1948 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

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1948 Pittsburgh Panthers football
ConferenceIndependent
Record6–3
Head coach
Home stadiumPitt Stadium
Seasons
← 1947
1949 →
1948 Eastern college football independents records
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 6 Army   –   8 – 0 – 1
Penn State   –   7 – 1 – 1
Buffalo   –   6 – 1 – 1
Villanova   –   8 – 2 – 1
Boston University   –   6 – 2 – 0
Boston College   –   5 – 2 – 2
Pittsburgh   –   6 – 3 – 0
Franklin & Marshall   –   5 – 3 – 1
CCNY   –   3 – 4 – 1
Tufts   –   3 – 4 – 1
Colgate   –   3 – 6 – 0
Fordham   –   3 – 6 – 0
NYU   –   3 – 6 – 0
Temple   –   2 – 6 – 1
Duquesne   –   2 – 7 – 0
Carnegie Tech   –   1 – 7 – 0
Hofstra   –   0 – 6 – 2
Bucknell   –   1 – 8 – 0
Syracuse   –   1 – 8 – 0
Drexel   –   0 – 8 – 0
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1948 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1948 college football season. The team compiled a 6–3 record under head coach Mike Milligan.[1]

Pittsburgh was ranked at No. 31 in the final Litkenhous Difference by Score System ratings for 1948.[2]

Schedule[edit]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 25SMU
L 14–3331,469[3]
October 2Notre Dame
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)
L 0–4063,000[4]
October 9West Virginia
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)
W 16–618,401[5]
October 16Marquette
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
W 21–715,730
October 23Indiana
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
W 21–14
October 30at Western Reserve
W 20–012,000[6]
November 6at Ohio State
L 0–4168,966[7]
November 13at Purdue
W 20–1335,000
November 20No. 6 Penn State
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)
W 7–049,444
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

Preseason[edit]

After the disastrous 1947 season, the University's Faculty Committee on Athletic Policy and Chancellor Fitzgerald's Temporary Student-Alumni Athletic Committee, both recommended changes to better the football situation. The results were made public on February 26. The Faculty Committee recommended: that Coach Milligan be asked to resign; that the committee have some control of scheduling; that the Athletic Director, James Hagan, provide an organizational chart of his Department; that a uniform program of employment for student-athletes be established; and that the Faculty Committee on Athletic Policy be reorganized. The Student-Alumni Committee agreed with some issues, but recommended that the Athletic Director, James Hagan, be fired and Coach Milligan be retained. They also recommended upgrades to Pitt's athletic facilities and equipment.[8] After receiving the conflicting reports, the Chancellor formed another committee, the Panel of Five, led by long-time supporter Floyd Rose to come to a consensus. On April 12, the Board of Trustees accepted the Panel of Five's recommendations. Coach Milligan and Athletic Director James Hagan both kept their jobs and a new athletic committee consisting of eight voting members and the Athletic Director was formed. The Athletic Director was given more duties and was to consult with coaches on scheduling.[9] However, the animosity between the coach and athletic director continued. When the committee convened on June 1, the rift was addressed and Mr. Hagan was unanimously asked to resign. On June 7, James Hagan resigned as Athletic Director effective July 1. Frank Carver, Pitt's Sports Publicist, was named acting director.[10]

On March 29, Coach Milligan opened the 6-week spring practice session. Thirty-one lettermen and thirty-five aspirants from the 1947 freshmen squad were joined by another thirty newcomers.[11] Fifty-four of these prospects were invited to the two-week preseason fall camp at Bedford Springs Resort. The Panthers squad then returned to Pittsburgh and resumed two-a-day practices in preparation for the 9-game fall schedule.[12]

On April 11, the Pitt community was in mourning when Jock Sutherland died from a brain tumor at the age of 59.[13]

Coaching staff[edit]

1948 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff
Coaching staff
  • Walter “Mike” Milligan – head coach
  • Harold Williams – assistant coach
  • Dick Cassiano – assistant backfield coach
  • Robert Timmons – assistant end coach
  • Jesse Quatse – assistant line coach
  • John Kosh – assistant guard coach
  • Ted Schmitt– freshman coach
  • Edmund Shedlosky– assistant freshman coach
   Support staff
  • Frank Carver – publicity director/ interim athletic director
  • Dr. Ralph Shanor – team physician
  • Dr. Dan Dickinson – team physician
  • Howard Waite – trainer
  • Bill Haines – equipment manager
  • Velton Castrodale – student manager

Roster[edit]

Game summaries[edit]

Southern Methodist[edit]

Week 1: Southern Methodist at Pitt
1 234Total
• Southern Methodist 7 7613 33
Pitt 0 0014 14
  • Date: September 25, 1948
  • Location: Pitt Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 31,469
  • Game weather: cool and partly cloudy
  • Referee: Lloyd Larson (Wisconsin)
Scoring summary
1SMURaleigh Blakely 13-yard pass from Doak Walker (Walker kick)SMU 7–0
2SMUWalker 60-yard pass from Gil Johnson (Walker kick)SMU 14–0
3SMUWalker 74-yard punt return (kick missed)SMU 20–0
4PITTBill Bruno 16-yard pass from Bimbo Cecconi (Nick Bolkovac kick)SMU 20–7
4SMUBlakely 40-yard pass from Johnson (Walker kick)SMU 27–7
4SMUKyle Rote 47-yard pass from Johnson (kick missed)SMU 33–7
4PITTBill McPeak 13-yard pass from Bobby Lee (Nick Bolkovac kick)SMU 33–14

On September 25, the Panthers opened the season at Pitt Stadium against the SMU Mustangs. Pitt led the all-time series 2-0-1.[17] Coach Matty Bell's squad returned 15 lettermen from their 1947 unbeaten season (9-0-2), and were ranked #3 in the preseason. 1948 Heisman Trophy winner, Doak Walker, and future All-American, Kyle Rote, led the Mustangs offense.[18]

Coach Milligan had 10 returning players in the starting line-up along with sophomore tackle Nick Bolkovac. [19] The Panthers were a 20-point underdog.[20]

The SMU Mustangs, on their seventh attempt, won their first game in the state of Pennsylvania by defeating the Panthers 33 to 14. [19] Doak Walker scored two touchdowns, passed for a third and booted 3 of 5 extra points. End Raleigh Blakely caught 2 touchdown passes and Kyle Rote capped the Mustangs scoring with a 47-yard touchdown reception from Gil Johnson. Pitt managed to score 2 touchdowns in the final period. Bimbo Cecconi hooked up with Bill Bruno for a 16-yard touchdown pass, and Bobby Lee threw a 13-yard scoring toss to Bill McPeak to cap an 88-yard drive.[3]

The Pitt starting line-up for the game against SMU was Leo Skladany (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Bernie Barkouskie (left guard), Len Radnor (center), Michael Boldin (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Bill McPeak (right end), Walt Cummins (quarterback), Bobby Lee (left halfback), Bill Bruno (right halfback) and Bill Abraham (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for the Panthers were Nick DeRosa, Earl Sumpter, Robert Mihm, Ralph Coleman, Charles Thomas, Charles Yost, Anthony Razzano, Laurice Pierce, Flint Green, George Steingraber, Donald Fisher, William Hardisty, Bimbo Cecconi, Carl DePasqua, Louis Meillo, Robert Becker, Peter Fuderich and Joseph Cherol.[3]

Notre Dame[edit]

Week 2: Notre Dame at Pitt
1 234Total
• Notre Dame 7 2166 40
Pitt 0 000 0
  • Date: October 2, 1948
  • Location: Pitt Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 63,000
  • Game weather: sunny and hot
  • Referee: George Rennix (Minnesota)
Scoring summary
1NDLeon Hart 6-yard pass from Frank Tripucka (Steve Oracko kick)ND 7–0
2NDEmil Sitko 2-yard run (Oracko kick)ND 14–0
2NDFrank Spaniel 1-yard run (Oracko kick)ND 21–0
2NDJack Landry (Nick Bolkovac kick)ND 28–0
3NDLancaster Smith 85-yard punt return ( kick missed)ND 34–0
4NDBill McKillip 9-yard run (kick missed)ND 40–0

For Pitt's second home game, Frank Leahy brought his Notre Dame Fighting Irish to Pitt Stadium. The Irish were 1–0 on the season, having defeated Purdue 28–27 in their home opener. The Irish line-up had three consensus All-Americans – end Leon Hart, guard Bill Fischer and halfback, Emil Sitko.[21] Guard Marty Wendell and end Jim Martin also received some All-America recognition.[22] Notre Dame led the all-time series 10–6–1, and had outscored the Panthers 211–15 in the previous 5 games.[23]

Coach Milligan decided to alter the Pitt line-up against the 26–point favorite Irish. On the line, Don Fisher replaced Len Radnor at center, and Charles Thomas and Charles Yost started at guard instead of Bernie Barkouskie and Mike Boldin. In the backfield, Pete Fuderich took over at quarterback for Walt Cummins, and Bob Becker replaced Bill Abraham at fullback.[24]

The Irish were not impressed with the Panthers line-up changes and routed Pitt 40–0. Notre Dame led 28–0 at halftime, and Coach Leahy used his reserves for the second half. The Pitt offense threatened the Irish goal line three times. After the first Irish score, Bobby Lee and Jimmy Robinson combined for a 60-yard lateral rush to the Irish 9-yard line. The Irish defense held, then punted and the Panthers came right back to the Notre Dame 15-yard line. The Notre Dame defense held again. Late in the game, the Panthers offense advanced 75 yards, but Jimmy Robinson was tackled on the 6–yard line on the last play of the game.[4]

The Pitt starting line-up for the game against Notre Dame was Leo Skladany (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Charles Yost (left guard), Don Fisher (center), Charles Thomas (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Bill McPeak (right end), Pete Fuderich (quarterback), Bobby Lee (left halfback), Jimmie Robinson (right halfback) and Bob Becker (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Earl Sumpter, Nick DeRosa, Ted Geremsky, Russell Phillips, Frank Capello, Robert Mihm, Ralph Coleman, Ray Johnson, George Radosevich, Bernie Barkouskie, Mike Boldin, Len Radnor, George Steingraber, Bimbo Cecconi, Louis Melillo, Tony DeMatteo, Bill Abraham, Walt Cummins, Joseph O'Bara, Jack Smodic, Carl DePasqua, William Hardisty and Joseph Cherol.[4]

West Virginia[edit]

Week 3: West Virginia at Pitt
1 234Total
West Virginia 0 060 6
• Pitt 7 720 16
  • Date: October 9, 1948
  • Location: Pitt Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 18,401
  • Game weather: partly cloudy
  • Referee: Francis Keating (Fitchburg)
Scoring summary
1PITTLeo Skladany 14-yard pass from Bimbo Cecconi (Nick Bolkovac kick)PITT 7–0
2PITTJimmie Robinson 5-yard run (Bolkovac kick)PITT 14–0
3WVUPete Zinaich 11-yard run ( kick missed)PITT 14–6
3PITTBernie Barkouskie tackled Vic Bonfeli in the end zone for a safetyPITT 16–6

On October 9, Pitt and West Virginia engaged in the forty-first edition of the Backyard Brawl. The Panthers led the series 30–9–1, but the Mountaineers broke their 15-game losing streak in 1947 by defeating Pitt 17–2.[25] The Mountaineers, led by first-year coach Dudley DeGroot, came into this game undefeated (3–0), having beaten Waynesburg, Wooster and Temple.[26]

Coach Milligan's Panthers were healthy, but he replaced Pete Fuderich at quarterback with Louis Melillo. Pitt was a 3–point underdog, but had not lost back-to-back games to the Mountaineers since the 1922 and 1923 seasons.[27]

In front of 18,401 fans, the Panthers notched their first win of the season 16–6. In the first quarter, Leo Skladany recovered a Charley Becca fumble on the Mountaineers 36–yard line. Five plays later, Bimbo Cecconi connected with Leo Skladany on a 14–yard touchdown pass. Nick Bolkovac added the extra point. In the second quarter, West Virginia punter Len Bellas shanked a 19–yard punt from his own 18–yard line. Two pass plays advanced the ball to the 5–yard line, from where Jimmie Joe Robinson scored on a reverse. Bolkovac added the placement. Early in the second half the Mountaineers drove 56–yards, with Pete Zinaich carrying the ball the final 11–yards for the score. Pitt guard Bernie Barkouskie tackled Vic Bonfeli in the end zone for a safety to cap the scoring.[5] The Mountaineers finished the season with a 9–3 record.[26]

The Pitt starting line-up for the game against West Virginia was Leo Skladany (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Charles Yost (guard), Don Fisher (center),n Charles Thomas (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Bill McPeak (right end), Louis Melillo (quarterback), Bobby Lee (left halfback), Jimmie Robinson (right halfback) and Bob Becker (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Earl Sumpter, Ted Geremski, Robert Mihm, Ralph Coleman, George Radosevich, Bernie Barkouskie, Len Radnor, Mike Boldin, Nick DeRosa, Walt Cummins, Pete Fuderich, Bimbo Cecconi, Bill Bruno, Lindaro Lauro, William Hardisty, Jack Smodic, Emil Rader, Carl DePasqua and Bill Abraham.[28]

Marquette[edit]

Week 4: Marquette at Pitt
1 234Total
Marquette 0 070 7
• Pitt 0 0714 21
Scoring summary
3PITTBob Becker 1-yard run (Nick Bolkovac kick)PITT 7–0
3MARQWilliam Hickey 1-yard run (Howdy Miller kick)TIE 7–7
4PITTNick DeRosa 82-yard pass from Bimbo Cecconi ( Bolkovac kick)PITT 14–7
4PITTJack Smodic 45-yard interception returnPITT 21–7

The fourth game of the season was against the Marquette Hilltoppers. In 1946, in their only previous meeting, Pitt edged Marquette (7–6). Coach Frank J. Murray's squad was 1–2 on the season. They lost to Iowa (14–12) and Detroit (34–6), and beat St. Louis (47–7).[29]

After the first three games, Pitt halfback Louis “Bimbo” Cecconi was third in the East in total offense with 401 yards in 80 plays. Due to injuries, the Panthers lost guard Tony Razzano and halfback Bill Bruno for the season, plus tackles, Sam Haddad, Ralph Short and Wilbur Forsythe, were not available for this contest.[30] Starting guard Bernie Barkouskie was back in the line-up. The favored Panthers got an attendance boost by selling 3,500 discounted tickets for High School Day.[31]

The Panthers won their second game in a row by out-dueling Marquette in the second half 21–7. It took Pitt seven plays to score in the second half. A 64-yard pass from Bobby Lee to Jimmie Robinson advanced the ball to the Marquette 7-yard line. Bob Becker scored from the 1-yard line on second down and Nick Bolkovac added the extra point. Marquette answered with a 50-yard kick-off return and four rushes to tie the score. Bill Hickey scored the touchdown on a 1-yard plunge and Howard Miller added the point. The Panthers gained possession on their 15-yard line to start the final period. On second down, Bimbo Cecconi threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to Nick DeRosa and Bolkovac's kick was good. With less than a minute remaining in the game, Pitt's Jack Smodic intercepted a batted Dick Melka pass and raced 45-yards for the final touchdown. Bolkovac's kick made the final: Pitt 21– Marquette 7.[32]

After the West Virginia victory, the Pitt students and fans tore down the goalposts. The powers to be replaced them with wooden goal posts for the Marquette game. The Pittsburgh faithful tore them down again in celebration.[5][32]

The Pitt starting line-up for the game against Marquette was Leo Skladany (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Bernie Barkouskie (left guard), Don Fisher (center), Charles Thomas (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Bill McPeak (right end), Louis Melillo (quarterback), Bobby Lee (left halfback), Jimmie Robinson (right halfback) and Bob Becker (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Ted Geremsky, Nick DeRosa, Earl Sumpter, Robert Mihm, George Radosevich, Charles Yost, Flint Green, Len Radnor, Mike Boldin, Ralph Coleman, William Samer, Pete Fuderich, Walt Cummins, Bimbo Cecconi, Jack Smodic, Lindaro Lauro, Bill Abraham and Carl DePasqua.[32]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "1948 Pittsburgh Panthers Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. May 21, 2016.
  2. ^ "Michigan, Irish Finish 1-2 in Litkenhous Ratings". Wilmington Morning News. December 15, 1948. p. 32 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b c Jack Henry (September 26, 1948). "Panthers Routed By Ace Backs". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. Section 2-4,6 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b c Chester L. Smith (October 3, 1948). "63,000 Fans See Irish Roll Up Early Margin And Then Coast To Win". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 30 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c Carl Hughes (October 10, 1948). "Pitt Beats West Virginia By 16–6 Score". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 29 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Becker Leads Pitt in 20-to-0 Victory". New York Times. October 31, 1948. p. S3. ... before 12,000 fans at League Park.
  7. ^ "Bucks Swamp Pittsburgh, 41-0". The Pantagraph. Associated Press. November 7, 1948. p. 14. Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Text of Athletic Reports". Pitt News. Vol. 41, no. 36. February 27, 1948. p. 5. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  9. ^ Henry, Jack (April 13, 1948). "Pitt Trustees OK New Athletic Policy". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 22 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Hughes, Carl (June 8, 1948). "Ex-Grid Star Resigns As Trustees Prepare to Act On Ouster". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 24. Retrieved April 19, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Scherb, Max (April 6, 1948). "Spring Grid Aspirants Face First Squad Cut". The Pitt News. Vol. 41, no. 44. p. 6. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  12. ^ Giffen, Donald (September 14, 1948). "Panthers Home From Fall Camp". The Pitt News. Vol. 42, no. 1. p. 6. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  13. ^ "Jock Sutherland Mourned by City". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. April 12, 1948. p. 1. Retrieved April 19, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "University ofPittsburgh Roster (Alphabetical)". Pitt vs. Ohio State Souvenir Program. Ohio StateUniversity Athletic Department: 15. November 6, 1948.
  15. ^ "University of Pittsburgh 1948 Roster". Pitt vs. S. M. U. souvenir program. University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department: 16. September 25, 1948.
  16. ^ "Football Lettermen". 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide. University of Pittsburgh. pp. 178–182. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  17. ^ "Record Book Pitt Football 2005". University of Pittsburgh. 2005. p. 158. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  18. ^ Henry, Jack (September 20, 1948). "SMU Tough Foe in Pitt's Opener". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 17. Retrieved April 22, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ a b Henry, Jack (September 25, 1948). "Doak Walker In Eastern Grid Debut". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 10. Retrieved April 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "30,000 See Pitt In Opener". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. September 25, 1948. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Joe Alt and Xavier Watts Earn Unanimous All-America Status". Fighting Irish.com. Notre Dame University. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  22. ^ "FWAA All-America Since 1944" (PDF). Football Writers Association of America. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2009.
  23. ^ "Record Book Pitt Football 2005". University of Pittsburgh. 2005. p. 156. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  24. ^ Jack Henry (October 2, 1948). "Notre Dame Rules 26–Point Choice". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Record Book Pitt Football 2005". University of Pittsburgh. 2005. p. 160. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  26. ^ a b "1948 West Virginia Mountaineers Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  27. ^ Jack Henry (October 8, 1948). "Pitt-W. Va. Crowd Tabbed at 16,000". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 31 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "Country Cousins". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. October 10, 1948. p. section2-3 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "1948 Marquette Golden Eagles Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  30. ^ Jack Henry (October 14, 1948). "15,000 To See Favored Pitt Oppose Marquette In Stadium". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 36 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ Jack Henry (October 15, 1948). "Defeat Feared For Dukes, Tech". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 30 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ a b c Jack Henry (October 17, 1948). "Cecconi-DeRosa Pass Clincher". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. Section 2-3, 5 – via Newspapers.com.


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