1931 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1931 Pittsburgh Panthers football 1931 University of Pittsburgh Football Team.jpg 285 Independent 8–1 Jock Sutherland 8th Single-wing Edward Hirshberg Pitt Stadium Co-national champion (Parke H. Davis)Eastern champion The 1931 Pittsburgh Panthers football team, coached by Jock Sutherland, represented the University of Pittsburgh as an independent during the 1931 college football season. The Panthers finished the regular season with eight wins and a single loss at Notre Dame and were considered the champions of the East.https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A1975d004652/viewer#page/55/mode/1up University of Pittsburgh 1975 football media guide 1975 54 University of Pittsburgh 2021-10-13 Parke H. Davis, recognized as a "major selector" in the official NCAA football records book,http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2012/fbs.pdf The National Collegiate Athletic Association 2012 NCAA Football Records 2012 69–73 March 8, 2013 named Pitt as one of that season's co-national champions. The team is also recognized as national champion in 1931 by College Football Data Warehousehttp://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/national_championships/yearly_results.php?year=1931 College Football Data Warehouse 1931 National Championships March 8, 2013 November 14, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121114165625/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/national_championships/yearly_results.php?year=1931 dead and according to a Sports Illustrated studyJenkins Dan This Year The Fight Will Be In The Open Sports Illustrated September 11, 1967 30–33 27 11 Chicago https://vault.si.com/vault/1967/09/11/this-year-the-fight-will-be-in-the-open/ https://archive.today/20120716150712/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1080269/index.htm dead July 16, 2012 March 4, 2013 that has served as the historical basis of the university's historical national championship claims since its original publication.Borghetti E.J. Nestor Mendy Welsh Celeste 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pittsburgh 156 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/153/mode/1up 2021-10-13 Schedule September 26 w Miami (OH) Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 61–0 12,000 Biederman Lester J. Reider Runs 95 Yards For Initial Goal The Pittsburgh Press September 27, 1931 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87153127/reider-runs-95-yards-for-initial-goal/ Newspapers.com October 3 w y Iowa Iowa Stadium Iowa City, IA 20–0 12,000 Pitt 20--Iowa 0 Iowa City Press-Citizen October 3, 1931 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87152729/pitt-20-iowa-0/ Newspapers.com October 10 w West Virginia Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA rivalry 34–0 18,000–20,000 Carver Jess Mountaineers Battered in Second Half Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 11, 1931 Part 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87155893/mountaineers-battered-in-second-half/ Newspapers.comSmith Chester L. Panthers Trounce West Virginia at Pitt Stadium, 34-0 The Pittsburgh Press October 11, 1931 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87156148/panthers-trounce-west-virginia-34-0/ Newspapers.com October 17 w 1931 Western Reserve Red Cats Western Reserve Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 32–0 5,000 Biederman Lester J. Second Team Smashes Out Five Tallies The Pittsburgh Press October 11, 1931 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87156528/second-team-smashes-out-five-tallies/ Newspapers.com October 24 l y Notre Dame Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry 12–25 37,394–42,000 Ledden Jack 42,000 Watch Schwartz Put Enemy To Rout The South Bend Tribune October 25, 1931 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87159317/42000-watch-schwartz-put-enemy-to-rout/ Newspapers.com October 31 w y Penn State New Beaver Field University Park, PA rivalry 41–6 7,000–10,000 Panthers Run Wild Against Weak Lions The Philadelphia Inquirer November 1, 1931 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87160742/panthers-run-wild-against-weak-lions/ Newspapers.com November 7 w Carnegie Tech Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 14–6 25,000 Smith Chester L. Paul Reider Scores Twice For Victors The Pittsburgh Press November 8, 1931 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87440345/paul-reider-scores-twice-for-victors/ Newspapers.com November 14 w Army Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 26–0 65,000 Smith Chester L. Army Wilts Under Fine Air Attack The Pittsburgh Press November 15, 1931 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87440634/army-wilts-under-fine-air-attack/ Newspapers.com November 26 w Nebraska Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 40–0 25,368 McBride Gregg Saturday Turnout is Likely Top Previous Mark at Nebraska U. The Lincoln Star Lincoln, Nebraska November 6, 1934 8 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96855398/saturday-turnout-likely-large/ March 2, 2022 Newspapers.com Preseason 125px|left|1931 Student Football Ticket Book On December 15, at a private team banquet, coach Sutherland named end Edward Hirshberg captain for the 1931 Pitt football season.Grid Captain Appointed at Annual Fete The Pitt Weekly 22 14 December 19, 1930 5 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062152412/viewer#page/5/mode/1up October 12, 2021 At the February 3rd Athletic Council meeting, the board discussed three measures to de-emphasize football in collegiate life. 1) Fall football practice would not start until September 7, two weeks prior to the school's registration date. 2) The spring practice was left to the discretion of coach Sutherland. However, the practice could not interfere with classes or hinder participation in a spring sport. 3) An athlete could be suspended anytime during a season for failure to maintain scholastic progress.Hughes Bob Pitt Reduces Grid Practice The Pittsburgh Press February 4, 1931 24 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87078763/pitt-reduces-grid-practice/ Newspapers.com The Athletic Council also appointed Bernard Windt varsity football manager for the 1931 season. He was enrolled in the College, class of 1932. Bernard was an apprentice manager in 1928, an assistant manager in 1929 and was the freshman team manager for the 1930 season. Ninety Panthers started spring practice on March 23. "This number included almost thirty from last year's squad, twenty from last year's freshman team and about forty new men."Ninety Report to Sutherland For Practice The Pitt Weekly 22 25 March 3, 1931 5 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062152446/viewer#page/5/mode/1up October 18, 2021 After four weeks of drills and scrimmage, Coach Sutherland was satisfied: "I am greatly pleased with the spring practice. The players showed a marked improvement in form, ability and condition. The spirit of those participating was excellent throughout, and this aided the coaches a great deal." The players who came out for the first time and stayed with the squad the entire time were invited to fall camp.Gridders Finish Spring Training Drills This Week The Pitt Weekly 22 30 May 1, 1931 5 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062152495/viewer#page/5/mode/1up October 18, 2021 On August 8, the Athletic Council hired former quarterback Eddie Baker and former end Eddie Schultz to assist coach Sutherland with the football team. Baker was in his final year of Dental School and Schultz was enrolled in Law School.Named As Assistant Pitt Grid Coaches The Pittsburgh Press August 9, 1931 Sports 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87406887/named-as-assistant-pitt-grid-coaches/ Newspapers.com Starting center Ralph Daugherty passed summer school and was reinstated on the roster in time for preseason camp.Daugherty Adds to Pitts Power The Pittsburgh Press August 28, 1931 35 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87407189/daugherty-adds-to-pitts-power/ Newspapers.com On September 7, fifty varsity aspirants started the two weeks of two-a-day practices at Camp Hamilton under the direction of “9 coaches, 12 managers, 3 cooks, 1 physician, 1 trainer, 1 property man and 1 dog.”Thomas Billie Good at Pitt The Pittsburgh Press August 30, 1930 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87430876/good-at-pitt/ Newspapers.com Coach Sutherland had the task of finding a capable quarterback. Sophomore Bob Hogan earned the job and Rocco Cutri and Zola Alpert were his back-ups. Hogan was also the punter. After a week of camp The Pitt Weekly reported: "The schedule is rigorous, but the team is fit and ready."Lytle Bob Panthers Look Forward to Successful Football Season The Pitt Weekly 23 1 September 16, 1931 4 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150606/viewer#page/4/mode/1up October 20, 2021 Coaching staff 1931 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff John B. "Jock" Sutherland – Head coach Andy Gustafson – assistant backfield coach Joe Donchess – assistant line coach Ray Montgomery – assistant line coach Bill Kern – assistant line coach Edward Baker – assistant backfield coach Eddie Schultz – assistant line coach Ulhardt Hangartner – Assistant coach - scout Roscoe “Skip” Gougler – Freshman coach   Support staff Bernard Windt– student football manager Dr. H. A. R. Shanor – team physician George Moore – team trainer Percy S. Browne – custodian of equipment W. D. Harrison - director of athletics James Hagan – assistant director of athletics Frank Carver – Publicity Director Roster 1931 Pittsburgh Panthers football rosterPittsburgh Panthers Player Position Games Height Weight Class Prep School Hometown Edward Hirschberg*end85' 11"1731932McKeesport H. S. East McKeesport, PA Jesse Quatse*tackle85' 10" 1951933Greensburg H. S.Greensburg, PA Walter Milligan*guard85' 10"1681933Kiski SchoolMcKees Rocks, PA Ralph Daugherty*center85' 11"1741932Kiski SchoolFreeport, PA Hart Morris*guard85' 10" 1751932Bellaire H. S. Bellaire, OH James MacMurdo*tackle86' 1" 1891932Ellwood City H. S.Ellwood City, PA Paul Collins*end76' 1" 1781932Central H. S. Sioux City, IA Rocco Cutri*quarterback96'1701933Erie Academy Erie, PA Warren Heller*halfback85' 10"1551933Steelton H. S.Steelton, PA Paul Reider*halfback75' 9" 1501933Bellefonte Academy New Castle. PA James Clark*fullback85' 9"1621932Greensburg H.S. Greensburg, PA Theodore Dailey*end95' 10" 1551933Phillipsburg H. S. Phillipsburg, NJ John Meredith*tackle 96'1801934Bellefonte AcademyFairmont, WV Francis Seigel*guard85' 10" 1731933Central H. S. Sioux City, IA Joseph Tormey*center85' 11" 1801933Erie Academy Erie, PA Tarciscio Onder*guard95' 11" 1971934Jeannette H. S.Jeannette, PA John Valentitackle36' 2" 2301934Pierce School (Phila.) Media, PA Joe Skladany*end85' 8"1841934Larksville H. S.Larksville, PA Robert Hogan*quarterback85' 10" 1801934Meadville H. S.Meadville, PA James Simmshalfback75' 10" 1651934Kiski SchoolMonongahela, PA Mike Sebastian*halfback95' 10" 1671934Sharon H. S.Sharon, Pa. John Luch*fullback8 5' 10"1901933Warwood H. S.Wheeling, WV Robert Timmonsend 76' 1681934Allegheny H. S.Pittsburgh, PA John Love*tackle96' 1"1961934Jeannette H. S.Jeannette, PA George Schindehutteguard3 5' 9"1701933McKees Rocks H. S. McKees Rocks, PA Robert Morris*center76'1791932Bellaire H. S. Bellaire, OH Art Craftend26' 1701934New Castle H. S.New Castle, PA Joe Tomminsend35' 10" 1691932Farrell H. S.Farrell, PA Charles Hartwigguard15' 11" 1701934Warwood H. S. Wheeling, WV Melvin Brownhalfback75' 9"1601933Central H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Paul Cubaguard35' 11" 1801933New Castle H. S.New Castle, PA Herman Yentchguard45' 11" 1751932Perkiomen PrepHarrisburg, PA Zola Alpertquarterback7 5' 10"1551933Culver Military AcademyPittsburgh, PA Ray Andersontackle3 6' 1"1801933Coraopolis H. S.Coraopolis, PA Arthur Sekayhalfback2 5' 9"1551933Schenley H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Howard Geliniquarterback45' 10"1701934Weirton H. S.Weirton, WV Howard O'Dellhalfback35' 9" 1601934Central H. S. Sioux City, IA William Hassonfullback55' 7"1701934South H. S.Pittsburgh, PA R. K. Smithguard26' 1751934Staunton Jeannette, PA Frank Tiernantackle16' 1851934 Sewickley H. S. Sewickley, PA Dick Matesichalfback75' 11"1761934Bellefonte AcademyWheeling, WV Eric Hellerhalfback25' 9"1671934Mt. Lebanon H. S.Mt. Lebanon, PA Robert Harderguard15' 10"1901934Peabody H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Jack Strickerhalfback25' 11"1651934South Hills H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Harold Rothhalfback25' 9"1701934Dennison H. S.Dennison, OH Ben Dellohalfback15' 8"1641934Johnstown H. S.Johnstown, PA John McCurdyhalfback15' 10"1601934 Oakmont, PA Bernard Windt*student manager 1932Peabody H. S. Pittsburgh, PA * LettermanOfficial Football Program and Athletic Review, University of Notre Dame Official Football Publication Pittsburgh Varsity Roster University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department October 24, 1931 43Award Football Letters to 23 The Pitt Weekly 23 14 December 18, 1931 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062151133/viewer#page/1/mode/1up October 15, 2021 Game summaries Miami (OH) Week 1: Miami (OH) at Pitt Miami (OH)(0-0) Pitt (0-0) 0 0 0 0 24 12 6 19 September 26, 1931 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 12,000 fair and cool Earle Cavanaugh (Pittsburgh) 1931 Miami Redskins football team thumb|left|Program for September 26, 1931 Pitt vs. Miami (Ohio) game thumb|1931 season ticket application The Panthers inaugurated their 1931 football season against the Miami (OH) Redskins at Pitt Stadium on September 26. Chester Pittser was in his eighth year as head coach of Miami (OH). Les Biederman of The Pittsburgh Press reported: "...the Ohioans, while not hoping for a victory, expect to give the Panthers a rough and ready battle, with Wilbur Cartwright, an ace runner and passer, in the major role."Biederman Lester Jess Quatse May Retain Tackle Job The Pittsburgh Press September 25, 1931 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87511499/jess-quatse-may-regain-tackle-job/ Newspapers.com In 1930, Redskin halfback Wilbur Cartwright gained his notoriety by rushing for 1,168 yards. 2019 Football Media Guide 2019 October 20, 2021 72 https://s3.amazonaws.com/miamiredhawks.com/documents/2019/7/15/2019_Football_Media_Guide.pdf Coach Sutherland spoke with The Pitt Weekly: "I am just as anxious as you are to find out just what kind of team we have this year, but we won't be able to tell until we have been in a game. We have reserves, but experience will probably clinch the doubtful positions. The team this year isn't the best that we've had. And the schedule is tough too."Jock Sutherland Pessimistic Over Grid Outlook The Pitt Weekly 23 2 September 25, 1931 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150564/viewer#page/1/mode/1up October 20, 2021 The Pitt Weekly noted: "One hundred fifteen musicians will march in full military dress, under the leadership of student director James F. Reed, Col. '32, at Saturday's game in Pitt Stadium, according to an announcement by Manager William Young, Col. '33. Drum Major Robert Hogue will lead the drill."115 Students March In Band Tomorrow The Pitt Weekly 23 2 September 25, 1931 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150564/viewer#page/1/mode/1up October 25, 2021 Paul Reider took the opening kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown and the Panthers offense did not stop until they had amassed 61 points to the Ohioans' 0. Pitt scored 10 touchdowns. Warren Heller led the way with four. Paul Reider scored twice. Mike Sebastian, Dick Matesic, Melvin Brown and Eric Heller each added one to the total. Pitt's only problem was converting extra points - Paul Reider missed 6; Zora Alpert and William Hasson each missed one; Rocco Cutri was successful on one of his two attempts. Otherwise, the Panther offense dominated with 30 first downs, 499 yards rushing and 113 yards gained through the air. The Panther defense was strong also, as Miami only managed to earn three first downs and gain 91 total yards. The Redskins finished the season with a 4–5 record.2019 Football Media Guide 2019 October 20, 2021 22 https://s3.amazonaws.com/miamiredhawks.com/documents/2019/7/15/2019_Football_Media_Guide.pdf In 1949, Pitt and Miami (OH) would meet for the second and last time on the gridiron.Borghetti E.J. Nestor Mendy Welsh Celeste 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pittsburgh 141 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/138/mode/1up 2021-10-21 The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Miami (OH) was Edward Hirschberg (left end), Jesse Quatse (left tackle), Walter Milligan (left guard), Ralph Daugherty (center), Hart Morris (right guard), James MacMurdo (right tackle), Paul Collins (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and James Clark (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Theodore Dailey, Arthur Timmons, Joe Tommins, John Meredith, John Love, Frank Tiernan, Francis Seigel, George Schindehutte, R. K. Smith, Joe Tormey, Richard Morris, Tarciscio Onder, Charles Hartwig, Robert Halder, John Valenti, Paul Cuba, Ray Anderson, Joseph Skladany, Arthur Craft, Rocco Cutri, Zora Alpert, Howard Gelini, James Simms, Melvin Brown, Howard O'Dell, Eric Heller, Harold Roth, John McCurdy, Mike Sebastian, Arthur Sekay, Dick Matesic, Jack Schricker, Ben Dello, John Luch and William Hasson.Pitt-Miami The Pittsburgh Press September 27, 1931 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87490841/pitt-miami/ Newspapers.com At Iowa Week 2: Pitt at Iowa Pitt (1-0) Iowa (0-0) 6 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 October 3, 1931 Iowa Stadium Iowa City, IA 2:30 p.m. 12,000 cloudy and warm Fred Gardner (Cornell) 1931 Iowa Hawkeyes football team thumb|Ticket Stub for October 3, 1931 Pitt vs. Iowa game The first road game of the season was to Iowa City, Iowa to take on Burton Ingwersen's Iowa Hawkeyes of the Big Ten. Pitt and Iowa had met three times on the basketball court (1928, 1929, 1930), but this was the first meeting on the gridiron. Pitt Chancellor John G. Bowman was the former President of the University of Iowa, and Pitt Athletic Director, W. Don Harrison, was a graduate of the University.Iowa Graduate as Athletic Director of Pitt Heads the Invading Panthers Saturday Iowa City Press-Citizen October 2, 1931 8 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87559390/pitt-athletic-director-iowa-graduate/ Newspapers.com Iowa was suspended from the Big Ten on May 25, 1929, for a slush fund recruiting scandal.Paid Athletes, Is Charge of Faculty Men Chicago Tribune May 26, 1929 Part 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87548698/paid-athletes-is-charge-of-faculty-men/ Newspapers.com In 1930 they were readmitted, allowed to play one conference game, and ended the season with a 4–4–1 record.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/1930-schedule.html 1930 Iowa Hawkeyes Schedule and Results College Football at Sports-Reference.com October 22, 2021 This was Iowa's opening game. The Iowa City Press-Citizen noted: "Seven men who were slated for first string positions are in the hospital or on the injured list forcing Coach Burt Ingwersen to depend upon second string linemen to withstand the Golden Panthers' famed attack. That job, stopping the east's most powerful running club, would be a task for any first string line let alone a reserve lineup."Patton Jack Iowa's Untried 1931 Squad, With Many Veterans Out of Lineup, Awaits First Game Iowa City Press-Citizen October 2, 1931 7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87555752/iowas-untried-1931-squad-awaits-first-g/ Newspapers.com On the night of September 30, thirty-three Panthers boarded the train headed west and arrived in Chicago the next morning. A two-hour workout session was held on Stagg Field. The team enjoyed a visit to the theater after dinner, and then they reboarded the train and arrived the following morning in Davenport, Iowa.Panthers End Drills Today For Hawkeyes Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 2, 1931 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87557971/panthers-end-drills-today-for-hawkeyes/ Newspapers.com The Panthers held a secret drill in Davenport's Municipal Stadium. The team was in great condition in spite of the long journey. After the team converted only one of ten placements in the Miami game, Coach Sutherland designated tackle James MacMurdo the placement kicker.Pitt Ready For Contest With Iowa Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 3, 1931 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87560507/pitt-ready-for-contest-with-iowa/ Newspapers.com The Panthers ruined Iowa's full standing in the Big Ten return by shutting out the Hawkeyes 20 to 0. The score was not indicative of how dominating the Panthers performed - Pitt earned 18 first downs to Iowa's five; Pitt gained 377 yards rushing to Iowa's 58; and Pitt gained 39 yards through the air to Iowa's 16. Fullback James Clark led the way with 151 yards on 17 carries. The Iowa defense deserved respect because four times Pitt had the ball deep in Iowa territory and failed to score. Randall Hickman intercepted a Warren Heller pass to stop a drive in the first quarter. The other three times the Panthers lost the ball on downs. Paul Reider scored two touchdowns and Clark added one, while MacMurdo was good on two of three placements to total 20 points.Westerners Fail To Stop Pitt Attack The Pittsburgh Press October 4, 1931 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87568334/westerners-fail-to-stop-pitt-attack/ Newspapers.com The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 1–6–1 record.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/1931-schedule.html 1931 Iowa Hawkeyes Schedule and Results College Football at Sports-Reference.com October 22, 2021 The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Iowa was Edward Hirshberg (left end), Jesse Quatse (left tackle), Walter Milligan (left guard), Ralph Daugherty (center), Hart Morris (right guard), James MacMurdo (right tackle), Paul Collins (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and James Clark (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Melvin Brown, Mike Sebastian, Joseph Tormey, John Meredith, Francis Siegel, Tarciscio Onder, John Luch, Rocco Cutri, Theodore Dailey, Joseph Skladany, John Love, Arthur Timmons, Dick Matesic, Robert Morris, James Simms, Howard O'Dell and Zora Alpert.The Line-up The Pittsburgh Press October 4, 1931 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87572743/the-lineup/ Newspapers.com Pittsburgh Iowa collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 8 69 RushTD Paul Reider 1 no good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 0 2 Pittsburgh 7 35 RushTD Paul Reider 7 good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 0 3 Pittsburgh 1 35 RushTD James Clark 1 good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 20 0 20 0 West Virginia 1931 West Virginia Mountaineers football team Week 3: West Virginia at Pitt West Virginia Pitt 0 0 0 0 0 6 7 21 October 10, 1931 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 18,000-20,000 "perfect football weather" J. E. Keegan (Pittsfield, MA) thumb|left|Program for October 10, 1931 Pitt vs. West Virginia game After hosting the game in Morgantown in 1930, the Greasy Neale-led Mountaineers returned to Pittsburgh for the 27th edition of the "Backyard Brawl".https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051653081/viewer#page/137/mode/1up 2010 Pitt Football 2010 University of Pittsburgh 136 October 25, 2021 The Mountaineers arrived with a 1–1 record. They beat the Duquesne Dukes 14–7 in their home opener and lost to the Fordham Rams 20–7 at the Polo Grounds.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/west-virginia/1931-schedule.html 1931 West Virginia Mountaineers Schedule and results College Football at Sports-Reference.com October 22, 2021 Three Mountaineers were missing from the starting lineup due to injuries. Captain John Doyle was replaced by Harry Marker at halfback, William Karr replaced Earl Sprouse at end and Isaac Lewis replaced Lawrence Beall at tackle.The Lineup The Pittsburgh Press October 4, 1931 Sports 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87750311/the-lineup/ Newspapers.comThe Lineup The Pittsburgh Press October 11, 1931 Sports 6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87750424/the-lineup/ Newspapers.com The Pitt Weekly was confident: "About all that West Virginia can hope to do against the Panthers tomorrow is hold them to a low score, and its prospects for doing so are not very bright."Four Future Rivals Lose Major Tilts The Pitt Weekly 23 4 October 9, 1931 5 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150481/viewer#page/5/mode/1up October 25, 2021 The Panthers were healthy and Coach Sutherland used the same starting lineup that played in the Iowa game except for John Luch at fullback in place of James Clark.Pitt Coaches Doubt Story About Doyle Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 9, 1931 19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87746100/pitt-coaches-doubt-story-about-doyle/ Newspapers.com In front of 20,000 fans in Pitt Stadium, the strong Panther offense scored 34 points, and their stiff defense shut out West Virginia, as Pitt earned its third win of the season. The first quarter was scoreless, even though the Panther offense penetrated the Mountaineer 5-yard line before losing the ball on downs. Early in the second period the Panthers gained possession on their own 47-yard line. On first down Warren Heller completed a 23 yard pass to Paul Reider who raced the final 30 yards to the end zone. James MacMurdo missed the extra point. Pitt led at halftime 6–0. Heller capped an 80 yard third quarter drive with a 2 yard plunge for the Panthers' second touchdown. MacMurdo added the extra point and Pitt led 13 to 0 at the end of three periods. The offense produced three scores in the final stanza. John Luch, Mike Sebastian and Theodore Daily each scored a touchdown. MacMurdo added two placements and Rocco Cutri booted the last one to make the final score, Pitt 34 to West Virginia 0.Pitt-W.VA. The Pittsburgh Press October 11, 1931 Sports 6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87801208/pitt-w-va/ Newspapers.com At halftime the West Virginia band performed longer than their allotted time. The Pitt band was only one-third of the way through their routine when the teams were ready to start the second half. Coach Sutherland had to convince the drum major to lead the band off the field so the Panthers would not be penalized.Reed Defends Panthers Band The Pitt Weekly October 16, 1931 23 5 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150440/viewer#page/1/mode/1up October 26, 2021 The Pitt starting lineup for the game against West Virginia was Edward Hirshberg (left end), Jesse Quatse (left tackle), Walter Milligan (left guard), Ralph Daugherty (center), Hart Morris (right guard), James MacMurdo (right tackle), Paul Collins (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and John Luch (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Theodore Dailey, John Meredith, Francis Seigel, Joseph Tormey, Robert Morris, Tarciscio Onder, Herman Yentch, John Love, Joseph Skladany, Arthur Timmons, Rocco Cutri, Zora Alpert, James Simms, Melvin Brown, Mike Sebastian, Dick Matesic, James Clark, Howard Gelini and William Hasson. Pittsburgh Iowa collapsed 2 Pittsburgh 1 53 RecTD Paul Reider Warren Heller 53 no good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 3 Pittsburgh 14 80 RushTD Heller 2 good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 4 Pittsburgh RushTD Luch 2 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 20 4 Pittsburgh 2 44 RushTD Mike Sebastian 10 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 27 4 Pittsburgh 31 RecTD Theodore Dailey Sebastian 20 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 34 0 34 Western Reserve Week 4: Western Reserve at Pitt Western Reserve Pitt 0 0 0 0 13 0 13 6 October 17, 1931 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 5,000 rain Cal Bolster (Pittsburgh) Case Western Reserve Spartans thumb|left|Program for October 17, 1931 Pitt vs. Western Reserve game thumb|Ticket stub for October 17, 1931 Western Reserve game Last season in Cleveland, Pitt clobbered Western Reserve 52–0. On October 17, first-year coach Tom Keady and his Western Reserve Red Cats came to Pitt Stadium for the rematch. The Red Cats were 0–1–1 in the young season, with a loss to Purdue and a tie with Bowling Green.Johns Walter Clevelanders Oppose Pitt at Stadium The Pitt Weekly 23 5 October 16, 1931 4, 5 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150440/viewer#page/4/mode/1up October 28, 2021 The Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported: "Karl Davis and Tom Keady, Western Reserve football chiefs, were not dismayed at the prospect that their team would be outclassed and decisively beaten in the game with Pitt...Coach Keady says..his main object is to develop material for the future, and he is confident that his present sophomores, combined with the fine freshman material at hand, soon will put Reserve on the map from a football viewpoint."Long James J. Sport Comment Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 17, 1931 13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87909370/sport-comment/ Newspapers.com Coach Sutherland spent the week preparing his first string for the Notre Dame game, while prepping his second and third teams to take on the Red Cats.Pitt Second Team To Start Against Redcat Machine Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 17, 1931 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87911349/pitt-second-team-to-start-against-redcat/ Newspapers.com Boys and girls under 16 years old could attend the game for 10 cents thanks to an arrangement between the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph and the Stadium management.Stadium Seats For a Dime Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 15, 1931 29 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87915799/stadium-football-seats-for-a-dime/ Newspapers.com The coaches' strategy worked for both squads as Pitt defeated the Red Cats 32 to 0 in the rain. The Panthers first team was able to rest and Western Reserve gave up 20 less points than it had the previous year. Fullback John Luch scored three touchdowns and Mike Sebastian and James Simms added one each. The Panthers were only successful on 2 of 5 extra point attempts, but otherwise dominated on both sides of the ball. Pitt gained 519 total yards and earned 19 first downs. Western gained 51 total yards and earned 1 first down. The Panthers were assessed 75 yards on 10 penalties. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Western Reserve was Theodore Dailey (left end), John Meredith (left tackle), Francis Seigel (left guard), Robert Morris (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), John Love (right tackle), Joseph Skladany (right end), Rocco Cutri (quarterback), James Simms (left halfback), Mike Sebastian (right halfback) and John Luch (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Edward Hirshberg, Joseph Timmins, Jesse Quatse, Paul Cuba, Walter Milligan, John Valenti, Ralph Daugherty, Herman Yentch, Hart Morris, George Schindehutte, R. K. Smith, James MacMurdo, Ray Anderson, Arthur Timmons, Arthur Craft, Bob Hogan, Zora Alpert, Melvin Brown, Warren Heller, Howard O'Dell, Eric Heller, Dick Matesic, Arthur Sekay, Harold Roth, Howard Gelini, William Hasson and Jack Schricker.The lineup The Pittsburgh Press October 18, 1931 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87925770/the-lineup/ Newspapers.com Western Reserve Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 2 41 RushTD Mike Sebastian 35 good Rocco Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 1 Pittsburgh 8 31 RushTD John Luch 1 no good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 3 Pittsburgh 6 48 RushTD Luch 4 no good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 19 3 Pittsburgh 1 64 RushTD James Simms 64 good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 26 4 Pittsburgh 7 63 RushTD Luch 4 no good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 32 0 32 At Notre Dame Week 5: Pitt at Notre Dame Pitt Notre Dame 0 6 0 6 7 6 6 6 October 24, 1931 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN 2:00 p.m. 42,000 W. T. Halloran (Ohio) 1931 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team thumb|left|Program for October 24, 1931 Pitt vs. Notre Dame game thumb|Ticket stub for October 24, 1931 game vs. Notre Dame On October 24 in South Bend, IN, the unbeaten and unscored upon Pitt Panthers second road game was against the unbeaten and unscored upon Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The game was somewhat bittersweet in that famed Notre Dame coach, Knute Rockne, tragically died in a plane crash on March 31.Rockne Killed in Air Crash The South Bend Tribune March 31, 1931 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87995212/rockne-killed-in-air-crash/ Newspapers.com Hunk Anderson was named to succeed the legend. He had the Irish 2–0–1 for the season with victories over Indiana and Drake, and a scoreless tie with Northwestern.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/1931-schedule.html 1931 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results College Football at Sports-Reference.com October 28, 2021 The Notre Dame lineup was stocked with All-American material. Halfback Marchmont Schwartz and center Tommy Yarr were consensus All-American picks. Tackle Joe Kurth and guard Frank Hoffman were also named on multiple teams.Notre Dame Places Three on All -Team The Philadelphia Inquirer December 5, 1931 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87935691/notre-dame-places-three-on-all-team/ Newspapers.comMacPhail Larry Three Teams Place Two on All-America The Pittsburgh Press December 13, 1931 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87936444/nea-all-america-teams/ Newspapers.com Les Biederman of The Pittsburgh Press noted: "Jock Sutherland wants to win this game more than any other on the schedule and every trick he's ever mastered will be at the command of the Panthers Saturday."Biederman Lester J. Irish, Panther Foes, Reveal Great Attack The Pittsburgh Press October 19, 1931 25 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87986060/irish-panther-foes-reveal-great-attack/ Newspapers.com "One thing in Sutherland's favor is that no school has ever been able to hang up two successive victories over him."Biederman Lester J. Johnny Luch Likely to Start Saturday The Pittsburgh Press October 20, 1931 30 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87986524/johnny-luch-likely-to-start-saturday/ Newspapers.com The Panthers were winless against the Irish in their four previous games with the series standing 0–3–1. Thirty-three Panthers boarded the train for South Bend on Thursday night, arriving on Friday morning. "The Panthers left an hour ahead of the previous scheduled time, and for the first time in years a large delegation of Pitt fans and the Pitt band were at the Pennsylvania station to give them a sendoff."Panther Gets Big Sendoff; Luch to be at Fullback Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 23, 1931 19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87997264/panther-gets-big-sendoff-luch-to-be-at/ Newspapers.com A bus transported the squad the final ten miles to their headquarters at the Four Flaggs Hotel in Niles, MI. After lunch, the Panthers worked out on the Notre Dame Stadium turf.Sell Jack Odds of 3 to 1 Quoted on Eve of Big Battle Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 24, 1931 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88185879/notre-dame-heavy-favorite/ Newspapers.com The Panthers performed well but succumbed 25–12 to the reigning National Champions in front of 42,000 fans. Offensively, Notre Dame gained 305 yards, earned 17 first downs and completed 6 of 14 passes for 92 yards. Defensively, the Irish held the Panthers to 106 yards, 6 first downs and 2 of 11 passing for 36 yards. In the first quarter, Marchmont Schwartz opened the scoring with an 18 yard pass reception from George Melinkovich. Emmett Murphy added the extra point Score: Notre Dame 7 to Pitt 0. The Panthers got on the scoreboard in the second period after an 11 play drive ended with a 2 yard touchdown run by Warren Heller. MacMurdo missed the placement. Score: Notre Dame 7 to Pitt 6. Late in the first half, Notre Dame capped a 55 yard drive with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Mike Koken to Paul Host. Halftime score: Notre Dame 13 to Pitt 6. Notre Dame added two more touchdowns before the Panther offense drove 56 yards on 8 plays in the fourth quarter. John Luch scored from the 1-yard line. Heller missed the placement . Final Score: Notre Dame 25 to Pitt 12.Vital Statistics reveal Irish Strength Over Pitt The South Bend Tribune October 25, 1931 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88164734/statistics-for-pitt-versus-notre-dame-ga/ Newspapers.comHow Thirsty Pitt Panthers Died From Want of Scores in Irish Victory, 25-12 The South Bend Tribune October 25, 1931 Sports 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88166140/pitt-vs-notre-dame-play-by-play/ Newspapers.com The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Notre Dame was Edward Hirshberg (left end), Jesse Quatse (left tackle), Walter Milligan (left guard), Ralph Daugherty (center), Hart Morris (right guard), James MacMurdo (right tackle), Paul Collins (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and John Luch (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Theodore Dailey, John Meredith, Francis Seigel, Joseph Tormey, Tarciscio Onder, John Love, Joseph Skladany, Rocco Cutri, Mike Sebastian and James Simms.Notre Dame – Pitt The Pittsburgh Press October 25, 1931 Sports 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88168594/notre-dame-pitt/ Newspapers.com Pittsburgh Notre Dame collapsed 1 Notre Dame 8 33 RecTD George Melinkovich Marchmont Schwartz 15 good Emmett Murphy run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 2 Pittsburgh 11 39 RushTD Warren Heller 2 no good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 7 2 Notre Dame 8 55 RecTD Paul Host Mike Koken 6 blocked Koken run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 13 3 Notre Dame 6 35 RecTD Charles Jaskwich Schwartz 14 no good Jaskwich run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 19 4 Notre Dame 7 37 RushTD Melinkovich 1 no good Jaskwich run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 25 4 Pittsburgh 8 56 RushTD John Luch 1 no good Heller run/pass good/failed/incomplete 12 25 12 25 At Penn State Week 6: Pitt at Penn State Pitt Penn State 27 7 7 0 0 0 6 0 October 31, 1931 New Beaver Field State College, PA 2:00 p.m. 10,000 cold E. C. Taggart 1931 Penn State Nittany Lions football team thumb|left|Program for October 31, 1931 Pitt vs. Penn State game thumb|Ticket stub for October 31, 1931 game vs. Penn State Since 1902, the Pitt and Penn State football game was played annually in Pittsburgh and, with the exception of 1902 and 1903, was played on Thanksgiving Day. When the contract expired in 1930 Pitt led the series 18–13–2. The Penn State officials no longer wanted to play the game on Thanksgiving and wanted to schedule some games in State College. The Nittany Lions got their wish and the October 31st game took place on New Beaver Field in State College.Finoli David When Pitt Ruled the Gridiron 2015 978-0-7864-9426-2 McFarland & Co., Inc. 68 The Lions under second year coach Bob Higgins were 1–4 on the season. Their only win came against Lebanon Valley (19–6). The Lions finished the season with a 2–8 record.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/penn-state/1931-schedule.html 1931 Penn State Nittany Lions Schedule and Results College Football at Sports-Reference.com November 2, 2021 The Pittsburgh Press reported: "Jock Sutherland has just about decided to start his second team, and if the going gets too rough, will shoot in the varsity." Two starters, guard Hart Morris (broken hand) and halfback Paul Reider (severe leg injury), were injured in the Notre Dame game and unable to play.Biederman Lester Panthers Leave The Pittsburgh Press October 29, 1931 29 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88225067/panthers-leave/ Newspaper.com The second and third string Pitt Panthers took out their frustrations from the Notre Dame game on the hapless Nittany Lions with a 41 to 6 drubbing. Pitt scored 27 points in the first quarter. Penn State halfback, Philip Moonves' two fumbles in the first five minutes both resulted in James Simms touchdowns and the rout was on. The Panther offense sustained a five-play, 60 yard drive culminating with a 47 yard run by James Clark for their third touchdown. Later in the quarter State fullback George Lasich's fumble led to William Hasson's 25 yard dash to the end zone. Rocco Cutri was good on 3 of 4 placements. Thanks to a Carl Wille fumble, Pitt had possession on the State 25-yard line at the start of the second quarter. Third string halfback Dick Matesic scored the touchdown on a 6 yard end run. Cutri was good with the extra point and Pitt led 34 to 0 at halftime. The Panthers managed one score in the third stanza on 60 yard pass interception by Matesic. Cutri added the extra point to close out the Panther scoring. Penn State drove 44 yards late in the quarter and scored on a 2 yard pass from Don Conn to William McMillan.Pitt-State The Pittsburgh Press November 1, 1931 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88228853/pitt-state-play-by-play/ Newspapers.com "Pitt was unsatisfied with having yielded those six points, and added injury to insult by blocking the extra point."Panaccio Tim Beast of the East 1982 0-88011-068-6 Leisure Press 116, 117 The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Penn State was Theodore Dailey (left end), John Meredith (left tackle), Francis Seigel (left guard), Joseph Tormey (center), Tarcisio Onder (right guard), John Love (right tackle), Joseph Skladany (right end), Rocco Cutri (quarterback), James Simms (left halfback), Mike Sebastian (right halfback) and James Clark (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Hasson, Robert Morris, Dick Matesic, Herman Yentch, Melvin Brown, George Schindehutte, Zora Alpert, Arthur Timmons, Paul Cuba, John Valenti and Howard Gelini. Pitt and Penn State would not meet on the gridiron again until 1935. Pittsburgh Penn State collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 4 15 RushTD James Simms 1 good Rocco Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 0 1 Pittsburgh 1 24 RushTD James Simms 24 no good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 0 1 Pittsburgh 5 60 RushTD James Clark 47 good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 20 0 1 Pittsburgh 4 37 RushTD William Hasson 25 good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 27 0 2 Pittsburgh 9 25 RushTD Dick Matesic 6 good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 34 0 3 Pittsburgh 1 60 IntTD Dick Matesic 60 good Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 41 0 3 Penn State 8 44 RecTD William McMillan Don Conn 2 no good (blocked) run/pass good/failed/incomplete 41 6 41 6 Carnegie Tech Week 7: Carnegie Tech at Pitt Carnegie Tech Pitt 0 0 0 6 7 0 7 0 November 7, 1931 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 25,000 cold W. G. Crowell (Swarthmore) 1931 Carnegie Tech Tartans football team thumb|left|Program for November 7, 1931 Pitt vs. Carnegie Tech game thumb|Ticket stub for November 7, 1931 game vs. Carnegie Tech On November 7, the 18th annual battle for the "City Championship Trophy" took place at Pitt Stadium in front of 25,000 fans. Pitt led the series 13–4, but the Tartans were 4–4 over the previous eight years under coach Walter Steffen.https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051653081/viewer#page/127/mode/1up 2010 Pitt Football 2010 University of Pittsburgh 126 October 25, 2021 Tech sported a 2–3 record, with losses to W & J, Purdue and Notre Dame.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/carnegie-mellon/1931-schedule.html 1931 Carnegie Mellon Tartans Schedule and Results College Football at Sports-Reference.com November 4, 2021 Even though the Tartans were missing three starters from their lineup due to injuries (fullback Jerry O'Toole, guard Clyde Heinzer and end Lib Lewis), "the sterling fight the Tartans put forth in battling Notre Dame has convinced their supporters that if effort and spirit can win the game today, the Skibos will come out on top."40,000 Fans Will Attend Big Classic The Pittsburgh Press November 7, 1931 9 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88327552/40000-fans-will-attend-big-classic/ Newspapers.com The Pitt Weekly noted: "Past records mean little when these two schools meet as attested by Pitt's surprise 7 to 6 victory last year when the Tartans were two touchdowns pre-game favorites, and fans intending to attend tomorrow's game will probably see one of the hardest fought games on the local gridiron."Cohen Morris Championship of City at Stake; Panthers Favored The Pitt Weekly 23 8 November 6, 1931 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150325/viewer#page/1/mode/1up November 3, 2021 The Pitt students refrained from the downtown parade that blemished the 1930 city clash, and held a pep rally close to campus. Conversely, the Tech students repeated their after midnight bonfire antics and bottle throwing at the police and firemen. 115 Techies were carted off to jail and missed the game.115 Meek Tech Boys Released The Pittsburgh Press November 8, 1931 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88345230/115-meek-tech-boys-released/ Newspapers.comTech Students Given Freedom The Pittsburgh Press November 8, 1931 4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88345400/tech-students-given-freedom/ Newspapers.com The Panthers prevailed 14 to 6 in a hard fought game to reclaim the city trophy for the third straight year. The Panthers received the opening kick-off and the offense drove 68 yards in 8 plays for the touchdown. Paul Reider was credited with the touchdown and James MacMurdo was good on the point after. Pitt 7 to Tech 0. The Panthers were on the Tech 6-yard line on their next possession, but fumbled to thwart the drive. The half ended with no more scoring. In the third quarter Warren Heller completed a 26 yard scoring pass to Reider, and MacMurdo was good again with the placement to double the Panther lead to 14 to 0. Late in the fourth stanza, Tartan second-string quarterback, Angelo Bevevino, threw a 13 yard touchdown pass to John Graveno for a touchdown. Colin Stewart missed the extra point and the final score read 14 to 6.Smith Chester L. Panthers Defeat Tartans in Bitter Gridiron Game The Pittsburgh Press November 8, 1931 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88389152/panthers-defeat-tartans-in-bitter-gridir/ Newspapers.com Coach Sutherland mused: "The Carnegie boys were fighters, they played heads-up football throughout the contest, and I want to compliment them for their fine showing...It was a great battle." Tartan coach Waddell concurred: "We were up against a superior and better football team, but I think the Pitt players and the spectators agree that Carnegie gave the best it had."Doyle Charles J. Pitt, Tech Leaders generous in Praise Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 8, 1931 Part 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88390206/pitt-tech-leaders-generous-in-praise/ Newspapers.com The Pitt lineup for the game against Carnegie Tech was Edward Hirshberg (left end), Jesse Quatse (left tackle), Walter Milligan (left guard), Ralph Daugherty (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), James MacMurdo (right tackle), Paul Collins (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and James Clark (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Theodore Dailey, John Meredith, Francis Seigel, Joseph Tormey, Robert Morris, John Love, Joseph Skladany, Rocco Cutri, Mike Sebastian and John Luch. While the varsity was retaining the "City Championship Trophy", the Pitt Athletic Council sent a "B" team to Annapolis, MD to play the Naval Academy "B" team. The game ended in a scoreless tie and the proceeds went to the National Unemployment Relief Fund commissioned by President Herbert Hoover.Pitt and Navy "B" Teams Tie Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 8, 1931 Part 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88392300/pitt-and-navy-b-teams-tie/ Newspapers.com Carnegie Tech Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 8 68 RushTD Paul Reider 1 good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 3 Pittsburgh 9 33 RecTD Reider Warren Heller 26 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 14 4 Carnegie Tech 9 55 RecTD John Graveno Angelo Bevevino 13 no good Colin Stewart run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 14 6 14 Army Week 8: Army at Pitt Army Pitt 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 12 November 14, 1931 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. drizzle W. G. Crowell (Swarthmore) 1931 Army Cadets football team thumb|left|Program for November 14, 1931 Pitt vs. Army game thumb|Ticket for November 14, 1931 game vs. Army On November 14, the entire United States Military Academy Corps of Cadets marched into Pittsburgh for the first gridiron battle between the two schools. The Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph boasted: "The appearance of the sojers (sic) here is going to be a wow of an event, both from a gridiron and social standpoint. The Corps is to be royally entertained, will be revied (sic) by Gov. Pinchot and city officials and attend a dinner dance at the William Penn after the game."Entire Cadet Corps To Make Trip For Game Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 8, 1931 Part 2–5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88402463/entire-cadet-corps-to-make-trip-for-game/ Newspapers.com The Army football eleven was led by second-year coach Ralph Sasse. Two Cadets, tackle John "Jack" Price and halfback Ray Stecker, received All-America mention. The Army record was 5-1-1, and they had outscored their opposition 213-33. Their only missteps were a 14–13 loss to Harvard and a scoreless tie with Yale.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/army/1931-schedule.html 1931 Army Black Knights Schedule and Results College Football at Sports-Reference.com November 4, 2021 Army considered cancelling their season after sophomore Cadet Richard Sheridan broke his neck during the Yale contest and died two days later.Brisbane Arthur Today Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 27, 1931 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88406080/today/ Newspapers.com The Military Academy decided to continue the season and the team won their next two games. The Post-Gazette reported: "All the Army stars are in good physical shape."Drills Against Aerial Attack Hindered By Rain Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 13, 1931 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88410364/army-stars-in-good-shape/ Newspapers.com Jock Sutherland told The Pittsburgh Press: "I expect this game to be every bit as tough as that with Notre Dame....I do not believe that it could be any tougher. We have made many mistakes this season, but I think and hope that we have benefited from them. Physically the team is in good shape – as to mental condition we will have to wait until game time. There isn't a better game in prospect anywhere in the country. It will be a great spectacle and a great ball game."Jock Sutherland Says-- The Pittsburgh Press November 14, 1931 9 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88411717/jock-sutherland-says/ Newspapers.com 65,000 fans sat in a steady drizzle and witnessed the Panthers defeat the Army 26 to 0 with four touchdown passes. Harry G. Scott noted: "This completely aerial maneuver, the likes of which had never before been demonstrated by Sutherland, shocked and pleased even the sourest of critics.."Scott Harry G. Jock Sutherland – Architect of Men Exposition Press 1954 151 David Finoli added: "It was a complete destruction of the powerful Army program that the final score could not explain. Pitt racked up 201 yards on the ground and remarkably 293 through the air on ten completions; compared to only 67 total yards and three first downs by the Cadets."Finoli David When Pitt Ruled The Gridiron McFarland & Co., Inc. 2015 79 978-0-7864-9426-2 The Panthers lost both their starting quarterback (Bob Hogan) and left end (Eddie Hirschberg) early in the first quarter due to injuries. Rocco Cutri replaced Hogan, but Sutherland had Reider call the plays. Charles J. Doyle of the Sun-Telegraph noticed: "And from that moment, with Paul as senior officer in command and with Rocco as a fine lieutenant, the Panther team clicked as it has not clicked since the days of Pop Warner and the 1916 team."Doyle Charles J. "Pitt Lucky"- Jock; "Great Team" - Sasse Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 15, 1931 Part 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88578515/pitt-lucky-jock/ Newspapers.com In the second quarter a 62 yard pass from Paul Collins to Paul Reider put the Panthers on the scoreboard. James MacMurdo added the extra point and Pitt led 7 to 0 at halftime. Pitt added another touchdown in the third stanza on a Reider to Warren Heller pass play. MacMurdo was good again on the point after and Pitt led 14 to 0. In the final period Heller connected with both Rocco Cutri and Mike Sebastian on touchdown passes to close out the scoring; both extra points were blocked.Sell Jack Bombard Invaders From West Point With Air Attack Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 16, 1931 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88577358/bombard-invaders-from-west-point-with-ai/ Newspapers.com Coach Sasse was gracious in his praise of the Panthers: "Dr. Sutherland's team is a credit to your city. The same courteous treatment showered on the whole Cadet body by your citizens was reflected by the Panthers on the field. They hit our boys hard, but never without sportsmanship. It's hard to take a defeat like that, but when one is so clearly outclassed he should extol the victors. That is what West Point wishes to do." The Cadets recovered from this loss and won their final three games against Ursinus, Notre Dame and Navy to finish the season with an 8–2–1 record. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against the Army was Eddie Hirshberg (left end), Jesse Quatse (left tackle), Walter Milligan (left guard), Ralph Daugherty (center), Hart Morris (right guard), James MacMurdo (right tackle), Paul Collins (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and John Luch (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Theodore Dailey, John Meredith, Francis Seigel, Joseph Tormey, Robert Morris, Tarciscio Onder, John Love, Joe Skladany, Arthur Timmons, Rocco Cutri, Zora Alpert, Mike Sebastian, Dick Matesic, Melvin Brown, James Clark and William Hasson.The Lineup The Pittsburgh Press November 15, 1931 Sports 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88580501/the-lineup/ Newspapers.com Army Pittsburgh collapsed 2 Pittsburgh 3 62 RecTD Paul Reider Paul Collins 62 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 3 Pittsburgh 3 16 RecTD Warren Heller Reider 12 good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 14 4 Pittsburgh 5 45 RecTD Rocco Cutri Heller 40 no good (blocked) MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 20 4 Pittsburgh 4 34 RecTD Mike Sebastian Heller 24 no good (blocked) Cutri run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 26 0 26 Nebraska Week 9: Nebraska at Pitt Nebraska Pitt 0 0 0 0 6 7 14 13 November 26, 1931 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 25,368 cold Ed Thorp (De LaSalle) 1931 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team thumb|left|Program for November 26, 1931 Pitt vs. Nebraska game thumb|Ticket stub for November 26, 1931 Pitt vs. Nebraska game On Thanksgiving Day, third-year coach Dana Bible brought his Big 6 Champion Nebraska Cornhuskers, with a 5–0 conference record and overall 7–1 record, to Pittsburgh for their annual intersectional game.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/nebraska/1931-schedule.html 1931 Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule and Results College Football at Sports-Reference.com November 9, 2021 The past three games were played in Lincoln, NE. Pitt led the series 2–1–2.https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051653081/viewer#page/131/mode/1up 2010 Pitt Football 2010 University of Pittsburgh 130 November 9, 2021 The Husker line was anchored by All-America tackle Hugh Rhea. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "From end to end the Cornhuskers will average better than 200 pounds. Despite their weight the big linemen move easily and speedily. The team is in the best of spirits, and have been keyed up for this final effort all season."Mid-West Eleven Among Strongest to Battle Pitt Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 26, 1931 26 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88636552/mid-west-eleven-among-strongest-to-battl/ Newspapers.com The football fates smiled on the Panthers the previous Saturday, as USC beat Notre Dame (16–14) and Yale upset Harvard (3–0). Those losses put Pitt back in the lead for the east title and in contention for national honors. Sutherland replaced the injured Bob Hogan at quarterback with Rocco Cutri. The rest of the starting lineup was healthy.Finoli David When Pitt Ruled The Gridiron McFarland & Co., Inc. 2015 81, 82 978-0-7864-9426-2 Eight regulars (Ed Hirshberg, Paul Collins, James MacMurdo, Jesse Quatse, Hart Morris, Walter Milligan, Ralph Daugherty, James Clark) and four substitutes (Herman Yentch, Robert Morris, Joe Tommins and Ray Anderson) were playing their final game as Pitt Panthers. The Panthers closed their season with a 40 to 0 rout of the Cornhuskers in front of 25,368 shivering fans. In the second quarter the Nebraska offense reached the Pitt 5-yard line, but Panther center Joseph Tormey intercepted a pass to stop the threat. The remainder of the game was played in Nebraska territory. Warren Heller scored four touchdowns, Mike Sebastian added two, and James MacMurdo converted four placements to total forty points. The game was rough as Panther Paul Reider suffered a shoulder injury and was replaced by Sebastian. Nebraska's tackle Rhea was also injured and saw limited action.Boyle Havey J. Panthers Crush Grid Foe With Power and Speed Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 27, 1931 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88693266/panthers-crush-grid-foe-with-power-and-s/ Newspapers.com The Panthers earned 23 first downs. They gained 433 yards on the ground and 110 yards through the air by completing 5 of 14 passes. The Pitt defense held the Huskers to 9 first downs and 169 total yards.Pitt-Nebraska Statistics Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 27, 1931 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88693443/pitt-nebraska-statistics/ Newspapers.com The Pitt starting lineup for the game with Nebraska was Edward Hirshberg (left end), Jesse Quatse (left tackle), Walter Milligan (left guard), Ralph Daugherty (center), Hart Morris (right guard), James MacMurdo (right tackle), Paul Collins (right end), Rocco Cutri (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and Jamers Clark (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Mike Sebastian, Joseph Tormey, Theodore Dailey, John Meredith, Tarciscio Onder, John Luch, Bob Hogan, John Love, Melvin Brown, Dick Matesic, James Simms, Robert Morris, Zora Alpert, Howard Yentch, Ray Anderson, Joe Tommins and Arthur Timmons.Hail The Panthers Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 27, 1931 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88713386/hail-the-panthers/ Newspapers.com Nebraska Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 16 85 RushTD Warren Heller 4 no good James MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 2 Pittsburgh 11 47 RushTD Heller 1 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 3 Pittsburgh 8 55 RushTD Heller 1 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 20 3 Pittsburgh 5 56 RushTD Heller 23 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 27 4 Pittsburgh 11 59 RushTD Mike Sebastian 3 good MacMurdo run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 34 4 Pittsburgh 3 31 RecTD Sebastian Heller 29 no good John Love run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 40 0 40 Individual scoring summary 1931 Pittsburgh Panthers scoring summaryPittsburgh Panthers Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals Safety Points Warren Heller1100066 Paul Reider800048 Mike Sebastian600036 John Luch500030 Dick Matesic300018 James Simms300018 Rocco Cutri190015 James MacMurdo0130013 James Clark200012 Melvin Brown10006 Eric Heller10006 Theodore Dailey10006 William Hasson10006 Totals432200280 Postseason Tackle James MacMurdo was selected to play in the East-West Shrine game on January 1, 1932 in San Francisco, CA.East vs. West The San Francisco Examiner January 1, 1932 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98230569/east-vs-west/ March 23, 2022 Newspapers.com At the athletic banquet given by Chancellor John G. Bowman on December 17, 1931, Paul Reider was elected captain for the 1932 season by his teammates. Twenty-three Panther footballers were awarded a letter. The recipients were Edward Hirshberg, Ralph Daugherty, Joseph Tormey, Hart Morris, Walter Milligan, Francis Seigel, Walter Onder, James MacMurdo, Jesse Quatse, John Love, John Meredith, Paul Collins, Theodore Dailey, Joseph Skladany, Robert Hogan, Rocco Cutri, Paul Reider, Warren Heller, Mike Sebastian, John Luch, James Clark, Robert Morris and Bernard Windt. Athletic Director W. Don Harrison named Jack McParland, a dental student - class of 1934, and Elmer Rosenblum, a student in the College - class of 1933, co-managers of the football team for the 1932 season.Reider Elected 1932 Grid Captain By Team Members The Pitt Weekly 23 14 December 18, 1931 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062151133/viewer#page/1/mode/1up November 11, 2021 All-Americans Ralph Daugherty, center (2nd team Associated Press,All Sections of Country Represented on Team; National Honors Given 1931 Grid Star Reno Evening Gazette 1931-12-05 3rd team Newspaper Editors Association;Dalrymple Highest Vote-Getter In NEA Board's All-American Team The Daily News Frederick, Maryland 1931-12-14 3rd team International News Service;Frick, Ford Schwartz and Dalrymple Most Popular Choices on 'Hearst All-American' Chester Times 1931-12-05 1st team Central Press Association;Bitt Bill 1931-12-09 Real 1931 All-American Team Selected by College Captains The Evening Independent Massillon, Ohio) Lawrence PerryPerry, Lawrence Gill Named on Perry's U.S. Star Eleven: Baker and Shaver Also Honored by Eastern Grid Expert Oakland Tribune 1931-12-05) James MacMurdo, tackle (2nd team Associated Press, 3rd team Newspaper Editors Association; 3rd team International News Service; Hart, Schaffner and MarxMythical Team Nominated by Fans Announced The Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune 1931-12-11) Jesse Quatse, Tackle (1st team United Press;McLemore, Henry United Press Selects Stellar All-American The Piqua Daily Call Ohio 1931-12-04 1st team Collier's Weekly as selected by Grantland Rice;Munn Placed on Rice's All-American Team: Rentner and Morrison Get Honor Posts The Evening Tribune Albert Lea, Minnesota 1931-12-18 2nd team Central Press Association, Walter Camp Football Foundation;Walter Camp Football Foundation All-American Selections http://waltercamp.org/index.php/teams_and_awards/ Walter Camp Football Foundation 3 January 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20071218214203/http://waltercamp.org/index.php/teams_and_awards/ 18 December 2007 dead 1st team College Humor magazine;All-America Selected by Coll. Humor The Greeley Daily Tribune Colorado 1932-12-31 All America BoardChristy Walsh ALL-AMERICA BOARD HONORS CAPT. BOB SMITH OF COLGATE Syracuse Herald 1932-12-11) *Bold – Consensus All-AmericanConsensus All-American designations based on the NCAA guide to football award winners https://web.archive.org/web/20090714223946/http://www.docstoc.com/docs/4844195/Awards-compiled-NCAA-2008-Record-Book-Division-1-Football 2009-07-14 ESPN College Football Encyclopedia 1163 ESPN Books 2005 1401337031 List of national championship selectors The 1915 team was selected or recognized as national champions by multiple selectors, of which Parke H. Davis's selection is recognized as "major" (i.e. national in scope) by the official NCAA football records book. College Football Data Warehouse also recognizes Pitt as a national champion in 1915,http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/national_championships/yearly_results.php?year=1915 1915 National Championships College Football Data Warehouse March 4, 2013 September 17, 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020917155957/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/national_championships/yearly_results.php?year=1915 dead as did a 1970 Sports Illustrated study that has served as the historical basis of the university's historical national championship claims since its original publication. These are the selectors that determined Pitt to be national champions in 1931. 1st-N-Goal Bob Kirlin Parke H. Davis* * A "major" selector that was "national scope" according to the official NCAA football records book. References Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football seasons Category:College football national champions Pittsburgh Panthers football Category:1930s in Pittsburgh