1941 Big Ten Conference football season

August 2023 1941 Big Ten Conference football season Football 9 Bob Westfall Minnesota Champion Jack Graf Football 1940 1942 The 1941 Big Ten Conference football season was the 46th season of college football played by the member schools of the Big Ten Conference (also known as the Western Conference) and was a part of the 1941 college football season. The 1941 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, led by head coach Bernie Bierman, compiled a perfect 8–0 record, led the conference in both scoring offense and scoring defense, was ranked No. 1 in the final AP Poll, and won the program's second consecutive national championship. Halfback Bruce Smith was a consensus All-American and won the 1941 Heisman Trophy. Tackle Dick Wildung was also a consensus first-team All-American. Michigan, under head coach Fritz Crisler, compiled a 6–1–1 record, outscored opponents 147 to 41, and was ranked No. 5 in the final AP Poll. Fullback Bob Westfall was selected as a consensus first-team player on the 1941 College Football All-America Team. In addition to Westfall, two other Michigan players received first-team honors on the 1941 All-Big Ten Conference football team: center Robert Ingalls and tackle Al Wistert. Ohio State, under head coach Paul Brown, compiled a 6–1–1 record, outscored opponents 167 to 110, and was ranked No. 13 in the final AP Poll. In the Chicago Tribunes poll of coaches, officials and experts, Ohio State fullback Jack Graf was selected as the Big Ten's most valuable player.Graf Wins Big Ten's "Most Valuable" Poll The Cedar Rapids Gazette December 14, 1941 13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36573171/graf_big_ten_mvp/ Newspapers.com Northwestern lost to three top 10 teams (Minnesota, Michigan, and Notre Dame) and was ranked No. 11 in the final AP Poll. Two Northwestern players received first-team honors on the All-Big Ten team: tackle Alf Bauman and end Bob Motl. The team also featured halfback Otto Graham who was later inducted into the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame. Season overview Results and team statistics Conf. RankTeamHead coachAP finalAP highOverall recordConf. recordPPGPAGMVP1MinnesotaBernie Bierman#1#18–05–023.34.8Bob Sweiger2 (tie)MichiganFritz Crisler#5#36–1–13–1–118.45.1Reuben Kelto2 (tie)Ohio StatePaul Brown#13#106–1–13–1–120.013.8Jack Graf4NorthwesternPappy Waldorf#11#55–34–221.68.4Alf Bauman5WisconsinHarry StuhldreherNRNR3–53–318.026.0Pat Harder6IowaEddie AndersonNRNR3–52–411.412.4Bill Diehl7 (tie)PurdueMal ElwardNRNR2–5–11–33.47.8Bill Combs7 (tie)IndianaBo McMillinNRNR2–61–312.615.8Billy Hillenbrand9IllinoisRobert ZuppkeNRNR2–60–514.020.4Nathan JohnsonKey' PPG = Average of points scored per game PAG = Average of points allowed per game1941 Big Ten Conference Year Summary Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football January 4, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/western/1941.html MVP = Most valuable player as voted by players on each team as part of the voting process to determine the winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy Regular season Index to colors and formattingNon-conference matchup; Big Ten member wonNon-conference matchup; Big Ten member lostConference matchupWinning teams displayed in boldResult column from perspective of Big Ten school for non-conferencegames, from perspective of winning team for conference games September 27 Six conference teams opened their seasons on September 27, playing six games against non-conference opponents, resulting in four wins and two losses. Northwestern, Wisconsin and Illinois did not play. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceSeptember 27WashingtonMinnesotaHusky Stadium, Seattle, WAW 14–643,000Smith and Daley Star as Gophers Rip Huskies, 14-6: Halfback Scoots to 2 Scores Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal Charles Johnson September 28, 1941 Sports 1–2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35795762/gophers_rip_huskies_146_halfback/ Newspapers.comSeptember 27MichiganMichigan StateMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MIW 19–767,079U-M Beats State, 19-7; Titans Win Detroit Free Press John N. Sabo September 28, 1941 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35904712/um_beats_state_197_titans_win/ Newspapers.comSeptember 27Ohio StateMissouriOhio Stadium, Columbus, OHW 12–749,671Coach Brown's Ohio State Eleven Triumphs The Sandusky Register-Star-News September 28, 1941 10 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807769/coach_browns_ohio_state_eleven_triumphs/ Newspapers.comSeptember 27IowaDrakeIowa Stadium, Iowa City, IAW 25–820,000Iowa Overpowers Drake, 25-8: Mertes Leads Late Old Gold Power Attack The Des Moines Register Bert McGrane September 28, 1941 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35806250/iowa_overpowers_drake_258_mertes/ Newspapers.comSeptember 27PurdueVanderbiltRoss–Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, INL 0–317,000Vanderbilt Wins With Field Goal The Indianapolis Star September 28, 1941 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807086/vanderbilt_wins_with_field_goal/ Newspapers.comSeptember 27IndianaDetroitMemorial Stadium, Bloomington, INL 7–1410,000Long Pass in Final Period Gives Titans Victory, 14 to 7 Detroit Free Press W.W. Edgar September 28, 1941 Sports 1, 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15759238/long_pass_in_final_period_gives_titans/ Newspapers.com October 4 Eight conference teams played games on October 4, consisting of one conference matchup and six non-conference games. The non-conference games resulted in four wins and two losses. Minnesota did not play. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceOctober 4MichiganIowaMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MIW 6–029,807Kuzma Only Bright Spot as Michigan Defeats Iowa, 6 to 0 Detroit Free Press John N. Sabo October 5, 1941 Sports 1, 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35806337/kuzma_only_bright_spot_as_michigan/ Newspapers.comOctober 4USCOhio StateLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CAW 33–065,000Ohio State Roars Over Trojans, 33-0 Los Angeles Times Paul Lowry October 5, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807832/ohio_state_roars_over_trojans_330/ Newspapers.comOctober 4NorthwesternKansas StateDyche Stadium, Evanston, ILW 51–340,000Wildcats Rout Kansas State Eleven, 51 To 3 Chicago Tribune Edward Burns October 5, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35804584/wildcats_rout_kansas_state_eleven_51/ Newspapers.comOctober 4WisconsinMarquetteCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WIL 7-2840,00040,000 Watch Hilltoppers Stun Wisconsin, 28 to 7 The Capital Times Hank Casserly October 5, 1941 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35666357/40000_watch_hilltoppers_stun/ Newspapers.comOctober 4PittsburghPurduePitt Stadium, Pittsburgh, PAW 6-024,000Panthers Drop Opening Game To Boilermakers, 6-0: Petty Hits Tackle For Purdue Score The Pittsburgh Press Chester L. Smith October 5, 1941 III-7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807188/panthers_drop_opening_game_to/ Newspapers.comOctober 4Notre DameIndianaNotre Dame Stadium, South Bend, INL 6-1942,000Irish Have Too Many Backs For Indiana, 19 to 6 Chicago Tribune Wilfrid Smith October 5, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35812644/irish_have_too_many_backs_for_indiana/ Newspapers.comOctober 4IllinoisMiami (OH)Memorial Stadium, Champaign, ILW 45-020,585Illinois Wins Opener; Beats Miami U., 45 to 0 Chicago Tribune October 5, 1941 II-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35811976/illinois_wins_opener_beats_miami_u/ Newspapers.com October 11 Six conference teams played games on October 11, consisting of two conference matchups and two non-conference games. The non-conference games resulted in a win and a loss. Ohio State, Iowa, and Purdue did not play. After three weeks, Big Ten teams had compiled a non-conference record of 9–4. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceOctober 11MinnesotaIllinoisMemorial Stadium, Minneapolis, MNW 34–650,435Gophers Crush Illini, 34-6: Minnesota Tallies 4 Times in First Half Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal Charles Johnson October 12, 1941 Sports 1–2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35795890/gophers_crush_illini_346_minnesota/ Newspapers.comOctober 11MichiganPittsburghMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MIW 40–034,403Michigan Trounces Pitt, 40-0 Detroit Free Press John N. Sabo October 12, 1941 9 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35906541/michigan_trounces_pitt_400/ Newspapers.comOctober 11NorthwesternWisconsinDyche Stadium, Evanston, ILW 41–1440,000Wildcats Roll Over in 2d Half, 41-14 Chicago Tribune Arch Ward October 12, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35803311/wildcats_roll_over_in_2d_half_4114/ Newspapers.comOctober 11IndianaTCUMemorial Stadium, Bloomington, INL 14–2024,000Texas Christian Triumphs Over Indiana, 20-14: Frogs Clinch Victory With Seconds Left The Indianapolis Star W. Blaine Patton October 12, 1941 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35812728/texas_christian_triumphs_over_indiana/ Newspapers.com October 18 All nine conference teams saw action on October 18, consisting of three conference games and three non-conference games. In the week's biggest matchup, No. 6 Michigan defeated No. 5 Northwestern. The non-conference games resulted in three wins. After four weeks, Big Ten teams had compiled a non-conference record of 12–4. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceOctober 18No. 1 MinnesotaPittsburghMemorial Stadium, Minneapolis, MNW 39–035,000Gophers Pound Pitt, 39-0: Higgins Is Sensation in Victory Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal Charles Johnson October 19, 1941 Sports 1–2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35795996/gophers_pound_pitt_390_higgins_is/ Newspapers.comOctober 18No. 5 NorthwesternNo. 6 MichiganDyche Stadium, Evanston, ILW 14-747,000Michigan Passes Beat Northwestern, 14-7: Kuzma Tosses Twice to Score for Wolverine; Fraumann, Rogers Cross Goal Wilfrid Smith Chicago Tribune November 2, 1941 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35804811/michigannorthwestern/ Newspapers.comMichigan Victor on Long Pass, 14-7; Kuzma's 2 Touchdown Tosses, Second Gaining 46 Yards, Defeat Northwestern The New York Times (AP story) October 19, 1941 https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/19/archives/michigan-victor-on-long-pass-147-kuzmas-2-touchdown-tosses-second.htmlOctober 18No. 10 Ohio StatePurdueOhio Stadium, Columbus, OHW 16–1466,07416-Point Lead Barely Holds Up For Bucks Dayton Daily News Si Burick October 19, 1941 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807540/16point_lead_barely_holds_up_for_bucks/ Newspapers.comOctober 18WisconsinIowaCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WIW 23–020,000Smashing Badgers Rout Iowa, 23-0 Wisconsin State Journal Henry J. McCormick October 19, 1941 19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35803465/smashing_badgers_rout_iowa_230/ Newspapers.comOctober 18No. 15 NebraskaIndianaMemorial Stadium, Lincoln, NEW 21–1333,000Huskers beaten first time by Indiana The Nebraska State Journal Don Kellogg October 19, 1941 1B, 4B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35812827/huskers_beaten_first_time_by_indiana/ Newspapers.comOctober 18IllinoisDrakeMemorial Stadium, Champaign, ILW 40–012,000Illinois Whips Drake, 40 to 0; Griffin Stars Chicago Tribune Charles Bartlett October 19, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35812034/illinois_whips_drake_40_to_0_griffin/ Newspapers.com October 25 All nine conference teams saw action on October 25, consisting of four conference games and one non-conference game. In the week's biggest matchups, No. 1 Minnesota defeated No. 3 Michigan, and No. 13 Northwestern defeated No. 11 Ohio State. The non-conference game resulted in three wins. After five weeks, Big Ten teams had compiled a non-conference record of 12–5. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceOctober 25No. 3 MichiganNo. 1 MinnesotaMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MIW 7–085,753Minnesota Edges Out Michigan on Second-Period Score, 7 to 0, as Crowd of 85,753 Looks On Detroit Free Press John N. Sabo October 26, 1941 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35796134/minnesota_edges_out_michigan_on/ Newspapers.comOctober 25No. 11 Ohio StateNo. 13 NorthwesternOhio Stadium, Columbus, OHW 14–771,896Wildcats Beat Ohio State On Passes, 14 to 7: Otto Graham Pitches for 2 Touchdowns Chicago Tribune Wilfrid Smith October 26, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35805438/wildcats_beat_ohio_state_on_passes_14/ Newspapers.comOctober 25WisconsinIndianaCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WIW 27–2533,000Badgers Outroar Indiana, 27-25 Wisconsin State Journal Henry J. McCormick October 26, 1941 9 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35803611/badgers_outroar_indiana_2725/ Newspapers.comOctober 25PurdueIowaRoss–Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, INW 7–622,000Boilermakers Shade Iowa: Take Home-Coming Tilt by 7-to-6 Score The Indianapolis Star W. Blaine Patton October 26, 1941 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35806515/boilermakers_shade_iowa_take/ Newspapers.comOctober 25No. 7 Notre DameIllinoisNotre Dame Stadium, South Bend, INL 14–4945,000Irish Run Up 28 Points in Last Quarter To Rout Illinois, 49-14 Chicago Tribune Edward Burns October 26, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35812249/irish_run_up_28_points_in_last_quarter/ Newspapers.com November 1 All nine conference teams saw action on November 1, consisting of three conference games and three non-conference games. In the week's biggest matchup, No. 1 Minnesota defeated No. 9 Northwestern. The non-conference games resulted in one win and two losses. After six weeks, Big Ten teams had compiled a non-conference record of 13–7. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceNovember 1No. 1 MinnesotaNo. 9 NorthwesternMemorial Stadium, Minneapolis, MNW 8–764,464Gophers Cage Wildcats, 8-7 Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal Charles Johnson November 2, 1941 Sports 1, 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35796256/gophers_cage_wildcats_87/ Newspapers.comNovember 1IllinoisNo. 7 MichiganMemorial Stadium, Champaign, ILW 20–030,101Westfall and Kuzma Score for Michigan in Battle of Fumbles Edward Burns Chicago Tribune November 2, 1941 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35812309/westfall_and_kuzma_score_for_michigan/Michigan Downs Illinois, 20 to 0; 30,000 See Westfall Pace the Wolverines to Smashing Conference Victory The New York Times November 2, 1941 https://www.nytimes.com/1941/11/02/archives/michigan-downs-illinois-20-to-0-30000-see-westfall-pace-the.htmlNovember 1PittsburghOhio StatePitt Stadium, Pittsburgh, PAW 21–1450,000Pitt Loses, 21-14: Jones, Fife Star Before 50,000 Fans The Pittsburgh Press November 2, 1941 Chester L. Smith 41 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807916/pitt_loses_2114_jones_fife_star/ Newspapers.comNovember 1WisconsinSyracuseCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WIL 20–2719,000Syracuse Razzle-Dazzles Badgers, 27-20 Wisconsin State Journal Henry J. McCormick November 2, 1941 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35803812/syracuse_razzledazzles_badgers_2720/ Newspapers.comNovember 1IowaIndianaIowa Stadium, Iowa City, IAW 13–728,000Iowa Turns On Indiana, 13-7: Green Score Twice The Des Moines Register Bert McGrane November 2, 1941 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35806586/iowa_turns_on_indiana_137_green/ Newspapers.comNovember 1No. 3 FordhamPurduePolo Grounds, New York, NYL 0–1720,500Rams Overpower Purdue, 17 to 0 New York Daily News Jack Smith November 2, 1941 88 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807290/rams_overpower_purdue_17_to_0/ Newspapers.com November 8 Eight conference teams played games on November 8, consisting of three conference games and two non-conference games. The non-conference games resulted in a win and a tie. After seven weeks, Big Ten teams had compiled a non-conference record of 14–7–1. Michigan did not play. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceNovember 8No. 2 MinnesotaNebraskaMemorial Stadium, Minneapolis, MNW 9–042,893Gophers Held To 9-0 Win Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal Charles Johnson November 9, 1941 Sports 1–2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35796433/gophers_held_to_90_win/November 8No. 20 Ohio StateWisconsinOhio Stadium, Columbus, OHW 46–3458,519Badgers Lose Weird Game to Ohio, 46-34 The Wisconsin State Journal Henry J. McCormick November 9, 1941 21 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35803914/badgers_lose_weird_game_to_ohio_4634/ Newspapers.comNovember 8No. 10 NorthwesternIndianaDyche Stadium, Evanston, ILW 20–1435,000Northwestern Subdues Indiana and Billy Hillenbrand, 20 to 14 Chicago Tribune Irving Vaughan November 9, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35805538/northwestern_subdues_indiana_and_billy/ Newspapers.comNovember 8IllinoisIowaMemorial Stadium, Champaign, ILW 21–014,339Dad's Day Becomes Farmer's Day As Iowa Routs Illinois, 21 to 0 Chicago Tribune Charles Bartlett November 9, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35806703/dads_day_becomes_farmers_day_as_iowa/ Newspapers.comNovember 8PurdueMichigan StateRoss–Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, INT 0–017,000Purdue In 0-0 Tie: Boilermaker Threats Fail The Muncie Sunday Star Harold Harrison November 9, 1941 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807375/purdue_in_00_tie_boilermaker_threats/ Newspapers.com November 15 Eight conference teams played games on November 15, consisting of three conference games and two non-conference games. The non-conference games resulted in a win and a loss. In the week's biggest matchup, No. 5 Notre Dame defeated No. 8 Northwestern. After eight weeks, Big Ten teams had compiled a non-conference record of 15–8–1. Indiana did not play. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceNovember 15IowaNo. 1 MinnesotaIowa Stadium, Iowa City, IA (rivalry)W 34–1343,200Minnesota Mauls Iowa, 34-13 The Des Moines Register Bert McGrane November 16, 1941 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35796746/minnesota_mauls_iowa_3413/ Newspapers.comNovember 15ColumbiaNo. 7 MichiganBaker Field, New York, NYW 28–035,000Michigan Whips Columbia, 28-0: Attack Led by Westfall and Kuzma Detroit Free Press November 16, 1941 Sports 1–2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35768117/michigan_whips_columbia_280_attack/ Newspapers.comNovember 15No. 20 Ohio StateIllinoisOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH (Illibuck)W 12–741,544Buckeyes Use Long Pass, Hard Plunges To Beat Illinois, 12-7 Chicago Tribune Arch Ward November 16, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35808042/buckeyes_use_long_pass_hard_plunges_to/ Newspapers.comNovember 1No. 8 NorthwesternNo. 5 Notre DameDyche Stadium, Evanston, IL (rivalry)L 6–748,000Notre Dame Wins, 7 to 6; Blocks N.U.'s Kick: Strategic Play Blocks N.U.'s Extra Point Kick, Wins for Irish Chicago Tribune Edward Burns November 16, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/370954842/ Newspapers.comNovember 15WisconsinPurdueCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WIW 13–025,000Last Period Badger Spurt Tips Purdue, 13-0 Wisconsin State Journal Henry J. McCormick November 16, 1941 19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35804049/last_period_badger_spurt_tips_purdue/ Newspapers.com November 22 All nine conference teams played games on November 22, consisting of four conference games and one non-conference game. In the week's biggest matchup, No. 7 Michigan played No. 14 Ohio State to a 20–20 tie. The non-conference game resulted in a loss. Big Ten teams finished the season with a non-conference record of 15–9–1. Date Home team Visiting team Site Result Attendance SourceNovember 22No. 1 MinnesotaWisconsinMemorial Stadium, Minneapolis, MN (Slab of Bacon)W 41–652,984Gophers Tip Badgers, 41-6, Win Big Ten, U.S. Titles: Smith Heroic in Last Game Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal Charles Johnson November 23, 1941 Sports 1–2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35796897/gophers_tip_badgers_416_win_big_ten/ Newspapers.comNovember 22No. 7 MichiganNo. 14 Ohio StateMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)T 20–2085,753OSU Battles Wolverines to 20-20 Tie Detroit Free Press John N. Sabo November 23, 1941 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807975/osu_battles_wolverines_to_2020_tie/November 22No. 10 NorthwesternIllinoisDyche Stadium, Evanston, IL (rivalry)W 27–05,000Northwestern Whips Illinois, 27-0: DeCorrevont's 3 Touchdowns Lead Wildcats Chicago Tribune Irving Vaughan November 23, 1941 II-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35805712/northwestern_whips_illinois_270/ Newspapers.comNovember 1NebraskaIowaMemorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE (rivalry)L 13–1420,000Huskers end victory drouth, 14 to 13! Sunday Journal and Star John Bentley November 23, 1941 11 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35806777/huskers_end_victory_drouth_14_to_13/ Newspapers.comNovember 22IndianaPurdueMemorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN (Old Oaken Bucket)W 7–023,000Indiana Beats Purdue: Takes Bitter Bucket Tilt By 7-0 Score The Indianapolis Star W. Blaine Patton November 23, 1941 41–42 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807459/indiana_beats_purdue_takes_bitter/ Newspapers.com Bowl games During the 1941 season, the Big Ten maintained its long-standing ban on postseason games. Accordingly, no Big Ten teams participated in any bowl games. All-Big Ten players the complete All-Big Ten selections 1941 All-Big Ten Conference football team The following players were picked by the Associated Press (AP), the United Press (UP), and/or the International News Service (INS) as first-team players on the 1941 All-Big Ten Conference football team.Big Ten Coaches Announce 1941 All-Star Football Team Selections Evening Huronite Earl Hilligan November 24, 1941 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36927641/big_ten_coaches_announce_1941_allstar/ Newspapers.comOhio State Fails To Place Player On Big 9 Honor Roll The Dayton Herald Steve Snider November 22, 1941 8 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36925681/ohio_state_fails_to_place_player_on_big/ Newspapers.comThree Sophs On Western Conference Team Daily Dispatch November 25, 1941 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36926733/three_sophs_on_western_conference_team/ Newspapers.com Dave Schreiner, end, Wisconsin (AP, UP, INS) Bob Motl, end, Northwestern (AP, INS) Bob Fitch, end, Minnesota (UP) Alf Bauman, tackle, Northwestern (AP, UP, INS) Dick Wildung, tackle, Minnesota (AP, UP, INS) Tom Melton, guard, Purdue (AP, UP) Len Levy, guard, Minnesota (AP, UP) Al Wistert, guard, Michigan (INS) Fritz Howard, guard, Ohio State (INS) Robert Ingalls, center, Michigan (AP, UP) Iron Man Bob Johnson, center, Purdue (INS) Billy Hillenbrand, quarterback, Indiana (AP, UP, INS) Bill Daley, halfback, Minnesota (AP, UP) Bruce Smith, halfback, Minnesota (AP, INS) (1941 Heisman Trophy winner) Bob Westfall, fullback, Michigan (AP, UP, INS) Pat Harder, fullback, Wisconsin (UP, INS) All-Americans the complete All-America selections 1941 College Football All-America Team At the end of the 1941 season, Big Ten players secured three of the 12 consensus first-team picks for the 1941 College Football All-America Team.2014 NCAA Football Records: Consensus All-America Selections National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2014 August 16, 2014 5–6 http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2014/Awards.pdf December 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222163944/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2014/Awards.pdf dead The Big Ten's consensus All-Americans were: Dick Wildung, tackle, Minnesota (AAB, AP, INS, LIB, NEA, NW, SN, UP, CP, LIFE, PARA, WC) Bruce Smith, halfback, Minnesota (AAB, AP, CO, INS, NW, SN, UP, CP, NYS, LIFE, PARA, WC, LIFE) Bob Westfall, fullback, Michigan (AAB, CO, INS, LIB, NEA, NW, SN, UP, CP, NYS, PARA, WC) Other Big Ten players who were named first-team All-Americans by at least one selector were: Dave Schreiner, end, Wisconsin (AP) Alf Bauman, tackle, Northwestern (AAB, SN, LIFE) Jim Daniell, tackle, Ohio State (CP) 1942 NFL draft Two Big Ten players, Bob Westfall and Urban Odson, were selected in the first round of the 1942 NFL draft. In all, 26 players from Big Ten football teams were selected in the 1942 NFL Draft, as follows:1942 NFL Draft: Full Draft National Football League NFL.com October 9, 2019 http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?season=1942 NamePositionTeamRoundOverall pickBob WestfallFullbackMichigan15Urban OdsonTackleMinnesota19 Alf BaumanTackleNorthwestern215 Bob SweigerBackMinnesota323 Len LevyGuardMinnesota427Gordon PaschkaGuardMinnesota428Bill GreenBackIowa539Italo RossiTacklePurdue752Bob FitchEndMinnesota756Joe RogersEndMichigan859John PettyBackPurdue980Jud RingerEndMinnesota1084Bill DiehlCenterIowa1085Gene FlickCenterMinnesota1089Tom FarrisBackWisconsin1199Jim DaniellTackleOhio State12110Bruce SmithBackMinnesota13119Bill DeCorrevontBackNorthwestern14126Jim TrimbleTackleIndiana15139Tom KinkadeBackOhio State16149Don ClawsonBackNorthwestern17152Dick FisherBackOhio State17155Jack GrafBackOhio State18162Robert IngallsCenterMichigan18169George BensonBackNorthwestern19179Al CouppeeBackIowa22196 References