Jackie (The Shot) Foley, Holy Cross
- Sylvester (Deuce) Ford, Memphis State/Louisiana State
- Clarence (Bevo) Francis, Rio Grande (Ohio)
- Arnold (Clyde) Gaines, Wisconsin
- Lauren (Laddie) Gale, Oregon
- Harry (The Horse) Gallatin, Northeast Missouri
- Erin (Helicopter) Galloway, Hawaii
- George (Iceman) Gervin, Long Beach State/Eastern Michigan
- Carlos (Bunny) Gibson, Marshall
- Ward (Hoot) Gibson, Creighton
- Merlin (Boody) Gilbertson, Washington
- Amory (Slats) Gill, Oregon State
- Jack (Goose) Givens, Kentucky
- Bonnie (Country) Graham, Mississippi
- Paul (Snoopy) Graham, Ohio University
- Mike (Fly) Gray, Nevada-Reno
- Ken (Tree) Green, Nevada-Reno
- Kenneth (Apple) Green, Pan American
- Harold (Happy) Hairston, New York University
- Lindsay (Spider) Hairston, Michigan State
- Charles (Chick) Halbert, West Texas
- Wade (Swede) Halbrook, Oregon State
- Bill (Biff) Hall, Montana
- Earl (Bus) Hall, Virginia Tech
- Richard (Rip) Hamilton, Connecticut
- Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway, Memphis State
- Herbert (Hawkeye) Hargett, Mississippi State
- Greg (Boo) Harvey, St. John's
- Clem (The Gem) Haskins, Western Kentucky
- John (Hondo) Havlicek, Ohio State
- E.A. (Shag) Hawkins, Auburn
- Robert (Bubbles) Hawkins, Illinois State
- Clarence (Kleggie) Hermsen, Minnesota
- Eric (The Helicopter) Hicks, Cincinnati
- Jermaine (Squirt) Hicks, Weber State/Chicago State
- John (Babe) Higgins, Stanford
- Clinton (Bread Truck) Hinton, UNC Charlotte/Oral Roberts
- John (Doc) Holliday, Montana
- James (Lindy) Hood, Alabama
- Tecumseh (Tee) Hooper, The Citadel
- Alfredo (Tito) Horford, Miami (Fla.)
- Greg (Stretch) Howard, New Mexico
- (Hot) Rod Hundley, West Virginia
- Anthony (Jo Jo) Hunter, Maryland/Colorado
- Jimmy (Snap) Hunter, Memphis
- Allen (The Answer) Iverson, Georgetown
- Hernell (Jeep) Jackson, Texas-El Paso
- Frank (Spoon) James, UNLV
- Arthur (Brownie) Jaquay, Creighton
- Antonio (Scoop) Jardine, Syracuse
- Keith (Mister) Jennings, East Tennessee State
- Eugene (Pooh) Jeter, Portland
- Carldell (Squeaky) Johnson, UAB
- Dana (Binky) Johnson, Canisius
- Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Michigan State
- Gary (Cat) Johnson, Oral Roberts
- Gus (Honeycomb) Johnson, Idaho
- Kevin (Butter) Johnson, Charlotte
- Lynbert (Cheese) Johnson, Wichita State
- William (Elmo) Johnson, Southern Methodist
- Albert (Slab) Jones, New Mexico State
- Byron (Snake) Jones, San Francisco
- Gerald (Wimpy) Jones, Arizona State
- Lamont (Momo) Jones, Arizona/Iona
- Lucious (Lucky) Jones, Robert Morris
- Ronald (Popeye) Jones, Murray State
- Steve (Snapper) Jones, Oregon
- Wallace (Wah Wah) Jones, Kentucky
- Wilbert (Wibs) Kautz, Loyola of Chicago
- Robert (Jeep) Kelley, UNLV/Hawaii
- Harry (Machine Gun) Kelly, Texas Southern
- Bill (Pickles) Kennedy, Temple
- Eugene (Goo) Kennedy, Texas Christian
- Bob (Trigger) Kenney, Kansas
- Bruce (Sky) King, Pan American
- Raymond (Circus) King, San Diego State/California
- William (Dolly) King, Long Island
- Danrad (Chicken) Knowles, Houston
- Donald (Pinky) Knowles, Creighton
- Ed (Moose) Krause, Notre Dame
- Cletus (Goob) Kuehler, West Texas State
- David (Big Daddy) Lattin, Texas-El Paso
- Albert (Cappy) Lavin, San Francisco
- Hal (King) Lear, Temple
- Arnold (Butz) Lehrman, Minnesota
- Bob (Slick) Leonard, Indiana
- Andrew (Fuzzy) Levane, St. John's
- Lafayette (Fat) Lever, Arizona State
- Eugene (Junie) Lewis, Pittsburgh/South Alabama
- Brant (Pinky) Lipscomb, Vanderbilt
- Lewis (Magic) Lloyd, Drake
- (Jungle) Jim Loscutoff, Oregon
- John (Dub) Malaise, Texas Tech
- Karl (The Mailman) Malone, Louisiana Tech
- (Pistol) Pete Maravich, Louisiana State
- Floyd (Biggy) Marshall, Tennessee
- Ray (Dice) Martin, Notre Dame
- Slater (Dugie) Martin, Texas
- Cedric (Cornbread) Maxwell, UNC Charlotte
- Ayome (Paco) May, Kansas State
- E. (Branch) McCracken, Indiana
- Marvin (Moon) McCrary, Missouri
- Angus (Monk) McDonald, North Carolina
- Ken (Mouse) McFadden, Cleveland State
- Cornelius (Scooter) McFadgon, Memphis/Tennessee
- Billy (The Hill) McGill, Utah
- Horace (Bones) McKinney, North Carolina State/North Carolina
- Eric (Cricket) McLaughlin, Akron
- Don (Monk) Meineke, Dayton
- Dean (The Dream) Meminger, Marquette
- Francis (Ick) Miller, Creighton
- Ryan (Archie) Miller, North Carolina State
- Roland (The Cat) Minson, Brigham Young
- Earl (The Pearl) Monroe, Winston-Salem State
- Ed (Britches) Montgomery, Tennessee
- Bryan (Dinty) Moore, Stanford
- Harry (Moo) Moore, West Virginia
- Jonathan (Stitch) Moore, Furman
- Javone (Bam) Moore, Canisius
- Tony (Zippy) Morocco, Georgia
- Christopher (Kit) Mueller, Princeton
- Charles (Stretch) Murphy, Purdue
- Charlie (Feed) Murphy, Loyola of Chicago
- Lourawls (Tum Tum) Nairn, Michigan State
- Charles (Cotton) Nash, Kentucky
- Craig (Noodles) Neal, Georgia Tech
- Sherman (Nemo) Nearman, North Carolina
- Bill (Fig) Newton, Louisiana State
- Bob (Bevo) Nordmann, St. Louis
- Ken (Snake) Norman, Illinois
- Martyn (Moochie) Norris, Auburn
- Ralph (Buckshot) O'Brien, Butler
- Garland (Mule) O'Shields, Tennessee
- Bill (Fumbo) Ouseley, William & Mary
- Carlton (Silk) Owens, Rhode Island
- Horace (Pappy) Owens, Rhode Island
- Togo Palazzi, Holy Cross
- William (Smush) Parker, Fordham
- Choppy Patterson, Clemson
- Herschel (Bones) Pedersen, Brigham Young
- James (Scoonie) Penn, Boston College
- Ray (Cookie) Pericola, South Carolina
- Edward (Pancakes) Perry, Middle Tennessee State
- Ron (Spider) Perry, Virginia Tech
- Philip (Pap) Peyton, Texas
- John (Squint) Phares, West Virginia
- Milton (Milky) Phelps, San Diego State
- Paul (The Truth) Pierce, Kansas
- Clarke (Pinky) Pittenger, Toledo
- Nathanial (Giddy) Potts, Middle Tennessee State
- DeWayne (Pooh) Powell, Tennessee-Martin
- RaShawn (Pookie) Powell, Memphis/La Salle
- Phil (Flip) Pressey, Missouri
- George (Tic) Price, Virginia Tech/Virginia Commonwealth
- Carl (Dusty) Pullian, UT-Chattanooga
- Cal (The Hawk) Ramsey, New York University
- Earl (Shadow) Ray, Wyoming
- Bryant (Big Country) Reeves, Oklahoma State
- Richie (The Cat) Regan, Seton Hall
- Jesse (Cab) Renick, Oklahoma A&M
- Angelo (Rock) Reynolds, Penn
- Billy (The Kid) Reynolds, Northwestern State
- Jerry (Ice) Reynolds, Louisiana State
- Rudolph (Zip) Rhodes, Montana
- Cornelius (Poonie) Richardson, Jacksonville State
- Jerome (Pooh) Richardson, UCLA
- Glenn (Doc) Rivers, Marquette
- Oscar (Big O) Robertson, Cincinnati
- Glenn (Big Dog) Robinson Jr., Purdue
- Leonard (Truck) Robinson, Tennessee State
- Wayne (Tree) Rollins, Clemson
- Elwood (Woody) Romney, Brigham Young
- Alfred (Big 'Un) Rose, Texas
- Alvin (Fats) Roth, City College of New York
- Michael (Campy) Russell, Michigan
- Kent (Rip) Ryan, Utah State
- Forest (Aggie) Sale, Kentucky
- Sebastian (Subby) Salerno, Creighton
- Albert (Apple) Sanders, Louisiana State
- Tom (Satch) Sanders, New York University
- Frank (Pep) Saul, Seton Hall
- Philip (Flip) Saunders, Minnesota
- John (Bubber) Seward, Duke
- Northern (Doc) Shavers, Jackson State
- Nevil (The Shadow) Shed, Texas-El Paso
- Emilio (Zeke) Sinicola, Niagara
- Adrian (Odie) Smith, Kentucky
- Robert (Bingo) Smith, Tulsa
- Jermaine (Sunshine) Smith, UNLV
- (Sudden) Sam Smith, UNLV
- Vernon (Catfish) Smith, Georgia
- William (Beaver) Smith, St. John's
- John (Squeaky) Spanbauer, Niagara
- Dave (Ditto) Sparks, George Washington
- Marion (Odie) Spears, Western Kentucky
- Forrest (Frosty) Sprowl, Purdue
- Dave (The Rave) Stallworth, Wichita
- Bob (Sweeper) Stephens, Drexel
- George (Swede) Sundstrom, Rutgers
- Harley (Skeeter) Swift, East Tennessee State
- Anthony (Ace) Tanner, Davidson
- Clarence (Babe) Taylor, Vanderbilt
- Claude (Sleepy) Taylor, Middle Tennessee State
- Hugh (Bones) Taylor, Tulane
- Marvin (Corky) Taylor, Minnesota
- Roland (Fatty) Taylor, La Salle
- Irv (Swede) Terjesen, New York University
- Albert (Bobo) Thomas, Centenary
- Cleveland (Pancake) Thomas, New Mexico/Hartford
- Howard (Trey) Thompkins, Georgia
- Blackstone (Blackie) Thompson, Alabama
- John (Cat) Thompson, Montana State
- Marvis (Bootsy) Thornton, St. John's
- Nate (The Great) Thurmond, Bowling Green
- Gene (Bumper) Tormohlen, Tennessee
- Carlyle (Blackie) Towery, Western Kentucky
- Victor (Slick) Townsend, Oregon
- Robert (Tractor) Traylor, Michigan
- Ernest (Kiki) Vandeweghe, UCLA
- Charles (Chico) Vaughn, Southern Illinois
- Mathias (Mutt) Volz, Nebraska
- Malcolm (Sparky) Wade, Louisiana State
- Chet (The Jet) Walker, Bradley
- Vincent (Spotlight) Walker, Western Carolina
- Adrian (Spike) Walters, St. Francis (Pa.)
- Ray (Shag) Warren, Texas Christian
- Dwayne (Pearl) Washington, Syracuse
- Anthony (Spud) Webb, North Carolina State
- Marvin (Human Eraser) Webster, Morgan State
- Charles (Bubba) Wells, Austin Peay
- Gawen (Bonzi) Wells, Ball State
- Byron (Whizzer) White, Colorado
- Joseph (Jo Jo) White, Kansas
- Milton (Bus) Whitehead, Nebraska
- Charles (Hawkeye) Whitney, North Carolina State
- Leland (Pookey) Wigington, Seton Hall
- Richard (Buzz) Wilkinson, Virginia
- Anthony (Scoop) Williams, Toledo
- James (Bug) Williams, Syracuse
- James (Fly) Williams, Austin Peay State
- John (Hot Rod) Williams, Tulane
- Ron (Fritz) Williams, West Virginia
- Sylvester (Sly) Williams, Rhode Island
- Alvin (Pooh) Williamson, Tulsa
- Jim (Jiggy) Williamson, Rhode Island
- (Super) John Williamson, New Mexico State
- Thomas (Bubba) Wilson, Western Carolina
- Urgel (Slim) Wintermute, Oregon
- David (Poncho) Wright, Louisville
- Gerry (Sir Jamalot) Wright, Southern California/Iowa
- Joseph (Joby) Wright, Indiana
- Desmond (Boogie) Yates, Middle Tennessee State
- Paul (Hooks) Yesawich, Niagara
- Max (Slats) Zaslofsky, University of Chicago/St. John's
- Bob (Zeke) Zawoluk, St. John's
smALL-STARS: Big Things Come in Small Packages at NCAA Division I Level
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind (about your size) don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss
Central Michigan's Marcus Keene (5-9) leads the nation in scoring this campaign. But the good doctor (Seuss) must know big things can come in even smaller packages. What sensation Justin Robinson of Monmouth may lack in height (5-8), he more than compensated for with heart the past couple of seasons. Brimming with self-confidence and mental toughness in non-league competition against power-league opponents, the premium point guard defied odds by excelling in a big man's game. Perhaps the most exciting short standout most observers don't know about is Demontrae Jefferson (5-7), who scored 27 points in his Texas Southern debut at Louisville.
The next mighty mite of consequence probably will be Chris Lykes (5-6), who signed with Miami (Fla.) and will join the Hurricanes in 2017-18. Joining Robinson among little big men at mid-major level this campaign are Winthrop's Keon Johnson (5-7) and Mount St. Mary's Junior Robinson (5-5). They will eventually join the following alphabetical list examining the top players in NCAA history even shorter than Robinson:
| Mighty Mite | School | Ht. | Short Summary of College Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vin Albanese | Syracuse | 5-7 | Averaged 4.6 ppg for the Orangemen in 1955-56 and 1956-57. |
| Ken Alessi | West Virginia | 5-7 | The Mountaineers' second-leading scorer in 1950-51 (10.1 ppg) behind All-American Mark Workman. |
| Christopher Anderson | San Diego | 5-7 | Averaged 9.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.9 apg and 2 spg for the Toreros from 2011-12 through 2014-15. Ranked among the nation's top 11 in assists average his final two seasons. |
| Kendall Anthony | Richmond | 5-7 | Shot 80.6% from the free-throw line and 39.2% from beyond the three-point arc en route to averaging 14.2 ppg from 2011-12 through 2014-15. The Spiders' leading as a senior with 16.4 ppg after finishing runner-up as a freshman and junior. |
| Martin Badoian | Brown | 5-7 | Three-year letterman was captain as a senior in 1951-52 when he averaged 13.9 ppg. |
| Mike Belich | Pittsburgh | 5-7 | Led the Panthers in scoring as a senior in 1950-51 with 15.9 ppg. |
| Eric Bell | Stephen F. Austin | 5-6 | Ranked 30th in the nation in assists with 5.7 per game as a sophomore in 2007-08. |
| Arnold Bernard | Southwest Missouri State | 5-5 | J.C. transfer was an All-Mid-Continent Conference second-team selection in 1989-90. The next season, earned the same status in the Missouri Valley when he led the league in assists (7.6 apg) and steals (2.4 spg). |
| Tyrone Bogues | Wake Forest | 5-3 | All-ACC first-team selection as a senior averaged 8.3 ppg, 6.6 apg and 2.3 spg from 1983-84 through 1986-87. |
| Jermaine Bolden | Morgan State | 5-7 | Led MEAC in assists with 4.9 per game in 2008-09. |
| Jimmy Boothe | Xavier | 5-7 | Led the Musketeers' 1956 NIT team in scoring with 16.5 ppg. |
| Earl Boykins | Eastern Michigan | 5-6 | Two-time All-MAC first-team selection finished second in the nation in scoring in 1997-98 with 25.7 ppg, including 45 points vs. Western Michigan (tying school single-game record against a Division I opponent). MVP in the league's postseason tournament as a senior. |
| DeAndre Bray | Jacksonville State | 5-6 | Posted an OVC-leading 5.2 apg as a sophomore in 2006-07 and ranked 11th in the nation as a junior (6.4 apg). Assists average fell off to 4.9 per game as a senior. |
| Greg Brown | New Mexico | 5-7 | WAC Player of the Year as a senior in 1993-94 when he averaged 19.3 ppg and 4.4 apg. |
| Alex Bynum | Brown | 5-7 | Averaged 8.3 ppg with the Bears from 1980-81 through 1983-84. |
| Alton Byrd | Columbia | 5-7 | Three-time All-Ivy League first-team selection averaged 8.1 apg as a sophomore in 1976-77 en route to becoming the Lions' all-time leader in assists. Led the conference in assists as a sophomore and senior. |
| Joe Campbell | Purdue | 5-7 | Eventual PGA golfer averaged 7.7 ppg in three seasons of varsity basketball. He was the Boilermakers' third-leading scorer (11.9 ppg) and leading free-throw shooter (73.6%) as a senior in 1956-57. |
| Pete Carril | Lafayette | 5-6 | The 1952 graduate averaged 11.5 ppg in his career with the Leopards before becoming Princeton's all-time winningest coach. |
| Taurence Chisholm | Delaware | 5-6 | Blue Hens all-time leader in assists with 877 ranked among the top 12 in the nation all four years, including a runner-up finish as a sophomore. All-ECC second-team selection as a senior in 1987-88. |
| Jackie Crawford | Southwest Missouri State | 5-7 | J.C. transfer was an All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection and MVC Tournament MVP in 1991-92 (12 ppg, 4.5 apg, 83.5 FT%). |
| Jordon Crawford | Bowling Green | 5-6 | Shortest player among NCAA's top 150 scorers as a senior in 2012-13 when he averaged 15 ppg. Led Falcons in assists his last three seasons. |
| Johnny Dee | Notre Dame | 5-7 | Second-leading scorer (12.6 ppg) for the 15-5 Irish in 1944-45 before UND went 17-4 the next year when he averaged 5.8 ppg. |
| Jeremiah Dominguez | Portland State | 5-6 | Big Sky Conference MVP in 2007-08 and league tournament MVP the next season. Leading scorer for PSU's all-time two winningest DI teams those years. |
| Gene Duffy | Notre Dame | 5-7 | Averaged 6.6 ppg for the Irish's 1958 Mideast Regional runner-up. Contributed 6.8 ppg as team captain the next season. |
| Andy Dulik | Navy | 5-7 | Averaged 10.3 ppg from 1954-55 through 1956-57, finishing among the Midshipmen's top three scorers as a sophomore and junior. |
| Haywood Eaddy | Loyola Marymount | 5-5 | J.C. transfer led the WCC in steals (2.1 spg) in 1997-98 and in free-throw shooting (89.8%) and assists (5.6 apg) in 1998-99. |
| Don Ferguson | Iowa State | 5-7 | Averaged 5.1 ppg in 1948-49 and 8.9 ppg in 1949-50 with the Cyclones. |
| Chico Fletcher | Arkansas State | 5-6 | Two-time Sun Belt Conference MVP led league in assists four consecutive seasons from 1996-97 through 1999-2000. |
| Robert Flynn | Dayton | 5-7 | Member of 1951 NIT runner-up averaged a career-high 7.8 ppg as a sophomore in 1948-49. |
| Louis Ford | Howard | 5-6 | Contributed 14 assists and 10 steals in a game against Maryland-Eastern Shore when he averaged a team-high 14.1 ppg in an abbreviated junior campaign in 2004-05 before averaging 9.2 ppg and team-high 4.8 apg as a senior. Led the MEAC in assists as a sophomore (5 apg) and in steals as a senior (2.6 spg). |
| Tony Freeman | Indiana/Illinois-Chicago | 5-7 | Honorable mention All-Mid-Continent Conference in 1988-89 after playing for the Hoosiers in 1986-87. |
| Maurice "Kojak" Fuller | Southern (La.) | 5-7 | Averaged 10.5 ppg and 3.7 apg as a sophomore in 1995-96 with the Jaquars. |
| Jack Goldsmith | Long Island | 5-7 | Led the Blackbirds in scoring in 1945-46 when they posted their 13th of 18 consecutive winning records through 1950-51. |
| Tyquawn Goode | Fairfield | 5-5 | Averaged 5.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.7 apg and 1.5 spg from 2001-02 through 2004-05. MAAC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior led the Stags in assists all four seasons. |
| Marques Green | St. Bonaventure | 5-7 | Averaged 15.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5.9 apg and 2.9 spg while shooting 83.5% from the free-throw line from 2000-01 through 2003-04. He finished seventh in school all-time scoring when his career ended while ranking first in assists and steals. All-Atlantic 10 Conference first-team selection as a junior when he led league in scoring (21.3 ppg), assists (8 apg), steals (2.6 spg) and free-throw shooting (87.9%) before earning second-team acclaim as a senior. He paced the A10 in steals his last three seasons. |
| George Harrington | Harvard | 5-7 | All-Ivy League second-team selection as a senior in 1958-59 when he averaged a team-high 14.6 ppg after averaging 11.4 ppg the previous two seasons. |
| Jason Harrison | Mississippi | 5-5 | Started every game as a senior for the Rebels' 2002 NCAA playoff team after serving as their "sixth-man" most of his first three seasons. Finished his career third on Ole Miss' all-time list for three-pointers (163), third in assists (427), third in steals (172) and fifth in free-throw shooting (82%). |
| Dick Hickox | Miami (Fla.) | 5-6 | Averaged 19.4 ppg from 1958-59 through 1960-61, leading the Hurricanes in scoring all three seasons. |
| Jermaine "Squirt" Hicks | Weber State/Chicago State | 5-6 | Co-Newcomer of the Year in Mid-Continent Conference in 1997-98. Scored 40 points at Fresno State the next season when he was an all-league second-team selection. |
| David Holston | Chicago State | 5-7 | Scored school DI record 43 points against St. Bonaventure in 2006-07 season opener. Mid-Continent Conference second-team selection as a freshman in 2005-06 (13.4 ppg, 2.8 apg, 85.7 FT%). Ranked 10th in the nation in scoring as a junior in 2007-08 (23.1 ppg) when pacing country in three-point field goals per game (4.6). Became school's all-time leading Division I scorer in 2008-09 when averaging 25.9 ppg (4th in nation). |
| Shawn Hood | Cleveland State | 5-7 | Leader in assists and steals in 1983-84 and 1984-85 for the Vikings. |
| Rod Hutchings | Northern Arizona | 5-7 | Shot 93.3% from the free-throw line as a senior in 2000-01 to finish his four-year career at 84%. Also contributed 285 assists for the Lumberjacks. |
| Keith "Mister" Jennings | East Tennessee State | 5-7 | All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year as a senior. Two-time Southern Conference Tournament MVP averaged 15.7 ppg and 7.7 apg while shooting 86.1% from the free-throw line from 1987-88 through 1990-91. Paced the league twice in free-throw shooting, three times in steals and all four seasons in assists. |
| Aaron Johnson | UAB | 5-7 | Averaged 5.2 ppg and team-high 4.1 apg as a freshman in 2007-08. Named an All-Conference USA third-team selection as junior in 2009-10 before becoming league MVP as a senior when he led nation with 7.7 apg. |
| Omar Johnson | Texas-San Antonio | 5-7 | Averaged 12.6 ppg, 4.2 apg and 1.9 spg with the Roadrunners in 2008-09 and 11.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 3.4 apg in 2009-10. |
| Casey Jones | Northeast Louisiana | 5-7 | Led the Indians in assists as a senior in 1990-91 with 5.8 per game, finishing his career with 3.8 apg. |
| Charles Katsiaficas | New Hampshire | 5-7 | Averaged 7.8 ppg in 1947-48 and 12.1 ppg in 1948-49 with the Wildcats. |
| Darryl "Pee Wee" Lenard | Georgia/St. Louis | 5-7 | Led the Midwestern City Conference in steals with 1.8 per game in 1983-84. |
| Drew Lavender | Oklahoma/Xavier | 5-6 | Paced the Sooners' 2004 NIT team in assists and steals before finishing team runner-up in same two categories for their 2005 NCAA playoff squad. After transferring, he led Atlantic 10 Conference in assists with 4.8 per game in 2006-07. |
| Sherry Marshall | Columbia | 5-7 | All-Ivy League first-team selection as a sophomore in 1947-48 when he averaged 8.2 ppg and shot 75.9% from the free-throw line. All-conference second-team pick as a freshman, junior and senior. |
| Kellen McCoy | Weber State | 5-6 | J.C. transfer was named Big Sky Conference Player of the Year in 2008-09 (team highs of 14.1 ppg and 1.3 spg) after averaging 8.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg the previous year. |
| Shandue McNeil | St. Bonaventure | 5-7 | Averaged 9.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.4 apg and 2.5 spg from 1993-94 through 1996-97. Led Atlantic 10 Conference in assists and steals as a sophomore (all-league second-team choice) and in assists as a senior. |
| Bob Michel | New Hampshire | 5-6 | Averaged 9.1 ppg from 1953-54 through 1955-56 with the Wildcats. |
| Wendell "Cookie" Miller | Nebraska | 5-7 | Averaged 6.1 ppg plus team highs of 3.6 apg and 1.9 spg with the Huskers as a freshman in 2007-08 before posting similar figures the next season as a sophomore. |
| Mark Morse | Tulsa | 5-7 | All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection in 1991-92 (14.9 ppg, 5.1 apg, 2.2 spg) and 1992-93 (17.4 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.2 spg). J.C. recruit earned award as MVC Newcomer of the Year. |
| Johnny Nunziato | Boston University | 5-5 | Led the Terriers in scoring with 15.4 ppg as a senior in 1953-54 after averaging 6.6 ppg the previous season. |
| Billy Pappas | New Hampshire | 5-6 | Two-time All-Yankee Conference first-team selection averaged 18.9 ppg from 1952-53 through 1954-55 with the Wildcats. |
| Ronell Peters | Texas-Arlington | 5-6 | UTA's all-time leader in assists led the SLC in that category in 1983-84 (7 apg). He also paced the SLC in steals in 1983-84 (2 spg) and 1985-86 (2.4 spg). |
| Otto Petty | Florida State | 5-7 | The Seminoles' all-time leader in assists with 602 averaged 6.4 ppg for FSU's 1972 NCAA Tournament runner-up. Contributed 7.6 ppg in 1970-71 and 8.2 ppg in 1972-73. |
| Bernie Pina | Rhode Island | 5-6 | Letterman from 1951-52 through 1953-54 averaged a career-high 8.5 ppg as a senior for the Rams. |
| Tajuan Porter | Oregon | 5-6 | Career averages of 14.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.1 apg while shooting 87% from the free-throw line and 38.5% from beyond the arc with the Ducks from 2006-07 through 2009-10. Averaged 31 points in his first three games as a freshman, including 38 with 10 three-pointers against Portland State. Pacific-10 Conference Tournament MVP in 2007. |
| Calvin Rayford | Kansas | 5-7 | Wisconsin native averaged 2.3 apg from 1992-93 through 1995-96. Member of KU's 1993 Final Four squad. |
| Jim "Miggs" Reilly | Georgetown | 5-7 | Starter for 1943 NCAA Tournament runner-up. |
| Shawnta Rogers | George Washington | 5-4 | Leading scorer for Atlantic 10 Conference Western Division champion in 1998-99 (20.7 ppg) when he was named the league's MVP while also topping the A10 in assists (6.8 apg) and steals (3.6 spg). Three-time all-league selection twice paced the conference in free-throw shooting. |
| Chuck Rolles | Cornell | 5-6 | Two-time All-Ivy League first-team selection averaged 23 ppg as a senior in 1955-56 after averaging 16 ppg as a junior. |
| Jim Ross | Washington State | 5-7 | Averaged 9.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg from 1956-57 through 1958-59. Led the Cougars in free-throw percentage as a junior. |
| Gene Sosnick | Pacific | 5-6 | All-California Basketball Association first-team selection as a senior in 1952-53 when he averaged 17.6 ppg for the Tigers. |
| Javan Steadham | Delaware State | 5-7 | Averaged 8.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.1 apg as a sophomore in 1995-96 after contributing 4 ppg as a freshman. Averaged 9.7 ppg and team-high 4.8 apg in 1996-97 with the Hornets. |
| Frank Sylvester | Bradley | 5-4 | Averaged 5.9 ppg from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Led the Braves in assists as a junior and senior. |
| Raymond Taylor | Florida Atlantic/Florida International | 5-6 | Averaged 11.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.8 apg and 1.4 for FAU from 2009-10 through 2011-12 before transferring to FIU, where he played briefly in 2013-14. |
| Jim Thacker | Idaho | 5-7 | Two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection averaged team-high 16.7 ppg in 1967-68 and 14.6 ppg and 5.3 rpg in 1968-69 with the Vandals. |
| Joe Tocci | Penn State | 5-7 | Averaged 7.5 ppg as Nittany Lions senior co-captain in 1949-50 after contributing 6.3 ppg the previous season. |
| Monte Towe | North Carolina State | 5-7 | All-ACC first-team selection as a junior averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.1 apg from 1972-73 through 1974-75. |
| Benny Valentine | Eastern Washington | 5-7 | All-Big Sky Conference second-team selection as a junior in 2008-09 (team highs of 15.1 ppg, 3.1 apg, 1.5 spg and 55 three-pointers). Contributed 8.2 ppg and 2.7 apg the next season. |
| Spud Webb | North Carolina State | 5-7 | J.C. transfer averaged 10.4 ppg and 5.7 apg with the Wolfpack in 1983-84 and 1984-85. Led the ACC in assists as a junior (6 apg). |
| Leland "Pookey" Wigington | Seton Hall | 5-4 | Member of the Pirates' 1989 NCAA Tournament runner-up. |
| Willie Worsley | Texas Western | 5-6 | Averaged 8 ppg as a sophomore for the Miners' 1966 NCAA Tournament champion. Contributed 12.2 ppg in 1966-67 before sharing backcourt with Tiny Archibald and scoring 14.4 ppg in 1967-68. |
| Rudy Zannini | San Francisco | 5-7 | Member of regular rotation for 1955 NCAA Tournament champion. |
Going South in Alaska: Many DI Schools Get Cold Shoulder in Anchorage
Drake became the 50th NCAA Division I school losing to DII Alaska-Anchorage. Over the years, UAA upended the following current/future members from power conferences - Auburn, California, Houston, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, Wake Forest and Washington.
Michigan's 1989 NCAA Tournament champion lost on a neutral court (Utah) to Anchorage, 70-66, during the Wolverines' pre-Big Ten Conference competition slate. The Seawolves dropped six of their last 12 games that season against Chaminade, Metro State (twice), Eastern Montana, Puget Sound and Alaska-Fairbanks to finish with a 21-9 record before Michigan earned an NCAA crown maneuvering through the DI playoffs under interim coach Steve Fisher.
UAA defeated at least one major university 10 consecutive campaigns from 1985-86 through 1994-95. If sizing up small-school successes over the big boys is a need-to-know topic in your college hoops analysis, CollegeHoopedia.com has assembled "one-of-a-kind" details on the striking number of "David vs. Goliath" small-college victories over major universities.
Thank Yous and Turkeys: Feasting on Ebb and Flow of College Basketball
More than 20,000 thank yous can't begin to express my appreciation for setting the stage for procedure in Texas saving life of one of my grandsons when he was only two days old. The gratitude beyond measure is for world-famous heart surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley, who performed well in excess of 20,000 open-heart operations before passing away recently at the age of 96. He was a three-year letterman (1938-39 through 1940-41) on Texas basketball teams combining for a 51-21 record. The 6-3 Cooley, named the 32nd most influential student-athlete in 2006 when the NCAA celebrated its centennial anniversary, saw action in both of the Longhorns' games in the inaugural NCAA Tournament in 1939 after they captured the Southwest Conference championship.
"I've always had the opinion that my training in athletics equipped me for a life in medicine," Houston-based Dr. Cooley said, "and particularly in surgery because there's so much of the physical part involved. Surgery is a specialty in which a person must have vigor and a healthy body to perform at his peak. It requires a certain amount of physical training as well as mental training. In surgery, operations are accomplished by teams. As in athletics, a strong individual effort is possible only with the support of a good team. The morale of the team must be maintained by the captain. And these are the things individuals learn in a program of competitive sports. We learn to accept defeat but not to be satisfied with defeat; that there is no alternative for winning. Extra effort and determination and hard work and practice are what lead to accomplishment and victory."
Again, thank you Dr. Cooley for your extra effort and determination and hard work. A Thanksgiving holiday week absolutely should include the time-honored tradition of a smorgasbord mulling over a mixture of heartfelt Thank Yous while also chewing on tasteless Turkeys. The list of candidates in college basketball is extensive stemming from issues and individuals your most grateful for and those of dubious distinction. Following is a healthy serving of food-for-thought Thanksgiving tributes and tongue-lashings for hoop observers to gobble-gobble up:
THANK YOUS
Cheers to Barry clan headed by former Miami FL All-American Rick Barry. He and his sons deserve royalty respect as First Family of Hoops with Canyon the most recent contributor as early-season leading scorer for Florida.
Cheers to mid-major players deserving post-season recognition this season if A-A voters are paying attention.
Cheers to multiple players carrying the torch for their father at the same school dear old dad attended.
Cheers to this season's crop of entertaining freshmen although they pale in comparison to the depth exhibited by gifted group in 1979-80.
Cheers to ex-college hoopsters dominating as NFL tight ends even after Tony Gonzalez retired.
Cheers to Canada, which could provide a north-of-the-border All-American for the sixth consecutive campaign.
Cheers to the Big East Conference, which appears to be continuing a renaissance after losing prominent members to supposedly superior leagues.
Cheers to Colorado State's Larry Eustachy, who overcame personal problems and became the first coach in history to win at least 24 games in a single season with five different DI schools.
Cheers to "old-school" seniors for not abandoning college hoops early and giving the sport at least some modicum of veteran leadership.
Cheers to the Ivy League and Patriot League, which seem like the last bastions replete with textbook student-athletes. Five Ivy League institutions - Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard and Yale - can still hold their heads high despite each of them posting all-time losing records. The Ivy League deserves extra kudos for not conducting the money-grubbing gimmick otherwise known as a postseason conference tournament.
Cheers to pristine playmakers who show again and again that "pass" is not a dirty four-letter word amid the obsession with individualistic one-on-one moves by self-absorbed one-and-done scholars.
Cheers to model coaches who have their egos in check and carry their personal profiles in school media guides after, not before, the player bios.
Cheers to upstanding schools having their academic priorities in order although it is getting increasingly difficult not to accept the stereotype that universities need to be one-dimensional sports factories to assemble successful NCAA Division I basketball programs.
Cheers to Gonzaga coach Mark Few, who has assembled a "mid-major" powerhouse giving every indication it will eventually reach the Final Four.
Cheers to entertaining little big men (players 5-10 or shorter) such as Monmouth's Justin Robinson (5-8) and Winthrop's Keon Johnson who inspire us with their self-confidence and mental toughness in the Land of the Giants.
Cheers to women's hoops, which has improved immeasurably while the men's game has suffered somewhat from inattention to fundamentals such as competent free-throw shooting. The team-oriented women look for passing angles to teammates "flashing" into the lane while far too many one-dimensional men seek camera angles to trigger a "flashdance" routine. Some of the self-centered men haven't quite comprehended it isn't platform diving or figure skating they're participating in and you don't secure extra points for degree of difficulty.
Cheers to junior college players and foreigners who overcome perceptions in some misguided quarters that they are the rogues of recruiting.
Cheers to the numerous promising first-year coaches assuming control of programs this season. They need to remember the fortitude exhibited by many of the biggest names in coaching who rebounded from embarrassing defeats in their first season as a head coach. An active luminary who lost multiple games to non-Division I colleges in his initial campaign before ascending to stardom as the all-time winningest coach is Duke's Mike Krzyzewski (lost to SUNY-Buffalo, Scranton and King's College in 1975-76 while coaching Army).
TURKEYS
Jeers to Hall of Fame coaches Jim Boeheim (Syracuse), Rick Pitino (Louisville) and Roy Williams (North Carolina) for respective Eeyore-like analysis after their schools became immersed in assorted Hall of Shame scandals. How close did Mike "Let's Move On" Krzyzewski come to joining this negative ACC-heavy list in aftermath of reasons for Rasheed Sulaimon's departure from Duke and one-and-done rental player Jahlil Okafor's infatuation with clubbing before the NBA rookie center acquired a baby-sitting security guard before ever helping the Philadelphia 76ers win a game?
Jeers to Division I schools in a chaotic restructuring of conferences forsaking tradition although the quest for mega-leagues could be delusional because they're vying for television revenue that might not exist as network sports divisions operate at ample deficits.
Jeers to the striking number of power conference members who've provided a long list of players on their rosters participating in an authentic "War on Women."
Jeers to recruiting services incapable of discerning Creighton's Doug McDermott, unanimous national player of the year two seasons ago, should have been a Top 100 recruit coming out of high school in 2010. Ditto to announcers who infect the sport by spreading this virus without ever seeing any of the players enough to properly evaluate them.
Jeers to marquee coaches who've served up assistants as sacrificial lambs when the heat of an investigation of their program intensifies.
Jeers to anyone who incessantly castigates the majority of undergraduates declaring early for the NBA draft. Before accepting the party line that many of the players are making monumental mistakes by forgoing their remaining college eligibility, remember that more than half of the NBA's All-Pro selections in the last several decades left college early or never attended a university.
Jeers to any school for not promptly granting a recruit seeking to enroll elsewhere a release from its letter-of-intent when he wants to attend another institution for legitimate reasons.
Jeers to "Me Generation" showmen who've failed to comprehend their respective teams don't benefit on the court from a trash-talking Harlem Globetrotter routine.
Jeers to self-absorbed players who spend more time getting tattoos and practicing macho dunks than team beneficial free throws. It all hinges on dedication. There is a reason they're supposed to be "free" throws instead of Shaq-like "foul" shots.
Jeers to high-profile coaches who take off for greener pastures despite having multiple years remaining on their contract or don sweaters and workout gear with a logo of a sneaker manufacturer instead of their school during TV games and interviews. Where is their allegiance?
Jeers to network analysts when they serve as apologists for the coaching community. When their familiar refrain echoes throughout hoopdom, they become nothing more than the big mouths that bore.
Jeers to marquee schools forsaking entertaining non-conference games with natural rivals while scheduling a half-dozen or more meaningless "rout-a-matics" at home.
Jeers to several colleges that hired tainted coaches, showing winning is still more important than dignity at some schools of lower learning. The crass-act enablers of academic anemia know who they are!
Jeers to defrauding coaches who manipulate junior colleges and high schools into giving phony grades to regal recruits even before encouraging them to take lame courses at their day-care facilities to keep the team GPA out of danger zone. Ditto coaches who steer prize high-school prospects to third parties toying with standardized test results.
Jeers to "fatherly-advice" coaches who don't mandate that any player with pro potential take multiple financial literacy courses. Did they notice in recent years that products from Alabama, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Kentucky and Syracuse filed for bankruptcy after combining for more than half a billion dollars in salaries over their NBA careers? What contrived classes such as Afro Studies at North Carolina are taken in college anyway if a staggering 60% of NBA players file for bankruptcy five years after retirement?
Jeers to overzealous fans who seek to flog freshmen for not living up to their high school press clippings right away. The impatient onlookers need to get a grip on themselves.
Jeers to the excessive number of small schools thinking they can compete at the Division I level. There are far too many examples of dreamy-eyed small schools that believe competing with the big boys will get them national recognition, make big bucks from the NCAA Tournament and put the institutions on the map. They don't know how unrealistic that goal is until most of the hyphenated and directional schools barnstorm the country during their non-conference schedules in college basketball versions of Bataan Death Marches.
Jeers to lap-dog media embarrassed looking the other way at Louisville when stripped naked by lap-dancing Katina the Escort keeping copious copulation comments to assemble one of the biggest stories of the decade (Get Your Fill in the Ville) while the press passed out from Pitino Personality or his bourbon. How many other Pitino Places are out there such as Bo Knows Affairs at Wisconsin?
Jeers to ESPN (Extra Sensitive Pious Network) for rejecting a charity hospital ad promoting Jesus several years ago while giving forums to individuals who either lie to NCAA investigators as a head coach, lose new coaching job due to drunkenness, become a recruiting guru for the network after shady dealings at the highest level, specialize in man-check motivation, practice reprehensible race-baiting with the intellectually-bankrupt "Uncle Tom" bomb (Jalen Rose) or spew journalistic-junk spin along the lines of lunatic liberal propagandists Howard Bryant, LZ Granderson and Bomani Jones.
Bigger Not Always Better: Small-College Notebook Often Overlooked
The spotlight was on small-college hoopdom again when Greenville (Ill.) College tied the NCAA DIII record for most three-point field goals made in a game with 37 in a 178-125 victory against Lincoln Christian, which contributed 11 treys to set a new DIII mark for combined three-pointers with 48. Previously, only the ultimate trivia buff knew anything remotely athletic about Greenville, which had a 1974 graduate by the name of Wilbur "Butch" Lockley participate in Survivor Season 6 Amazon. Lockley is remembered primarily because of the high school principal's Egyptian dance, refusal to gaze at a couple of naked female contestants and obsession with firewood prior to a huge fire.
In a caste-like era separating the haves from the have-nots, imperial universities are seeking mega-conferences and, perhaps in the near future, an even more restrictive upper division. But the elitist institutions aren't able to exclude humble small schools from making a big impact on college basketball. Jack Taylor of Grinnell (Iowa) lit up scoreboards several seasons ago, pouring in 71 points in his season opener against Finlandia (Mich.) before exploding for 109 points against Crossroads (Minn.). Even when Taylor was out of the lineup in mid-season, Grinnell generated national headlines after Pat Maher set an NCAA single-game mark with 37 assists in a 164-144 win over College of Faith. In the afterglow of a focus on small colleges when Taylor erupted for 138 points in a single game, following is a chronological notebook with items detailing what will always be appealing about the little guy:
Basketball was a new demonstration sport at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, which also was part of the World's Fair the same year. Hiram College (Ohio), Wheaton College (Ill.) and the University of Latter Day Saints (known today as Brigham Young) were the three college teams invited to compete in what was officially called the "Olympic Collegiate Basketball Championship." Hiram finished the round-robin tournament 2-0 and was declared the champion and awarded the first Olympic gold medal in basketball.
College of Charleston (S.C.) went winless 10 seasons from 1913-14 through 1923-24 (0-56 record; did not compete in 1918-19). . . . Paul Davis, after leaving Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Oklahoma State), guided North Dakota State (18-0 in 1916) and North Dakota (16-0 in 1920) to undefeated seasons in a five-year span. He was also the football coach for these schools. . . . Indiana State's coach for five seasons from 1918-19 through 1922-23 after playing for the institution (known as Indiana State Normal School at the time) was Birch E. Bayh Sr. His son with the same name is a former U.S. Senator from Indiana from 1963 to 1981 and candidate for the Democratic nomination for president in the 1976 election. His grandson, Birch E. "Evan" Bayh III, is a former Indiana Governor and U.S. Senator (from 1999 to 2011). . . . Peru (Neb.) State Teachers won 55 consecutive games over a five-year span from 1921-26. . . . Earl Kinzie, a member of McPherson's 1928 Kansas Conference championship team that placed third in the national AAU Tournament in Kansas City, became a doctor and practiced family medicine in Texas for 50 years. He delivered more than 2,000 babies, including standout running back Earl Campbell.
Longtime radio and TV personality Art Linkletter was San Diego State's leading scorer in 1932-33 and 1933-34. . . . Stanford All-American Hank Luisetti is usually credited with introducing the jump shot but fans of Glenn Roberts from Emory & Henry (Va.) beg to differ. Roberts led the nation in scoring in 1933 and 1935 en route to tallying 2,013 career points. . . . Westminster (Pa.), playing in the first-ever collegiate basketball doubleheader at Madison Square Garden on December 29, 1934, upset St. John's, 37-33. . . . Tarleton (Tex.), coached by W.J. Wisdom, posted 86 straight victories from 1934 to 1937 en route to winning 112 of 113 games in a seven-year span. . . . Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr., the son of a legend who had the longest coaching career in the history of football (71 years), guided the basketball squad at Susquehanna (Pa.) for 16 seasons from 1935-36 through 1950-51. . . . Carleton (Minn.) forward Wayne Sparks, a "Little All-American" in 1936-37, died in a bomber crash in World War II. . . . Drury's Eugene "Peaches" Westover (class of '38), a four-time All-MCAU forward, was killed January 1, 1945, during WWII at the Battle of the Bulge. . . . Western Kentucky was the only school to defeat Murray State in a 79-game span from January 3, 1936 through March 10, 1938. . . . The leading scorer for champion Central Missouri State in the first NAIA tourney in 1937 (when it was known as the National Intercollegiate Tournament) was eventual major leaguer Chuck Workman, an outfielder-third baseman who finished second in the National League in home runs in 1945 with 25 for the Boston Braves. . . . Louisville lost a school-record 19 consecutive contests in the midst of a six-year stretch from 1936-37 through 1941-42 when the Cardinals were 57 games below the .500 mark. Louisville was a long way from becoming a major-college power in 1944 when Peck Hickman was hired as coach for $200 per month. The Cardinals won a total of 29 games over the previous seven seasons. In that span, they lost at least three times to Alfred Holbrook (three defeats), Berea (four), Centre (seven), Georgetown College (nine), Hanover (nine), Oakland City (three) and Transylvania (six). . . . Ulyss "Useless" Brock, a 6-0, 135-pound forward, scored 83 points (22 field goals and 39 free throws) for Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) in a 101-21 verdict over Bethel in February, 1940. . . . UC Santa Barbara reached the 1941 NAIA Tournament semifinals although All-CCAA first-team center Lowell Steward, the league's first black player, couldn't compete because Missouri was a Jim Crow state at the time. Steward would later fly 143 combat missions in Europe as a P-51 pilot for the famed Tuskegee Airmen. . . . George Barr, regarded as probably the finest player in Northland (Wis.) history when he competed in the early 1940s, entered the Army Air Corps as a senior during World War II, earning his diploma in absentia. Barr volunteered for the Jimmy Doolittle raids over Tokyo in 1942. His plane was forced down on mainland China after the raid and the crew imprisoned. Barr was a prisoner of the Japanese for 3 1/2 years with most of the time spent in solitary confinement. Teammate Duane Borst served as a First Lieutenant with the Ninth Air Force B-26 Marauder Group in France, flying 43 missions over Germany.
Football legend Eddie Robinson won more than 70 percent of his games as Grambling's basketball coach from 1942-56. . . . Bob Barker, longtime host of highly-rated daytime game show The Price is Right, played for Drury (Mo.) in the early 1940s before serving in the military during WWII. . . . York (Neb.) College, boasting an enrollment of 50, upset Akron, 52-49, in the first round of the 1943 NAIA Tournament before losing to North Texas, 51-49, in the second round. Brothers Jim and Wayne Kaeding scored 78 of York's 101 points in the two contests. . . . North Carolina College's Rocky Roberson scored 58 points in a game against Shaw (N.C.) during the 1942-43 season for what was believed to be a college record at the time. . . . More than 100 current NCAA Division I schools previously competed in the NAIA Tournament. Thirteen of the 17 different colleges to win NAIA titles from 1941 through 1963 are currently classified as NCAA Division I institutions. One of the 13 universities is Southeast Missouri State, which captured the 1943 crown after losing its first four games of the season. . . . Mississippi College defeated Mississippi State three times by double-digit margins in 1944-45. . . . Howie Schultz, a star for Hamline (Minn.) in the early 1940s, replaced Jackie Robinson at first base in Robinson's first regular-season game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. . . . CIAA champion West Virginia State was the nation's only undefeated college team in 1947-48, finishing with a 23-0 record. The squad, coached by Mark Cardwell, included future NBA players Bob Wilson and Earl Lloyd. . . . UCLA legend John Wooden was in his final season as coach of Indiana State when the Sycamores lost to Louisville in the 1948 NAIA final. Curtis Walker, Indiana State's 12th man, was the first African-American player in the NAIA Tournament. The all-tourney first five included Beloit's Johnny Orr, who went on to become a longtime major-college coach. Two years later, Indiana State won the NAIA title. . . . Tennessee A&I, coached by Henry A. Kean, was the nation's only undefeated team in 1948-49 with a 24-0 record. The Tigers' leading scorers, Clarence Wilson and Joshua Grider, were both eventually longtime standouts with the Harlem Globetrotters. . . . Hamline (Minn.), the 1949 NAIA champion, had two players - center Vern Mikkelsen and forward Hal Haskins - on Converse's first three five-man All-American teams. In 1950, scribes named Haskins winner of the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association's Gold Star Award as the outstanding visitng player in New York. In what might be the most impressive honor ever received by a small-college player, he virtually doubled the vote total of runner-up Chuck Cooper of Duquesne. North Carolina State's Sam Ranzino finished third, UCLA's George Stanich placed fourth and Holy Cross' Bob Cousy was fifth. The first five winners of the award were Penn's Howie Dallmar, DePaul's George Mikan, Kentucky's Ralph Beard, St. Louis' Ed Macauley and Denver's Vince Boryla. Haskins was among seven Hamline players who started their professional careers in an eight-year span from 1946 through 1953 under coach Joe Hutton Sr.
Morris Harvey's George King became the first college player to average 30 or more points per game in a seson when he led the nation's small-college players with a 31.2-point average in 1949-50. King went on to become a prominent major-college coach. . . . Sewanee (Tenn.) played 58 games in 10 weeks during the summer of 1951 while touring Africa and Europe with Goose Tatum, Marques Haynes and the Harlem Globetrotters. This reportedly was the first international trip for any college basketball team. . . . John Chaney scored 57 points for Bethune-Cookman FL in a 1952 game against Knoxville before becoming a Hall of Fame coach with Temple. . . . Florida A&M won the 1952 SIAC Tournament final against host Alabama State, 71-67, despite having just four players on the court the final 13-plus minutes (including two overtimes) because of players fouling out. . . . The first predominantly black college to take the floor in an integrated national collegiate tournament was Tennessee State (then Tennessee A&I) in 1953. Hall of Famer John McLendon coached Tennessee State to three consecutive national titles (1957-59). Oddly, the '53 Tennessee State team defeated McLendon-coached North Carolina College for the opportunity to go to Kansas City. . . . Seven years earlier, McLendon led North Carolina College to a 64-56 triple-overtime victory over Virginia Union in the final of the first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament. The CIAA Tournament blossomed into one of the premier postseason events in the country, including major-college tourneys. . . . Alderson-Broaddus College's Joe Miller (3,666) and Carl Hartman (3,373) became the only pair of 3,000-point scorers in college history to be teammates (1954 and 1955). . . . Southwest Missouri, winning the 1953 NAIA crown to become the first school to capture back-to-back titles with a 32-team format, played the last 3 1/2 minutes of its semifinal game with only four players on the court after encountering foul problems. The principal reason Southwest Missouri was shorthanded stemmed from two squad members being in spring training on their way to playing 12 seasons of major league baseball - infielder Jerry Lumpe and first baseman/outfielder Norm Siebern.
Ted Cassidy, Stetson's leading scorer and rebounder in 1954-55, played the role of Lurch in The Addams Family comedy TV series. . . . Tom Hart of Middlebury (Vt.) became the greatest rebounder in collegiate history. He still holds the record for most rebounds per game in a single season (29.5 rpg as a junior in 1954-55) and in a career (27.6 rpg). His coach was former baseball major leaguer Tony Lupien. The 6-4 Hart had two 46-rebound games in 1955 and grabbed 45 in a contest the next year as a senior. In track meets, Hart routinely entered six events and often scored over half his team's points, specializing in the high jump and pole vault. . . . West Virginia Tech averaged more than 100 points per game four consecutive seasons from 1954-55 through 1957-58. . . . Bill Reigel, playing for his third college in six seasons, led the nation's small-college players with a 33.9-point average when he paced McNeese State to the 1956 NAIA Tournament title. Reigel had averaged 18 points per game for the Duquesne freshman team in 1950-51 and 16.3 points per game for the Duke varsity in 1952-53 before entering military service. He later coached McNeese for three seasons from 1971-72 through 1973-74. . . . One of McNeese's three defeats in its championship season was at Lamar, 61-60, after the Cowboys had clobbered the Cardinals (12-12) by a total of 84 points in two early-season contests. . . . Long-time Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy directed the basketball squad from Coe (Iowa) in the 1956 NAIA Tournament. . . . Lee Pfund, the coach for 1957 NCAA Division II champion Wheaton (Ill.), compiled a 3-2 pitching record for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. The all-time winningest coach for Wheaton had three sons (John, Kerry and Randy) each score more than 1,150 points for the school. Randy went on to become coach of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers before becoming vice-president of the Miami Heat. NBA coach Donn Nelson, who gained a reputation as an authority on foreign basketball talent, collected 1,460 points and 538 rebounds for Wheaton in the mid-1980s. . . . Western Illinois missed an opportunity to become the nation's only undefeated college team in 1957-58 when it lost to Tennessee State, 85-73, in the NAIA Tournament championship game. Western had defeated Tennessee State, 79-76, earlier in the season. It was one of three consecutive NAIA titles won by Tennessee State, which boasted future pros Dick Barnett, John Barnhill and Ben Warley. . . . Davis & Elkins' Paul Wilcox, 6-6, is the only player to lead the NAIA in scoring (22.6 ppg) and rebounding (22.3 rpg) in the same season (1958-59). . . . In 1959, North Carolina A&T became the first predominantly black institution to participate in NCAA Division II national playoff competition. The Aggies finished third in the tourney. . . . Jack Madden, the dean of NBA referees for an extended period, graduated from Rider (N.J.) in 1959 as the school's career leader in scoring and rebounding.
Jazz vocalist Al Jarreau, a five-time Grammy winner, played for Ripon (Wis.) in the early 1960s. . . . The NAIA All-Stars upset NCAA champion Ohio State, 76-69, in a first-round game in the 1960 Olympic Trials. The NAIA zone defense limited Buckeye All-American Jerry Lucas to 14 points. . . . The first final NCAA College Division poll in 1960-61 included three coaches - Stan Albeck (Northern Michigan), Harry Gallatin (Southern Illinois) and Butch van Breda Kolff (Hofstra) - who went on to coach in the NBA for at least four seasons. In the next 10 campaigns, three other coaches - Bill Fitch (North Dakota), Bill Musselman (Ashland) and Scotty Robertson (Louisiana Tech) - guided College Division schools to a final Top 10 spot before moving up to the NBA for at least five years. Fitch and his successor, Jimmy Rodgers, coached multiple NBA teams. . . . The 1961-62 All-SWAC first-team selections included three frontcourters who later played at least 10 seasons in the pros - Prairie View's Zelmo Beaty, Southern's Bob Love and Grambling's Willis Reed. . . . Grambling finished in the top 10 of the first 76 weeks of College Division/Division II polls from January 5, 1961 through the end of the 1966-67 campaign. The Tigers, coached by Fred Hobdy, placed in the top five 40 consecutive weeks from March 2, 1961, through January 28, 1965. Grambling supplied seven top 20 NBA draft choices in a 20-year span from 1957 through 1976 before moving up to the NCAA Division I level - Bob McCoy (10th in 1957), Hershell West (16th in 1963), Reed (10th in 1964), Wilbert Frazier (12th in 1965), Jimmy Jones (13th in 1967), Fred Hilton (19th in 1971) and Larry Wright (14th in 1976).
Ronnie Maravich, a letterman for Georgia Southern in 1961-62, is a half-brother of Hall of Famer Pete Maravich (NCAA DI all-time leading scorer from LSU). . . . North Carolina A&T's Hugh Evans, a 12th-round draft choice by the St. Louis Hawks in 1963, went on to become a long-time NBA referee. Evans, a high school teammate in New York with Connie Hawkins and a college teammate of Al Attles, spent three years in the San Francisco Giants' minor league system. . . . Longtime Harlem Globetrotter Fred "Curly" Neal was an All-CIAA selection for Johnson C. Smith (N.C.) in 1962-63. . . . South Dakota State's decisive basket in a 44-42 decision over Wittenberg (Ohio) in the 1963 College Division Tournament final was a 40-foot baseball pass by Sid Bostic that went in after the buzzer sounded while the ball was in flight. . . . Winthrop "Wink" Davenport, who holds career average (19.6 ppg) and single-game (44 points as a junior vs. Bowdoin on February 2, 1963) scoring records for Wesleyan (Conn.), is the father of former women's tennis sensation Lindsay Davenport. He played for the U.S. volleyball team in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. . . . John Fred Gourrier, the lead vocalist for rock-and-roll group John Fred and the Playboy Band featuring hit single Judy in Disguise, was a 6-5 forward for Southeastern Louisiana in the mid-1960s. . . . Sam Alford, father of former Indiana All-American guard Steve Alford, led the NAIA in free-throw shooting in 1963-64. The elder Alford hit 91.2% of his foul shots for Franklin (Ind.) that season. . . . Midwestern (Tex.) defeated Austin College, 14-11, in overtime in 1964. Midwestern held a 4-1 halftime lead and the teams were tied at 8-8 at the end of regulation. Midwestern had won an earlier game that season with Austin by 40 points, 92-52. . . . Bob Jones, the all-time leading rebounder for Georgetown College (Ky.), is the father of former Virginia All-American guard and coach Jeff Jones. . . . Evansville was ranked No. 1 for 19 consecutive weeks from January 30, 1964, through the end of the 1964-65 season. . . . Jerry Sloan outscored Walt Frazier, 25-16, in Evansville's 85-82 victory over Southern Illinois in the 1965 NCAA College Division Tournament final. They went on to become NBA All-Defensive Team first-team selections the same year four times in seven seasons from 1968-69 through 1974-75. . . . Emmy Award-winning writer Bob Einstein, who created the Super Dave Osborne hapless stuntman character, averaged 5 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Chapman (Calif.) in 1963-64 and 1964-65. . . . Writer-director Ron Shelton, synonymous with numerous sports movies, scored 1,420 points for Westmont (Calif.) in the mid-1960s. . . . Ken Howard, street-savvy high school teacher in CBS classic drama The White Shadow, was third-leading all-time scorer for Amherst (Mass.) when his career ended in 1966. . . . Shippensburg's team in the mid-1960s had four different players eventually coach high school state championship teams in the mid-1980s during their careers following graduation. Art Taneyhill and Reggie Weiss coached basketball champions in Pennsylvania while Harry Chapman and Jim Deibler coached football titlists. . . . Wilberforce (Ohio) forward Lonnie Lynn Sr., a 1966 NBA draft choice of the St. Louis Hawks who played in the ABA in 1969-70, is the father of entertainer "Common" (previously Common Sense), a hip hop artist, actor and rap poet who was invited to the White House by the Obama Administration. . . . In 1966-67, Cleveland State's John McLendon became the first African-American to coach at an integrated college in the United States. He had previously been the first black coach at the professional level with the ABL's Cleveland Pipers. . . . In 1966-67, Kentucky Wesleyan had its first of 13 full seasons ranked in the top 10 of College Division/Division II polls (1967-68-69-82-84-87-90-98-99-00-01-02-03). . . . Rockhurst's Ed McKee, a 10th-round choice of the ABA's Indiana Pacers in its initial draft in 1967, went on to become P.R. director of the franchise after it merged with the NBA. McKee was also SID for Indiana State when Larry Bird gained national notoriety. . . . Ashland (Ohio) was coached by Bill Musselman in 1967-68 when the school allowed only 33.9 points per game, an NCAA record. . . . Scranton (Pa.), boasting a 20-5 record in 1968-69 under coach Nat Volpe, defeated five different major colleges that season - Lehigh, Rider, Lafayette, Colgate and Seton Hall. . . . Youngstown State's John McElroy became the shortest player (6-0) ever to score 70 or more points in a game involving NCAA colleges when he scored 72 against Wayne State (Mich.) on February 26, 1969. . . . Mickey Gibson, a transfer from Kentucky who was dismissed from the Wildcats' squad by coach Adolph Rupp because he got married, set the UNC-Asheville single-game scoring record with 44 points against Washington & Lee on February 8, 1969.
The first family of small-college basketball, if not all of hoopdom, was the six brothers Jones from McGehee, Ark., all 6-8 or taller, who became the top six rebounders in Albany (Ga.) State history during the 1960s and 1970s. Oliver and Melvin were borderline pro prospects before Wil (nine), Caldwell (17), Major (six) and Charles (15) each played a minimum of six ABA/NBA seasons. Major Jones, 6-9, led NCAA Division II rebounders in 1974-75 with an average of 22.5 per game. He is the last Division I or Division II player to average at least 20 per game.
Doug Williams, a 32-year-old Air Force veteran, earned NAIA first-team All-American honors for St. Mary's (Tex.) in 1969-70 when he averaged 18.9 points per game. He scored 24 in a 76-66 upset of Houston. . . . Elmore Smith, a 7-0 center for 1970 NAIA champion Kentucky State, was called for goal tending 12 times in a 116-98 defeat against Eastern Michigan. . . . New Orleans won 38 consecutive home games in a small arena nicknamed the "Chamber of Horrors" after losing its opener against Louisiana College in the Privateers' varsity debut in 1969-70. LC, coached by Billy Allgood, also defeated Mississippi State that season. LC beat the following six eventual DI in-state schools at least five times apiece from 1964-65 through 1974-75: Louisiana Tech, McNeese State, Nicholls State, Northeast Louisiana, Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana. The Wildcats also upended Tulane three times from 1962-63 through 1967-68 before becoming the first predominantly white school to play a home-and-home season series against a HBCU (Grambling in 1971-72). . . . Stephen F. Austin, the top-ranked team at the NCAA College Division level in 1969-70, had four players selected in the NBA draft after the season - Narvis Anderson, George E. Johnson, Surry Oliver and Erwin Polnick. . . . Curlee Conners, Southeastern Louisiana's leading scorer and rebounder in 1969-70 and 1970-71, is an uncle of Marcus Dupree from Philadelphia, Miss., and a central figure in the recruiting of the nation's premier prep running back by Oklahoma in the early 1980s. . . . In 1970, with an enrollment under 650 students, three Maryland State College players from a 29-2 team were selected in the NBA draft - Jake Ford (2nd round), Levi Fontaine (5th) and James "Bones" Morgan (7th). Four years later, the school (now known as Maryland-Eastern Shore) had three more players chosen from a 27-2 squad - Rubin Collins (2nd), Talvin Skinner (3rd) and William "Billy" Gordon (4th). . . . Tennessee State edged Oglethorpe (Ga.), 7-4, on February 16, 1971, in what is believed to be the lowest-scoring college game since the center jump was eliminated prior to the 1937-38 season. Tennessee State had overwhelmed Oglethorpe, 82-43, earlier in the season. . . . Louisiana Tech had two players selected fourth overall in an NBA draft - Jackie Moreland (Detroit Pistons in 1960) and Mike Green (Seattle SuperSonics in 1973). . . . Birmingham-Southern's Russell Thompson scored 25 points without making a field-goal attempt in a 55-46 victory over Florence State in the 1970-71 season. He converted 25 of 28 free throws. . . . Kentucky State's Travis "Machine Gun" Grant set the single-game NAIA Tournament scoring record with 60 points against Minot State in 1972. Grant finished his four-year college career with 4,045 points and a 33.4-point average. . . . Roanoke guard Hal Johnston, whose athletic career was almost ended when he fractured his skull in a fall from a truck as a senior in high school, was a runaway choice for most outstanding player honors at the 1972 NCAA College Division Tournament. . . . Robert "Firechief" Smith came to USC-Spartanburg in 1972 as a 34-year-old center, powering USCS to its first two winning seasons. He averaged 9.9 rpg in 1973-74, when he was named MVP of the Palmetto Conference Tournament - the first title of any kind in the history of the program. . . . Guilford won the 1973 NAIA Tournament with a lineup that included included three future NBA players - Lloyd Free, M.L. Carr and Greg Jackson. Guilford's top reserve was Steve Hankins, a 6-6, 220-pound, 28-year-old Marine Corps veteran who had served 44 months in Vietnam and was one of the military pallbearers at President Kennedy's funeral. . . . Guilford (N.C.) and Tennessee State are the only two small colleges to have two alums score more than 20 points per game in an NBA season - Free and Bob Kaufmann attended Guilford, while Dick Barnett and Truck Robinson attended Tennessee State.
Guard Greg Procell averaged 11.5 ppg in two seasons for Northwestern State in 1972-73 and 1973-74. Procell, a native of Noble, La. (Ebarb H.S.), held the national high school scoring record (6,702 points) until 2002 when it was broken by Jeremy Monceaux at Parkway Christian Academy of Birmingham, Ala., after Monceaux played varsity as a seventh- and eighth-grader at Spencer, La. Procell's NSU-career high was 27 points as a junior in a 76-70 overtime loss at Northeast Louisiana. He originally signed with Southwestern Louisiana, but when the Rajun Cajuns' program was shut down for NCAA infractions Procell attended Panola (Tex.) Community College, where he averaged 33.7 ppg as a freshman and 28.5 ppg as a sophomore. Procell, who had a J.C. single-game high of 57 points, became a fishing guide on Toledo Bend and an assistant principal at Huntington High in Shreveport. . . . Leon Gobczynski, a 6-10 center, averaged 36.1 points per game for Millikin (Ill.) in the 1973-74 season despite being blanked by Augustana (Ill.) in an 88-61 defeat. Gobczynski, who had scored 43 points in an earlier game that year between the two teams, missed all nine of his field-goal attempts in 36 minutes of playing time. . . . Salem (W. Va.) College's Archie Talley set an NAIA record for most points in a season (1,347) in 1975-76 when he averaged 40.8 per game. . . . Philadelphia Textile defeated a different Big Five school in three consecutive seasons from 1975-76 through 1977-78 - Villanova twice, Temple and St. Joseph's. . . . Amherst's Jim Rehnquist, son of Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, finished fifth in NCAA Division III scoring in 1976-77 with an average of 27.8 points per game. . . . Dave Robbins, who is white, became coach at Virginia Union in 1978-79 in the predominantly black CIAA. Robbins went on to win more CIAA Tournaments than any coach in league history. VUU finished in the Top 10 of final national rankings nine consecutive seasons from 1987-88 through 1995-96 and 12 of 13 beginning in 1983-84. . . . Former Briar Cliff (Iowa) players comprised Panama's entire starting lineup in the 1987 Pan American Games. Four members of Briar Cliff's "Panamanian Pipeline" were selected in NBA drafts from 1978 through 1981 (Mario Butler, Rolando Frazer, Tito Malcolm and Ed Warren). In the late 1980s, the first five spots on the school's career scoring list were Panamanians.
Mark Curry, a comedian starring in ABC's hit black sitcom Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, played center with California State-Hayward for three seasons in the early 1980s. . . . When Tampa resurrected its men's program in 1983-84 after a 13-year hiatus, coach Richard Schmidt took his first-year squad, starting one junior transfer and four freshmen, and won the Sunshine State Conference postseason tournament and automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs en route to a 20-11 record. It was the first time in NCAA history that a first-year team in any division qualified for the national tourney. Schmidt is a professional aviculturist who breeds exotic birds and raises other prize-winning animals on his ranch. Entertainer Wayne Newton has purchased birds from him. . . . Former Phoenix Suns/Seattle SuperSonics coach Paul Westphal guided Grand Canyon (Ariz.) to the 1988 NAIA title. . . . Four of the eight NAIA finals from 1981 through 1988 required extra sessions. Nine of 11 championship games in one stretch were decided in overtime or by fewer than six points in regulation. . . . Chuck Randall, Western Washington's longtime coach, invented the Slam-Dunk basketball rim. . . . Gary Lydic, a guard for the junior varsity as a freshman at McPherson (Kan.) and student assistant coach as a senior, served as director of ministry services for Focus on the Family when the organization was headquartered in Pasadena, Calif. On the morning Hall of Famer Pete Maravich died of a heart attack stemming from a heart defect, Lydic was among the men playing with him in a pickup game before the 40-year-old legend was slated to be interviewed on a Christian radio program. . . . Michael Jordan wasn't the best former college basketball standout performing as an outfielder with Birmingham (AA Southern League) in the Chicago White Sox's farm system in 1994. The superior baseball player was teammate Scott Tedder, a 6-4 lefthander who graduated as Ohio Wesleyan's all-time leading scorer in 1988. Tedder, playing about 1/4 of the '94 season in the league with Orlando, hit .281 while Jordan managed a lowly .202 and amassed more than 2 1/2 times as many strikeouts (114). Tedder posted a .261 average over five years with the Barons. . . . The pep song for Chadron (Neb.) State should have been "Here's to Mrs. Robinson" during eight seasons from 1988-89 through 1995-96 when three brothers (Josh, Jason and Jeremy Robinson) played for the Eagles. Each of Gerry and Triss Robinson's sons was a four-year starter and they collaborated for 5,081 points and 2,138 rebounds in a total of 330 games. No one can determine for sure, but they might have combined for more points and rebounds than any other trio of brothers at any single college. Josh, the eldest brother, finished his career as the school's all-time leading scorer (2,041 points). . . . Marquette's Al McGuire wasn't the only former Belmont Abbey (N.C.) coach to make a name for himself at the major-college level. All four Belmont Abbey coaches in the 1980s went on to coach Division I schools - Bobby Hussey (Davidson/Virginia Tech), Eddie Payne (East Carolina/Oregon State), Kevin Eastman (UNC Wilmington/Washington State) and Rick Scruggs (Gardner-Webb). . . . Todd Beamer, a backup guard for Wheaton (Ill.) in 1988-89, was the Oracle Corp account manager traveling from New Jersey to California on United Airlines Flight 93 for a business meeting on September 11, 2001, when helping lead a "let's roll" takeover by passengers from Islamic terrorists, forcing the plane down in Pennsylvania countryside about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Todd Rowe, a 1992 graduate who is the all-time leading scorer for Malone (Ohio), became the first player in a professional Chinese league to score 3,000 points before he moved on to a league in Japan. . . . Bob Hoffman was deprived of becoming the first coach in NAIA history to guide men's and women's champions when No. 1 seed Oklahoma Baptist bowed to Hawaii Pacific (88-83) in the 1993 championship game. Hoffman had directed Southern Nazarene (Okla.) to the 1989 NAIA women's title. . . . John Pierce of David Lipscomb (Tenn.) became college basketball's all-time leading scorer after totaling 33 points in his 1993-94 regular-season finale, a 119-102 triumph over Cumberland. Pierce's 4,110 total career points broke former roommate Phil Hutcheson's mark of 4,106 set in the 1990 NAIA Tournament. . . . NAIA powerhouse Life (Ga.) had a 99-game homecourt winning streak, the third longest in college history, snapped by Talladega (Ala.), 75-72, in January 1999. Talladega was an unlikely spoiler, having won just two of its first 16 games that season. Life went on to become the first unseeded team to win the NAIA Tournament by overcoming a 26-point deficit to frustrate Mobile, 63-60. . . . Central Arkansas ranks among the schools for most NAIA Tournament appearances but none of those were when 1992 U.S. basketball Olympian and Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen played for the Bears. . . . David Lipscomb's Don Meyer reached the 700-win plateau quicker than any coach in college history. He compiled 702 victories through 1998-99 in 24 seasons before leaving for Northern State (S.D.) when he disagreed with Lipscomb's decision to move up to NCAA Division I. His 1989-90 squad won a college basketball-record 41 games. Meyer, atop the NCAA win list among active coaches with 891 at the time in 2008, had his left leg amputated below the knee after an auto accident. Meyer either fell asleep or was distracted when his car crossed the center line and collided with a semi. Meyer, 63, was diagnosed with a slow-growing cancer in his liver and bowels that doctors said might not have been found had he not been injured. . . . Six different members of the MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) from the state of Missouri - Central Missouri State, Missouri-Rolla, Missouri Southern, Missouri Western, Northwest Missouri State and Southwest Baptist - finished with a final Top 10 ranking in a 12-year span from 1990-91 through 2001-02. . . . Prior to the inaugural season for Westminster (Pa.) in the NCAA in 1998-99, the Titans were acknowledged as the all-time winningest program in NAIA history with 1,299 victories. . . . Danny Miles, en route to reaching the 1,000-win plateau in 2013-14, earned triumph No. 400 in 4 1/2 hours because a broken rim at Simpson College in Redding, Calif., forced the game to be moved 20 miles to another facility. In college at Southern Oregon, Miles set the all-time pass completion percentage record for both NCAA and NAIA for a single season based on 225 attempts (1965, 190-247, .769) and career percentage based on 500 completions (1964-67, 577-871, .662).
Three different North Dakota State coaches the first three years of the 21st Century - Ray Giacoletti, Greg McDermott and Tim Miles - went on to guide other schools at the NCAA Division I level to national postseason competition. . . . Kenyan Charles Maina, who led Lynn (Fla.) in blocked shots two seasons in the late 1990s, starred in the nationally-acclaimed movie "The Air Up There." . . . Haitian Robert Joseph of Union (Tenn.) surpassed David Robinson's record by becoming the single-season blocked shots leader for all levels of college basketball with 242 rejections in 2001-02. . . . The College of Staten Island (N.Y.) started hosting an in-season tournament, called CSI Tournament of Heroes, to pay homage to three former CSI players (Terrance Aiken, Scott Davidson and Tom Hannafin) who perished during the terorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Aiken had just started a computer consulting job on the 97th floor of World Trade Center Tower I while Davidson and Hannafin were New York City firefighters. . . . Jaeson Maravich, a son of NCAA all-time leading scorer Pete Maravich, was an NAIA All-American for William Carey (Miss.) in 2002-03 and 2003-04. Jaeson previously had stints with Alabama and McNeese State sidetracked by a back ailment. . . . Hope International (Calif.) ended a 60-game losing streak with a 94-84 win over Redlands (Calif.) in 2003-04. . . . Jack Bennett, the coach of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's 2004 NCAA Division III champion, is a brother of Dick Bennett, who guided Wisconsin to the 2000 NCAA Division I Tournament Final Four. Just like Dick had a son (Tony) play for him at Wisconsin-Green Bay, Jack had a son (Nick) who supplied 83 three-pointers for the Pointers in 2003-04. . . . Grinnell (Iowa) set an NCAA single-season scoring record for all levels by averaging 126.2 points per game in 2003-04. The Pioneers (18-6) had more three-pointers (530) than either two-point baskets (472) or free throws (495). Boasting eight players with more than 25 treys, they scored fewer than 100 points only three times. Grinnell coach David Arseneault had his teams press from the start and they would surrender a layup for a chance to come back down and take a three-point shot. The Pioneers hit 530 of 1,582 attempts from beyond the arc (33.5%).
The Moir family has accounted for more than 1,500 college victories. Page Moir became the all-time winningest coach for a school, Roanoke (Va.), where his father, Charles, won the 1972 NCAA College Division crown before coaching at the Division I level with Virginia Tech and Tulane. Charles' brother, Sam, coached at Catawba (N.C.) for 31 seasons. . . . In 2006, Texas Wesleyan became the fourth unseeded team in eight years to capture the NAIA Division I title. Three years later, Rocky Mountain (Mont.) defeated Columbia (Mo.) in the first championship game between two unseeded teams since seeding was introduced in 1957. . . . Brian Rice, a 43-year-old Navy retiree, was a backup for Geneva (Pa.) in 2012-13.
Numerous small-college hoopers were so versatile they eventually excelled professionally in other major sports. Earning acclaim as MLB All-Stars were: George Altman (Tennessee State), Glenn Beckert (Allegheny PA), Frank Bolling (Spring Hill AL), Al Bumbry (Virginia State), Mickey Cochrane (Boston University), George Crowe (Indiana Central), Larry Doby (Virginia Union), Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC), Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona), Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State), Chuck Hinton (Shaw NC), Gil Hodges (St. Joseph's IN/Oakland City IN), Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA), Duane Josephson (Northern Iowa), David Justice (Thomas More KY), Dave Lemanczyk (Hartwick NY), Danny Litwhiler (Bloomsburg PA), Davey Lopes (Iowa Wesleyan), Jerry Lumpe (Southwest Missouri State), Bake McBride (Westminster MO), Graig Nettles (San Diego State), Bill Nicholson (Washington College MD), Joe Niekro (West Liberty WV), Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS), Gary Peters (Grove City PA), Rip Repulski (St. Cloud State MN), Preacher Roe (Harding AR), Richie Scheinblum (LIU-C.W. Post), Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence NY), Jeff Shaw (Rio Grande OH), Norm Siebern (Southwest Missouri State), Matt Thornton (Grand Valley State MI), Bob Veale (Benedictine KS), Wes Westrum (Bemidji State MN) and Bill White (Hiram OH). Ex-hoopers among NFL/AFL Pro Bowl selections included: Ken Anderson (Augustana IL), Ordell Braase (South Dakota), Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha), Buck Buchanan (Grambling), Harold Carmichael (Southern LA), Ben Coates (Livingstone NC), Charley Cowan (New Mexico Highlands), Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton OH), London Fletcher (John Carroll OH), Len Ford (Morgan State), Jean Fugett (Amherst MA), Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH), Harlon Hill (Florence State AL), Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado), Dave Jennings (St. Lawrence NY), Too Tall Jones (Tennessee State), Jacoby Jones (Lane TN), Gary Larsen (Concordia MN), Joe Lavender (San Diego State), Rolland Lawrence (Tabor KS), Cy McClairen (Bethune-Cookman FL), Bob McLeod (Abilene Christian TX), Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO), Elvin "Kink" Richards (Simpson IA), Art Shell (Maryland-Eastern Shore), Rod Smith (Missouri Southern State), Ed Sprinkle (Hardin-Simmons TX), Lionel Taylor (New Mexico Highlands), Otis Taylor (Prairie View A&M) and Rayfield Wright (Fort Valley State GA).
Smaller colleges, many from the hinterlands, supplied a striking number of the biggest names in major-college coaching. From 1995 through 2000, five of the six NCAA Division I Tournament championship coaches graduated from obscure colleges with significantly smaller enrollments - Jim Calhoun (American International MA), Jim Harrick (Charleston WV), Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan), Lute Olson (Augsburg MN) and Tubby Smith (High Point NC). In fact, it is rare for a Final Four not to feature at least one coach from a humble background. John Calipari, a graduate of Clarion (Pa.) State, guided Kentucky to the 2012 national championship before Michigan's John Beilein (Wheeling Jesuit NY) and Wichita State's Gregg Marshall (Randolph-Macon VA) directed teams to the Final Four. Small-school hoopers who coached prominent universities to multiple bowl games include Dan Devine (Minnesota-Duluth), Tom Osborne (Hastings NE) and Bobby Petrino (Carroll MT). Title game coaches in the NFL and AFL after playing small-college hoops include Wally Lemm (Carroll WI) and Marv Levy (Coe IA). Status as a cash cow notwithstanding, it would appear no one should have been able to accuse the NCAA hierarchy of unabashed favoritism for the DI level. After all, former Executive Director Cedric Dempsey (Albion MI) and former enforcement chief David Berst (MacMurray IL) were small-school hoopers. Dempsey coached his alma mater after he was named MIAA MVP in 1953-54. Berst averaged 6.3 ppg and 4 rpg and held the school's baseball record for best ERA in a career before coaching both sports at his alma mater.
The Classics: Georgetown/Maryland Rivalry Should Be Renewed Automatically
"Holy shadows of the dead, I am not to blame for your cruel and bitter fate, but the accursed rivalry which brought sister nations and brother people to fight one another. I do not feel happy for this victory of mine. On the contrary, I would be glad, brothers, if I had all of you standing here next to me, since we are united by the same language, the same blood and the same visions." - Alexander the Great
The best back-to-back non-conference games of the past two seasons may have already been played when Maryland came from behind to upend Georgetown both times. Where has this rivalry been for more than three decades? We missed out on Patrick Ewing and David Wingate vs. Adrian Branch in the early 1980s, Reggie Williams vs. Len Bias in mid-1980s, Alonzo Mourning vs. Tony Massenburg and Walt Williams in late 1980s and early 1990s, Allen Iverson vs. Joe Smith in mid-1990s and Mike Sweetney vs. Juan Dixon at the turn of 21st Century. Instead of grand games giving us a shot of adrenalin, we got to overdose on cupcakes with the Hoyas and Terrapins combining to win all 66 of their mismatches against in-state weaklings UMBC, UMES, Morgan State and Towson from the early 1980s through 2003-04. It is time for both schools to commit to opposing each other like they did from 1946-47 to 1979-80. If so, the "Duel in D.C." immediately becomes annual must-see TV in pre-conference competition comparable to Kentucky/Louisville, Illinois/Missouri and Cincinnati/Xavier.
Elsewhere, after 105 years steeped in history amid off-the-chart contempt, the rivalry between Kansas and Missouri expired for the foreseeable future when Mizzou departed the Big 12 Conference for the SEC. KU has a commanding edge in nearly every category (winning percentage, victories away from home and close games decided by single digits), but the Tigers have been enough of a tormentor to make the series as energetic and entertaining as you can find anywhere. Their border war stacked right up there with the more nationally-acclaimed "Clash of the Titans" between Duke and North Carolina.
Making about as much sense as Obamaland's delusional JV Syrian refugee policy treating possible terrorists like they're tourists in aftermath of deadly attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, it was shortsighted of KU and Mizzou to let their rivalry end. They simply join top six conference members DePaul/Illinois, Pittsburgh/West Virginia, Cincinnati/Ohio State and Texas/Texas A&M as potentially great natural non-league match-ups their fans can't enjoy.
Do we require self-absorbed Secretary of State John Kerry to bring James Taylor for a "You've Got a Friend" sing-along to ease the stress after Utah cancelled its game at BYU? If bruised egos heal in the near future, perhaps sounder minds will prevail with Mizzou annually opposing KU in Kansas City much like it does in St. Louis against Illinois. But Mizzou can't complain if the Jayhawks continue to act like a jilted lover because the self-centered Tigers fail to oppose competent in-state foes such as Missouri State and Saint Louis.
By almost any measure including Alexander the Great's perspective, KU has a superior program to Mizzou, which is at its lowest ebb in more than 50 years after mess-maker Frank Haith left the Tigers' program in tatters. But Jayhawks coach Bill Self should rein in his rhetoric as the divorce dialogue intensified or at least take a crash course in college basketball history. When comparing the significance of the Kentucky/Louisville rivalry to the termination of KU's home-and-home conference conflicts with the Tigers, Self said: "Well, they've always played every year (out of league). That's all they know."
Well, Self needs to "always know" that UK and Louisville went 61 years from 1923 through 1983 without a regular-season matchup before they came to their senses and saw the light. Speaking of light, KU and Mizzou simply have to shed one lightweight apiece to keep a good thing going for the sport in general and for their fans specifically like the entertaining Philly Big 5. The two schools combined to raise $1.75 million for hurricane victims by playing an exhibition game in the fall of 2017. Why not surpass that feat via a regular-season confrontation? KU shouldn't also deny hoop fans a Top 20 matchup with Wichita State.
By toning down picking on patsies, there is plenty of room on their respective non-league schedules to keep playing each other. Ditto for Indiana and Kentucky plus Memphis and Tennessee resuming their rivalries, which would definitely be among the top 10 such confrontations in the country. If the century-old KU/Mizzou spectacle returns, it could immediately surpass Kentucky/Louisville and go atop the following list of the nation's top 25 non-conference rivalries if only because of longevity:
- Kentucky/Louisville
- Illinois/Missouri
- Cincinnati/Xavier
- Iowa/Iowa State
- Indiana/Notre Dame
- Brigham Young/Utah
- St. Joseph's/Villanova
- Georgia/Georgia Tech
- Florida/Florida State
- Marquette/Wisconsin
- Clemson/South Carolina
- New Mexico/New Mexico State
- Marshall/West Virginia
- Utah/Utah State
- Temple/Villanova
- La Salle/Villanova
- Florida/Miami (FL)
- Iowa/Northern Iowa
- Colorado/Colorado State
- Drake/Iowa
- Penn/Villanova
- Providence/Rhode Island
- Creighton/Nebraska
- La Salle/Temple
- Idaho/Idaho State
Diminutive Dynamo: Short Subject Johnson Flying High For Winthrop Eagles
By any measure, it's more difficult for smaller athletes to score big in the Land of the Giants despite Central Michigan's Marcus Keene (5-9) leading the nation in scoring this season and Campbell's Chris Clemons (5-9) finishing runner-up. The only NCAA Division I players shorter than 6-0 to score more than 2,500 career points are 5-10 Calvin Murphy (2,548 for Niagara from 1967-68 through 1969-70) and 5-10 Keydren Clark (3,058 for Saint Peter's from 2002-03 through 2005-06).
Shortening the subject matter even more, Winthrop senior playmaker Keon Johnson (listed at 5-7 but probably closer to 5-4) exploded for 38 points in an overtime victory at Illinois before supplying back-to-back league outings with at least 39. This wasn't exactly virgin territory for Johnson, who averaged more than 20 ppg in three non-league road games last season against power conference members (North Carolina State, Georgia and Alabama) en route to finishing with an 18.7 mark. If Johnson maintains such a scoring pace in Big South Conference competition, he'll join the following short list of major-college players shorter than 5-8 who averaged in excess of 20 ppg in a single season:
| Diminutive Player | Ht. | DI School | Avg. | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Holston | 5-7 | Chicago State | 25.9 | 2008-09 |
| Earl Boykins | 5-6 | Eastern Michigan | 25.7 | 1997-98 |
| David Holston | 5-7 | Chicago State | 23.1 | 2007-08 |
| Chuck Rolles | 5-6 | Cornell | 23.0 | 1955-56 |
| Dick Hickox | 5-6 | Miami (Fla.) | 22.1 | 1959-60 |
| Marques Green | 5-7 | St. Bonaventure | 21.3 | 2002-03 |
| Billy Pappas | 5-6 | New Hampshire | 21.0 | 1953-54 |
| Shawnta Rogers | 5-4 | George Washington | 20.7 | 1998-99 |
| Keith "Mister" Jennings | 5-7 | East Tennessee State | 20.1 | 1990-91 |
Bullying Tactics: Power-League Members Avoid Entertaining In-State Clashes
Any player worth his sneakers seeks to compete against quality, not inferior, opponents with something such as in-state bragging rights at stake rather than devouring cupcakes. LSU refrains from opposing Tulane in recent years but one of the greatest freshman debuts in college annals took place when Tigers forward Rudy Macklin grabbed a school-record 32 rebounds against the Green Wave to open the 1976-77 campaign. How many comparable splendid performances never had a chance to unfold on the court? Meanwhile, how many power-player schools fodder-bored torture us with age-old, one-sided arguments flapping their self-serving jaws about nothing to gain? Indiana likely will somehow survive defeat at IPFW while many power-conference counterparts compete in exotic-outpost tournaments in front of disinterested algae, barnacles, crabs, mussels, sea shells, snails and handful of other beach creatures. Why don't more elite schools put an emphasis on what is best for the sport in general by scheduling more entertaining contests against competitive in-state foes?
Isn't this supposed to be the era for putting an end to bullying? Pompous pilot Rick Pitino said Louisville played "four white guys and an Egyptian" to not embarrass lowly Savannah State in a previous mismatch. If that is the case, then why schedule a Savannah vacation in the first place? Giving fans half-a-peace sign and Quaaludes reminiscent of Bill Cosby's victims, the hoop haughtiness of power schools denying fans stimulating non-league games isn't a new phenomenon. For instance, LSU avoided potentially attractive in-state assignments for decades by never opposing McNeese State's Joe Dumars, Tulane's Jerald Honeycutt, New Orleans' Ervin Johnson, Louisiana Tech's Karl Malone, Northeast Louisiana's Calvin Natt, Centenary's Robert Parish and Southwestern Louisiana's Kevin Brooks, Bo Lamar and Andrew Toney. Last season, the Bayou Bengals didn't bother to give freshman sensation Ben Simmons an opportunity to oppose ULL's Shawn Long, one of only six players in NCAA history to finish career with more than 2,250 points and 1,400 rebounds.
Similarly over the years, North Carolina shunned Davidson first- and second-team All-Americans Stephen Curry, Mike Maloy and Dick Snyder during the regular season. The Tar Heels did defeat Davidson in exciting back-to-back East Regional finals by a total of six points in 1968 and 1969 when Maloy averaged 21.5 ppg and 13 rpg. In 1974, South Carolina's powerhouse boasting Mike Dunleavy, Alex English and Brian Winters, couldn't keep skirting Furman and succumbed in the East Regional, 75-67, when the Padadins' Clyde Mayes collected 21 points and game-high 16 rebounds. Dick Vitale-coached Detroit was eliminated from the NCAA playoffs in the 1977 Mideast Regional semifinals by Michigan after the Wolverines avoided the Titans' terrific trio comprised of Terry Duerod, John Long and Terry Tyler in the regular season that year and the previous campaign while opposing Fordham, Kent State, La Salle, Miami (Ohio), Rhode Island, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.
Don't we deserve to see national players of the year such as Indiana State's Larry Bird (never opposed Indiana), Princeton's Bill Bradley (Seton Hall), La Salle's Tom Gola (Villanova), Cincinnati's Kenyon Martin (Ohio State), Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (Ohio State), Navy's David Robinson (Georgetown and Maryland), Xavier's David West (Ohio State) and Bradley's Hersey Hawkins (Illinois) strut their stuff in regular-season contests against nearby prominent programs? The Terrapins only met "The Admiral" upon being forced to compete in the second round of 1985 Southeast Regional when Robinson contributed game-high figures in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Unbelievably, more than 30 All-Americans from Ohio colleges in the last 60 years never had an opportunity to oppose Ohio State during the regular season (including small-school sensation Bevo Francis of Rio Grande).
Elsewhere, a few national postseason contests or rare in-season tourney matchup will create confrontations between in-state rivals that should have occurred in annual regular-season competition such as Oakland guard Kay Felder collecting 37 points and nine assists last season in an overtime loss against Michigan State at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Meanwhile, Michigan avoided Felder last year while feasting on Bryant, Delaware State, Elon, Houston Baptist, North Kentucky, Northern Michigan and Youngstown State. The premier mid-major players being shunned this campaign include Davidson's Peyton Aldridge and Jack Gibbs (Duke, North Carolina State and Wake Forest), Monmouth's Justin Robinson (Rutgers and Seton Hall), Valparaiso's Alec Peters (Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue) plus Winthrop's Keon Johnson (Clemson and South Carolina).
Power conference members give appearance of parasites while playing more than 85% of their out-of-conference games at home or a neutral site. Check out the non-league parade of patsies predatory powers Kansas and Kansas State scheduled while avoiding Fred VanVleet the previous four years and Wichita State All-American Antoine Carr the first half of the 1980s. The following mid-major/non-power league All-Americans specifically and fans generally were shortchanged during the regular season by smug in-state schools since the accepted modern era of basketball commenced in the early 1950s:
| Mid-Major School | All-American | In-State Power League Member(s) A-A Didn't Oppose During Regular Season/Cupcakes Devoured While Avoiding Mid-Major A-A |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Western | Jim Barnes | SWC members except Texas in 1962-63 and 1963-64 |
| Seattle | Elgin Baylor | Washington and Washington State in 1956-57 and 1957-58/Huskies opposed Yale while Cougars met Eastern Washington, Idaho State, Montana and Whitworth during that span |
| Penn | Ernie Beck | Villanova from 1950-51 through 1952-53/Wildcats opposed Army, Delaware, Geneva, Iona, King's, LeMoyne, Loyola (Md.), Millersville State, Mount St. Mary's, Muhlenberg, Rider, Saint Francis (Pa.), Saint Peter's, Scranton, Siena, Tampa, Texas Wesleyan, Valparaiso and William & Mary |
| Cincinnati | Ron Bonham | Ohio State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis and TCU |
| Gonzaga | Frank Burgess | Washington from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Huskies opposed Hawaii |
| Marshall | Leo Byrd | West Virginia from 1956-57 through 1958-59/Mountaineers opposed Mississippi Southern and Yale |
| Wichita State | Antoine Carr | Kansas and Kansas State from 1979-80 through 1982-83/Jayhawks opposed Alcorn State, Birmingham Southern, Bowling Green, Cal State Bakersfield, Maine, Mississippi Valley State, Morehead State, Nevada-Reno, Rollins, Texas Southern, U.S. International and Wisconsin-Oshkosh while Wildcats met Abilene Christian, Auburn-Montgomery, UC Davis, Cal State Bakersfield, Eastern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Portland State, South Dakota, Southern Colorado, U.S. International, Western Illinois and Wisconsin-Parkside |
| East Tennessee State | Tom Chilton | Memphis State and Vanderbilt from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Tigers opposed Birmingham Southern, UC Davis, Hardin-Simmons, Lamar, Louisiana College, Louisiana-Monroe, Loyola (New Orleans), Missouri-Rolla, Montana State, North Texas, Rollins, Southern Mississippi, Spring Hill, Tampa, Texas Wesleyan and Toronto while Commodores met Arkansas State, Dartmouth, Hardin-Simmons, Navy and Yale |
| Dayton | Bill Chmielewski | Ohio State in 1961-62 |
| Illinois State | Doug Collins | DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern at DI level in 1971-72 and 1972-73/Blue Demons opposed Dubuque, Lewis, Parsons, Rocky Mountain, Saint Joseph's (Ind.), St. Mary's (Minn.), Westmont, Winona State, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Illini met DePauw, Furman, Loyola (New Orleans), South Dakota and Valparaiso, plus Wildcats tackled Ohio University, TCU and Valparaiso |
| San Francisco | Quintin Dailey | Stanford from 1979-80 through 1981-82/Cardinal opposed Air Force, UC Davis, Furman, Harvard, Penn, Portland, Rice, Seattle Pacific and U.S. International |
| Bowling Green | Jim Darrow | Ohio State from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Butler, Delaware, Princeton and Yale |
| Cincinnati | Ralph Davis | Ohio State from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Butler, Delaware, Princeton and Yale |
| Detroit | Dave DeBusschere | Michigan and Michigan State from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Wolverines opposed Ball State, Bowling Green, Brown, Butler, Denver, Drake, Idaho, Miami (Ohio), Penn, Portland, Washington (Mo.) and Western Ontario while Spartans met Bowling Green, Butler, Northern Michigan, Portland and Tulsa |
| Wichita State | Cleanthony Early | Kansas and Kansas State in 2012-13 and 2013-14/Jayhawks opposed American University, Belmont, Chattanooga, Iona, Louisiana-Monroe, Richmond, San Jose State, Southeast Missouri State, Toledo and Towson while Wildcats met Charlotte, Delaware, George Washington, Lamar, Long Beach State, North Dakota, North Florida, Northern Colorado, Oral Roberts, USC Upstate, South Dakota, Texas Southern, Troy, Tulane and UMKC |
| Detroit | Bill Ebben | Michigan from 1954-55 through 1956-57/Wolverines opposed Butler, Delaware, Denver, Kent State, Los Angeles State, Valparaiso, Washington (Mo.) and Yale |
| Oakland | Kay Felder | Michigan from 2013-14 through 2015-16/Wolverines opposed Bryant, Bucknell, Coppin State, Delaware State, Elon, Hillsdale, Holy Cross, Houston Baptist, Massachusetts-Lowell, Nicholls State, Northern Kentucky, Northern Michigan, South Carolina State and Youngstown State |
| St. Louis | Bob Ferry | Missouri from 1956-57 through 1958-59/Mizzou opposed North Dakota, Rice, South Dakota and UTEP |
| Dayton | Henry Finkel | Ohio State from 1963-64 through 1965-66/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis, South Dakota, TCU and West Texas |
| Columbia | Chet Forte | St. John's from 1954-55 through 1956-57/Redmen opposed Fairfield, Hofstra, Roanoke, Siena and Wagner |
| Cincinnati | Danny Fortson | Ohio State from 1994-95 through 1996-97/Buckeyes opposed Alabama State, Central Connecticut, Cleveland State, Drexel, George Mason, Kent State, LIU, Morgan State, Penn and Southwestern Louisiana |
| Oral Roberts | Richie Fuqua | Oklahoma and Oklahoma State at DI level in 1971-72 and 1972-73/Sooners opposed Charlotte, Indiana State, Samford, Stetson and Washburn while Cowboys met Arkansas State, Cal Poly-Pomona, Cal State Fullerton, Northwest Missouri State and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi |
| Loyola Marymount | Hank Gathers | USC and UCLA from 1987-88 through 1989-90/Trojans opposed Boston University, Central Connecticut State, Delaware, Duquesne, Howard, Northern Arizona, Portland, Prairie View A&M, St. Francis, Seattle, UALR, U.S. International, Western Kentucky and Yale while Bruins met American University, Boston University, East Tennessee State, North Texas, Oral Roberts and Penn |
| Jacksonville | Artis Gilmore | Florida in 1969-70 and 1970-71/Gators opposed East Tennessee State, Fordham, Harvard, Morehead State and Samford |
| Oklahoma City | Gary Gray | Oklahoma State from 1964-65 through 1966-67/Cowboys opposed Abilene Christian, UC Santa Barbara, Creighton, Lamar, Regis and South Dakota State |
| Colorado State | Bill Green | Colorado from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buffaloes opposed Creighton, Pepperdine and Texas Tech |
| Tennessee Tech | Jimmy Hagan | Tennessee and Vanderbilt from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Volunteers opposed Bucknell, Butler, Furman, Louisiana Tech, Sewanee, William & Mary, Wyoming and Yale while Commodores met Arkansas State, The Citadel, Dartmouth, Hardin-Simmons, Loyola (New Orleans), Navy, Rice, Sewanee, Southwestern, VMI, Wyoming and Yale |
| Loyola of Chicago | Jerry Harkness | DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Blue Demons opposed Aquinas, Baldwin-Wallace, Bowling Green, Christian Brothers, Denver, Gannon, Illinois Wesleyan, Lawrence Tech, North Dakota, NE State College, St. Bonaventure, Tampa, Western Michigan, Western Ontario and Youngstown State; Illini met Butler, Colgate, Cornell, Creighton, Manhattan, Penn, San Jose State and Washington (Mo.), and Wildcats tackled Brown, Colorado State, Creighton, Dartmouth, Manhattan, Princeton, SMU and Western Michigan |
| Miami (Ohio) | Ron Harper | Ohio State from 1982-83 through 1985-86/Buckeyes opposed Brooklyn, Central Florida, Chattanooga, Chico State, Eastern Michigan, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Santa Clara, South Alabama, Stetson and Tulane |
| Western Kentucky | Clem Haskins | Kentucky and Louisville from 1964-65 through 1966-67/Wildcats opposed Air Force, Cornell Dartmouth and Hardin-Simmons while Cardinals met Army, Bellarmine, Central Missouri, Georgetown College, La Salle, Niagara, Princeton, Southern Illinois, Southwestern Louisiana and Tampa |
| Detroit | Spencer Haywood | Michigan and Michigan State in 1968-69/Wolverines opposed Bradley, Butler, Northern Illinois and Toledo while Spartans met Butler, Southwestern Louisiana, Toledo and Western Kentucky |
| Cincinnati | Paul Hogue | Ohio State from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Delaware and Evansville |
| Xavier | Tu Holloway | Ohio State from 2008-09 through 2011-12/Buckeyes opposed Alcorn State, Butler, Delaware State, Eastern Michigan, Florida Gulf Coast, Houston Baptist, IUPUI, Iona, Jackson State, Jacksonville, James Madison, Lamar, Lipscomb, Morehead State, UNC Asheville, North Carolina A&T, UNC Wilmington, North Florida, Oakland, Presbyterian, Saint Francis (Pa.), Samford, USC Upstate, Tennessee-Martin, Texas-Pan American, Valparaiso, VMI, Western Carolina and Wright State |
| Dayton | John Horan | Ohio State from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Denver and Oklahoma City |
| Army | Kevin Houston | St. John's and Syracuse from 1983-84 through 1986-87/Redmen opposed Davidson, Fairleigh Dickinson, James Madison, Lafayette, Monmouth, Navy, Old Dominion, Southern, U.S. International, Wagner and Youngstown State while Orangemen met Boston University, C.W. Post, Duquesne, Fairfield, George Washington, Hawaii Loa, Lamar, La Salle, Loyola of Chicago, Maine, Navy and Northeastern |
| East Tennessee State | Mister Jennings | Vanderbilt from 1987-88 through 1990-91/Commodores opposed Alaska-Anchorage, Chaminade, Colgate, Cornell, Dartmouth, East Carolina, Fordham, George Washington, Hawaii, Lehigh, Morehead State, Murray State, UNC Asheville, Rice, Samford, SMU and UAB |
| Memphis State | Larry Kenon | Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1972-73/Volunteers opposed Niagara while Commodores met Columbia, SMU and Western Kentucky |
| Cincinnati | Sean Kilpatrick | Ohio State from 2010-11 through 2013-14/Buckeyes opposed Albany, American University, Bryant, Central Connecticut State, Chicago State, Delaware, Florida Gulf Coast, IUPUI, Jackson State, Lamar, Louisiana-Monroe, Morehead State, Morgan State, UNC Asheville, North Carolina A&T, UNC Wilmington, North Dakota State, North Florida, Northern Kentucky, Oakland, Savannah State, USC Upstate, Tennessee-Martin, Texas-Pan American, UMKC, Valparaiso, VMI, Western Carolina, Winthrop, Wright State and Wyoming |
| Loyola Marymount | Bo Kimble | USC and UCLA from 1987-88 through 1989-90/Trojans opposed Boston University, Central Connecticut State, Delaware, Duquesne, Howard, Northern Arizona, Portland, Prairie View A&M, St. Francis, Seattle, UALR, U.S. International, Western Kentucky and Yale while Bruins met American University, Boston University, East Tennessee State, North Texas, Oral Roberts and Penn |
| Bowling Green | Butch Komives | Ohio State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis, Detroit, Houston, TCU and Utah State |
| Oklahoma City | Bud Koper | Oklahoma and Oklahoma State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Sooners opposed Colorado State, South Dakota and Southern Illinois while Cowboys met Abilene Christian, Colorado State, Drake, Hardin-Simmons, Lamar, Long Beach State, Los Angeles State, Montana and Regis |
| St. Bonaventure | Bob Lanier | St. John's and Syracuse from 1967-68 through 1969-70/Redmen opposed Davidson, Duquesne, Harvard, Holy Cross, Massachusetts, Princeton, Rhode Island, Roanoke, St. Mary's and Westminster while Orangemen met American University, Bowling Green, George Washington, Holy Cross, Lafayette, La Salle, Navy, Rochester and Yale |
| Xavier | Byron Larkin | Ohio State from 1984-85 through 1987-88/Buckeyes opposed Ball State, Brooklyn, Bucknell, Central Florida, Central Michigan, Chattanooga, Howard, Jacksonville, Lafayette, UMBC, UMSL, Siena, Stetson, Tulane and Western Michigan |
| Texas-El Paso | David "Big Daddy" Lattin | SWC members except SMU in 1965-66 and 1966-67 |
| Memphis State | Keith Lee | Tennessee and Vanderbilt from 1981-82 through 1984-85/Volunteers opposed American University, Biscayne, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cleveland State, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia State, Hardin-Simmons, Hawaii, Idaho State, Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Miami (Ohio), Montana State, Morehead State, Navy, New Orleans, Ohio Northern, Oklahoma City, Portland, Richmond, St. Francis (N.Y.), San Jose State, Southern Mississippi, UAB and Vermont while Commodores met Air Force, Alaska-Anchorage, Columbia, Eastern Kentucky, Indiana State, Long Beach State, Manhattan, North Alabama, Princeton, Samford, South Florida, Vermont, Western Carolina and Yale |
| Marshall | Russell Lee | West Virginia from 1969-70 through 1971-72/Mountaineers opposed Army, Bucknell, UC Irvine, Colgate, Columbia, East Carolina, Hawaii, New Mexico and Saint Francis (Pa.). |
| Wichita | Cleo Littleton | Kansas and Kansas State from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Jayhawks opposed Creighton, Denver, Rice, SMU, Tulane and Tulsa while Wildcats met Denver, Drake, Hamline, Wyoming and Yale |
| Cincinnati | Steve Logan | Ohio State from 1998-99 through 2001-02/Buckeyes opposed Albany, American University, Army, Coastal Carolina, Coppin State, Denver, Duquesne, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, IUPUI, Massachusetts, Morehead State, UNC Greensboro, UNC Wilmington, Oakland, Robert Morris, Santa Clara, Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech, Valparaiso, Vermont, Winthrop and Yale |
| UC Irvine | Kevin Magee | USC and UCLA in 1980-81 and 1981-82/Trojans opposed Doane, Idaho State, New Mexico, Oral Roberts, Portland, Richmond and Wyoming while Bruins met Boston University, Evansville and VMI |
| Western Kentucky | Tom Marshall | Kentucky in 1951-52 and 1953-54/Wildcats opposed La Salle, Washington & Lee and Xavier |
| Bradley | Bobby Joe Mason | DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Blue Demons opposed Army, Baldwin-Wallace, Bowling Green, Canisius, Christian Brothers, Creighton, Evansville, Illinois Wesleyan, Miami (Ohio), Nebraska Wesleyan, North Dakota, Ohio University, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan; Illinois met Butler, Ohio University, Pacific, Rice and Western Kentucky, while Wildcats tackled Boston University, Duquesne, South Dakota, South Dakota State and Western Michigan |
| UNC Charlotte | Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell | Duke and North Carolina from 1973-74 through 1976-77/Blue Devils opposed Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Kent State, Lafayette, Princeton, Rice, Richmond, South Florida, Tulane, Vermont, Western Kentucky, William & Mary and Yale while Tar Heels met East Tennessee State, Furman, Howard, Marshall, Oral Roberts, St. Thomas (Fla.), South Florida, Vermont, Weber State and Yale |
| Dayton | Don May | Ohio State from 1965-66 through 1967-68/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, UC Davis, Cornell, Hardin-Simmons, Northern Michigan, South Dakota and TCU |
| Furman | Clyde Mayes | South Carolina from 1972-73 through 1974-75/Gamecocks opposed Assumption (Mass.), Bucknell, Canisius, Creighton, Davidson, DePauw, Drake, Eastern Kentucky, Fairfield, Fordham, Georgia Southern, Lafayette, Manhattan, Marshall, Niagara, St. Bonaventure, St. Joseph's, Stetson and Toledo |
| Richmond | Bob McCurdy | Virginia in 1973-74 and 1974-75/Cavaliers opposed Davidson, Denver, George Washington, Kent State, Lehigh, Navy, Stetson and Washington & Lee |
| Wichita State | Xavier McDaniel | Kansas State from 1981-82 through 1984-85/Wildcats opposed Abilene Christian, Auburn-Montgomery, UC Davis, Centenary, Eastern Washington, Morgan State, North Texas, Northern Iowa, Northridge State, South Dakota, Southern Colorado, Truman State, U.S. International, Western Illinois and Wisconsin-Parkside |
| Western Kentucky | Jim McDaniels | Kentucky and Louisville from 1968-69 through 1970-71/Wildcats opposed Miami (Ohio), Navy, Penn and Xavier while Cardinals met Bellarmine, UC Riverside, Furman, Georgetown College, SMU, Southern Mississippi and Stetson |
| Dayton | Don Meineke | Ohio State from 1949-50 through 1951-52/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Cornell, Denver, Harvard and Princeton |
| Bradley | Gene Melchiorre | Illinois and Northwestern from 1947-48 through 1950-51/Illini opposed Butler, Coe (Iowa), Colgate, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Penn, Princeton and Toledo while Wildcats met Butler, Dartmouth, Navy, Princeton, Rice, Ripon (Wis.), Tulane, Western Michigan and Yale |
| Southern Illinois | Joe C. Meriweather | DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1972-73 through 1974-75/Blue Demons opposed Brown, Charlotte, Duquesne, Gonzaga, Indiana State, Lewis, LIU, Manhattan, Marshall, Massachusetts, Niagara, Rocky Mountain, St. Bonaventure, St. Joseph's (Ind.), Saint Mary's (Calif.), St. Mary's (Minn.), San Jose State, Toledo, Westmont, Winona State and Wisconsin-Green Bay; Illini met Army, DePauw, Detroit, Duquesne, Furman, Northern Michigan, Tulane and Valparaiso, while Wildcats tackled Butler, Marshall, Miami (Ohio), Ohio University, Rollins and Valparaiso |
| Seattle | Eddie Miles | Washington from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Huskies opposed Air Force, Army, Colorado State and Hawaii |
| Drake | Red Murrell | Iowa from 1955-56 through 1957-58/Hawkeyes opposed Cornell, Denver, Loyola Marymount, Loyola (New Orleans) and SMU |
| Seattle | Twins Eddie O'Brien and Johnny O'Brien | Washington from 1950-51 through 1952-53/Huskies opposed Santa Clara |
| Lamar | Mike Olliver | Texas from 1977-78 through 1980-81/Longhorns opposed Alaska-Anchorage, Arkansas State, Army, Biscayne, Centenary, Hardin-Simmons, Harvard, Long Beach State, Murray State, New Mexico State, Northern Montana, Northwestern State, Oklahoma City, Pacific, San Francisco and Vermont |
| Gonzaga | Kelly Olynyk | Washington in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2012-13/Huskies opposed Albany, Belmont, Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge, Colorado State, Eastern Washington, Jackson State, Long Beach State, Loyola (Md.), McNeese State, Montana, Nevada, Northern Illinois, Portland, Portland State, San Francisco, San Jose State and Wright State |
| Tulsa | Bob Patterson | Oklahoma from 1952-53 through 1954-55/Sooners opposed SMU |
| Dayton | Jim Paxson | Ohio State from 1975-76 through 1978-79/Buckeyes opposed Ball State, Butler, Cal Poly-Pomona, Cal State-Hayward, Davidson, Evansville, Loyola Marymount, Marshall, Penn, Princeton, Rochester, Stetson, Toledo, Tulane and Vermont |
| Bradley | Roger Phegley | Illinois and Northwestern from 1974-75 through 1977-78/Illini opposed Army, Cal Poly, Charlotte, DePauw, Furman, Kent State, Long Beach State, Missouri-Rolla, North Dakota State, Rice, San Jose State, Valparaiso and William & Mary while Wildcats met Brown, Butler, Duquesne, Fairfield, Miami (Ohio), Ohio University, Texas-El Paso and Valparaiso |
| Murray State | Bennie Purcell | Kentucky from 1948-49 through 1951-52/Wildcats opposed Bowling Green, Bradley, Holy Cross, Indiana Central, Tulsa, Washington & Lee, West Texas State, Western Ontario and Xavier |
| Western Kentucky | Bobby Rascoe | Kentucky from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Wildcats opposed Miami (Ohio), Northern Colorado, VMI and Yale |
| Long Beach State | Ed Ratleff | USC and UCLA from 1970-71 through 1972-73/Trojans opposed Fordham, Hardin-Simmons, La Salle, Penn, Princeton, Rochester and Texas-El Paso while Bruins met Baylor, Bradley, The Citadel, Dayton, Denver, Drake, TCU, Tulsa and William & Mary |
| Memphis State | Dexter Reed | Tennessee from 1973-74 through 1976-77/Volunteers opposed Army, Biscayne, Charlotte, Columbia, Harvard, La Salle, Navy, North Texas State, Penn, San Francisco, Santa Clara, South Florida, Tulane, Vermont and Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
| Oklahoma City | Hub Reed | Oklahoma from 1955-56 through 1957-58/Sooners opposed Baylor and Rice |
| Massachusetts | Lou Roe | Boston College from 1991-92 through 1994-95/Eagles opposed Brooklyn, Brown, Buffalo, Cal Poly, Chaminade, Coastal Carolina, Coppin State, Dartmouth, Fairleigh Dickinson, Fordham, LIU, New Hampshire, Hofstra and Santa Clara |
| Tennessee State | Carlos Rogers | Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1992-93 and 1993-94/Volunteers opposed Charlotte, Furman, Mercer, Radford, UALR and Western Carolina while Commodores met Air Force, Bowling Green, Harvard, Illinois State, North Carolina A&T, Princeton and SMU |
| Drexel | Malik Rose | Villanova from 1992-93 through 1995-96/Wildcats opposed Alaska-Anchorage, American University, Bradley, Columbia, Delaware, Hofstra, Marist, New Orleans, Richmond, Rider, St. Mary's and Vermont |
| Bowling Green | Charlie Share | Ohio State from 1946-47 through 1949-50/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Cornell, Denver and Harvard |
| Oklahoma City | Arnold Short | Oklahoma from 1951-52 through 1953-54/Sooners opposed SMU |
| Creighton | Paul Silas | Nebraska from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Huskers opposed Air Force, Denver, Miami (Ohio), Northern Iowa, Ohio University, SMU and Wyoming |
| Tulsa | Bingo Smith | Oklahoma and Oklahoma State from 1966-67 through 1968-69/Sooners opposed Bradley, Butler, Centenary, Loyola (New Orleans), Nevada Southern, North Texas State, Southwest Missouri State and TCU while Cowboys met Cal State Fullerton, Creighton, Lamar, MacMurray (Ill.), Pan American, South Dakota State, Trinity (Tex.) and Wyoming |
| Weber State | Willie Sojourner | BYU and Utah from 1968-69 through 1970-71/Cougars opposed Cornell, Denver, Hawaii, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Santa Clara and Seattle while Utes met Army, Denver, Kent State, Loyola Marymount, Montana, NYU, Northern Michigan, Penn, Saint Joseph's, San Jose State, Seattle, VMI and West Texas State |
| Wichita | Dave Stallworth | Kansas and Kansas State from 1962-63 through 1964-65/Jayhawks opposed Denver and Montana while Wildcats met Denver and South Dakota State |
| Xavier | Hank Stein | Ohio State from 1956-57 through 1958-59/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Manhattan, Princeton, Tulane and Yale |
| St. Louis | Ray Steiner | Missouri in 1950-51 and 1951-52/Tigers opposed Central Methodist, CCNY, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri Valley, New Mexico State and Washington (Mo.) |
| St. Bonaventure | Tom Stith | Syracuse from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Orangemen opposed Alfred, Boston University, Clarkson, Columbia, Holy Cross, La Salle, Massachusetts and Utica |
| Saint Francis (Pa.) | Maurice Stokes | Penn State and Pittsburgh from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Nittany Lions opposed Alfred, American University, Bowling Green, Carnegie Tech, Colgate, Dickinson, Gettysburg, Ithaca, Navy, Toledo, Washington & Jefferson, Wayne State and Western Kentucky while Panthers met Carnegie Tech, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Geneva, George Washington, Loyola (New Orleans), Miami (Ohio), Navy, Ohio University, Princeton, Puerto Rico, Westminster, William & Mary and Yale |
| Pacific | Keith Swagerty | California and Stanford from 1964-65 through 1966-67/Bears opposed Air Force, Hawaii, Tulane and Wyoming while Cardinal met Air Force, Denver, Tulane, Utah State and Wyoming |
| Morehead State | Dan Swartz | Kentucky from 1953-54 through 1955-56/Wildcats opposed Dayton, Idaho, La Salle and Xavier |
| Miami (Ohio) | Wally Szczerbiak | Ohio State from 1995-96 through 1998-99/Buckeyes opposed Alabama State, Army, Cal State Northridge, Central Connecticut, Chattanooga, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, George Mason, Kent State, LIU, Oakland, Rider, Robert Morris, South Florida, Southwestern Louisiana, Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech and Wyoming |
| Princeton | Brian Taylor | Seton Hall in 1970-71 and 1971-72/Pirates opposed Army, Biscayne, UC Irvine, Colgate, Dartmouth, Fairfield, Fordham, Harvard, Holy Cross, Iona, Lafayette, LIU, Loyola (Md.), Morehead State, Pepperdine and Stetson |
| Cincinnati | Tom Thacker | Ohio State from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Creighton, Detroit, Evansville, St. Bonaventure and TCU |
| Princeton | Chris Thomforde | Seton Hall from 1966-67 through 1968-69/Pirates opposed American University, Army, Boston University, Canisius, Fordham, Hofstra, Iona, LIU, Loyola (Md.), Loyola (New Orleans), NYU, Niagara, Rice, Saint Francis (N.Y.) and Scranton |
| Bowling Green | Nate Thurmond | Ohio State from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Creighton, Detroit, Evansville, St. Bonaventure and TCU |
| Cincinnati | Jack Twyman | Ohio State from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Denver and Oklahoma City |
| Dayton | Bill Uhl | Ohio State from 1953-54 through 1955-56/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Denver, Oklahoma City and Tulane |
| Bradley | Paul Unruh | Illinois and Northwestern from 1946-47 through 1949-50/Illini opposed Butler, Coe (Iowa), Colgate, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, University of Mexico, Penn, Princeton and Toledo while Wildcats met Butler, Dartmouth, Navy, Princeton, Ripon (Wis.), Western Michigan and Yale |
| Cincinnati | Nick Van Exel | Ohio State in 1991-92 and 1992-93/Buckeyes opposed American University, UC Santa Barbara, Chicago State, Howard and Illinois-Chicago |
| Wichita State | Fred VanVleet | Kansas and Kansas State from 2012-13 through 2015-16/Jayhawks opposed American, Belmont, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Chaminade, Chattanooga, Holy Cross, Iona, Kent State, Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Loyola (Md.), Montana, Northern Colorado, Rider, San Jose State, Southeast Missouri State, Toledo and Towson while Wildcats met Alabama-Huntsville, Columbia, Coppin State, Delaware, Lamar, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota, North Florida, Northern Colorado, Savannah State, South Carolina State, USC Upstate, South Dakota, Southern Utah, Texas Southern, Troy and UMKC |
| Bradley | Chet Walker | DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Blue Demons opposed Army, Baldwin-Wallace, Bowling Green, Creighton, Illinois Wesleyan, Miami (Ohio), North Dakota, Valparaiso and Western Kentucky; Illini met Butler, Colgate, Cornell, Creighton, Manhattan, Ohio University and Western Kentucky, while Wildcats tackled Boston University, Brown, Creighton, Dartmouth, Manhattan, Princeton and Western Michigan |
| American University | Kermit Washington | Maryland from 1970-71 through 1972-73/Terrapins opposed Brown, Buffalo, Canisius, Delaware, Fordham, Holy Cross, Kent State, Lehigh, LIU, Loyola (Md.), Navy, Richmond, Tampa and Western Kentucky |
| Southern Mississippi | Clarence Weatherspoon | Mississippi and Mississippi State from 1988-89 through 1991-92/Rebels opposed Arkansas State, Austin Peay State, Bethune-Cookman, Christian Brothers, Hofstra, Indiana State, McNeese State, Metro State (Colo.), Nicholls State, Northeast Louisiana, Northwestern State, Oral Roberts, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston State, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern (La.), Stetson and Tulsa while Bulldogs met Austin Peay State, Ball State, Centenary, Chattanooga, Christian Brothers, Delaware, Drake, East Carolina, East Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville, Mercer, New Orleans, Northeast Louisiana, Prairie View A&M, Rice, Southeastern Louisiana, Tennessee-Martin and Tennessee Tech |
| Ball State | Bonzi Wells | Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue from 1994-95 through 1997-98/Hoosiers opposed Alaska-Anchorage, Appalachian State, Bowling Green, Chaminade, Colgate, Delaware, Eastern Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Miami (Ohio), Morehead State, Princeton, Saint Louis, Santa Clara, Tulane, UALR and Weber State; Fighting Irish met Akron, The Citadel, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Drexel, Duquesne, Florida International, Fordham, Hofstra, Iona, Lehigh, Loyola of Chicago, Loyola (Md.), Loyola Marymount, Manhattan, Monmouth, New Hampshire, Nicholls State, Northeastern, St. Bonaventure, Sam Houston State, San Diego and Youngstown State, while Boilermakers tackled Austin Peay State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cornell, Florida A&M, Houston, Idaho, Illinois-Chicago, James Madison, Long Beach State, LIU, Massachusetts, Murray State, New Orleans, Niagara, Northeast Louisiana, Tennessee-Martin, UAB, Weber State and Western Michigan |
| LIU | Sherman White | St. John's and Syracuse from 1948-49 through 1950-51/Redmen opposed Bowling Green, Denver, John Marshall, Pratt, Rhode Island and Wagner while Orangemen met Baldwin-Wallace, Boston University, Bradley, Creighton, Denver, John Carroll, Lawrence Tech, Loyola of Chicago, Penn, Princeton, Queens, Rider and Toronto |
| Cincinnati | Bob Wiesenhahn | Ohio State from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Delaware, Detroit, Evansville, Princeton and St. Bonaventure |
| Memphis State | Win Wilfong | Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1955-56 and 1956-57/Volunteers opposed Boston University, Colgate, Davidson, Furman, Kentucky Wesleyan, New Mexico State, Sewanee, Springfield, VMI and William & Mary while Commodores met New Mexico, New Mexico State, Sewanee and William & Mary |
| Portland State | Freeman Williams | Oregon from 1974-75 through 1977-78/Ducks opposed Air Force, Boise State, Bowling Green, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Sacramento, Colorado State, Creighton, Doane, Duquesne, Grambling, Hawaii, Montana State, Pepperdine, Rice, Saint Mary's, San Jose State, Seattle Pacific and Vermont |
| Austin Peay | James "Fly" Williams | Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1972-73 and 1973-74/Volunteers opposed Niagara, North Texas State, Santa Clara and South Florida while Commodores met Columbia, Rice, Samford, SMU, Vermont and Western Kentucky |
| Cincinnati | George Wilson | Ohio State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis, Detroit, Houston, TCU and Utah State |
| Cal State Fullerton | Leon Wood | USC and UCLA from 1981-82 through 1983-84/Trojans opposed American University, Colorado State, Fordham, New Mexico, Oral Roberts, Penn, Portland, Richmond, Texas-San Antonio and Wyoming while Bruins met Boston University, Howard, Idaho State and New Mexico |
| Cincinnati | Tony Yates | Ohio State from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Creighton, Detroit, Evansville, St. Bonaventure and TCU |
Put Big Boy Pants On: Power League Members Usually Plant Butt at Home
"Bullying builds character like nuclear waste creates superheroes. It's a rare occurrence and often does much more damage than endowment." - Zack W. Van
When big bullies are struck, they usually take their ball and go home. Why do so few power conference members play at in-state mid-major schools or even oppose them on a neutral court during the regular season? Why can't more big-name universities resemble defending NCAA champion Villanova with its longstanding tradition of competing in the Philly Big 5 honing the Wildcats' competitive edge for conference competition? How lame would the non-league slates be if not for ACC/Big Ten and Big 12/SEC made-for-ESPN extravaganzas?
In-state games against natural rivals, wherever they're played, are more revealing than most of the incessant mismatches in pre-conference competition. For instance, we've already got a clear picture that Indiana will be a power in the Big Ten again this season despite the Hoosiers' humbling experience losing at IPFW, 71-68. Want to bet whether the Hoosiers identified blemishes they'll promptly correct after displaying sufficient basketballs going on the road?
Non-league schedules would be significantly more entertaining and good for the game if skittish power league members weren't so condescending and be willing to oppose competent in-state low-majors away from friendly surroundings. Instead of meeting natural rival Davids on the road to brace for conference play, they frequently tuck tail and run after checking out the following results thus far this century. The scores are sobering reminders for Goliaths venturing away from Philistine the reasons why haughty "big boys" frequently strive to only stay home and pick on out-of-state patsies to pad their records:
2016-17
Duquesne 64, Pittsburgh 55
Indiana State 72, Butler 71
IPFW 71, Indiana 68 (OT)
Long Island 74, St. John's 73 (at Barclays Center)
Middle Tennessee State 71, Vanderbilt 48
Portland 53, Oregon State 45
San Diego State 77, California 65 (at Sacramento)
Southern Methodist 74, Texas Christian 59
2015-16
Duquesne 78, Penn State 52
Fordham 73, St. John's 57
Gonzaga 80, Washington 64 (at Nassau, Bahamas)
Northern Iowa 81, Iowa State 79 (at Des Moines)
Saint Mary's 78, Stanford 61
2014-15
Gonzaga 81, Washington State 66
Massachusetts 71, Boston College 62 (at Boston)
Northern Iowa 56, Iowa 44
2013-14
UC Santa Barbara 72, California 65
George Washington 77, Maryland 75
Gonzaga 90, Washington State 74
Harvard 73, Boston College 58
Illinois State 69, DePaul 64
Long Beach State 72, Southern California 71
Southern Methodist 55, Texas A&M 52 (at Corpus Christi)
Southern Methodist 69, Texas Christian 61
Virginia Commonwealth 82, Virginia Tech 52
2012-13
Brown 69, Providence 68
Butler 88, Indiana 86 (OT)
Coastal Carolina 69, Clemson 46
Florida Gulf Coast 63, Miami (Fla.) 51
Green Bay 49, Marquette 47
La Salle 82, Penn State 57
La Salle 77, Villanova 74 (OT)
Middle Tennessee 56, Vanderbilt 52
Old Dominion 63, Virginia 61
2011-12
Cal Poly 42, Southern California 36
Colorado State 65, Colorado 64
Creighton 76, Nebraska 66
Drake 74, Iowa State 65
Holy Cross 86, Boston College 64
Northern Iowa 80, Iowa 60
Saint Joseph's 65, Penn State 47
Saint Joseph's 74, Villanova 58
Southern Mississippi 86, Mississippi 82
Temple 78, Villanova 67
Xavier 76, Cincinnati 53
2010-11
Central Florida 57, Florida 54
Central Florida 84, Miami (Fla.) 78
Central Florida 65, South Florida 59
Florida Atlantic 50, South Florida 42
Fordham 84, St. John's 81
Furman 91, South Carolina 75
Kennesaw State 80, Georgia Tech 63
Marshall 75, West Virginia 71
UNC Wilmington 81, Wake Forest 69
North Texas 92, Texas Tech 83 (OT)
Northern Iowa 60, Iowa State 54
Princeton 78, Rutgers 73 (OT)
2009-10
Colorado State 77, Colorado 62
Creighton 67, Nebraska 61
Green Bay 88, Wisconsin 84 (OT)
Long Beach State 79, UCLA 68
Northern Iowa 67, Iowa 50
Portland State 88, Oregon 81
Rhode Island 86, Providence 82
Temple 45, Penn State 42
Temple 75, Villanova 65
Tulsa 86, Oklahoma State 65
Wofford 68, South Carolina 61
Xavier 83, Cincinnati 79 (2OT)
2008-09
College of Charleston 82, South Carolina 80 (OT)
Davidson 72, North Carolina State 67
Drake 60, Iowa 43
Lamar 85, Texas Tech 79
Southern Mississippi 78, Mississippi 59
Texas-El Paso 96, Texas Tech 78
Western Kentucky 68, Louisville 54
2007-08
Charlotte 63, Wake Forest 59
Creighton 74, Nebraska 62
Drake 79, Iowa State 44
East Carolina 75, North Carolina State 69
Old Dominion 72, Virginia Tech 69
Rhode Island 77, Providence 60
Richmond 52, Virginia Tech 49
Saint Joseph's 79, Penn State 67
Sam Houston State 56, Texas Tech 54
Tulane 68, Louisiana State 63
Xavier 64, Cincinnati 59
2006-07
Bradley 78, DePaul 58
Butler 60, Indiana 55
Butler 71, Notre Dame 69
Drake 75, Iowa 59
Gonzaga 97, Washington 77
Indiana State 89, Purdue 70
Northern Iowa 70, Iowa State 57
Ohio University 79, Cincinnati 66
2005-06
UC Davis 64, Stanford 58
Colorado State 83, Colorado 82
Creighton 70, Nebraska 44
Evansville 75, Purdue 69
George Washington 78, Maryland 70
Gonzaga 67, Washington State 53
Indiana State 72, Indiana 67
Marshall 58, West Virginia 52
Northern Iowa 67, Iowa 63 (OT)
Old Dominion 58, Virginia Tech 55
Portland 80, Oregon 72
Rhode Island 77, Providence 69
Xavier 73, Cincinnati 71 (OT)
2004-05
Bradley 63, DePaul 53
George Washington 101, Maryland 92
Gonzaga 99, Washington 87
Marshall 59, West Virginia 55
Northern Iowa 99, Iowa State 82
Santa Clara 86, Stanford 76
Temple 53, Villanova 52
Virginia Military 72, Virginia Tech 68
2003-04
Creighton 61, Nebraska 54
Gonzaga 95, Washington State 58
Illinois-Chicago 90, Northwestern 71
Northern Iowa 77, Iowa 66
North Texas 73, Baylor 69
Rhode Island 89, Providence 79
Temple 67, Penn State 56
Xavier 71, Cincinnati 69
2002-03
Dayton 75, Cincinnati 69
Florida Atlantic 74, Miami (Fla.) 73
Gonzaga 95, Washington 89 (OT)
Holy Cross 71, Boston College 70
Penn 62, Penn State 37
Penn 72, Villanova 58
Saint Joseph's 92, Villanova 75
William & Mary 60, Virginia Tech 52
2001-02
Butler 66, Indiana 64
Creighton 76, Nebraska 70
Drake 72, Iowa State 58
Fresno State 65, Southern California 58
Georgia State 83, Georgia 78
Gonzaga 67, Washington State 44
Marshall 81, West Virginia 79 (OT)
Northern Iowa 78, Iowa 76
Old Dominion 55, Virginia Tech 46
Penn 75, Villanova 74
Pepperdine 78, Southern California 77
Portland 79, Oregon 78
Rice 75, Baylor 60
Temple 75, Penn State 63
Temple 63, Villanova 57
Texas-Pan American 72, Baylor 66
2000-01
UC Irvine 56, California 52
Duquesne 71, Pittsburgh 70
Fordham 68, St. John's 67
Gonzaga 86, Washington 74
Indiana State 59, Indiana 58
Oakland 97, Michigan 90
Wichita State 76, Kansas State 66
1999-00
Colorado State 79, Colorado 57
Creighton 89, Nebraska 72
Drake 48, Iowa State 44
George Washington 74, Maryland 69
Gonzaga 76, Washington 66
Gonzaga 73, Washington State 63
Long Beach State 76, Southern California 66
North Texas 91, Texas A&M 88
Saint Louis 75, Missouri 72
Temple 69, Villanova 66
Xavier 66, Cincinnati 64
Military Salute: Veteran Hoops All-Americans Serving With Distinct Honor
College basketball aficionados occasionally cite achievements they think never will be duplicated. On Veterans Day weekend, they should be reminded about truly incredible comebacks likely never to be matched. In 1946-47, Andy Phillip (Illinois) and Gerry Tucker (Oklahoma) returned to first-team All-American status after missing three seasons while serving in the U.S. military during World War II. Charles Black (Kansas) and Kenny Sailors (Wyoming) also returned to All-American acclaim after missing two seasons serving in similar capacities. Such significant sacrifice is an off-the-chart achievement worthy of praise in stark contrast to unpatriotic NFL players taking a National Anthem knee or sitting on their sorry butt such as league-leading TD catcher Mike Evans, NeverTrump crybaby protestors and the incoherent hunger striker/professional student at Missouri majoring in Extortion 101 two years ago despite enjoying the black privilege of one-percenter father/executive VP for Union Pacific Railroad earning nearly $8.4 million in compensation.
Amid veterans honor, the follow-the-pack press dwelled more on the cultural idiocy of boycott-threatening Mizzou football players and their "Black Mobs Matter" anarchy-supportive $4.1 million-a-year coach. But the diaper-donning dissidents and clueless cowering Democratic governor Jay Nixon flailing around again just like the Ferguson fiasco pale in comparison to the honor, dignity and courage exhibited by military veterans. Actually, many Mizzou football fans thought the sheep-like players' performance to date showed the "entitled" already had quit on the season before the witch hunters' hoop brethren also probably finish at the bottom of the SEC standings. What's next in "containing" this rank self-absorbed nonsense from amateur-hour "cry-bullies" annoyed how terrorism carnage in Paris diverted media attention? It's surprising the Tigers' social scholars in solidarity didn't boycott a game vs. BYU because the Cougars boast an honor code "discriminating" significantly more percentage-wise against African-Americans.
Infinitely more important, numerous truly honorable hoopers had their college playing careers interrupted by WWII; not sensitivity training. While much of the misguided media currently obsess with licking their wounds after the presidential campaign, even the toy department (sports) should be reminded about authentic American heroes and doing everything possible to implore bureaucrats to improve contemptible conditions at many Veterans hospitals. The press could focus on the following list of All-Americans - three each from Illinois, Kentucky and Notre Dame - who deserve to be honored, at least for a day amid the campus whining, after having their college careers interrupted in the mid-1940s while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:
Air Force - Charles Black (Kansas) and Jack Parkinson (Kentucky).
Army - Don Barksdale (UCLA), Lew Beck (Oregon State), A.L. Bennett (Oklahoma A&M), Gale Bishop (Washington State), Vince Boryla (Notre Dame/Denver), Harry Boykoff (St. John's), Bob Brannum (Kentucky), Arnie Ferrin (Utah), Alex Groza (Kentucky), Ralph Hamilton (Indiana), Walt Kirk (Illinois), Allie Paine (Oklahoma), Don Rehfeldt (Wisconsin), Jack Smiley (Illinois), Odie Spears (Western Kentucky) and Gerry Tucker (Oklahoma).
Marine Corps - Aud Brindley (Dartmouth), John Hargis (Texas), Mickey Marty (Loras), Andy Phillip (Illinois), Gene Rock (southern California) and Kenny Sailors (Wyoming).
Navy - Bobby Cook (Wisconsin), Howie Dallmar (Stanford/Penn), Dick Dickey (North Carolina State), Bob Faught (Notre Dame), Harold Gensichen (Western Michigan), Wyndol Gray (Bowling Green State), Hal Haskins (Hamline), Leo Klier (Notre Dame), Dick McGuire (St. John's) and John Oldham (Western Kentucky).
On This Date: November Calendar of Great Games in College Hoops History
Did You Know?: Rick Barnes (Texas), Gene Bartow (UAB), Bob McKillop (Davidson), Mike Montgomery (Stanford) and Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) incurred defeats in their debuts before eventually becoming the all-time winningest coaches for these schools. Check out the following November calendar for memorable games in NCAA major-college history:
NOVEMBER
9 - Brad Stevens made his Butler debut in 2007 with a 61-45 victory at Ball State before guiding the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament championship game in back-to-back years in 2010 and 2011. . . . David Holston (43 points vs. St. Bonaventure at Austin, Tex., in 2006) set Chicago State's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Junior Hairston (21 rebounds vs. Loyola Maryland in 2007) set Towson's Division I single-game rebounding record.
13 - Rotnei Clarke (51 points vs. Alcorn State in 2009) set Arkansas' single-game scoring record before transferring to Butler. . . . Gregg Marshall made his Wichita State debut in 2007 with a 61-56 victory vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff before guiding the Shockers to the 2013 Final Four and becoming national COY in 2014. . . . Siena's school-record 38-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Vermont (80-76 in 2010). . . . Shaka Smart made his VCU coaching debut in 2009 with a 77-51 triumph vs. Bethune-Cookman before directing the Rams to the 2011 Final Four.
14 - Marcus Marshall (38 points vs. Eastern Illinois in 2014) set Missouri State's single-game scoring record as an NCAA Division I school. . . . Jamie Dixon made his Pittsburgh coaching debut in 2003 with a 71-62 triumph vs. Alabama in New York before becoming national COY in 2009. . . . Larry Eustachy made his Idaho debut in 1990 with an 88-54 victory vs. Simon Fraser before becoming national COY with Iowa State in 2000 and the first coach in NCAA history to compile at least 24 wins in a single season with five different DI schools. . . . Bill Guthridge made his North Carolina debut in 1997 with an 84-56 success vs. Middle Tennessee State en route to becoming the winningest first-year coach in NCAA history and national COY.
16 - Al Skinner made his Boston College debut in 1997 with an 87-54 victory vs. Central Connecticut State before going on to become the Eagles' all-time winningest coach and national COY in 2001.
17 - Rick Barnes made his Texas debut in 1998 with a 71-69 reversal at Houston before going on to become the Longhorns' all-time winningest coach. . . . Bo Ryan made his Wisconsin debut in 2001 with a 74-69 defeat at UNLV before going on to become the Badgers' all-time winningest coach. . . . Florida's school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Miami FL (69-67 in 2014).
18 - Mike Brey made his Notre Dame coaching debut in 2000 with a 104-58 rout of Sacred Heart before becoming national COY in 2011. . . . Jim Larranaga made his George Mason debut in 1997 with a 78-72 victory at Howard University before going on to become the Patriots' all-time winningest coach and guiding them to the 2006 Final Four.
19 - Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky (43 points vs. North Dakota in 2013/modern-era mark) set school modern-era single-game scoring record.
20 - Okechi Egbe (44 points vs. Bethel in 2000) set Tennessee-Martin's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Tom Izzo made his Michigan State debut in 1995 with a 69-66 triumph at Chaminade en route to becoming the Spartans' all-time winningest coach. . . . Chicago product Ben Wilson, entering his senior season generally regarded as the nation's premier prospect because of Magic Johnson-like skills, was shot within a block of high school campus and died the next day after bumping into two gang members in 1984 while walking down the street following lunch break.
21 - Nick Davis (23 rebounds vs. Jackson State in 1997) set Arkansas' single-game rebounding record. . . . Mark Few made his Gonzaga debut in 1999 with a 76-61 triumph at Montana en route to becoming the Zags' all-time winningest coach. . . . Bill Self made his Kansas coaching debut in 2003 with a 90-76 victory vs. Chattanooga before guiding the Jayhawks to 2008 NCAA championship. . . . Jay Wright made his Villanova coaching debut in 2001 with an 82-68 victory vs. Grambling State before becoming national COY in 2006 and guiding the Wildcats to the 2009 Final Four and 2016 NCAA title.
22 - Billy Donovan made his Florida debut in 1996 with an 80-63 triumph vs. UCF en route to becoming the Gators' all-time winningest coach. . . . Scott Drew made his Baylor debut in 2003 with a 72-59 success vs. Texas Southern en route to becoming the Bears' all-time winningest coach. . . . Western Carolina's Kevin Martin (46 points vs. Coastal Carolina in 2002) set school Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Bruce Weber made his Illinois coaching debut in 2003 with a 94-66 victory vs. Western Illinois before becoming national COY in 2005 when guiding the Illini to the NCAA Tournament championship game.
23 - Kevin Stallings made his Vanderbilt debut in 1999 with a 72-55 triumph over Belmont en route to becoming the Commodores' all-time winningest coach.
24 - Gene Bartow made his UAB debut in 1978 with a 64-55 defeat against Nebraska before becoming the Blazers' all-time winningest coach. . . . Steve Fisher made his San Diego State debut in 1999 with a 73-57 victory vs. UC Riverside en route to becoming the Aztecs' all-time winningest coach and national COY in 2011. . . . Nolan Richardson made his Arkansas debut in 1985 with an 86-72 triumph over Southern Illinois en route to becoming the Razorbacks' all-time winningest coach and guiding them to 1994 NCAA championship.
25 - Kevin Franklin (48 points at Loyola Marymount in 1989) set Nevada's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Louisiana Tech's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Stephen F. Austin (67-58) in 1985. . . . Steve Alford made his Southwest Missouri State coaching debut in 1995 with an 83-71 win against Texas-Pan American en route to guiding four different DI schools to the NCAA playoffs. . . . Lute Olson made his Arizona debut in 1983 with a 72-65 triumph over Northern Arizona en route to becoming the Wildcats' all-time winningest coach. . . . Bob Huggins made his Cincinnati debut in 1989 with a 66-64 triumph over Minnesota en route to becoming the Bearcats' all-time winningest coach. . . . Gale Catlett made his West Virginia debut in 1978 with an 86-66 triumph over Rider en route to becoming the Mountaineers' all-time winningest coach. . . . Bob McKillop made his Davidson debut in 1989 with an 84-65 setback at Wake Forest before becoming the Wildcats' all-time winningest coach and earning national COY acclaim in 2008. . . . Roy Williams made his Kansas coaching debut in 1988 with a 94-81 success at Alaska-Anchorage before becoming national COY on four occasions. . . . Eventual national player of year Tim Duncan went scoreless in his Wake Forest debut, a 70-68 loss at NCAA Division II Alaska-Anchorage in 1993.
26 - Dana Altman made his Creighton debut in 1994 with a 68-61 win at Oral Roberts en route to becoming the Bluejays' all-time winningest coach. . . . Dave Bliss made his New Mexico debut in 1988 with a 96-71 success vs. Loyola (Md.) en route to becoming the Lobos' all-time winningest coach. . . . Jim Boeheim made his Syracuse debut in 1976 with a 75-48 triumph over Harvard en route to setting the NCAA career record for most victories by a coach at a single school. . . . Larry Brown made his Kansas coaching debut in 1983 with a 91-76 reversal at Houston before guiding the Jayhawks to the 1988 NCAA title when he was named national COY. . . . John Calipari made his Massachusetts coaching debut in 1988 with an 84-61 success vs. Southern Connecticut before directing the Minutemen and two more schools to the Final Four. . . . In his freshman debut, Rudy Macklin (32 rebounds vs. Tulane in 1976) set Louisiana State's single-game rebounding record. By contrast, eventual national player of year David Robinson went scoreless with only one rebound for Navy in his first game against a DI opponent (Yale in 1983). . . . Kelvin Sampson made his Oklahoma coaching debut in 1994 with an 85-74 victory vs. Coppin State before becoming a two-time national COY with the Sooners. . . . . Bill Self made his ORU debut in 1993 with a 78-66 win vs. Sam Houston State before becoming the only coach in NCAA history to reach a Division I Tournament regional final in back-to-back years with different schools. . . . Tubby Smith made his Tulsa debut in 1991 with a 94-81 setback at TCU before becoming the only coach to take three consecutive teams seeded sixth or worse to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA playoffs and earn national COY acclaim with Kentucky in 2003.
27 - Brandon Wood (39 points at Georgia Southern in 2009) set Valparaiso's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . P.J. Carlesimo made his Seton Hall coaching debut in 1982 with an 87-63 victory vs. St. Anselm (N.H.) before directing the Pirates to an NCAA Tournament runner-up finish in 1989 when he was named national COY. . . . Lon Kruger made his Texas-Pan American debut in 1982 with a 66-58 setback vs. Louisiana Tech before becoming the first coach to direct three different schools to the Top 20 of a final wire-service poll. . . . John Thompson Jr. made his Georgetown debut in 1972 with a 61-60 triumph over St. Francis (Pa.) en route to a school-record 596 victories with the Hoyas. . . . Alvan Adams (28 vs. Indiana State in 1972) set Oklahoma's single-game rebounding record.
28 - Tom Davis made his Iowa debut in 1986 with a 91-81 success at Alaska-Anchorage en route to becoming the Hawkeyes' all-time winningest coach. . . . Lou Henson made his Illinois debut in 1975 with a 60-58 triumph at Nebraska en route to becoming the Illini's all-time winningest coach. . . . Mike Krzyzewski made his Army head coaching debut in 1975 with a 56-29 victory over Lehigh before becoming the all-time winningest coach in NCAA history with Duke. . . . Mike Montgomery made his Stanford debut in 1986 with a 67-65 defeat against Georgia Tech at Richmond before becoming the Cardinal's all-time winningest coach.
29 - The three-point goal was an experimental rule in the Southern Conference in 1980 when Western Carolina's Ronnie Carr made the first three-pointer in history at Reid Gymnasium vs. Middle Tennessee State. . . . Craig Bradshaw (42 points at Ohio University in 2014) set Belmont's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Alan Williams (39 vs. South Dakota State in 2013) tied UC Santa Barbara's single-game scoring record. . . . Mike Krzyzewski made his Duke debut in 1980 with a 67-49 triumph over Stetson en route to becoming the Blue Devils' all-time winningest coach. . . . Jim Calhoun made his Connecticut debut in 1986 with a 58-54 triumph over Massachusetts en route to becoming the Huskies' all-time winningest coach and capturing three NCAA Tournament titles. . . . Cliff Ellis made his South Alabama debut with an 82-68 defeat vs. Centenary before becoming the only coach in the 20th Century to hold three school single-season records with at least 25 victories at the same time. . . . Billy Tubbs made his Lamar head coaching debut in 1976 with an 80-73 triumph over Houston Baptist en route to more than 600 victories with three schools. . . . Gene Keady made his Purdue debut in 1980 with a 72-59 triumph over Colorado State en route to becoming the Boilermakers' all-time winningest coach.
30 - Dartmouth set an NCAA single-game record by having nine different players contribute at least one three-point basket vs. Boston College in 1993. . . . John Chaney made his Temple debut in 1982 with a 68-67 triumph at George Washington en route to becoming the Owls' all-time winningest coach. . . . Bobby Cremins made his Georgia Tech debut in 1981 with an 82-66 triumph against Presbyterian (S.C.) en route to becoming the Yellow Jackets' all-time winningest coach.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready For Some November Football
The NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves in November football at the professional level:
NOVEMBER
1: Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for five touchdowns - one for 70 yards - in a 38-31 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1959. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught five passes for 151 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown, from Ron Jaworski in a 17-14 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1981. . . . Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) scored two third-quarter touchdowns - one rushing/one receiving - in a 26-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1959. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) completed 23-of-38 passes for 435 yards - including six touchdowns - in a 49-39 win against the Denver Broncos in 1964. . . . Baltimore Colts CB Jim Duncan (UMES hooper) returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown in a 35-0 win against the Miami Dolphins in 1970. . . . New York Giants QB Arnie Galiffa (Army's third-leading scorer as junior and second-leading scorer as senior with more than 9 ppg each year) threw his only NFL touchdown pass - a decisive 75-yarder to Kyle Rote in a 23-20 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1953. . . . Rookie TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer was hoop letterman for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) scored the first two touchdowns in New York Giants' NFL history in a 19-0 win against the Cleveland Bulldogs in 1925. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught eight passes in a 24-16 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2009. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 306 of a league-high 3,045 yards in a 34-17 setback against the New York Giants in 1964. . . . Chicago Cardinals E Chuck Kassel (Illinois letterman in 1925 and 1926) opened the game's scoring with a 23-yard touchdown catch from Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) in a 14-7 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1929. . . . New York Giants rookie FB Tuffy Leemans (three-year letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) threw a touchdown pass in his third consecutive contest in 1936. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 17-of-23 passes - including three first-half touchdowns - in a 40-17 win against the New York Giants in 2009. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 13 yards for a touchdown in a 34-21 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2009. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 21-17 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1970. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) returned a fumble recovery 48 yards for a touchdown in a 30-25 win against the New York Jets in 2009. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) had four pass receptions for 129 yards in a 17-17 tie against the Oakland Raiders in 1970. . . . New York Giants B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech letterman in 1926) opened the game's scoring with a rushing touchdown in a 14-0 win against the Portsmouth Spartans in 1931.
2: Washington Redskins DL Victor Carroll (three-year letterman for Nevada-Reno in mid-1930s) returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown in a 23-3 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1941. . . . New York Giants DB Scott Eaton (three-year Oregon State letterman averaged 6 ppg and 2.8 rpg) returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown in a 23-20 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-7 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1947. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw four touchdown passes in a 34-31 setback against the New York Jets in 1969. Six years later, Griese threw three TD passes in a 46-13 win against the Chicago Bears in 1975. . . . Rookie E Dick Humbert (three-year starter captained Richmond team as senior when averaging 7.4 ppg) accounted for the Philadelphia Eagles' only scoring with a 26-yard touchdown catch in a 15-6 setback against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1941. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 323 yards and threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 17-14 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2003. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 374 yards and six touchdowns in a 51-42 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1969. . . . Dallas Cowboys DE Too Tall Jones (backup center averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tennessee State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had four sacks in a 33-24 win against the New York Giants in 1987. . . . Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown in a 43-23 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones (started two of his 11 Arkansas games in 2001-02 when averaging 4.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg and 10 of 17 in 2003-04 when averaging 5 ppg and 4.5 rpg) had at least seven pass receptions for the third consecutive contest in 2008. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 31-14 win against the Chicago Bears in 1969. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) passed for 345 yards and six touchdowns in a 51-42 win against the St.Louis Cardinals in 1969. Six years later with the Washington Redskins, Kilmer threw three TD passes in a 30-24 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1975. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 349 yards - inclulding two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 26-7 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2008. Five years earlier, McNabb passed for 312 yards in a 23-16 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2003. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Pete Metzelaars (averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Wabash IN while setting NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for single season as senior in 1981-82 and career) had seven pass receptions for 113 yards - including two third-quarter touchdown passes from Jim Kelly - in a 34-28 setback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1986. . . . Los Angeles Rams DB Herb Rich (Vanderbilt letterman in 1947) returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown in a 42-20 win against the Dallas Texans in 1952. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-24 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1975. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Bob Titchenal (San Jose State letterman in 1939) caught a 54-yard touchdown pass from Frankie Albert in a 27-14 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1946. . . . B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech letterman in 1926) supplied the Staten Island Stapletons' lone score with a 63-yard touchdown pass in a 9-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1930.
3: Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw three touchdown passes for the third time in a four-game span in 1974. . . . Philadelphia Eagles LB Connor Barwin (played 34 games for Cincinnati in 2005-06 and 2006-07) had an interception in a 49-20 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2013. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers E Wayland Becker (Marquette letterman in mid-1930s) opened the game's scoring with a first-quarter touchdown reception in a 13-7 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1935. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 223 yards on 28 carries in a 23-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1963. . . . New York Giants E Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 26-14 win against the Chicago Bears in 1929. . . . New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught nine passes for 116 yards - including two first-half touchdowns from Drew Brees - in a 26-20 setback against the New York Jets in 2013. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 34-28 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1968. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers E Bud Hubbard (San Jose State hoops letterman in 1934) caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) for decisive score in a 13-7 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1935. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 313 yards and five touchdowns in a 38-24 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2002. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1968. . . . Rookie E Eggs Manske (point guard led Northwestern to share of 1933 Big Ten Conference crown) scored the Philadelphia Eagles' touchdown with a 55-yard pass reception in a 7-6 win against the Boston Redskins in 1935. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) rushed for a touchdown in his fourth consecutive contest in 2002. . . . Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) opened the game's scoring by intercepting a Joe Namath pass and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown in a 27-22 win against the New York Jets in 1974. . . . A 41-yard touchdown catch by rookie E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) in the fourth quarter gave the San Francisco 49ers a 35-31 win against the Detroit Lions in 1957. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had 12 pass receptions for 191 yards in a 23-20 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2002. . . . A 43-yard field goal by Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) in the fourth quarter boosted the Chicago Bears to a 13-10 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1968. . . . Indianapolis Colts TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in two seasons in 1992-93 and 1993-94) had a career-high seven pass receptions in a 23-15 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2002. . . . New York Jets DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions - returning one of them 36 yards for a touchdown - in a 25-21 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1968. . . . Boston Redskins rookie B Bill Shepherd (Western Maryland hooper) opened the game's scoring with a 57-yard rushing touchdown in a 7-6 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1935. . . . Chicago Bears DE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) opened the game's scoring by returning a fumble recovery 30 yards for a touchdown in a 10-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1946. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Morris Stroud Jr. (tallest TE in NFL history averaged 7.2 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1967-68 when 6-10 junior shot team-high 50.9% from floor for Clark Atlanta GA) had a career-high five pass receptions in a 33-27 setback against the New York Giants in 1974. . . . New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown in a 31-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1957. . . . Dallas Cowboys rookie P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted five times for 267 yards (53.4 average) - including an NFL-high 84-yarder - in a 17-3 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1968.
4: HB Bob Davis (Kentucky letterman in 1937 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) accounted for the Boston Yanks' lone touchdown with a six-yard pass in a 10-9 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1945. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes in a 33-22 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 2007. . . . Chicago Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL letterman in 1951) had two first-half touchdown receptions in a 35-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1956. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 365 yards in a 31-28 setback against the New York Giants in 1962. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 24-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 21-7 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2001. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 21-13 win against the Detroit Lions in 2001. Six years later with the Dallas Cowboys, Owens had 10 pass receptions for 174 yards in a 38-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) completed 14-of-18 passes - including three touchdowns - in a 38-10 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1973. . . . New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in a 37-31 win against the New York Yanks in 1951. . . . A 47-yard pass reception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter by HB Doak Walker (SMU letterman as freshman in 1945-46) was the difference for the Detroit Lions in a 24-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers HB Sid Watson (averaged 4.1 ppg as Northeastern freshman in 1951-52) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 17-14 setback against the New York Giants in 1956. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Roy Zimmerman (San Jose State letterman as center in 1938 and 1939) threw three touchdown passes in a 45-3 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1945.
5: Oakland Raiders TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 49-31 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2000. . . . New York Giants E Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) caught two first-half touchdown passes (30 and 50 yards) in a 45-6 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1929. . . . Buffalo Bills LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) scored a touchdown on a 17-yard interception return in a 24-10 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2006. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-17 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2006. Six years earlier, Gonzalez caught nine passes in a 49-31 reversal against the Oakland Raiders in his fourth consecutive contest with at least 100 receiving yards in 2000. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three of his league-high 19 touchdown passes in a 35-17 win against the New York Jets in 1972. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) rushed for two 15-yard fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 35-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1950 after Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for two first-half TDs. . . . Baltimore Colts rookie DB Herb Rich (Vanderbilt letterman in 1947) returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in a 41-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 49-31 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2000. . . . Detroit Lions HB Kent "Rip" Ryan (two-time All-Rocky Mountain first-team choice for Utah State averaged 8.1 ppg in league play in 1933-34, 9.9 ppg in 1934-35, 9.3 ppg in 1935-36 and 7.6 ppg in 1936-37) scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter with a six-yard pass reception in an 18-14 win against the New York Giants in 1939. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor letterman in 1956) had three touchdown receptions in a 53-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1961. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-24 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1967. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown in a 31-13 win against the Chicago Bears in 2006. . . . Detroit Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU letterman as freshman in 1945-46) rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 24-14 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1955. . . . In 1972, New Orleans Saints WR Creston Whitaker (North Texas State guard led MVC in field-goal shooting as junior in 1968-69 when averaging 20 ppg and 6 rpg) notched his lone NFL pass reception (five-yard catch against Minnesota Vikings).
6: Boston Braves RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) rushed for two touchdowns (9 and 20 yards) in a 19-6 win against the Staten Island Stapletons in 1932. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 28-7 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1977. . . . Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught eight passes for 161 yards in a 45-28 setback against the Dallas Texans in 1960. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Reuben Gant (averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Oklahoma State in 1971-72 and 1972-73) caught seven passes for 97 yards in a 24-14 win against the New England Patriots in 1977. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught eight passes for 132 yards in a 31-26 win against the New York Jets in 2005. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 38-24 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1960. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught seven passes for 141 yards - including three touchdowns from Philip Rivers - in a 34-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2011. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-14 win against the Detroit Lions in 2005. . . . Chicago Cardinals E Chuck Kassel (Illinois letterman in 1925 and 1926) opened the game's scoring with a 30-yard touchdown catch from Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) in a 16-0 win against the Providence Steam Roller in 1929. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Cliff Lewis (Duke letterman in 1945) threw a career-long 55-yard touchdown pass in a 35-2 win against the Chicago Hornets in 1949. . . . Chicago Cardinals B Ike Mahoney (Creighton hooper in early 1920s) opened the game's scoring with a rushing touchdown in a 33-7 setback against the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1926. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Kay McFarland (three-year letterman for Colorado State was honorable mention UPI All-Skyline Conference selection in 1961) had a career-high four pass receptions for 89 yards in a 21-13 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1966. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 304 yards in a 17-10 setback against the Washington Redskins in 2005. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 34-14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2005. . . . Cleveland Browns QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 win against the New York Giants in 1955. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 10 of his AFL-leading 92 pass receptions in a 45-25 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1960. . . . New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown in a 31-24 setback against the New York Bulldogs in 1949. . . . Cincinnati Bengals DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) opened the Cincinnati Bengals' scoring by securing a safety in a 20-17 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 1994.
7: Chicago Bears HB J.R. Boone (hoop teammate of eventual NFL executive Jim Finks for Tulsa in 1947-48) rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 21-6 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1948. . . . Cleveland Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 62-3 win against the Washington Redskins in 1954. Browns QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) had three touchdowns - two rushing/one receiving - in a 38-34 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1965. Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 362 yards (including three TDs to Pete Retzlaff). . . . Green Bay Packers LB Fred Carr (played for defending NCAA champion Texas Western in 1967 playoffs) returned an interception 10 yards for a touchdown in a 32-27 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1976. . . . Detroit Lions rookie QB Fred Enke (three-year All-Border Conference first-team selection under his father was Arizona co-captain as senior in 1947-48) threw two touchdown passes in a 56-20 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1948. . . . Washington Redskins TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) caught three touchdown passes from Joe Theismann in a 24-21 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1976. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught three touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 43-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2004. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught nine passes for 123 yards in a 34-31 setback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004. . . . Seattle Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Russell Wilson in a 31-25 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2016. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoop letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) caught a 20-yard touchdown pass and rushed for an 80-yard TD in a 20-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1926. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two touchdown passes from Norm Van Brocklin in a 42-34 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1954. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 21-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1965. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Pete Metzelaars (averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Wabash IN while setting NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for single season as senior in 1981-82 and career) had 10 pass receptions in a 13-10 win against the New England Patriots in 1993. . . . Cleveland Browns DE Mack Mitchell (varsity hooper for Houston in 1971-72) opened the game's scoring by registering a safety in a 21-7 win against the Houston Oilers in 1976. . . . Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier letterman in 1943) rushed for two of his AAFC-high 10 touchdowns - one of them for 68 yards - in a 26-21 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948. . . . Cleveland Browns rookie HB Ara Parseghian (Miami of Ohio hooper in 1946-47 and 1947-48) rushed for a 15-yard touchdown in a 28-7 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1948. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown in a 26-21 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1948. . . . Washington Redskins E-P Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin hoops letterman in early 1960s) averaged 47.2 yards on five punts in a 23-7 win against the New York Giants in 1965.
8: Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1942. . . . Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in a 24-9 win against the Houston Oilers in 1970. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 52-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1981. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes - including one for 54 yards - in a 24-21 setback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw four touchdown passes - one in each quarter - in a 42-7 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1964. . . . Oakland Raiders TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught six passes for 105 yards in a 13-10 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 1998. . . . New York Yankees rookie E Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) caught three touchdown passes in a 26-6 win against the Chicago Bears in 1927. . . . Minnesota Vikings TE Andrew Glover (All-SWAC second-team selection as senior in 1990-91 when leading Grambling with 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg while pacing league in field-goal shooting) caught nine passes in a 31-24 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1998. . . . San Diego Chargers rookie WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers - including the game winner with 18 seconds remaining - in a 21-20 win against the New York Giants in 2009. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 316 yards in a 31-24 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1998. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 34-30 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964. . . . Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 20-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1992. . . . Chicago Cardinals FB Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) rushed for two second-quarter touchdowns in a 14-6 win against the Cleveland Indians in 1931. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two touchdown passes in a 25-23 win against the Carolina Panthers in 1998. Twelve years later with the Cincinnati Bengals, Owens caught two TD passes from Carson Palmer en route to 10 receptions for 141 yards in a 27-21 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010. . . . Indianapolis Colts TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught two touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in a 31-28 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2004. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Tom Flores in a 22-7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. . . . Providence Steam Roller E Al Rose (Texas letterman from 1928 through 1930) scored the game's lone touchdown with a 35-yard pass reception in a 7-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1931. . . . New York Giants LB Tom Scott (hoop letterman as Virginia forward in 1951) had an interception in his second straight game in 1964. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-17 win against the Miami Dolphins in 1970. . . . Miami Dolphins QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-17 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1970. . . . HB Ed Sutton (seven hoop games for North Carolina as sophomore in 1954-55) threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Joe Walton in the fourth quarter to help propel the Washington Redskins to a 27-24 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1959.
9: QB Matt Blundin (Virginia starter most of sophomore season in 1988-89 when averaging 6 ppg and 5.8 rpg while shooting 55.9% from floor) had his lone pass with the Detroit Lions intercepted by the Washington Redskins in 1997. . . . B Junior Boyd (Westminster MO four-sport letterman including hoops) caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) for the Chicago Cardinals' lone score in a 13-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1930. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught three touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 34-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1980. . . . New York Giants T Victor Carroll (three-year letterman for Nevada-Reno in mid-1930s) caught an 18-yard touchdown pass in a 41-24 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. . . . Dallas Cowboys DE Shante Carver (Arizona State hooper in 1992-93) had two sacks in a 24-6 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 1997. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes - including two touchdowns - in a 20-19 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2008. . . . New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught 10 passes - including two second-half touchdowns from Drew Brees - in a 27-24 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 13-12 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. . . . Philadelphia Eagles E Bud Grant (third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre) caught two touchdown passes in a 38-20 win against the Washington Redskins in 1952. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 41-13 win against the Houston Texans in 2008. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-24 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2003. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie B Art Jones (averaged 4.9 ppg as starting center for Richmond in 1940-41) rushed for a 25-yard touchdown in a 7-7 tie against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 51-3 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1969. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes in a 31-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958. . . . Kansas City Chiefs LB Frank Manumaleuga (San Jose State hooper in 1978-79) returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 31-30 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 1980. . . . New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) caught a touchdown pass from Phil Simms in a 38-35 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1980. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 36-31 setback against the New York Giants in 2008. . . . Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier letterman in 1943) rushed for two third-quarter touchdowns in a 25-0 win against the Los Angeles Dons in 1947. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks and seven tackles in a 17-6 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2008. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had 11 pass receptions in a 41-3 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1992. . . . In the midst of three consecutive contests with a touchdown catch, Minnesota Vikings rookie TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA) had a 58-yard TD reception in a 34-0 win against the Detroit Lions in 1980. . . . Los Angeles Rams WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had two first-half touchdown receptions (64 and 72 yards) in a 56-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1958. . . . Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 66.3% from floor with Portland State from 2006-07 through 2009-10) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in a 41-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2014. . . . New York Giants LB Brad Van Pelt (averaged 4.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg while shooting 61.7% from floor as Michigan State sophomore in 1970-71) had two interceptions in a 38-35 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1980.
10: Philadelphia Eagles LB Connor Barwin (played 34 games for Cincinnati in 2005-06 and 2006-07) had 3 1/2 sacks and six tackles in a 45-21 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2014. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Roman Gabriel in a 27-20 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1974. . . . Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two touchdowns - including the decisive score in the fourth quarter - in a 21-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1957. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 21-0 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1974. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-20 win against the Washington Redskins in 1963. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three second-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1957. . . . New York Jets TE Dee Mackey (All-Lone Star Conference first-team selection for East Texas State and member of NAIA All-Tournament team as senior) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 31-27 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1963. . . . RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) opened the Baltimore Colts' scoring by returning a kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown in a 27-10 win against the Detroit Lions in 1968. . . . New York Giants E Buster Poole (three-year Arkansas letterman was senior captain in 1936-37) caught two touchdown passes in a 45-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1946. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) opened the game's scoring by returning a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown in a 21-14 win against the New England Patriots in 1974. . . . Washington Redskins rookie E-P Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin letterman in early 1960s) averaged 48.8 yards on four punts in a 24-20 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963.
11: Detroit Wolverines E Carl Bacchus (three-year Missouri hoops letterman in mid-1920s) completed the game's scoring with a 30-yard touchdown reception in a 19-19 tie against the New York Giants in 1928. . . . Houston Texans LB Connor Barwin (played 34 games for Cincinnati in 2005-06 and 2006-07) had six tackles in a 13-6 win against the Chicago Bears in 2012. . . . Cleveland Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) had an 84-yard touchdown reception from Bob Waterfield in a 20-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1945. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two touchdown passes - including 74 yards for his first NFL score - in a 27-24 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2001. . . . HB Bob Davis (Kentucky letterman in 1937 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) accounted for the Boston Yanks' lone touchdown with an eight-yard pass in a 34-7 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1945. . . . Dallas Texans QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes - including a 75-yarder to Abner Haynes - in a 52-31 win against the New York Titans in 1962. . . . Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 11 passes - including two touchdowns - in a 31-27 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2012. Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught seven passes for 146 yards (including two second-quarter TDs from Drew Brees). . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 20-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1951. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers B Jack Grossman (two-year Rutgers hoops letterman in early 1930s) threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) in a 10-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1934. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoop letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) opened the game's scoring by returning a punt 70 yards for a touchdown in a 19-19 tie against the Detroit Lions in 1928. . . . Chicago Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had two touchdown receptions in a 38-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1956. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted 10 times for 456 yards (45.6 average) in a 49-0 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1962. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two second-half touchdown passes (53 and 54 yards) in a 45-21 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1951. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five games for Florida in 1989-90) had 11 pass receptions for 167 yards in a 28-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 2001. . . . Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 30-19 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1973. . . . Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown in a 55-20 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2012. . . . Baltimore Colts CB Rex Kern (averaged 8.4 ppg for Ohio State's freshman squad in 1968-69) returned an interception 22 yards in a 44-0 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1973. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 33-9 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1973. . . . Oakland Raiders RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in a 34-27 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 2001. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes in a 41-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1951. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had an interception in his third consecutive contest in 1985. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 41-28 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1951. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 48-17 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2001. Six years later, McNabb completed 20-of-28 passes - including four TDs - in a 33-25 win against the Washington Redskins in 2007. . . . Duluth Eskimos rookie FB Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) rushed for two touchdowns in a 14-13 setback against the New York Giants in 1926. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 28-27 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2001. Six years later with the Dallas Cowboys, Owens caught two second-half TD passes from Tony Romo in a 31-20 win against the New York Giants in 2007. . . . New York Giants DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in a 28-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1951. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had six pass receptions for 158 yards - including three touchdowns - in a 41-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1962. . . . E Hub Ulrich (Kansas hoops letterman in 1942) accounted for the Miami Seahawks' lone score with a 28-yard touchdown reception in a 20-7 setback against the Chicago Rockets in 1946. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie HB Buist Warren (Tennessee hoops letterman in 1938 and 1940) had a 75-yard rushing touchdown in a 23-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1945. . . . New England Patriots TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught two touchdown passes from Jim Plunkett in a 33-13 setback against the New York Jets in 1973. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Roy Zimmerman (San Jose State letterman as center in 1938 and 1939) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 38-17 win against the New York Giants in 1945.
12: New York Giants B Erich Barnes (played briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Y.A. Tittle in a 38-21 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Marlin Briscoe (averaged 9.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Nebraska-Omaha in 1964-65) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 52-0 rout of the New England Patriots in 1972. Briscoe finished the game with four catches for 128 yards. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 17-9 win against the New York Jets in 1978. The next year, Carmichael caught two TD passes from Jaworski in a 31-21 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1979. . . . San Francisco 49ers safety Chuck Crist (averaged more than 10 ppg last two seasons under Penn State coach John Bach, leading team in FG% as junior and FT% as senior) had two interceptions in a 16-10 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978. . . . QB Bob Davis (Kentucky letterman in 1937 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) accounted for the Boston Yanks' lone touchdown with a 14-yard pass in a 21-7 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1944. . . . Chicago Bears rookie TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught nine passes for 190 yards - including three for touchdowns - in a 31-28 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1961. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two touchdown passes in a 45-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) scored two second-quarter touchdowns in a 31-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1961. . . . Green Bay Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Bart Starr - one for 53 yards - in a 31-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1961. . . . Minnesota Vikings DB Earsell Mackbee (teammate of Utah State All-American Wayne Estes averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 1964-65) recovered a fumble and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown in a 10-10 tie against the Detroit Lions in 1967. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 27-3 win against the Washington Redskins in 2006. . . . New York Yanks QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 28-20 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1950. . . . New York Jets DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in a 20-10 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1967. . . . New York Giants LB Tom Scott (hoop letterman as Virginia forward in 1951) returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown in a 38-21 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had eight pass receptions for 137 yards in a 38-21 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) passed for 308 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 10 of his AFL-leading 100 pass receptions in a 19-16 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1961. . . . Green Bay Packers P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted five times for 241 yards (48.2 average) in a 23-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1972.
13: Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas A&M win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught two 35-yard touchdown passes from Frank Tripucka in a 27-24 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1949. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 173 yards in a 28-27 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1960. . . . New York Giants B Chris Cagle (four-year letterman for USL and Army in mid-1920s) scored two touchdowns (pass reception and 70-yard punt return) in a 27-7 win against the Staten Island Stapletons in 1932. . . . Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two first-half touchdowns in a 24-20 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1960. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two touchdown passes in a 23-16 setback against the New England Patriots in 2005. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes - including an 89-yarder to Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) - in a 34-16 win against the Miami Dolphins in 1966. It was Taylor's third TD catch of at least 74 yards in a four-game span. . . . Dallas Cowboys E Pete Gent (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection averaged 17.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg in leading Michigan State in scoring each season from 1961-62 through 1963-64) had career highs of six pass receptions and 93 receiving yards in a 31-30 win against the Washington Redskins in 1966. . . . Green Bay Packers B Roger Grove (forward led Michigan State in scoring in 1929-30 and 1930-31) opened the game's scoring with a 10-yard touchdown pass reception in a 21-0 win against the Boston Braves in 1932. . . . Minnesota Vikings DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in a 32-31 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1966. . . . Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub in a 37-9 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011. . . . A 37-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter by TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) gave the Chicago Bears a 28-27 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1977. . . . Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) returned a fumble recovery 66 yards for a touchdown in a 34-29 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1977. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 24-10 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tom Flores in a 41-19 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1966. . . . Washington Redskins E-P Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin hoops letterman in early 1960s) averaged 47 yards on seven punts in a 31-30 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1966. . . . Atlanta Falcons LB Marion Rushing (Southern Illinois hooper from 1954-55 through 1956-57) had an interception in a 19-7 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1966. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Tom Rychlec (collected four points and six rebounds in one hoops game for American International MA in 1954-55) had a career-high 10 pass receptions in a 20-7 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1960. . . . Baltimore Colts DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had an interception in his third consecutive contest in 1960. . . . Staten Island Stapletons B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech letterman in 1926) opened the game's scoring with a rushing touchdown in a 27-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1932.
14: Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw four touchdown passes in a 42-20 win against the Detroit Lions in 1943. Five years later, Baugh threw four TD passes in a 46-21 win against the Lions in 1948. . . . Chicago Bears E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught two touchdown passes from Sid Luckman in a 56-7 win against the New York Giants in 1943. . . . Detroit Lions rookie FB Bill Bowman (fouled out with four points in only basketball game with William & Mary in 1953-54) scored two touchdowns (66-yard pass reception and 43-yard rush) in a 48-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1954. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two first-half TD passes. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-21 win against the New York Giants in 1965. . . . Oakland Raiders TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught two touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 28-9 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1999. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971. . . . Detroit Lions rookie B Vern Huffman (All-American was All-Big Ten Conference selection for Indiana in 1935-36 and 1936-37) threw a 28-yard touchdown pass in a 17-0 win against the New York Giants in 1937. . . . Washington Redskins QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 313 yards in a 35-28 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. . . . New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 141 yards - including a 57-yard touchdown - in a 31-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1993. . . . B Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) accounted for the Brooklyn Dodgers' lone touchdown with a 54-yard pass to Jeff Barrett in a 29-7 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1937. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie HB Johnny Lattner (Notre Dame forward in 1951-52) scored a touchdown in his third consecutive contest in 1954. . . . Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown in a 19-17 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2004. . . . Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked three field goals in a 16-15 win against the Washington Redskins in 1971. . . . Buffalo Bills QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 27-20 setback against the Los Angeles Dons in 1948. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers WR Dave Smith (averaged 15.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg while shooting 51.1% from floor for Indiana PA in 1968-69 and 1969-70) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Terry Bradshaw in a 24-21 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1971. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 311 yards in a 21-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1965. . . . Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted six times for 275 yards (45.8 average) in a 20-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1971. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught nine passes in a 30-27 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 2013.
15: Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) rushed for two touchdowns in a 38-0 win against the New York Giants in 1936. . . . Rookie E Milan Creighton (All-SWC second-team guard for Arkansas in 1929-30) opened the scoring for the Chicago Cardinals with a 27-yard touchdown reception from Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) in a 21-13 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1931. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw two touchdown passes - including a go-ahead 38-yarder to Pete Retzlaff - in a 17-14 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1964. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 345 yards and four touchdowns - three to WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) - in a 49-21 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2004. Five years later, McNabb passed for 450 yards - including two fourth-quarter TDs - in a 31-23 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2009. The next year with the Washington Redskins, McNabb threw two second-quarter TD passes in a 59-28 setback against the Eagles in 2010. . . . Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked four field goals in a 20-19 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1970. It was Percival's third consecutive contest with at least three FGs. . . . TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Indianapolis Colts a 24-23 win against the New York Jets in 1998. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie WR Bucky Pope (two-time All-Carolinas Conference pick for Catawba NC averaged 19.4 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) caught two touchdown passes from Roman Gabriel in a 34-24 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1964. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Cotton Davidson in a 20-10 win against the Houston Oilers in 1964. . . . Chicago Cardinals B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown in a 24-24 tie against the Los Angeles Rams in 1953. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two touchdown passes in a 20-17 win against the Phoenix Cardinals in 1992. . . . Washington Redskins DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions - returning one of them 15 yards for a touchdown - in a 30-0 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964.
16: In 1947, Baltimore Colts rookie E Hub Bechtol (Texas Tech hoops letterman in 1944 before transferring to Texas and concentrating on football) had his lone NFL touchdown reception (against Brooklyn Dodgers). . . . Los Angeles Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) had two touchdown receptions in a 41-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1947. . . . Only NFL reception for E Maurice Britt (Arkansas hoops letterman in 1939) was a 45-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give the Detroit Lions a 21-17 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie E Bob Carey (forward-center averaged 8.8 ppg in three-year Michigan State career in early 1950s) caught a 61-yard touchdown pass from Norm Van Brocklin in a 40-24 win against the Chicago Bears in 1952. . . . New Orleans Saints DB Chuck Crist (averaged more than 10 ppg last two seasons under Penn State coach John Bach, leading team in FG% as junior and FT% as senior) returned an interception 42 yards in a 20-7 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1975. . . . New York Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 49-14 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1941. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes to Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M in a 34-16 win against the New York Jets in 1969. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) threw four second-half touchdown passes in a 29-28 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1952. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage (averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Missouri from 1999-00 through 2001-02) caught four passes for 147 yards - including two second-half touchdowns from Kerry Collins - in a 24-14 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 37-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two touchdown passes - one of them for 84 yards - from Norm Van Brocklin in a 40-24 win against the Chicago Bears in 1952. . . . Chicago Bears rookie E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern letterman in 1927 and 1928) had two touchdown pass receptions in a 20-14 setback against the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1929. . . . A 25-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter by rookie B Art Jones (averaged 4.9 ppg as starting center for Richmond in 1940-41) propelled the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 14-7 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1941. . . . Dallas Cowboys DE Too Tall Jones (backup center averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tennessee State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had three sacks in a 24-21 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1986. . . . San Francisco 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown in a 27-19 win against the Carolina Panthers in 1997. . . . Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas letterman in early 1940s) caught two touchdown passes from Paul Christman in a 21-20 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1947. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) logged two goal-line plunges for touchdowns in a 31-10 win against the New York Giants in 1958. . . . New York Giants TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) logged a rushing touchdown in his third consecutive contest in 1941. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 24-of-30 passes for 314 yards in a 28-10 win against the New York Giants in 2003. Five years later, McNabb passed for 339 yards in a 13-13 tie against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008. . . . Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown in a 23-21 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2003. . . . Green Bay Packers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown in a 53-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) completed 10-of-14 passes - including three touchdowns - in a 34-31 win against the New England Patriots in 1975. . . . Detroit Lions B Whizzer White (two-time all-conference first-team selection averaged 6.8 ppg for Colorado from 1935-36 through 1937-38) had a 71-yard pass reception for a touchdown in a 21-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941.
17: Cleveland Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-30 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1957. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 154 yards on 22 carries in a 20-14 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes (90, 77 and 43 yards) in a 31-17 win against the Boston Patriots in 1968. . . . Green Bay Packers E Lavvie Dilweg (Marquette hoops letterman in 1926) scored all of the game's points with two touchdown receptions in a 12-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1929. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four touchdown passes in a 51-14 win against the Chicago Rockets in 1946. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-21 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Charlie Hardy (played in nine hoops games for San Jose State in 1954-55) had a career-high six pass receptions in a 20-17 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1961. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes in a 27-20 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1963. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught 10 passes for 165 yards in a 41-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2013. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie E Lamar Lundy (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg for Purdue in mid-1950s) scored the decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter with a 34-yard pass reception from Norm Van Brocklin in a 31-27 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1957. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 20-of-25 passes - including four touchdowns - in a 38-14 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2002. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had seven pass receptions for 171 yards - including two touchdowns from Jeff Garcia (32 and 76 yards) - in a 20-17 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2002. The next year, Owens had eight catches for 155 yards in a 30-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2003. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers B Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes after returning an interception 68 yards for a TD in the second period in a 29-14 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1940. . . . Chicago Bears DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had two sacks and eight tackles in a 23-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught three second-quarter touchdown passes in a 43-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1990. . . . Detroit Lions rookie B Bill Shepherd (Western Maryland hooper) rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 20-10 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1935. . . . Catching a touchdown pass in his fifth consecutive contest, New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had seven pass receptions for 159 yards in a 48-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1963. . . . Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 424 yards in a 34-28 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 28-21 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1974. . . . B Whizzer White (two-time all-conference first-team selection averaged 6.8 ppg for Colorado from 1935-36 through 1937-38) had two third-quarter rushing touchdowns for the Detroit Lions' first two scores in a 21-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1940.
18: Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) tied the score twice - 7-7 with an 18-yard rushing touchdown and 14-14 with a 70-yard TD reception from Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) en route to a 28-21 win against the Chicago Bears in 1945. . . . RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) scored both of the Boston Braves' touchdowns (via runs from scrimmage) in a 14-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1934. . . . Cleveland Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught two touchdown passes from Bob Waterfield in a 35-21 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1945. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for three second-half touchdowns in a 38-14 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1962. . . . Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 30-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1956. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg for North Carolina in 1998-99 and 2000-01) caught four passes for 120 yards in a 29-22 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 2007. . . . Dallas Texans QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes - including a 92-yarder to Tommy Brooker - in a 24-3 win against the Denver Broncos in 1962. . . . Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught seven passes for 133 yards in a 34-33 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1962. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 399 yards in a 27-24 setback against the Chicago Bears in 2001. . . . Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 445 yards in a 42-34 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1974. . . . Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown in a 13-10 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers rookie B Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) opened the game's scoring with a 23-yard touchdown catch from Chris Cagle (four-year letterman for USL and Army in mid-1920s) in a 10-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1934. . . . FB George Kiick (captain of Bucknell hoops team as senior in 1939-40) supplied the Pittsburgh Steelers' only points with a rushing touchdown in a 30-6 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1945. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-10 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1951. . . . Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had eight pass receptions for 173 yards - including four touchdowns from Tony Romo (three of them more than 30 yards) in a 28-23 win against the Washington Redskins in 2007. . . . Chicago Bears DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 16-0 win against the Miami Dolphins in 2010. . . . Indianapolis Colts TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught an 86-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning in a 34-20 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2001. . . . New England Patriots TE Derrick Ramsey (grabbed three rebounds in two Kentucky games in 1975-76) caught three first-half touchdown passes from Tony Eason in a 50-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1984. . . . Rookie TB Manny Rapp (SLU hoop letterman in 1932) threw a 56-yard touchdown pass for the St. Louis Gunners' lone score in a 40-7 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1934. . . . Cleveland Browns WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) had nine pass receptions for 177 yards in a 30-24 win against the Miami Dolphins in 1979. . . . Indianapolis Colts QB Art Schlichter (scored 18 points in 11 hoop games for Ohio State in 1978-79 and 1980-81) passed for one touchdown and rushed for another in a 50-17 setback against the New England Patriots in 1984.
19: Chicago Bears E Connie Mack Berry (All-Southern Conference second-team selection as North Carolina State center in 1937 and 1938) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Sid Luckman in a 41-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1944. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 237 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961. . . . Boston Yanks QB Bob Davis (Kentucky letterman in 1937 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) opened the game's scoring with a four-yard touchdown run in a 13-6 win against the Brooklyn Tigers in 1944. . . . Cleveland Browns FS Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown in a 24-10 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2000. . . . Chicago Bears WR George Farmer (teammate of UCLA legend Lew Alcindor in 1968-69) caught an 85-yard touchdown pass from Bobby Douglass in a 34-21 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1972. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 21-17 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 2000. . . . Washington Redskins DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown in a 28-28 tie against the Dallas Cowboys in 1961. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five games for Florida in 1989-90) caught two touchdown passes in a 31-22 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 2000. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 48-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967. . . . A 25-yard pass reception by Boston Yanks E Keith Ranspot (SMU hoops letterman in 1936 and 1937) in the fourth quarter accounted for the decisive touchdown in a 13-6 win against the Brooklyn Tigers in 1944. . . . New York Yanks QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 43-35 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1950. . . . Washington Redskins E-P Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin letterman in early 1960s) averaged 45 yards on eight punts in a 27-20 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1967. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 309 yards - including four touchdowns - in a 48-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1967. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown in a 24-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. . . . Detroit Lions rookie HB Doak Walker (SMU letterman as freshman in 1945-46) caught three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950. . . . Green Bay Packers P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) threw a 68-yard touchdown pass in a 23-10 win against the Houston Oilers in 1972.
20: Minnesota Vikings LB Matt Blair (played in 1970 NJCAA Tournament for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M hoops team finishing in seventh place) scored a touchdown off a blocked punt in a 10-7 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1977. . . . Philadelphia Eagles CB Jimmy Carr (three-year hoops letterman for Morris Harvey WV appeared in NAIA Tournament in 1953 and 1954) supplied the decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter with a 38-yard fumble recovery return in a 17-10 win against the New York Giants in 1960. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 41-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955. Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoops letter in 1947) had two first-half TD catches. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) passed for 349 yards in a 35-30 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1978. . . . New York Giants LB Mel Hein (Washington State hoops letterman in 1930) returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown in a 15-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1938. . . . Chicago Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had two touchdown receptions in a 24-14 win against the Detroit Lions in 1955. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two first-half TD passes. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-34 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1966. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for two of his league-high 13 touchdowns and threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in a 33-31 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1960. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught seven passes for 165 yards in a 31-20 setback against the Chicago Bears in 2011. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-13 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1972. . . . Miami Dolphins RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had eight pass receptions for the second straight game in 1995. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw three first-half touchdown passes - including one for 81 yards to Ken Kavanaugh - in a 31-21 win against the Washington Redskins in 1949. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 10 of his AFL-leading 92 pass receptions in a 20-10 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1960. . . . Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) had nine pass receptions - including two third-quarter touchdowns from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) - in a 27-27 tie against the Boston Patriots in 1966. . . . New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown in a 45-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1949. Six years later, Tunnell returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown in a 31-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1955. . . . Rookie B Whizzer White (two-time all-conference first-team selection averaged 6.8 ppg for Colorado from 1935-36 through 1937-38) had a 79-yard touchdown run for the Pittsburgh Pirates' lone score in a 14-7 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1938.
21: Todd Bouman (South Dakota State transfer averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for St. Cloud State MN from 1993-94 through 1995-96) signed as free agent by the Green Bay Packers to replace injured Aaron Rodgers as their second-string QB. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught nine passes in a 24-17 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 2004. . . . New York Giants rookie WR Bruce Gehrke (four-year Columbia hoops letterman averaged 9.5 ppg as senior) caught a touchdown pass from Charlie Conerly in a 49-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1948. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoops letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) rushed for two touchdowns in a 21-0 win against the Providence Steam Roller in 1926. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had nine pass receptions in a 31-17 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 1999. . . . New York Giants TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-13 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1943. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw four touchdown passes in a 28-6 win against the Washington Redskins in 2004. Six years later with the Washington Redskins, McNabb passed for 376 yards in a 19-16 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2010. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers rookie TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) scored two third-quarter touchdowns - including a 44-yard punt return - in a 23-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1937. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had two sacks for the third game in a row in 2004. . . . Washington Redskins B Dick Poillon (Canisius hooper in early 1940s) returned a fumble recovery 93 yards for a touchdown in a 42-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1948. . . . Chicago Rockets B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) scored two touchdowns (one rushing/one receiving) in a 41-16 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947. . . . Washington Redskins CB Lonnie Sanders (averaged 10.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg as Michigan State forward in 1961-62) returned two interceptions a total of 79 yards in a 31-3 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1965. . . . One of AAFC-leading 11 interceptions for New York Yankees rookie DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) was returned 40 yards for a touchdown in a 34-21 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1948. . . . Detroit Lions B Bill Shepherd (Western Maryland hooper) returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in a 16-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1937. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Morris Stroud Jr. (tallest TE in NFL history averaged 7.2 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1967-68 when 6-10 junior shot team-high 50.9% from floor for Clark Atlanta GA) opened the game's scoring with a 39-yard touchdown reception from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) in a 28-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1971. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 11 pass receptions for 141 yards - including two second-half touchdowns - in a 28-20 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1965. . . . New York Giants rookie DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown in a 49-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1948.
22: Cleveland Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught 10 passes for 303 yards and one touchdown (70 yards) from Bob Waterfield against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day in 1945. . . . Boston Redskins rookie E Sam Busich (Ohio State hoops letterman in 1935 and 1936) made his lone NFL touchdown reception in a 30-6 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1936. . . . Portsmouth Spartans rookie TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) rushed for two touchdowns in a 20-19 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1931. . . . New York Titans TE Thurlow Cooper (averaged 10.4 ppg for Maine in 1955-56 after averaging 6.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg previous season) had a career-high four pass receptions in a 46-45 win against the Denver Broncos in 1962. . . . Chicago Bears E Hoot Drury (SLU hoops letterman from 1928 through 1930) caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Keith Molesworth (three-year letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) in a 26-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1931. . . . TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) opened the Arizona Cardinals' scoring by catching an 18-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer in a 34-31 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015. . . . Cincinnati Bengals LB James Francis (averaged 3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Baylor in 1986-87 and 1987-88) had two interceptions - returning one of them 66 yards for a touchdown - and chipped in with two sacks in a 19-13 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1992. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 20-16 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1953. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four first-half touchdown passes in a 52-35 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. . . . New York Giants TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) rushed for two touchdowns in a 21-21 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1942. . . . San Francisco 49ers rookie DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown in a 33-31 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1981. . . . Chicago Cardinals FB Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) rushed for two touchdowns in a 20-19 win against the Portsmouth Spartans in 1931. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Steve Young in a 31-20 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1998. Eleven years later with the Buffalo Bills, Owens had a 98-yard touchdown reception en route to nine catches for 197 yards in an 18-15 setback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009. . . . New York Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had two touchdown catches in a 46-45 win against the Denver Broncos in 1962. . . . In the midst of securing a touchdown pass in four consecutive contests, Oakland Raiders TE Derrick Ramsey (grabbed three rebounds in two Kentucky games in 1975-76) opened the game's scoring with a 66-yard TD reception from Marc Wilson in a 55-21 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1981. . . . Los Angeles Rams DB Herb Rich (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1947) returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown in a 21-13 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1952. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-24 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1979. . . . Detroit Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU letterman as freshman in 1945-46) rushed for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 20-16 win against the Chicago Bears in 1953. . . . New York Giants E Will Walls (starting forward with TCU for three years from 1935 through 1937) caught a 60-yard touchdown pass in a 21-21 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1942.
23: Brooklyn Dodgers HB Al Akins (forward was letterman for Washington in 1944 after lettering with Washington State previous two years) caught a 50-yard touchdown pass in a 16-12 setback against the Los Angeles Dons in 1947. . . . New York Giants E Red Badgro (first-five All-PCC pick as forward in 1926-27 when named USC's MVP) opened the game's scoring with a 22-yard touchdown reception in a 13-6 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1930. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw six touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1947. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) had two touchdown receptions in a 28-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 1947. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes in a 54-31 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 2008. . . . Los Angeles Rams B Tom Harmon (averaged 7.6 ppg as sophomore in 1938-39 when leading Michigan in scoring in five contests) scored two touchdowns - including an 88-yard punt return - in a 28-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 1947. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns in a 23-21 setback against the New York Jets in 1997. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 49-14 win against the New York Yanks in 1950. Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas A&M win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught three TD passes. . . . Washington Redskins WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) had a career-high 10 pass receptions in a 27-20 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1969. . . . New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) returned an interception 78 yards for a touchdown in a 19-16 win against the Denver Broncos in 1986. . . . Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier letterman in 1943) rushed for two touchdowns in a 33-14 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1947. . . . Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had seven pass receptions for 213 yards in a 35-22 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2008. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) had more than 100 yards in rushing (121) and receiving (106) en route to scoring two touchdowns - including go-ahead pass reception from Mike Phipps in fourth quarter - in a 35-23 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1975. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 34-30 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969. . . . Chicago Bears TE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) caught a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown pass from George Blanda in a 24-23 win against the Detroit Lions in 1952. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught two touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle in a 33-12 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1958. . . . Staten Island Stapletons B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech letterman in 1926) accounted for the game's only scoring with a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown in a 6-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1930.
24: Cleveland Browns rookie HB Al Akins (forward was letterman for Washington in 1944 after lettering with Washington State previous two years) rushed for a 50-yard touchdown in a 42-17 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1946. . . . Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw four touchdown passes in a 33-6 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1974. . . . Detroit Lions LB Roosevelt Barnes (collected 14 points and 23 rebounds in 24 games for Purdue's 1980 Final Four team after scoring 39 points in 43 games previous two seasons) returned an interception 70 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983. . . . Cleveland Browns rookie FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for four touchdowns - one of them for 69 yards - in a 45-31 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1957. Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two second-quarter TD passes from Norm Van Brocklin. . . . Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two touchdowns in a 27-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1957. . . . Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught seven passes for 146 yards in a 17-17 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963. . . . New York Giants DB Scott Eaton (three-year Oregon State letterman averaged 6 ppg and 2.8 rpg) secured his third interception of the month in 1968. . . . New York Giants rookie DB Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) provided an interception for the second straight game in 1996. . . . New York Giants rookie E Tod Goodwin (West Virginia hoops letterman in 1932-33) scored the game's lone touchdown with a 55-yard pass from Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) in a 10-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1935. . . . New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 34-27 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2014. . . . Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) returned a fumble recovery 20 yards for a touchdown in a 27-17 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1963. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 34-10 win against the Boston Patriots in 1968. Nine years later, Griese threw six TD passes in a 55-14 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1977. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 21-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2002. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 24-17 win against the New York Giants in 1963. . . . Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) caught a 66-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco in a 19-3 win against the New York Jets in 2013. . . . San Francisco 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had 11 pass receptions in a 19-16 win against the Washington Redskins in 1996. . . . Oakland Raiders DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned two interceptions a total of 47 yards in a 38-14 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1991. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 28-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1949. . . . New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) registered three sacks and returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown in a 34-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1985. . . . Chicago Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) scored a touchdown in his third consecutive contest in 1932. . . . Chicago Cardinals FB Ernie Nevers (All-PCC second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) rushed for three touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the Dayton Triangles in 1929. . . . Detroit Lions TE Ulysses Norris (Georgia hooper in 1975-76) caught two touchdown passes from Eric Hipple in a 45-3 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983. . . . New York Yankees TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 38-28 setback against the Chicago Rockets in 1946. . . . Chicago Bears E Dick Plasman (Vanderbilt two-year starting center named to 1936 All-SEC Tournament second five) caught a 58-yard touchdown pass in a 47-25 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1940. . . . New England Patriots TE John Tanner (JC recruit averaged 3.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1968-69) opened the game's scoring by catching a touchdown pass from Jim Plunkett in a 27-17 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1974. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) scored the game-winning touchdown - 10-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick - with 10 seconds remaining in a 23-19 nod over the Oakland Raiders in 2013.
25: Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) scored three touchdowns (one pass reception/two rushes) in a 35-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1962. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 21-10 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1979. . . . A 26-yard touchdown pass from Eddie LeBaron to E John Carson (Georgia hoops letterman in 1952 and 1953) in the fourth quarter gave the Washington Redskins a 20-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1956. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes - including decisive 32-yard score with 48 seconds remaining - in a 34-27 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2001. . . . Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) rushed for two touchdowns in a 23-14 win against the New York Giants in 1945. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 32-14 win against the Baltimore Ravens in 2007. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-14 win against the Los Angeles Dons in 1948. . . . Washington Redskins S Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) opened game's scoring by returning fumble recovery 17 yards for a touchdown in 20-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1956. . . . Chicago Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had two fourth-quarter touchdown receptions (79 and 56 yards) in a 17-17 tie against the New York Giants in 1956. . . . Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 14-10 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1973. . . . New York Yankees B Wild Bill Kelly (two-year Montana hoops letterman in mid-1920s) returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown in a 19-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1928. . . . Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas letterman in early 1940s) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 28-14 win against the Detroit Lions in 1948. . . . Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) caught seven passes for 135 yards in a 33-30 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1979. . . . Baltimore Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Johnny Unitas (52 and 15 yards) in a 24-24 tie against the Detroit Lions in 1965. . . . Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) had two interceptions - returning one of them 45 yards for a touchdown - in a 21-7 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2004. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had two of his league-high 13 pass reception touchdowns en route to 13 catches for 166 yards in a 38-17 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002. . . . Cleveland Browns rookie RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) scored two touchdowns in a 21-16 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1973. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had five pass receptions for 125 yards - including three touchdowns from Y.A. Tittle - in a 42-24 win against the Washington Redskins in 1962. . . . Chicago Bears DE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) returned a fumble recovery 55 yards for a touchdown in a 42-21 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1951.
26: Washington Redskins FB Frank Akins (averaged 1.7 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) opened the game's scoring with a rushing touchdown in a 14-7 win against the Boston Yanks in 1944. . . . New York Giants DB Erich Barnes (played briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown in a 37-21 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1961. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-28 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1950. . . . Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas A&M win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught a 97-yard touchdown pass from Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) in a 34-15 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1953. . . . Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for three first-half touchdowns in a 28-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1961. . . . Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) scored the game's decisive touchdown with a 51-yard rush in the fourth quarter in a 13-7 win against the Chicago Bears in 1936. . . . St. Louis Rams LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had two interceptions in a 31-24 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2000. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for two first-quarter touchdowns in a 24-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 1959. . . . New York Giants E Jim Lee Howell (All-SWC first-five selection as Arkansas senior in 1935-36) caught two touchdown passes in a 28-7 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-26 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2006. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 41-27 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1967. Steelers LB Bill Saul (averaged 6.1 ppg for Penn State in 1959-60) intercepted one of Kapp's passes. . . . Minnesota Vikings DB Earsell Mackbee (teammate of Utah State All-American Wayne Estes averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 1964-65) had two interceptions - returning one 32 yards for a touchdown - in a 41-27 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1967. . . . HB Kent Ryan (two-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference first-team choice for Utah State averaged 8.1 ppg in league play in 1933-34, 9.9 ppg in 1934-35, 9.3 ppg in 1935-36 and 7.6 ppg in 1936-37) scored the Detroit Lions' lone touchdown with a three-yard rush in a 31-7 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1939. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown in a 30-27 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961. . . . New York Giants QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 62-10 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1972. . . . New York Jets SS Shafer Suggs (averaged 10.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg in three-year career, setting Ball State record with nine consecutive field goals without miss and leading Cardinals in rebounding in 1974-75) returned an interception 29 yards in a 24-13 win against the Miami Dolphins in 1978. . . . Green Bay Packers P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted six times for 304 yards (50.7 average) in a 21-16 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1972.
27: Cleveland Bulldogs E Carl Bacchus (three-year Missouri hoops letterman in mid-1920s) opened the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown reception in a 32-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1927. . . . Houston Texans LB Connor Barwin (played 34 games for Cincinnati in 2005-06 and 2006-07) had four sacks and seven tackles in a 20-13 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011. . . . Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned a kickoff 53 yards for a touchdown in a 31-17 win against the Denver Broncos in 1969. . . . Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas A&M win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) had nine pass receptions for 155 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-24 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1952. Three TD passes for Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) were in the second quarter. . . . Cleveland Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught two touchdown passes (16 and 41 yards) from Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) in a 35-35 tie against the New York Giants in 1955. Graham finished with three TD passes. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught three touchdown passes in a 40-21 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. . . . Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught six passes for 134 yards in a 38-38 tie against the Denver Broncos in 1960. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie DB Tony Dungy (roommate of Flip Saunders averaged 2.6 ppg for Minnesota in 1973-74 under coach Bill Musselman) intercepted a pass in second consecutive contest in 1977. . . . New York Giants E Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 13-7 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 42-29 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2005. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-12 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2005. . . . Chicago Bears E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) opened the game's scoring with a 49-yard touchdown catch in a 7-7 tie against the Portland Spartans in 1932. . . . Buffalo Bills rookie E Jim Lukens (Washington & Lee VA hoops letterman) caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) in a 38-14 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1949. Ratterman finished the game with three TD passes. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw four touchdown passes in a 48-20 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. . . . Baltimore Colts B John North (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1943) caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Y.A. Tittle in a 38-14 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1949. . . . San Francisco 49ers E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught six passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-22 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1960. . . . Green Bay Packers E Steve Pritko (Villanova two-year hoops letterman) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 41-21 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1949. . . . Washington Redskins E-P Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin letterman in early 1960s) averaged 46 yards on six punts in a 72-41 win against the New York Giants in 1966. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 33-21 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2005. Two years earlier, Taylor returned a fumble recovery 34 yards for a touchdown in a 40-21 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) caught three second-half touchdown passes from Frank Tripucka (80, 24 and 35 yards) in a 38-38 tie against the Buffalo Bills in 1960. Taylor finished the game with nine receptions for 199 yards. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie HB Sid Watson (averaged 4.1 ppg as Northeastern freshman in 1951-52) had a 62-yard pass reception touchdown from Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) in a 23-14 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1955. . . . Denver Broncos RB Wandy Williams (led Hofstra in scoring with 19.9 ppg in 1967-68) rushed for a touchdown in a 31-17 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1969. . . . B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1926) supplied the Staten Island Stapletons' only touchdown with a five-yard rush in a 7-6 win against the New York Giants in 1930.
28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Larry Ball (played eight hoop games for Louisville as sophomore in 1968-69 before persuaded by coach Lee Corso to concentrate on football) had an interception in a 49-16 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1976. . . . TE Luther Broughton (forward scored five points in five games for Furman in 1994-95) scored both of the Philadelphia Eagles' touchdowns with fourth-quarter receptions from QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) in a 20-17 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1999. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 146 yards on 20 carries and scored four touchdowns - three rushing/one receiving - in a 42-21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1965. . . . TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) scored both of the Detroit Lions' touchdowns in a 14-2 win against the Chicago Bears in 1935. . . . New York Giants TB Ed Danowski ([Fordham](schools/fordham0 hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two of his league-high 10 touchdown passes in a 21-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935. . . . Boston Yanks HB Bob Davis (Kentucky letterman in 1937 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) opened the game's scoring with a 21-yard touchdown catch in a 34-10 win against the Detroit Lions in 1946. . . . Oakland Raiders TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught two touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 37-34 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1999. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 34-31 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004. . . . New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 49-24 win against the New York Giants in 2011. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four touchdown passes in a 31-28 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1948. . . . Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown in a 34-31 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1965. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. . . . Washington Redskins DB Joe Lavender (averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had an interception in his fourth consecutive contest of the month in 1976. . . . E Eggs Manske (point guard led Northwestern to share of 1933 Big Ten Conference crown) provided the Chicago Bears' second touchdown with a 43-yard pass reception in a 15-7 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1937. Three weeks earlier, Manske had a 64-yard TD catch in a 24-14 setback against the Green Bay Packers. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Pete Metzelaars (averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Wabash IN while setting NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for single season as senior in 1981-82 and career) had 10 pass receptions in a 23-7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993. . . . Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier letterman in 1943) returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown in a 35-14 win against the New York Yankees in 1948. . . . Chicago Cardinals FB Ernie Nevers (All-PCC second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) rushed for six touchdowns in a 40-6 win against the Chicago Bears in 1929. Two years later, Nevers rushed for two second-quarter TDs in a 21-0 win against the Cleveland Indians in 1931. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown in a 21-14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004. . . . Buffalo Bills QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) had two second-quarter rushing touchdowns in a 35-14 win against the New York Yankees in 1948. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes to Pete Retzlaff in a 28-24 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 24-17 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2004.
29: Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) completed 26-of-32 passes (including four touchdowns) in a 41-21 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1981. . . . New York Giants B Dale Burnett (two-time all-conference hooper for Emporia State KS) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 27-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1934. . . . Boston Redskins rookie DL Victor Carroll (three-year hoops letterman for Nevada-Reno in mid-1930s) returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown in a 30-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1936. . . . New York Giants rookie TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1934. . . . Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had 11 tackles for the third time during the 2009 campaign. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 43-14 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. Six years later, Gates had two touchdown receptions in a little over one minute late in the first half of a 31-25 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. . . . Houston Oilers QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1970. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers B Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) provided the game's decisive score with a rushing touchdown in a 13-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1936. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes in a 31-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1959. . . . Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) had two interceptions in a 31-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1970. . . . Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had seven pass receptions for 156 yards in a 37-27 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2007. . . . Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) caught a pass for 19 yards in a 21-20 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1970. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had five pass receptions for 143 yards in a 20-20 tie against the Denver Broncos in 1964. . . . Minnesota Vikings TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA) caught 11 passes - including a touchdown in his third consecutive 1981 contest. . . . Detroit Lions B Bill Shepherd (Western Maryland hooper) returned a fumble recovery 38 yards for a touchdown in a 26-17 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1936. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 38-24 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1964. . . . Kansas City Chiefs rookie TE Morris Stroud Jr. (tallest TE in NFL history averaged 7.2 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1967-68 when 6-10 junior shot team-high 50.9% from floor for Clark Atlanta GA) opened the game's scoring with a career-long 50-yard touchdown reception from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) in a 26-14 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1970. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 13 pass receptions in a 20-20 tie against the Oakland Raiders in 1964. . . . In the midst of four consecutive contests with a touchdown catch, Jacksonville Jaguars TE Julius Thomas (averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 66.3% from floor with Portland State from 2006-07 through 2009-10) had nine pass receptions in a 31-25 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2015.
30: Pittsburgh Steelers HB Lynn Chandnois (forward scored 15 points in 11 games for Michigan State in 1946-47 and 1947-48) scored two first-quarter touchdowns - including a 91-yard kickoff return - in a 63-7 win against the New York Giants in 1952. Steelers QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) threw four of his league-high 20 TD passes. . . . New York Giants B Stu Clancy (Holy Cross letterman from 1928 through 1930 was hoops captain as senior) rushed for the game's only touchdown in a 10-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1933. . . . In 2003, Atlanta Falcons WR Terrence Edwards (collected 26 points and 14 rebounds for Georgia in 14 games second half of freshman season in 1998-99) had his only NFL pass reception (10 yards in 17-13 setback against Houston Texans). . . . Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) rushed for two touchdowns in a 30-10 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1947. . . . Dallas Cowboys TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) opened the game's scoring by catching a 54-yard touchdown pass from Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) in a 22-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1973. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 28-24 win against the San Diego Chargers in 2003. . . . WR Ray Hamilton (Arkansas letterman for two SWC hoop champions from 1936 through 1938) scored the Los Angeles Rams' lone touchdown with a 10-yard pass reception from Bob Waterfield in a 30-10 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1947. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-30 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1975. . . . In the midst of catching a touchdown pass in 11 of the San Francisco 49ers' last 12 games of the 1998 season, WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had five receptions for 140 yards in a 31-7 win against the New York Giants. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 44-9 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1997. . . . Detroit Lions B Whizzer White (two-time all-conference first-team selection averaged 6.8 ppg for Colorado from 1935-36 through 1937-38) opened the game's scoring with an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 21-3 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1941. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught seven passes for 132 yards in a 45-21 setback against the Houston Texans in 2014. . . . Chicago Bears E Joe Zeller (averaged 4.1 ppg as three-year Indiana letterman from 1929-30 through 1931-32) caught a 21-yard touchdown pass in a 22-6 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1933.
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in October
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in September
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 31 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 31 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 31
SS Alvin Dark (basketball letterman for LSU and USL during World War II) traded by the Milwaukee Braves to the San Francisco Giants in 1960.
Baltimore Orioles LHP Mike Flanagan (averaged 13.9 ppg for Massachusetts' 15-1 freshman squad in 1971-72) named winner of the 1979 A.L. Cy Young Award.
RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection as Princeton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1999-00) started Game 4 for the Kansas City Royals when they defeated the New York Mets, 5-3, to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the 2015 World Series.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 30 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 30 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 30
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman basketball squad in 1953-54) and St. Louis Cardinals SS Dick Groat (two-time All-American with Duke in 1950-51 and 1951-52 when finishing among nation's top five scorers each season) finished 1-2 in N.L. MVP voting in 1963.
1B Gary Holle (Siena's scoring and rebounding leader in 1974-75 and 1975-76) traded by the Chicago White Sox to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981.
Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) hired as Baltimore Orioles manager in 1995.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 29 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 29 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 29
Dallas Green (Delaware's second-leading basketball scorer and rebounder in 1954-55) stepped down as president and general manager of the Chicago Cubs in 1987.
OF Wally Roettger (Illinois letterman in 1921-22 and 1922-23) purchased from the New York Giants by the Cincinnati Reds in 1930.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 28 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 28 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 28
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading basketball scorer and rebounder in 1955-56 and 1956-57) captured the Cy Young Award in 1968.
A homer by Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (led Thomas More KY in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) against the Cleveland Indians accounted for the only run in Game 6 of the 1995 World Series as the Braves became the first franchise to win championships representing three different cities (previously Boston and Milwaukee).
SS Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while finishing among nation's top 45 scorers each year) traded by the Chicago Cubs to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975.
OF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) traded by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to the Seattle Mariners in 2002.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 27 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 27 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 27
SS Dick Groat (two-time basketball All-American with Duke in 1950-51 and 1951-52 when finishing among nation's top five scorers each season) traded with 1B Bill White (played two years with Hiram OH in early 1950s) and C Bob Uecker by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies for C Pat Corrales, OF Alex Johnson and P Art Mahaffey in 1965.
In the longest opener in World Series history (14 innings), Kansas City Royals RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection as Princeton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1999-00) fanned the side in the 12th en route to three hitless frames and earning the win against the New York Mets, 5-4, in 2015.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 26 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 26 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 26
Detroit Tigers OF Hank Greenberg (attended NYU briefly on basketball scholarship in late 1920s) won 1940 A.L. MVP.
In 1960, Washington Senators President Calvin Griffith (hoops letterman in 1934 and 1935 when George Washington compiled 25-10 record) made decision to move franchise to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
RHP Oral Hildebrand (hoops All-American for Butler in 1928-29 and 1929-30) traded by the St. Louis Browns to the New York Yankees in 1938.
RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Mizzou in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) traded by the Texas Rangers to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 25 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 25 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 25
OF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA basketball titlist) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Chicago White Sox in 1955.
C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) purchased from the Detroit Tigers by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972.
1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) traded by the Texas Rangers to the San Diego Padres in 1978.
In 1977, RHP Jim Todd (played for Parsons IA before averaging 16 ppg with Millersville State PA in 1968-69) shipped by the Chicago Cubs to the Seattle Mariners to complete an earlier deal in the spring.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on October 24 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 24 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 24
Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (basketball letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) stroked two doubles among his three hits in a 4-2 Game 4 victory against the New York Giants and Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) in the 1911 World Series.
Securing at least one steal in his seventh consecutive postseason contest, Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) went 3-for-3, scored three runs and received three walks in a 7-6 win against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the 1995 World Series. Seven years later with the San Francisco Giants, Lofton provided three hits for the second straight game in the 2002 World Series against the Anaheim Angels.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as All-Iowa Conference freshman selection in 1964-65 and 12.1 as sophomore in 1965-66) supplied the game-winning RBI in an 8-7 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the 1981 World Series.
Brooklyn Dodgers INF Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons for UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41), the first black major leaguer of the 20th Century, died of heart disease at the age of 53 in 1972.
DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) banged out a two-out, two-run double in the top of the 11th inning to spark the Toronto Blue Jays to their first World Series championship with a 4-3 decision over the Atlanta Braves in Game 6 in 1992.
World Series-ious Athletes: Fall Classic Impact of Former College Hoopers
Numerous universities have had versatile athletes who played college basketball before going on to major league baseball careers including appearances in the Fall Classic.
While many single-minded basketball fans are assessing polls and rankings in preseason hoop magazines and websites, following is an incisive "Who Am I?" quiz for well-rounded basketball/baseball enthusiasts taking a toll on their memories as they try to recall World Series participants who played varsity basketball for a current NCAA Division I college. Keep your chin up if you need relief answering the following questions because they're almost as difficult as both teams will find scoring off first-rate bullpens:
I was a 13-year major league second baseman who set several fielding records and played in the 1967 World Series with the Boston Red Sox after ranking among the nation's top 12 free-throw shooters both of my college basketball seasons with Oklahoma State.
Who am I? Jerry Adair
I was a 17-year first baseman who hit four homers and a double in a single game and played in back-to-back World Series with the Milwaukee Braves after being LSU's leading scorer (18.6 points per game) for the Tigers' 1945-46 team compiling an 18-3 record and losing against Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference Tournament final.
Who am I? Joe Adcock
I was a 10-year pitcher who led the A.L. in winning percentage in 1935 with an 18-7 record (.720) for the World Series-bound Detroit Tigers after I was named to the first five on an all-conference basketball team in my final season at Kansas State. I was a submariner who hurled a complete game victory in a 10-4 verdict over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the '34 Series before losing Game 7 to Dizzy Dean.
Who am I? Eldon Auker
I was a shortstop who participated in five World Series, four with the champion, in a six-year span from 1910 through 1915 after earning a basketball letter for Holy Cross in 1908.
Who am I? John "Jack" Barry
I was a rookie pitcher in 1978 with the New York Yankees who went the distance for the first time in my major league career in a Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. I was a 6-5 forward who averaged 14.3 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds per game for Dartmouth in 1974-75 when I was selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League.
Who am I? Jim Beattie
I was a catcher who appeared in back-to-back World Series with the New York Yankees (1927 and 1928) after being a basketball letterman for Niagara from 1916-17 through 1918-19.
Who am I? Bernard "Benny" Bengough
I was an outfielder who, during my 11-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit a double in the 1925 World Series to help them become the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit in a seven-game series. I played with my brother on Oregon's basketball squad before we briefly played alongside each other with the Pirates.
Who am I? Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee
I was a player-manager who earned American League MVP honors in leading the Cleveland Indians to the 1948 World Series after being the top scorer for an Illinois team sharing a Big Ten Conference basketball title.
Who am I? Lou Boudreau
I was a pitcher who appeared in the 1947 and 1949 World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers after notching 21-12 and 13-5 won-loss marks, respectively, following a basketball career at NYU, where I was the Violets' sixth-leading scorer in 1943-44 with an average of 3.8 points per game. Major league player and manager Bobby Valentine is my son-in-law.
Who am I? Ralph Branca
I was a 12-year outfielder who played in three World Series with the New York Yankees and hit 38 home runs in one season with Kansas City after finishing my college basketball career ranking fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list.
Who am I? Bob Cerv
I am a Hall of Fame catcher who participated in five World Series (1929-30-31-34-35) with the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers after playing basketball for Boston University.
Who am I? Mickey Cochrane
I posted a 1.88 ERA in 14 1/3 innings for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Giants in the 1912 World Series after being a two-year basketball letterman with Vermont.
Who am I? Ray Collins
I am a Hall of Fame outfielder for the New York Yankees who compiled a .350 batting average in four World Series (1926-27-28-32) after being captain with Eastern Kentucky's basketball squad.
Who am I? Earle Combs
I am a three-time All-Star Game performer who pitched in the 1957 World Series for the Milwaukee Braves after being an All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team selection in 1949-50 when the 6-7 sophomore center led Washington State and the PCC North Division in scoring (13.3 points per game).
Who am I? Gene Conley
I appeared in two World Series games for St. Louis Cardinals in 1934 after serving as Davidson basketball captain in early 1920s.
Who am I? Pat Crawford
I hit .323 in three World Series (1948 with Boston Braves; 1951 and 1954 with New York Giants). Member of LSU's 1942-43 basketball squad before entering military service (Marine Corps V-12 program) during World War II. Known as the "Swamp Fox," I was a five-sport letterman with Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now Louisiana-Lafayette) during 1943-44.
Who am I? Alvin Dark
I led N.L. outfielders in putouts three years and hit near or over .300 for three St. Louis Cardinal pennant
winners (1926, 1928 and 1930) after earning letters three seasons in basketball for California.
Who am I? Taylor Douthit
I was a second baseman who posted a career-high 22-game hitting streak during 1975 regular season before hitting safely in all seven World Series contests for Boston Red Sox against Cincinnati Reds. I averaged 2.7 ppg in 11 basketball outings with Morehead State in 1962-63.
Who am I? Denny Doyle
I was a 10-year utility infielder who saw action in two World Series games in 1959 with the Chicago White Sox after averaging seven points per contest as a 5-9 starting guard for Indiana in 1951-52.
Who am I? Sammy Esposito
I was a catcher who appeared in two World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1974 and 1978). Pacific teammate of All-American Keith Swagerty averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 1965-66 and 1966-67 under coach Dick Edwards, scoring two points against eventual NCAA champion UCLA in the 1967 West Regional final.
Who am I? Joe Ferguson
I led the A.L. in won-loss percentage in 1946 with a 25-6 mark before pitching a shutout in Game 3 of the World Series for the Boston Red Sox against the St. Louis Cardinals after being a basketball letterman for Mississippi State in 1940-41.
Who am I? Boo Ferriss
I was a lefthanded hitting backup outfielder who participated in the 1929 World Series with the Philadelphia
Athletics after being a basketball letterman for Army's 18-5 team in 1921 following two campaigns with Rutgers.
Who am I? Walter French
I wasa righthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1980 World Series with the Kansas City Royals after leading New Hampshire with 7.2 rebounds per game in 1975-76.
Who am I? Rich Gale
I was a first baseman-outfielder who hit 103 major league homers and pinch hit four times for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1961 World Series after earning a letter with Temple's basketball team in 1948-49 when I averaged 2.7 points per game.
Who am I? Dick Gernert
I was a lefthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1960 World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates after finishing my four-year college career as Mississippi's leader in career scoring and rebounds following a senior season when my scoring average was higher than first-team All-Americans Elgin Baylor (Seattle) and Wilt Chamberlain (Kansas).
Who am I? Joe Gibbon
I am a Hall of Fame pitcher who set a record with 17 strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers in my third World
Series in five years after becoming the first basketball player in Creighton history to average at least 20 points per game in a career.
Who am I? Bob Gibson
I am a palm-ball specialist who blanked the Baltimore Orioles in 5 1/3 innings in three relief appearances for the champion Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1971 World Series after becoming the first N.L. pitcher to appear in each contest of a four-game LCS. I connected on 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60.
Who am I? Dave Giusti
I am a Hall of Fame first baseman-left fielder who had 14 extra-base hits in four World Series with the Detroit Tigers after attending NYU briefly on a basketball scholarship in 1929.
Who am I? Hank Greenberg
I am an eight-time All-Star Game shortstop who started for World Series championship teams with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 and St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 after twice ranking among the top four scorers in the country with Duke.
Who am I? Dick Groat
I was a perennial All-Star outfielder with multiple Gold Gloves and N.L. batting titles who sparked the San Diego Padres to two World Series (1984 and 1998) after being a two-time All-WAC second-team selection as a San Diego State guard who led the league in assists as a sophomore and junior.
Who am I? Tony Gwynn
I was a three-time All-Star catcher who played in the 1962 World Series with the San Francisco Giants (swatted a two-run homer off Hall of Famer Whitey Ford of the Yankees in Game Four) after playing as a backup forward for Illinois' basketball squad as a sophomore (1956-57) and junior (1957-58).
Who am I? Tom Haller
I was a 12-year lefthanded reliever who appeared in back-to-back World Series (1963 and 1964) with the New York Yankees after the 6-7 Morehead State forward-center ranked 15th in the country in scoring as a junior (24.2 ppg in 1956-57) and among the nation's top 10 rebounders as a senior (19.1 rpg in 1957-58).
Who am I? Steve Hamilton
I was a 12-year lefthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1989 World Series with the San Francisco Giants after being a 6-2 guard who averaged 5.3 points per game as a freshman in 1976-77 and 4.9 ppg as a sophomore in 1977-78 for East Tennessee State.
Who am I? Atlee Hammaker
I was a first baseman-outfielder who participated in the 1942 World Series with the New York Yankees after
playing for Manhattan basketball teams winning a school-record 17 consecutive games in 1930 and 1931.
Who am I? John "Buddy" Hassett
I was a lefthanded hitting utilityman who participated as a rookie with the New York Yankees in the 1923 World Series against the New York Giants after being a basketball letterman for Vanderbilt in 1918.
Who am I? Harvey Hendrick
I was a 10-year pitcher who hurled four shutout innings as the fourth-game starter for the New York Yankees in the 1939 World Series after being a basketball All-American for Butler. I was named to the first A.L. All-Star team in 1933.
Who am I? Oral Hildebrand
I was a 16-year first baseman/outfielder who homered in Game 4 of the 1963 World Series to help the Los Angeles Dodgers sweep the New York Yankees and twice led the A.L. in homers after leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding as a junior and senior.
Who am I? Frank Howard
I was a 13-year infielder who slugged 43 of my 136 career homers for the Atlanta Braves in 1973 after appearing in four World Series with the Baltimore Orioles (1966, 1969, 1970 and 1971). I averaged 1.7 points per game as a sophomore in my only varsity basketball season (1961-62) with Texas A&M before signing a pro baseball contract.
Who am I? Davey Johnson
I was a 13-year outfielder who hit .306 for the New York Yankees in 19 World Series games after being a three-year basketball letterman for Maryland.
Who am I? Charlie Keller
I was a Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher who became N.L. MVP but lost the 1950 World Series opener to the New York Yankees as a starter, 1-0, after playing two seasons for Syracuse basketball teams.
Who am I? Jim Konstanty
I began rookie year with the Chicago Cubs by winning nine of my first 10 decisions before becoming a reliever for the 1969 Amazin' Mets World Series champion. I was a standout basketball player for Campbell in 1960 and 1961 when the North Carolina-based school was a junior college.
Who am I? Cal Koonce
I was an infielder-outfielder who hit .303 in my 15-year career. When I was with the Detroit Tigers, I led the
A.L. in batting average once (.353 in 1959), hits four times (209 in 1953 when he was rookie of the year, 201 in 1954, 196 in 1956 and 198 in 1959) and doubles on three occasions (38 in 1955, 39 in 1958 and 42 in 1959) before appearing in the 1962 World Series with the San Francisco Giants. I managed the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1982 World Series. I played in five games for Wisconsin's basketball team in the 1951-52 season.
Who am I? Harvey Kuenn
I was a three-time All-Star outfielder who posted a .331 average with 22 HRs and 107 RBI in my first full season with the New York Giants in 1935 before appearing in the World Series in 1936 and 1937. I had two hits in a six-run second inning of Game Four in the Giants' lone victory against the New York Yankees in 1937 after scoring 16 points in nine basketball games for Arizona in 1931.
Who am I? Hank Leiber
I am an outfielder who led the A.L. in stolen bases, a record for an A.L. rookie, and appeared in the World
Series with three different teams (Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants) after setting
Arizona basketball records for steals in a season and career.
Who am I? Kenny Lofton
I was a 12-year infielder who played in the 1957 and 1958 World Series with the New York Yankees after being a member of Southwest Missouri State squads that won 1952 and 1953 NAIA Tournament titles.
Who am I? Jerry Lumpe
I was a lefthanded outfielder who appeared in 1943 World Series for the New York Yankees against the St. Louis Cardinals after being a basketball letterman with William & Mary from 1935-36 through 1937-38.
Who am I? Arthur "Bud" Metheny
I was a Gold Glove left fielder in 1960 between participating in two World Series with the Dodgers (1959 and
1965) after averaging 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50.
Who am I? Wally Moon
I was a righthander who appeared in 1934 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals' Gas House Gang against the Detroit Tigers. I was an all-around athlete for East Tennessee State.
Who am I? Jim Mooney
I was an infielder who hit .303 with the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox in 17 A.L. seasons from 1925 through 1941, participating in two World Series (1925 and 1933). I was a basketball letterman for Mississippi State in 1923-24.
Who am I? Charles "Buddy" Myer
I was a five-time All-Star who holds the A.L. record for most homers by a third baseman (319), but was homerless in five World Series (four with the New York Yankees and one with the San Diego Padres). The highlight of my career was four dazzling stops in Game 3 of the 1978 World Series to help the Yankees win their first of four consecutive games. I averaged 5.3 points per game while earning basketball letters in my hometown for San Diego State in 1963-64 and 1964-65, shooting 87.8% from the free-throw line (36 of 41) as a sophomore.
Who am I? Graig Nettles
I was a 19-year MLB pitcher who appeared in two World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies after averaging 18.9 points and 14.3 rebounds in three varsity basketball seasons with Notre Dame.
Who am I? Ron Reed
I was a catcher who played with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1967 and 1968 World Series. I led Duquesne in scoring in my senior season with a 17.9 average in 1956-57 when I finished fourth in the nation in free-throw percentage (86.2). As a sophomore, I was a starter for an NIT championship team that compiled a 22-4 record and finished sixth in the final AP poll.
Who am I? Dave Ricketts
I appeared in 1915 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies en route to becoming the N.L.'s winningest
lefthanded pitcher until Warren Spahn broke my record. I earned basketball letters with Virginia in 1911-12 and 1913-14.
Who am I? Eppa Rixey Jr.
I am a Hall of Fame pitcher who was a 20-game winner for six consecutive seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies after leading Michigan State in field-goal percentage as a junior captain. In 1950, I lost my only World Series start, 2-1, when the Yankees' Joe DiMaggio homered off me in the 10th inning.
Who am I? Robin Roberts
I am a Hall of Fame infielder who was a regular for six National League pennant winners after compiling league-high scoring averages in both of my seasons with UCLA. I collected two homers and seven doubles in World Series competition for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Who am I? Jackie Robinson
I was a four-time All-Star third baseman with the New York Yankees who appeared in six of the seven World Series from 1936 through 1942. I managed the Detroit Tigers after being a head basketball coach with Yale and with the Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America. I played in a handful of basketball games for Dartmouth.
Who am I? Robert "Red" Rolfe
I was a New York Yankees lefthander who registered a pair of 2-1 World Series victories (over the Brooklyn
Dodgers in 1941 and St. Louis Cardinals in 1943) after playing for two of the premier teams in college basketball history when LIU went 24-2 in 1934-35 and 26-0 in 1935-36. I was named to the first five on the Metropolitan New York Basketball Writers Association All-Star Team after the undefeated season.
Who am I? Marius Russo
I pitched in two World Series games for the New York Yankees in 1964 after being a 6-4 sophomore forward who averaged 13.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for Connecticut's NCAA Tournament team in 1959-60.
Who am I? Rollie Sheldon
I was a three-time All-Star first baseman-outfielder who played in the 1956 and 1958 World Series with the New York Yankees and 1967 World Series with the Boston Red Sox. I was a member of Southwest Missouri State squads that won back-to-back NAIA Tournament titles in 1952 and 1953.
Who am I? Norm Siebern
I was an infielder-outfielder who batted .319 or better in 12 of 14 major league seasons with the Cleveland
Indians and Chicago Cubs from 1921 through 1934. In 1927, my first full season with the Cubs, I led the N.L. with 46 doubles. In the Cubs' 1929 pennant-winning season, I combined with Hall of Famers Kiki Cuyler and Hack Wilson to become the first outfield in N.L. history to have each starter finish with more than 100 RBI. I hit .378 in nine World Series games with the Cubs in 1929 and 1932 after being a guard who earned a basketball letter with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 1920.
Who am I? Riggs Stephenson
I was a 10-year switch-hitting utilityman who played in the 1970 World Series with the Cincinnati Reds. I was an all-conference selection both years when I finished third in scoring for Austin Peay State teams in 1959-60 (11.5 points per game) and 1960-61 (10.4 ppg) that participated in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Who am I? Jimmy Stewart
I was a 13-year veteran who appeared in 485 major league games, all as a reliever, and won a 1979 World Series game with the Baltimore Orioles after being a starting forward opposite national player of the year David Thompson of North Carolina State for an NCAA basketball champion.
Who am I? Tim Stoddard
I was a lefthander who led the N.L. in won-loss percentage in 1973 (12-3 mark with the New York Mets) before appearing in the World Series and notching a save in Game 2 against the Oakland A's. Basketball letterman for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66 (averaged 14.7 ppg as teammate of noted women's coach Leon Barmore).
Who am I? George Stone
I was an 11-year infielder who led the A.L. in stolen bases three times and hit .326 in the World Series for back-to-back N.L. pennant winners with the Cincinnati Reds after becoming the first Duke player to earn All-American honors in basketball. I was the initial player to bat in a televised major league game (Reds vs. Brooklyn on August 26, 1939) and the only player ever to hit four consecutive doubles in a game in both leagues.
Who am I? Billy Werber
I was an outfielder who played in 12 All-Star Games and had over 3,000 career hits after playing the entire game for Minnesota in the Gophers' first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1972. I participated in the World Series with the New York Yankees (1981) and Toronto Blue Jays (1992).
Who am I? Dave Winfield
In the longest opener in World Series history (5-4 decision over the New York Mets in 14 innings), I fanned the side in the top of the 12th for the Kansas City Royals in 2015 en route to three hitless frames of relief in my 11th MLB season after the 6-10 center was an All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton in 1999-00 (13.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.9 bpg).
Who am I? Chris Young
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