1949 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

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1949 Pittsburgh Panthers football
ConferenceIndependent
Record6–3
Head coach
Home stadiumPitt Stadium
Seasons
← 1948
1950 →
1949 Eastern college football independents records
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
Saint Vincent   –   10 – 0 – 0
No. 4 Army   –   9 – 0 – 0
Trinity (CT)   –   8 – 0 – 0
Brown   –   8 – 1 – 0
No. 12 Cornell   –   8 – 1 – 0
No. 13 Villanova   –   8 – 1 – 0
Bucknell   –   6 – 2 – 0
Dartmouth   –   6 – 2 – 0
Buffalo   –   6 – 3 – 0
Pittsburgh   –   6 – 3 – 0
Princeton   –   6 – 3 – 0
Fordham   –   5 – 3 – 0
Tufts   –   5 – 3 – 1
Carnegie Tech   –   5 – 3 – 1
Penn State   –   5 – 4 – 0
Temple   –   5 – 4 – 0
Penn   –   4 – 4 – 0
Yale   –   4 – 4 – 0
Boston College   –   4 – 4 – 1
Syracuse   –   4 – 5 – 0
Drexel   –   3 – 3 – 1
Duquesne   –   3 – 6 – 0
Franklin & Marshall   –   2 – 5 – 2
CCNY   –   2 – 5 – 1
NYU   –   3 – 6 – 0
Columbia   –   2 – 7 – 0
Hofstra   –   1 – 5 – 1
Colgate   –   1 – 8 – 0
Harvard   –   1 – 8 – 0
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1949 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1949 college football season. The team compiled a 6–3 record under head coach Mike Milligan.[1]

Schedule[edit]

DateOpponentRankSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24William & Mary
W 13–721,506[2]
October 1at Northwestern
W 16–741,000[3]
October 8at West VirginiaNo. 19
W 20–731,005[4]
October 15Miami (OH)No. 15
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
W 35–2620,893[5]
October 22at IndianaNo. 16
L 14–4816,000[6]
October 29at No. 9 Penn
W 22–2142,663[7]
November 5No. 11 Ohio State
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
L 10–1454,789[8]
November 12No. 9 Minnesota
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
L 7–2442,515[9]
November 19Penn State
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)
W 19–044,571[10]
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

Rankings[edit]

See also: 1949 NCAA football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked
Week
Poll12345678Final
AP191516——————

Preseason[edit]

Since Coach Mike Milligan, who led the Panthers to a 6–3 record in 1948 was back for another season, and Tom Hamilton was installed as Athletic Director, the Pitt faithful were upbeat for the 1949 season.

Spring drills began on March 29. Head Coach Milligan welcomed 116 candidates, including 26 lettermen. The Athletic Department funded a jayvee team that would play a 4 or 5 game schedule, in addition to the usual freshmen squad. Initially, assistant Coach Ed Shedloskey was in charge of the Jayvees with assistance from Don Fisher, Leo Skladany and John Chickerneo. Paul Sager was later hired to coach the Jayvees. Forty-one students came to the initial tryouts.[11] On April 30, the varsity traveled to New Brunswick, NJ to scrimmage against Rutgers. A week later they held a Blue versus White intra-squad game for fans at Pitt Stadium to close the spring session.[12][13]

Fall practice commenced August 31 in Meadville, PA on the campus of Allegheny College. Fifty-five Panthers were invited. They spent two weeks at camp, and then returned to campus to finish training for their opening game against William & Mary College.[14]

Coaching staff[edit]

1949 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff
Coaching staff   Support staff
  • Thomas J. Hamilton – director of athletics and physical education
  • Frank Carver – graduate manager
  • Don Giffen – publicity director
  • Dr. Ralph Shanor – team physician
  • Howard Waite – trainer
  • Bill Haines – equipment manager
  • Joe Percovich– student manager

Roster[edit]

Game summaries[edit]

William & Mary[edit]

Week 1: William & Mary at Pitt
1 234Total
William & Mary 0 007 7
• Pitt 6 007 13
  • Date: September 25, 1949
  • Location: Pitt Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 21,506
  • Game weather: partly cloudy
  • Referee: Francis P. Brennan (Canisius)
Scoring summary
1PITTNick DeRosa recovered a fumbled snap in the end zone ( kick missed)PITT 6–0
4PITTJohn Masarik 24-yard pass from Louis 'Bimbo' Cecconi ( Nick Bolkovac kick)PITT 13–0
4W&MVito Ragazzo 8-yard pass from Buddy Lex ( Lex kick )PITT 13–7

The Pitt Panthers opened the season against the William & Mary Indians of the Southern Conference. This was the first football game between these schools. Coach Rube McCray's squad opened their season the week before and beat Houston 14–13. [18] All-America halfback Jack Cloud led the backfield and Lou Creekmur, future Pro Football Hall-of-Fame tackle, anchored the line.[19][20] The Indians squad arrived in Pittsburgh by plane and housed on campus at Webster Hall.[21]

Coach Milligan had lettermen returning at most positions. He told The Pittsburgh Press: " I don't care what the score is if we've got the most points. We're not looking for an easy afternoon." The Panthers were favored by a touchdown.[22]

The Panthers won their opening game for the first time in 5 years by beating William & Mary 13–7. On fourth down, after the opening kick-off, Indians center George Davis hiked the ball past the punter, Buddy Lex, into the end zone, where it was recovered by Panther Nick DeRosa for a touchdown. Nick Bolkovac missed the extra point, and Pitt led 6–0 four minutes into the game. Fumbles, interceptions and defense were the highlights for the rest of the first three quarters. The Panthers offense had possession of the ball on their 32-yard line to start the final period. On the seventh play, Jimmy Joe Robinson handed the ball to Bimbo Cecconi on a reverse, and he stopped and threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to John Masarik. Bolkovac made the extra point for a 13–0 lead. Late in the game William & Mary drove 61-yards and scored on an 8-yard pass from Lex to Vito Ragasso. Lex's point after made the final 13–7.[23]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against William & Mary was Ted Geremsky (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Bernie Barkouskie (left guard), Len Radnor (center), Mike Boldin (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Bobby Lee (quarterback), Louis 'Bimbo” Cecconi (left halfback), Jimmy Joe Robinsoon (right halfback) and Carl DePasqua (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Earl Sumpter, Flint Greene, Rudy Andabaker, John Dazio, Donald Karanovich, Charles Yost, William Samer, Chris Warriner, John Masarik, Robert Brennen, William Hardisty, William Sichko, Emil Rader, Lindaro Lauro, Armand DiFonso, James Campbell and Bill Abraham.[23]

at Northwestern[edit]

Week 2: Pitt at Northwestern
1 234Total
• Pitt 7 306 16
Northwestern 0 007 7
  • Date: October 1, 1949
  • Location: Dyche Stadium
    Evanston, IL
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 41,000
  • Game weather: clear and cool
  • Referee: Jay Berwanger (Chicago)
Scoring summary
1PITTJimmy Joe Robinson 13-yard pass from Bimbo Cecconi (Nick Bolkovac kick)PITT 7–0
2PITTBolkovac 23-yard field goalPITT 10–0
4PITTRobinson 12-yard run ( kick missed )PITT 16–0
4NORTHJohnny Miller 12-yard run ( Johnny Nemeth kick )PITT 16–7

On October 1, the Panthers traveled to Evanston, IL to play the Northwestern Wildcats for the first time. The 1949 Rose Bowl champs were favored by three touchdowns. Coach Robert Voigts' club won their opener over Purdue 20–6.[24]

Thirty-six Panthers and three coaches flew into Glenview Naval Air Station and housed in the Sovereign Hotel near Evanston, IL. This was the Panthers first road game flight since the 1939 trip to Seattle to play Washington. Coach Milligan's squad was healthy, and he made no changes to the starting lineup.[25] The game was televised live back to Pittsburgh by WDTV.[26]

The 20-point underdog Panthers upset the Wildcats 16–7 to extend their win streak to 4 games. The Panthers scored in the first period on a 5-play, 64-yard drive that ended with a 13-yard pass from Bimbo Cecconi to Jimmy Joe Robinson. Nick Bolkovac added the extra point. After the Panthers offense stalled at the Wildcats 15-yard line in the second quarter, Bolkovac booted a field goal to put the Panthers up 10–0 at halftime. Late in the third quarter Pitt end Nick DeRosa tipped a Wildcat pass into teammate Rudy Andabaker's hands at the Northwestern 24-yard line. On the second play of the final period, Robinson raced 12-yards around end for the score. Bolkovac's kick missed. Late in the game Panthers halfback Bill Sichko fumbled and Northwestern recovered on their own 30-yard line. It took three plays for the Wildcats to score against the Panthers subs. Johnny Miller ran 10-yards for the score. Johnny Nemeth added the placement.[27]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Northwestern was Ted Geremsky (left end), Nick Balkovac (left tackle), Bernie Barkouskie (left guard), Len Radnor (center), Mike Boldin (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Bobby Lee (quarterback), Bimbo Cecconi (left halfback), Jimmy Joe Robinson (right halfback) and Carl DePasqua (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Chris Warriner, Flint Green, Robert Mihm, Rudy Andabaker, John Dazio, George Radosevich, Donald Kranovich, Charles Yost, William Gasparovic, William Samer, John Masarik, Robert Brennen, William Sichko, Lindaro Lauro, Armand DiFonso, William Hardisty, Robert Bestwick, James Campbell, William Abraham and Bob Becker.[28]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "1949 Pittsburgh Panthers Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. May 21, 2016.
  2. ^ Jack Henry (September 25, 1949). "DeRosa, Masarik Panther Scorers". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. Part 3-1 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ David Condon (October 2, 1949). "41,000 See Wildcats Hit By Panthers". Chicago Sunday Tribune. p. Part 2-1,5 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Carl Hughes (October 9, 1949). "Cecconi's Two Touchdowns In Third Quarter Turn Tide". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Carl Hughes (October 16, 1949). ""Breather Tilt" Turns Into Tight Battle". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Jack K. Overmyer (October 23, 1949). "Crushes Panthers By 48–14". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1-Section 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ Smith, Chester L. (October 30, 1949). "Pitt Beats Penn, 22-21, on Safety". The Pittsburgh Press. Pittsburgh, Pa. p. 33 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ John Dietrich (November 6, 1949). "Bucks Rally, Score Twice In Three Minutes". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 1-B – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Charles Johnson (November 13, 1949). "Minnesota Beats Scrappy Pitt 24–7". Minneapolis Sunday Tribune. p. Sports-1 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Jack Sell (November 20, 1949). "Cecconi Winds Up College Career in Blaze of Glory". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. Section 3-1 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Will Doerge (April 1, 1949). "Footballers Granted Suffrage, Quickly Vote Selves Benefits". The Pitt News. Vol. 42, no. 45. p. 6. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  12. ^ "Varsity Jayvees See Action This Weekend in Stadium Games". The Pitt News. Vol. 42, no. 53. May 3, 1949. p. 5. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  13. ^ Jack Henry (September 1, 1949). "Razzano Lost To Pitt Grid Squad". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 26 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Ends Hold Key To Pitt Grid Hopes in '49". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 11, 1949. p. 22 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "University of Pittsburgh 1949 Roster (Alphabetical)". Pitt vs. West Virginia Souvenir Program. West Virginia University Athletic Department: 18. October 8, 1949.
  16. ^ "University of Pittsburgh 1949 Roster". Pitt vs. College of William and Mary souvenir program. University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department: 18. September 24, 1949.
  17. ^ "Football Lettermen". 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide. University of Pittsburgh. pp. 178–182. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  18. ^ "1949 William & Mary Tribe Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  19. ^ "NEA All-American Team". The Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune. November 27, 1948. p. 6.
  20. ^ "Lou Creekmur". Hall of Famers. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  21. ^ Jack Henry (September 24, 1949). "20,000 To See Stadium Contest". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ Carl Hughes (September 24, 1949). "Panthers Get Slight Edge Over Visitors". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ a b Chester L. Smith (September 25, 1949). "Pitt Scores First TD By Grabbing Fumble Behind Goal Line". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ David Condon (October 1, 1949). "Pitt Plans Upset of N.U. In Comeback". The Chicago Tribune. p. Part 2-1 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Jack Sell (September 30, 1949). "Squad Departs This Morning". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 17 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "Pitt-Wildcat Game on Video". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. October 1, 1949. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ Carl Hughes (October 2, 1949). "Rose Bowl Champs Thoroughly Whipped in Upset at Evanston". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "Real Surprise". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. October 2, 1949. p. Part 3-1 – via Newspapers.com.


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