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1952 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

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1952 Pittsburgh Panthers football
ConferenceIndependent
Ranking
CoachesNo. 15
Record6–3
Head coach
Home stadiumPitt Stadium
Seasons
← 1951
1953 →
1952 Eastern college football independents records
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
Rochester     8 0 0
Hofstra     8 1 0
No. 19 Princeton     8 1 0
Franklin & Marshall     7 1 0
Villanova     7 1 1
Holy Cross     8 2 0
Yale     7 2 0
Penn State     7 2 1
No. 14 Syracuse     7 3 0
Bucknell     6 3 0
Colgate     6 3 0
Pittsburgh     6 3 0
Carnegie Tech     4 3 0
Harvard     5 4 0
Boston University     5 4 1
Penn     4 3 2
Army     4 4 1
Boston College     4 4 1
Tufts     3 4 1
Drexel     3 4 0
Fordham     2 5 1
NYU     2 5 1
Columbia     2 6 1
Brown     2 7 0
Cornell     2 7 0
Dartmouth     2 7 0
Temple     2 7 1
Buffalo     1 7 0
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1952 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1952 college football season. The team compiled a 6–3 record under head coach Red Dawson.[1]

Schedule

[edit]
DateOpponentRankSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 27IowaW 26–1424,490[2]
October 4at No. 20 OklahomaL 20–4937,716 - 38,000[3]
October 11at No. 8 Notre DameW 22–1945,503[4]
October 18at ArmyW 22–1418,850[5]
October 25West VirginiaNo. 18
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)
L 0–1628,532[6]
November 1Indiana
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
W 28–719,907[7]
November 8at Ohio StateW 21–1475,120[8]
November 15NC StateNo. 14
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA
W 48–612,000[9]
November 22Penn StateNo. 16
  • Pitt Stadium
  • Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)
L 0–1753,766[10]
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

Preseason

[edit]

On January 14, 1952, Lowell (Red) Dawson became the twenty-second head football coach (and fourth in the past four years) of the Pittsburgh Panthers. He came from Michigan State, where he was the offensive coach on Clarence Munn's 1951, #2-ranked Spartans, staff. Pitt signed Dawson to a 3-year contract.[11]

Coach Dawson retained Coach Hamilton's assistants for his staff – Bob Timmons, Ernie Hefferle, Edgar Jones, Steve Petro and Walt Cummins on his staff. On February 15, Dawson hired Harold Lahar, who had been the defensive line coach at West Virginia. On March 26, Lahar was appointed head coach at Colgate University. On June 14, Dawson completed his staff with the hiring of former Steelers head coach, John Michelosen and former Temple assistant, Bob Friedlund.[12][13][14]

March 31 was the first day of 20 spring practice sessions allowed by the NCAA. Close to 70 hopefuls vied for spots on the varsity squad. The Panthers took a short break for Easter, then finished on May 3, with a high school coaches' football clinic, a track meet against Notre Dame and scrimmage game between the varsity and an alumni team. 350 high school and college coaches attended the clinic. Pitt beat Notre Dame in the track meet 71–60 and the varsity beat the old-timers 34–7. 2,500 fans enjoyed the festivities.[15][16]

On September 3, Coach Dawson welcomed 44 candidates (22 lettermen) to the fall two-a-day practice sessions. On September 13, the Panthers traveled to Columbia, N.J. to scrimmage against the Rutgers eleven. Quarterback Rudy Mattioli and halfback Paul Chess stood out on offense, while Joe Schmidt led the defense.[17]

Coaching staff

[edit]
1952 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff
Coaching staff


  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
  • Russell McBride– student manager

Roster

[edit]

Game summaries

[edit]

Iowa

[edit]
Week 1: Iowa at Pitt
1 234Total
Iowa 7 070 14
• Pitt 0 1376 26
  • Date: September 27, 1952
  • Location: Pitt Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 24,490
  • Game weather: fair and cool
  • Referee: C. A. Wertz (Ohio Wesleyan)

First-year coach Red Dawson's Panthers opened the season against first-year coach Forest Evashevski's Iowa Hawkeyes. The Panthers had not beaten a Big Ten team (0–8), or won a season opener since 1949. However, Pitt did finish the 1951 season on a three game win streak, and were favored by 6 points over the Hawkeyes. The all-time series was tied at one win apiece.[20]

In front of 24,940 fans, Pitt ran it's win streak to 4 games by beating the Hawkeyes 26–14. Iowa recovered a Pitt fumble on the Panthers 30-yard line on the first play from scrimmage. Seven plays advanced the ball to the 6-yard line. Halfback Jim Milani ran around end for the score. Jim White added the point and Iowa led 7–0 at the end of the first quarter. After a 75-yard drive, the Panthers tied the score on a Bobby Epps 5-yard run and Paul Blanda conversion. The Panther offense regained possession on their 38-yard line. The ensuing 61-yard drive culminated with a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line by Rudy Mattioli. Blanda's kick was good, but the Panthers were penalized for illegal use of hands. His second try was unsuccessful and Pitt led 13–7 at halftime. Iowa received the second half kickoff . On the third play, Milani raced 54 yards around end for his second touchdown of the game. Jim White's kick put Iowa back in front 14–13. Late in the third period, Bobby Epps caught a screen pass from Mattioli and ran 54 yards for a Pitt touchdown. Bob Wrabley added the extra point and Pitt led 20–14. The Pitt defense forced Iowa to punt from their 7-yard line. Panther running back Billy Reynolds returned the punt to the Iowa 36-yard line. Six plays later, John Jacobs caught a 14-yard pass from Mattioli for the final score of the game.[21]

The starting lineup for Pitt against Iowa was Bill Adams (left end), Lou Palatella (left tackle), Merle DeLuca (left guard), Gabe Gembarosky (center), Albert Smalara (right guard), Eldred Kraemer (right tackle), Dick Dietrick (right end), Rudy Mattioli (quarterback), Bill Hoffman (left halfback), Billy Reynolds (right halfback) and Bobby Epps (fullback). The following substitutes appeared in the game for Pitt: Joe Bozek, Joe Zombek, Robert Kennedy, Robert McQuade, Glen Dillon, William Cessar, Anthony Romantino, Joe Schmidt, Bill Priatko, Richard Gatz, George Glagola, Stuart Kline, John Censi, Ray Ferguson, Paul Blanda, Henry Ford, Chester Rice, Robert Wrabley, Joe Capp, John Jacobs and Paul Chess.[22]

at Oklahoma

[edit]
Week 2: Pitt at Oklahoma
1 234Total
Pitt 0 1307 20
• Oklahoma 14 71414 49
  • Date: October 4, 1952
  • Location: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
    Norman, OK
  • Game start: 2:00 pm CST
  • Game attendance: 37,716
  • Game weather: hot (85 degrees)
  • Referee: Ronald Gibbs (St. Thomas)

The second game of the season was in Norman, OK against the Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma was the defending Big 7 Conference champion, and was on a 21-game home field win streak. Coach Bud Wilkinson had 5 All-Americans ( Heisman Trophy winner Billy Vessels, Buck McPhail, Eddie Crowder, Buddy Leake and Tom Catlin), among the 33 lettermen on his roster.[23][24]

The 36-member Panthers squad flew via a chartered plane into Oklahoma City and housed at the Biltmore Hotel. Linebackers Joe Schmidt and Paul Blanda were injured in the Iowa game, and Coach Dawson replaced them with George Glagola and Dick Gatz.[23]

The favored Sooners beat the Panthers 49–20 to extend their home win streak to 22 games. Pitt played well in the first half, and only trailed 21–13 at the break. In the second half, the Sooners added four touchdowns before the Panthers answered with their final score. Bobby Epps, Billy Reynolds and Pete Neft scored touchdowns for the Panthers. Bob Kennedy added two extra points. Six Sooners scored touchdowns. Buddy Leake scored two, and threw a touchdown pass to Carl Allison for a third. He also kicked 6 extra points. Buck McPhail, Dick Ellis, Merrill Green and Eddie Crowder contributed one touchdown apiece. McPhail added the final placement.[25]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Oklahoma was Bill Adams (left end), Lou Palatella (left tackle), Merle DeLuca (left guard), Gabe Gembarosky (center), Albert Smalara (right guard), Eldred Kraemer (right tackle), Dick Dietrick (right end), Rudy Mattioli (quarterback), Bill Hoffman (left halfback), Billy Reynolds (right halfback) and Bobby Epps (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Glen Dillon, Joe Zombek, George Glagola, Robert Kennedy, William Schmitt, Bill Priatko, Stuart Kline, Tony Romantino, Francis Baron, Dick Gatz, William Cessar, Bob McQuade, Joe Bozek, Ken Voytell, Pete Neft, Henry Ford, John Jacobs, Chester Rice, Ray Ferguson, Bob Wrabley, Paul Chess and Joe Capp.[26]

at Notre Dame

[edit]
Week 3: Pitt at Notre Dame
1 234Total
• Pitt 13 072 22
Notre Dame 0 0136 19
  • Date: October 11, 1952
  • Location: Notre Dame Stadium
    Notre Dame, IN
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 45,503
  • Game weather: partly cloudy and warm
  • Referee: Russel Rupp (Lebanon Valley)

On October 11, the Panthers played the #8-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend. The Panthers had lost 8 straight games to the Irish since 1937, and were held to a total of 22 points. Notre Dame led the all-time seres 13–5–1.[27] Coach Leahy's squad was 1–0–1 on the season, after tying #12 Penn and beating #5 Texas.[28] Halfback Johnny Lattner, quarterback Ralph Guglielmi, ends Art Hunter and Bob O'Neill, all received All-American honors.[29]

The 14-point underdog Panthers flew into South Bend, and practiced on the Notre Dame field before headquartering in Elkhart until game time. Coach Dawson welcomed the return of defensive starters Joe Schmidt, Paul Blanda and Rich McCabe to the lineup.[30]

The Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph and the Pennsylvania Railroad took 1,000 Pitt fans to South Bend. The $26.75 train ticket package included a game ticket, breakfast going and dinner on the ride home. 350 Sun-Telegraph paper boys made the trip.[31]

In front of 45,503 stunned fans, the Pitt Panthers beat the Fighting Irish 22–19. The second time the Panthers gained possession, Rudy Mattioli handed the ball to Bill Reynolds, and he raced 78 yards for the first touchdown. Paul Blanda”s extra point was wide and Pitt led 6–0. After an exchange of possessions the Panthers had the ball on their 37-yard line. Mattioli threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to John Jacobs and Blanda added the extra point. Pitt led 13–0 at halftime. The Irish received the second half kickoff and drove 79 yards for their first score. Neil Worden ran in from the 11 yard line. Menil Mavraides missed the placement. (Pitt 13–6) The Panthers offense answered with a 48-yard march of their own. Mattioli got the touchdown on a quarterback sneak, and Blanda added the point for a 20–6 lead. Irish quarterback Ralph Guglielmi then capped a 75-yard drive with a 1-yard plunge. Mavraides converted and Pitt led 20–13. In the fourth quarter, Irish halfback Joe Heap returned a punt 92 yards to cut the lead to 20–19. Mavraides converted the placement, but the Irish were flagged for holding. The center snap was fumbled on the second try and Pitt led by 1 point. With less than a minute to play, Guglielmi dropped back to pass and Joe Bozek tackled him in the end zone for a safety.[32]

Pitt out gained Notre Dame - 370 total yards to 293 yards. Pitt halfback Billy Reynolds had 169 yards rushing, while the Notre Dame team totaled 162 yards rushing.[33]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Notre Dame was Bill Adams (left end), Lou Palatella (left tackle), Merle DeLuca (left guard), Gabe Gembarosky (center), Albert Smalara (right guard), Eldred Kraemer (right tackle), Dick Dietrick (right end), Rudy Mattioli (quarterback), Bill Hoffman (left halfback), Billy Reynolds (right halfback) and Bobby Epps (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Glen Dillon, Joe Zombek, George Glagola, Robert Kennedy, William Schmitt, Bill Priatko, Stuart Kline, Joe Schmidt, Tony Romantino, Dick Gatz, William Cessar, Bob McQuaide, Joe Bozek, Ken Voytell, Pete Neft, Henry Ford, John Jacobs, Chester Rice, Ray Ferguson, Bob Wrabley, Paul Chess and Richie McCabe.[33]

at Army

[edit]
Week 4: Pitt at Army
1 234Total
• Pitt 7 960 22
Army 0 0014 14
  • Date: October 18, 1952
  • Location: Michie Stadium
    West Point, NY
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 18,850
  • Game weather: cold
  • Referee: Paul N. Swaffield (Brown)

For their third road game in a row, the Panthers flew in two All-American chartered planes to West Point, NY to play the Army Cadets. Pitt led the all-time series 3–1, but the teams had not played since 1944.[34] Coach Earl “Red” Blaik's Cadets were 2–1, after beating South Carolina and Dartmouth and losing to USC.

Pittsburgh captain Joe Schmidt (concussion), halfback Bill Hoffman (leg) and fullback Joe Capp (back) were not available for action. Fullback Bobby Epps and lineman Bill Priatko were nursing leg injuries, but made the trip. Coach Dawson put Paul Chess at fullback, John Jacobs at left halfback and Ken Voytell at middle linebacker.[35]

The Pitt Panthers improved their record to 3–1 with a 22–14 victory over the Army Cadets. The Panthers built a commanding 22–0 lead after three quarters. They scored on drives of 80, 63, and 73 yards plus a safety. Substitute fullback Paul Chess scored 2 touchdowns and Bill Reynolds added one. End Joe Zombek tackled Army halfback Fred Attaya in the end zone for the safety, and Paul Blanda was good on 2 of 3 conversion attempts. The Army offense answered with two fourth quarter touchdowns by Mario DeLucia, and Rex Shain converted both extra points.[36]

A bus trip to West Point for the game, sponsored by The Pitt News and Student Congress, drew 1000 students and alums. The busses left Friday night and arrived at West Point 9 a.m. Saturday morning. The attendees toured the campus and watched the Army Cadets drill prior to kick-off. After the game, the students were able to spend 5 hours in New York City before bussing back to Pittsburgh.[37]

Coach Dawson was named "Coach of the Week" by the United Press sportswriters after the Army victory. He told The Pitt News: “That's what comes of having a good coaching staff and a fine bunch of boys, I guess.”[38][39]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Army was Bill Adams (left end), Lou Palatella (left tackle), Merle DeLuca (left guard), Gabe Gembarosky (center), Albert Smalara (right guard), Eldred Kraemer (right tackle), Dick Dietrick (right end), Rudy Mattioli (quarterback), John Jacobs (left halfback), Billy Reynolds (right halfback) and Paul Chess (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Glen Dillon, Joe Zombek, George Glagola, Robert Kennedy, William Schmitt, Bill Priatko, Stuart Kline, Tony Romantino, Dick Gatz, William Cessar, Bob McQuaide, Joe Bozek, Ken Voytell, Pete Neft, Henry Ford, John Jacobs, Bobby Epps, Paul Blanda, Chester Rice, Ray Ferguson, Bob Wrabley, Paul Chess and Richie McCabe.[36]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1952 Pittsburgh Panthers Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. May 21, 2016.
  2. ^ George Kiseda (September 28, 1952). "Defeat of Iowa Breaks Jinx". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 1, part 3. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ George Kiseda (October 5, 1952). "Buddy Leake Star of Game With 20 Points". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 2, part 4. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ George Kiseda (October 12, 1952). "First Loss to Panthers in 15 Years". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 1. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ George Kiseda (October 19, 1952). "Cadets Chose Wrong Day to Open Gates". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 2, part 3. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Pitt upset by West Virginia, 16–0". The Sunday Press. October 26, 1952. Retrieved January 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ George Kiseda (November 2, 1952). "Hoffman Scores Twice, Epps Runs 55 Yards". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 3, part 3. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ George Kiseda (November 9, 1952). "Dietrick Scores Winning TD on 56 Yd. Pass Play". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 2, part 3. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Bowl-bent Pitt puts skids under N.C. State". Miami Daily News. November 16, 1952. Retrieved January 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "State Upsets Pitt, 17–0". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. November 23, 1952. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Ex-Spartan Gets 3-Year Contract". The Pittsburgh Press. January 14, 1952. p. 1. Retrieved October 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ Jack Henry (February 29, 1952). "Pitt Spring Grid Drills Open March 31". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 27. Retrieved October 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Jack Henry (March 26, 1952). "Colgate Signs Hal Lahar". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. Retrieved October 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Pitt Signs Friedlund". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. June 15, 1952. p. 3, part 3. Retrieved October 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ Jack Henry (March 31, 1952). "Pitt, Tech Open Spring Drills". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 15. Retrieved October 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ Jack Henry (May 4, 1952). "Track, Grid Teams Rack Up Victories". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 3, part 3. Retrieved October 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Rudy Mattioli Sparks Panthers inn 2-hour practice Session". The Pittsburgh Press. September 14, 1952. p. 68. Retrieved October 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "University of Pittsburgh 1952 Roster". Pitt vs. Army Souvenir Program. University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department: 33. October 18, 1952.
  19. ^ "Football Lettermen". 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide. University of Pittsburgh. pp. 178–182. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  20. ^ "Dawson to Unveil T in Battle at Stadium". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 27, 1952. Retrieved October 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Panthers Win Opener Before 24,940 Fans in Red Dawson's Debut". The Pittsburgh Press. September 27, 1952. Retrieved October 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "25,000 Expected At Iowa Opener". The Pitt News. September 26, 1952. Retrieved October 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ a b George Kiseda (October 3, 1952). "40,000 To See Game Tomorrow". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 25. Retrieved October 22, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "All-Americans". OU Football History and Tradition. University of Oklahoma. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  25. ^ Carl Hughes (October 5, 1952). "Panthers Fold Up In Last Two Periods As Heat Takes Effect". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 41, section 3. Retrieved October 24, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ George Kiseda (October 5, 1952). "Not Pitt's Buddy". Pittsburgh Sun-Review. p. 2, part 4. Retrieved October 24, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ "Record Book Pitt Football 2005". University of Pittsburgh. 2005. p. 156. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  28. ^ "1952 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  29. ^ "All-Americans" (PDF). 2023 Notre Dame Football Media Guide. Notre Dame University. p. 176. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  30. ^ George Kiseda (October 10, 1952). "Notre Dame Rated 14-Point Choice". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 24. Retrieved October 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "1,000 On Tour Return Cheering 'Hail To Pitt'". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. October 12, 1952. p. 1. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ Carl Hughes (October 12, 1952). "Panthers Stun Crowd Of 45,000 Irish Fans; First Win Since 1937". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 63, section 4. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b "Fighting Panthers!". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. October 12, 1952. p. 2, part 3. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Record Book Pitt Football 2005". University of Pittsburgh. 2005. p. 156. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  35. ^ Russ Franke (October 17, 1952). "3 Key Injuries Cut Chances For Victory". The Pitt News. Vol. 46, no. 8. p. 1. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Chester L. Smith (October 19, 1952). "Cadets Rally Too Late; Chess Comes through As Fill-In for Epps". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 61, section 4. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Over 1000 Hit Road To Army Game". The Pitt News. Vol. 46, no. 8. October 17, 1952. p. 1. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  38. ^ Russ Franke (October 24, 1952). "Pitt Favored By 3 Touchdowns Over WVU". The Pitt News. Vol. 46, no. 10. p. 1. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  39. ^ Boris Weinstein (October 22, 1952). "Dawson Coach of Week". The Pitt News. Vol. 46, no. 9. p. 1. Retrieved November 14, 2024.