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1950 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

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1950 Pittsburgh Panthers football
ConferenceIndependent
Record1–8
Head coach
Home stadiumPitt Stadium
Seasons
← 1949
1951 →
1950 Eastern college football independents records
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
Franklin & Marshall   –   9 – 0 – 0
No. 6 Princeton   –   9 – 0 – 0
St. Lawrence   –   8 – 0 – 0
Thiel   –   7 – 0 – 0
No. 2 Army   –   8 – 1 – 0
Fordham   –   8 – 1 – 0
Carnegie Tech   –   7 – 1 – 0
Drexel   –   6 – 1 – 0
Cornell   –   7 – 2 – 0
Bucknell   –   6 – 3 – 0
Penn   –   6 – 3 – 0
Yale   –   6 – 3 – 0
Buffalo   –   5 – 3 – 0
Colgate   –   5 – 3 – 0
Penn State   –   5 – 3 – 1
Syracuse   –   5 – 5 – 0
Temple   –   4 – 4 – 1
Tufts   –   4 – 4 – 1
Columbia   –   4 – 5 – 0
Villanova   –   4 – 5 – 0
Holy Cross   –   4 – 5 – 1
Dartmouth   –   3 – 5 – 1
Boston University   –   3 – 5 – 0
Duquesne   –   2 – 6 – 1
Hofstra   –   2 – 6 – 0
NYU   –   1 – 5 – 1
CCNY   –   1 – 7 – 0
Harvard   –   1 – 7 – 0
Brown   –   1 – 8 – 0
Pittsburgh   –   1 – 8 – 0
Boston College   –   0 – 9 – 1
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1950 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1950 college football season. The team compiled a 1–8 record under head coach Len Casanova.[1]

Schedule[edit]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 30at No. 16 Duke
L 14–2825,000[2]
October 7at Ohio State
L 7–4173,137[3]
October 14No. 15 Rice
L 7–1421,061[4]
October 21at No. 20 Northwestern
L 23–2835,000[5]
October 28No. 11 Miami (FL)
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
L 0–2824,537[6]
November 4West Virginia
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)
W 21–76,125[7]
November 11at Notre Dame
L 7–1856,966
November 18No. 10 Michigan State
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
L 0–1928,679
December 2Penn State
L 20–217,000
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

Preseason[edit]

On January 27, The Pittsburgh Press reported that Pitt head coach Mike Milligan resigned. His initial three-year contract expired, and he was offered a one-year renewal. He negotiated for a multi-year offer similar to his initial deal, but the Athletic Department did not grant his request.[8]

On February 16, the executive committee of Pitt's Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Len Casanova as the head football coach, plus Herman Meister and Jack Roche as assistants. Casanova received a four-year deal at $12,000 per year. Coach Casanova was a proponent of the T-formation, which was different from the single wing offense run by Coach Milligan.[9]

On March 9, 160 prospects met with Coach Casanova for the start of spring drills. The varsity and freshmen candidates reported on March 22.[10] The spring session ended on May 13 with an intra-squad game. The Blues beat the Golds 54–6 in front of 1,000 fans.[11] On September 3, 57 Panthers bussed to fall camp at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA for two weeks of pre-season training. On September 16, after a morning intra-squad scrimmage, the team returned to Pittsburgh. Coach Casanova continued two-a-days for the next week on Trees Field in preparation for their opening game on September 30 at Duke.[12]

Coaching staff[edit]

1950 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff
Coaching staff
  • Len Casanova – head coach
  • Herman Meister – line coach
  • Jack Roche – backfield coach
  • Robert Timmons – assistant end coach
  • Steve Petro – jayvee coach
  • Wilbur Forsythe – assistant freshman coach
  • John Chickerneo– freshman coach


   Support staff
  • Thomas J. Hamilton – director of athletics and physical education
  • Frank Carver – graduate manager
  • Bill Heyman – publicity director
  • Dr. Ralph Shanor – team physician
  • Dr. Dan Dickinson – team physician
  • Howard Waite – trainer
  • Bill Haines – equipment manager
  • Jim Ventura– student manager

Roster[edit]

Game Summaries[edit]

at Duke[edit]

Week 1: Pitt at Duke
1 234Total
Pitt 0 077 14
• Duke 0 01414 28
  • Date: September 30, 1950
  • Location: Duke Stadium
    Durham, NC
  • Game start: 2:30 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 25,000
  • Game weather: partly cloudy and mild
  • Referee: Paul Swaffield (Brown)
Scoring summary
3PITTBill Sichko 85-yard run (Nick Bolkovac kick)PITT 7–0
3DUKETom Powers 22-yard pass from Billy Cox (Mike Souchak kick)TIED 7–7
3DUKETom Powers 8-yard pass from Glenn Wilde (Souchak kick)DUKE 14–7
4PITTArmand DiFonso 8-yard run (Bolkovac kick )TIED 14–14
4DUKEJack Mounie 1-yard run ( Souchak kick )DUKE 21–14
4DUKEBob Bicket 60-yard pass interception ( Souchak kick )DUKE 28–14

Len Casanova's Panthers opened their season against Wallace Wade's Duke Blue Devils in Durham, NC. Duke led the all-time series 4–3 and was a 12-point favorite to win this game. The Blue Devils were 1–0, having beaten South Carolina in their opening game.[16] Duke end, Blaine Earon, was named AP Defense first team All-American and back Billy Cox received first team honors from Colliers.[17]

Pitt tackle, Flint Greene, was the first African-American to play in a game against the Blue Devils at Duke.[18]

After a scoreless first half, the Panthers managed to score two touchdowns in the second half, but they gave up four and lost to the Blue Devils 28–14. Pitt halfback, Bill Sichko, returned the second half kick-off 85 yards to put the Panthers on the scoreboard first. Nick Bolkovac added the extra point and Pitt led 7–0. Duke countered with two third quarter touchdowns. A Billy Cox 22-yard touchdown pass to Tom Powers was followed by a Glenn Wild 8-yard touchdown pass to Powers. Mike Souchak (brother of former Panther Frank Souchak) converted both placements. Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers tied the game on a 7-yard run by Armand DiFonso and Bolkovac kick. The Devils again countered with two scores. A 59-yard drive ended with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Jack Mounie. Then Bob Bicket intercepted a Bob Bestwick pass and raced 60 yards for the final score. Souchak added the extra points.[19]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Duke was Ted Geremsky (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Rudy Andabaker (left guard), George Radosevich (center), Mike Boldin (right guard), Charles Yost (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Bob Bestwick (quarterback), Bill Sichko (left halfback), Bill Reynolds (right halfback) and John Huzvar (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Chris Warriner, George Glagola, Flint Greene, Bob Brennen, Charles Thomas, Gabe Gembarosky, Robert Mihm, John Dazio, Don Karanovich, Merle DeLuca, Bill Gasparovic, Joseph Bozek, John Masarick, Fred Botti, Armand DiFonso, Anthony Simile, James Campbell and Joe Schmidt.[19]

at Ohio State[edit]

Week 2: Pitt at Ohio State
1 234Total
Pitt 0 007 7
• Ohio State 21 2000 41
  • Date: October 7, 1950
  • Location: Ohio Stadium
    Columbus, OH
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 73,137
  • Game weather: cloudy and warm
  • Referee: Lyle M. Clarno (Bradley)
Scoring summary
1OSURay Hamilton 9-yard pass from Vic Janowicz (kick missed)OSU 6–0
1OSUTom Watson 47-yard pass from Janowicz (kick missed)OSU 12–0
1OSUBob Momsen blocked Chris Warriner's punt out of the end zone for a safetyOSU 14–0
1OSUSherwin Gandee 6-yard pass from Janowicz ( Janowicz pass to Watson )OSU 21–0
2OSUWalt Klevay 74-yard run ( Janowicz kick )OSU 28–0
2OSUTony Curcilla 61-yard pass from Janowicz ( Janowicz kick )OSU 35–0
2OSURichard Doyle 2-yard run (kick missed)OSU 41–0
4PITTGeorge Glagola 12-yard pass from Bob Bestwick ( Nick Bolkovac kick )OSU 41–7

On October 7, the Panthers traveled west to Columbus, OH to play the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State led the all-time series 10–3–1.[20] Wes Fesler's squad was 0–1, after losing to SMU (32–27) in their home opener.[21] The Buckeyes had talent: Heisman Trophy winner, Vic Janowicz at halfback; All-American linemen Bob Momsen and Bob McCullough; plus All-Big Ten linemen John Biltz and Bill Trautwein.[22]

Coach Casanova altered the line-up: Right tackle Charles Yost, injured against Duke and lost for the season, was replaced by Bill Gasparovic; Injured left end Ted Geremsky was replaced by Chris Warriner; Armand DiFonso started at quarterback, and Joe Schmidt started at fullback.[23]

In front of 73,137 fans, Ohio State routed the Panthers 41–7. The Panthers defense could not stop Heisman Trophy winner Vic Janowicz. In his one half of playing time, he threw six passes, completed them all, and four went for touchdowns. He converted three extra points. Buckeye halfbacks Walt Klevay and Richard Doyle each added a rushing touchdown and Richard Momsen blocked a punt out of the end zone for a safety. Ohio State led 41–0 at halftime, and Coach Fesler used his reserves in the second half. The Panthers scored in the final two minutes on an 86-yard march. Bob Bestwick completed four straight passes for the score: 47 yards to Nick DeRosa, 5 yards to Bill Reynolds, 22 yards to Bill Sichko and 12 yards to George Glagola. Nick Bolkovac kicked the extra point.[23][24]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Ohio State was Chris Warriner (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Rudy Andabaker (left guard), John Dazio (center), Mike Boldin (right guard), Bill Gasparovic (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Armand DiFonso (quarterback), Bill Sichko (left halfback), Bill Reynolds (right halfback) and Joe Schmidt (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were George Glagola, Flint Greene, John Stoken, Bob Brennen, Gabe Gembarosky, Robert Mihm, Don Karanovich, Merle DeLuca, Joseph Bozek, John Masarick, Fred Botti, Anthony Simile, James Campbell, John Huzvar, Larry Pierce, Anthony Romantino, George Radosevich, William Ewing, Stuart Kline, Frank DiLeo, Bob Bestwick, Bob Osterhout, James Jennings, Joseph Capp and David Fyock.[23]

Rice[edit]

Week 3: Rice at Pitt
1 234Total
• Rice 0 770 14
Pitt 0 700 7
Scoring summary
2PITTBob Bestwick ran 3-yards ( Nick Bolkovac kick)PITT 7–0
2RICEBilly Burkhalter 1-yard run ( Billy Wright kick)TIED 7–7
3RICEBill Howton 4-yard pass from Vernon Glass ( Wright kick )RICE 14–7

For their home opener, the Panthers scheduled Jeff Neely's, 1950 Cotton Bowl and 1949 Southwest Conference, champion Rice Owls. Rice was on an 11-game win streak and was a two touchdown favorite over the Panthers.[25]

Pitt coach Len Casanova decided to utilize the two-platoon system. He told The Pitt News: "Instead of dividing up the players practice time between offense and defense, we can concentrate on defense with one group and offense with another. We expect to have an offensive and defensive line to throw against Rice, but we don't have the backfield material to be exclusively a two-platoon team."[26]

On a rainy day in Pittsburgh, the Panthers jumped out to a 7–0 lead in the second quarter, but could not contain the Rice aerial game and lost to the Owls 14–7. The Panthers recovered a Rice fumble in the first quarter on the Owls 13-yard line. The offense had to settle for a Nick Bolkovac field goal try that missed. Late in the period, Panther halfback Bill Reynolds intercepted a Vernon Glass pass and returned it to the Rice 27-yard line. On the third play of the second quarter, Bob Bestwick scored from the 3-yard line and Bolkovac added the extra point. The Owls answered with a touchdown right before halftime. They received the second half kick-off and scored again. The Panthers threatened 5 times in the final half, but the Owl defense kept them out of the end zone. Halfback Bill Sichko (concussion) and quarterback Bob Bestwick (knee) did not play in the second half.[27][28][29]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Rice was Chris Warriner (left end), Flint Greene (left tackle), Rudy Andabaker (left guard), John Dazio (center), Merle DeLuca (right guard), Bob Brennen (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Bob Bestwick (quarterback), Bill Sichko (left halfback), Bill Reynolds (right halfback) and Joseph Capp (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were George Glagola, Ted Geremsky, Nick Bolkovac, Charles Thomas, Gabe Gembarosky, Don Karanovich, Mike Boldin, Joseph Bozek, Fred Botti, Anthony Simile, James Campbell, John Huzvar, Anthony Romantino, George Radosevich, William Ewing, Stuart Kline, Bob Osterhout, Bill Gasparovic, James Jennings, Armand DiFonso and Joseph Schmidt.[30]

at Northwestern[edit]

Week 4: Pitt at Northwestern
1 234Total
Pitt 0 0023 23
• Northwestern 7 1470 28
  • Date: October 21, 1950
  • Location: Dyche Stadium
    Evanston, IL
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 30,000
  • Game weather: fair and warm
  • Referee: Mike Layden (Notre Dame)
Scoring summary
1NWDon Stonesifer pass from Dick Flowers ( Bob Burson kick)NW 7–0
2NWBurt Keddie 15-yard pass from Flowers ( Burson kick)NW 14–0
2NWStonesifer 11-yard pass from Burson ( Burson kick)NW 21–0
3NWKeddie 4-yard pass from Flowers ( Burson kick )NW 28–0
4PITTBob Osterhout 1-yard run ( Nick Bolkovac kick)NW 28–7
4PITTGeorge Glagola tackled Johnny Miller in the end zone for a safetyNW 28–9
4PITTChris Warriner 33-yard pass from Osterhout ( Bolkovac kick)NW 28–16
4PITTNick DeRosa 3-yard pass from Osterhout ( Bolkovac kick)NW 28–23

The Panthers fourth game of the season was against the Northwestern Wildcats at Evanston, IL. The Wildcats were undefeated (3–0), and on a five game win streak.[31] Wildcat Don Stonesifer was named first team end on the Associated Press-Offense All-American squad.[32]

Coach Casanova had to deal with injuries and military assignments. Mike Boldin and Don Karanovich, army reservists, were given their physicals by the Army and were awaiting orders. The Marines updated their orders for Chris Warriner and Bill Gasparovic. They were able to stay in school until mid-November. James Campbell failed his Marine physical. Bob Bestwick's knee did not respond to treatment and he did not play. Joe Schmidt hurt his shoulder in the Rice game. Joe Capp was nursing a sore ankle. Bill Sichko was back in the lineup.[33]

Pitt suffered their fourth loss in a row, 28–23. After three quarters, the Panthers were behind 28–0. In the final quarter, Pitt guard, Mke Boldin recovered a Northwestern fumble on the Wildcat 18-yard line. Third-string quarterback, Bob Osterhout scored from the 1-yard line. Nick Bolkovac kicked the extra point. After a second exchange of punts, Northwestern had possession on their 17-yard line. A penalty moved them back to their 2-yard line. On first down, Pitt end George Galoga tackled Wildcat Johnny Miller in the end zone, and the score was 28–9. Northwestern kicked off from the 20-yard line and Pitt gained possession on the Wildcat 47-yard line. On the third play, Osterhout threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Chris Warriner. Bolkovac made it 28–16. Less than 3 minutes remained in the game. George Galoga recovered the on-sides kick for the Panthers on the Northwestern 45-yard line. Osterhout completed 2 passes to move the ball to the 3-yard line. He threw an incompletion, and then he passed to Nick DeRosa for the score. Bolkovac made it 28–23 with 30 seconds to go. The Wildcats recovered the on-sides kick and ran out the clock.[5]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Northwestern was Chris Warriner (left end), Flint Greene (left tackle), Charles Thomas (left guard), John Dazio (center), Mike Boldin (right guard), Bob Brennen (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Fred Botti (quarterback), Bill Sichko (left halfback), Bill Reynolds (right halfback) and Joseph Capp (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were George Glagola, Ted Geremsky, Larry Pierce, John Stoken, Nick Bolkovac, Rudy Andabaker, Anthony Romantino, Gabe Gembarosky, George Radosevich, Stuart Kline, Don Karanovich, Merle DeLuca, Frank DiLeo, Bill Gasparovic, Sam DeFede, Joseph Bozek, John Masarick, Bob Osterhout, Armand DiFonso, David Fyock, Anthony Simile, James Campbell, James Jennings and Joe Schmidt.[34]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "1950 Pittsburgh Panthers Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. May 21, 2016.
  2. ^ "Duke's passing attack beats Pittsburgh eleven by 28–14". The Baltimore Sun. October 1, 1950. Retrieved December 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Janowicz One Man Show For Ohio". The Cincinnati Enquirer. October 8, 1950. Retrieved July 6, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Jim Holton (October 15, 1950). "Undefeated Rice Owls Flog Pitt's Panthers, 14–7". The Paris News. Paris, TX. p. 11. Retrieved July 6, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b Charles Chamberlain (October 22, 1950). "Panthers Score All Points In Fourth Quarter". The Decatur Daily Review. p. 20. Retrieved July 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Jim Holton (October 29, 1950). "Miami Passes to 28–0 Win Over Pittsburgh Eleven". Tampa Sunday Tribune. p. 1-C. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Pitt wallops West Virginia for first win". The Portsmouth Star. November 5, 1950. Retrieved December 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Yearly Football Contract Offer Rejected". The Pittsburgh Press. January 27, 1950. p. 1. Retrieved June 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Jack Henry (February 17, 1950). "Casanova Aides Plan Trip Here". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 29. Retrieved June 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Jack Henry (March 12, 1950). "Pitt, Dukes Change Grid Drill Plans". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 2, part 3. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Reserves Fail To Please Cas". The Pitt News. Vol. 43, no. 53. May 16, 1950. p. 5. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  12. ^ "Panthers In Game". Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph. September 16, 1950. p. 9. Retrieved July 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Will Doerge (September 27, 1950). "Discards from the Sports Shuffle". The Pitt News. Vol. 44, no. 2. p. 5. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  14. ^ "University of Pittsburgh 1950 Roster". Pitt vs. Rice Souvenir Program. University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department: 12. October 14, 1950.
  15. ^ "Football Lettermen". 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide. University of Pittsburgh. pp. 178–182. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  16. ^ Jack Henry (September 29, 1950). "Casanova Makes Debut As Coach". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 28. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "All-America Selections" (PDF). Duke University Athletic Department. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  18. ^ Myron Kopelman (October 3, 1950). "Flint Greene Makes A Little History". The Pitt News. Vol. 44, no. 4. p. 6. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Chester L. Smith (October 1, 1950). "Bill Sichko Runs 85 Yards For Touchdown". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 41, Section 3. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Record Book Pitt Football 2005". University of Pittsburgh. 2005. p. 156. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  21. ^ "1950 Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  22. ^ "Ohio State Buckeyes All-Americans, Awards, Captains, MVPs". Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c "Bucks Jolt Pitt Squad By 41 to 7". The Akron Beacon. October 8, 1950. p. 1-C. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "Janowicz One Man Show For Ohio". The Cincinnati Enquirer. October 8, 1950. p. Sports 77. Retrieved July 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "1950 Rice Owls Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  26. ^ Will Doerge (October 13, 1950). "Pitts Two Platoons Face Rice Institute". The Pitt News. Vol. 44, no. 7. p. 1. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  27. ^ "Glass Hurls Owls to Victory". Waco Tribune-Herald. October 15, 1950. p. Section 2-9. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "Skill Minus Luck Equals Defeat". The Pitt News. Vol. 44, no. 8. October 17, 1950. p. 9. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  29. ^ Bill Doerge (October 17, 1950). "Discards From the Sports Shuffle". The Pitt News. Vol. 44, no. 8. p. 9. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  30. ^ "Rice Dumps Pitt". Corpus Christi Times. October 15, 1950. p. 2-D. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "1950 Northwestern Wildcats Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  32. ^ Jim Sargent. "Don Stonesifer: The Greatest Receiver of the Chicago Cardinals" (PDF). The Coffin Corner: Vol. 21, No. 5 (1999). Professional Football Researchers Association. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  33. ^ Stan Skirboll (October 20, 1950). "Injured Pitts Face Northwestern". The Pitt News. Vol. 44, no. 9. p. 5. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  34. ^ "Pitt's 23 in Last Period Fall Short". Cleveland Plain Dealer. October 22, 1950. p. 6-C. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.


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