1949 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season

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

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

Schedule

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

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked
Week
Poll12345678Final
AP191516——————

Preseason

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

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

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

Coaching staff

1949 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff
Coaching staff
  • Walter “Mike” Milligan – head coach
  • Harold Williams – assistant coach
  • John Chickerneo – assistant backfield coach
  • Robert Timmons – assistant end coach
  • Dr. Jesse Quatse – assistant line coach
  • Paul Sager – jayvee coach
  • Ted Schmitt– freshman coach
  • Edmund Shedlosky– freshman coach
   Support staff
  • Thomas J. Hamilton – director of athletics and physical education
  • Frank Carver – graduate manager
  • Don Giffen – publicity director
  • Dr. Ralph Shanor – team physician
  • Howard Waite – trainer
  • Bill Haines – equipment manager
  • Joe Percovich– student manager

Roster

1949 Pittsburgh Panthers football roster
Player Position Games Weight Height Class Prep School Hometown
William Abraham * halfback 9 215 5 ft 8 in senior Jeannette H. S. Jeanette, PA
Rudy Andabaker* guard 9 185 5 ft 11 in sophomore Donora H. S. Donora, PA
Bernard Barkouskie* guard 9 200 5 ft 10 in senior Wilkes-Barre H. S. Kulpmont, PA
Robert Becker* fullback 5 190 6 ft senior Westinghouse H. S. Pittsburgh, PA
Bob Bestwick* halfback 6 180 5 ft 11 in sophomore Shaler H. S. Shaler Township, PA
Michael Boldin * guard 9 210 6 ft junior Johnstown H. S. Johnstown, PA
Nick Bolkovac* tackle 9 225 6 ft 2 in junior Youngstown H. S. Youngstown, OH
Fred Botti quarterback 0 190 6 ft 1 in junior Connellsville H. S. North Union, PA
Bob Brennen* quarterback 9 215 6 ft 1 in sophomore North Catholic H. S. Pittsburgh, PA
James Campbell* fullback 9 195 5 ft 11 in sophomore Derry, PA
Frank Capello end 2 185 6 ft senior Elwood City H. S. Elwood City, PA
Louis Cecconi* halfback 9 165 5 ft 7 in senior Donora H. S. Donora, PA
Paul Chess halfback 2 185 6 ft sophomore Meadville H. S. Meadville, PA
Eugene Cooper center 0 180 5 ft 10 in sophomore McKeesport H. S. McKeesport, PA
John Coyne end 0 185 6 ft sophomore Munhall H. S. Munhall, PA
John Dazio* center 6 195 6 ft sophomore Meadville H. S. Meadville, PA
Sam DeFede tackle 1 210 6 ft junior Martins Ferry H. S. Martins Ferry, OH
Carl DePasqua* fullback 9 175 5 ft 8 in senior Williamsport. H.S. Williamsport, PA
Nick DeRosa* end 9 190 6 ft 1 in junior Donora H. S. Donora, PA
Armond DiFonso* halfback 9 175 5 ft 9 in sophomore Jeannette H. S. Jeannette, PA
Bill Doziski halfback 1 180 6 ft sophomore Donora H. S. Donora, OH
Dave Fyock halfback 0 170 5 ft 8 in sophomore Evans City H. S. Evans City, PA
William Gasparovic* tackle 7 210 6 ft sophomore Steelton H.S. Steelton, PA
Ted Geremsky * end 9 215 6 ft 4 in junior Braddock H. S. Braddock, PA
Flint Green* tackle 7 200 5 ft 10 in junior New Kensington H. S. New Kensington, PA
Sam Haddad center 0 220 6 ft 3 in senior New Castle H. S. New Castle, PA
William Hardisty* halfback 7 215 6 ft 3 in senior Langley H. S. Pittsburgh, PA
Harry Hollihan end 1 195 6 ft 1 in junior Glenshaw H. S. Shaler, PA
Niel Huffman tackle 0 200 6 ft 2 in sophomore Ostrander H. S. Ostrander, OH
David Karanovich* guard 9 195 6 ft 2 in junior Irwin H. S. Irwin, PA
Andy Kisiday guard 2 190 5 ft 11 in senior Ambridge H. S. Ambridge, PA
Lindy Lauro* halfback 8 195 5 ft 10 in senior New Castle H. S. New Castle, PA
Bobby Lee * quarterback 9 185 5 ft 10 in senior New Castle H. S. New Castle, PA
Albert Lonoconus tackle 0 190 5 ft 10 in sophomore West Hazleton H. S. West Hazleton, PA
John Masarick* end 7 190 6 ft 1 in junior Har-Brack H. S. Tarentum, PA
Louis Melillo* quarterback 5 180 5 ft 10 in senior Kittanning H. S. Kittanning, PA
Robert Mihm tackle 4 220 6 ft 1 in junior Westinghouse H. S. Pittsburgh, PA
Joe O'Bara halfback 1 165 5 ft 8 in junior Johnstown H. S. Johnstown, PA
Mike Omatick quarterback 0 175 5 ft 11 in sophomore Connellsville H. S. Connellsville, PA
Larry Pierce guard 1 180 5 ft 10 in junior Jeannette H. S. Jeannette, PA
Robert Plotz* tackle 8 210 6 ft 2 in senior Martins Ferry H. S. Martins Ferry, OH
Emil Rader halfback 2 205 6 ft 1 in senior Wheeling H. S. Benwood, WVA
Leonard Radnor* center 9 185 5 ft 10 in senior Plymouth H. S. Plymouth, PA
George Radosevich* center 8 200 6 ft 2 in junior Brentwood H. S. Brentwood, PA
Jimmy Joe Robinson* halfback 8 185 5 ft 11 in senior Connellsville H. S. Connellsville, PA
William Samer* end 7 190 6 ft 1 in senior Donora H. S. Donora, PA
Ralph Short tackle 3 170 6 ft senior Martins Ferry H. S. Martins Ferry, OH
William Sichko* halfback 8 170 5 ft 11 in sophomore German Twp. PA
Donald Skrbin guard 0 190 6 ft junior Steelton H. S. Steelton, PA
Alfred Smalara tackle 0 200 6 ft sophomore Springdale H. S. Springdale, PA
John Stoken end 0 200 6 ft sophomore Aliquippa H. S. Aliquippa, PA
Earl Sumpter* guard 6 175 5 ft 10 in senior Clairton H. S. Clairton, PA
Charles Thomas guard 0 190 6 ft 3 in senior Dormont H. S. Dormont, PA
Chris Warriner* end 7 195 5 ft 11 in sophomore Tarentum H. S. Tarentum, PA
Harold Wertman fullback 0 205 6 ft sophomore ShamokinH. S. Shamokin, PA
Charles Yost* guard 6 210 5 ft 11in senior Youngstown H. S. Youngstown, OH
* Letterman

[15][16][17]

Game summaries

William & Mary

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

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

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

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

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

at Northwestern

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

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

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

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

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

at West Virginia

Week 3: Pitt at West Virginia
1 234Total
• Pitt 0 0137 20
West Virginia 0 700 7
  • Date: October 8, 1948
  • Location: Mountaineer Field
    Morgantown, WV
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 31,005
  • Game weather: sunny and hot
  • Referee: Albert Booth (Yale)
Scoring summary
2WVUBernie Huntz 19-yard pass from Jimmy Walthall (Gene Simmons kick)WVU 7–0
3PITTBimbo Cecconi 19-yard run (Nick Bolkovac kick)TIE 7–7
3PITTCecconi 26-yard run ( kick missed )PITT 13–7
4PITTLindaro Lauro 6-yard run ( Bolkovac kick )PITT 20–7

On October 9, the Panthers played the Mountaineers in West Virginia for only the sixth time in the 42- game series. The Panthers won the previous 5 contests in Morgantown. The Panthers led the “Backyard Brawl” series 31–9–1.[29] Like Pitt's first two opponents, West Virginia was a reigning Bowl Champion. The Mountaineers beat the Texas Mines Miners 21–12 in the 1949 Sun Bowl. Second-year Coach Dudley DeGroot's squad was 2–1 on the season. They beat Waynesburg and Washington & Lee, but lost to Ohio U.[30]

Friday, thirty-nine Panthers squad members bussed to Uniontown, PA to spend the night at the Summit Hotel. Flint Greene, backup tackle, was injured in the Northwestern game and did not make the trip. Coach Milligan went with the same starting lineup for the third straight game.[31] Pitt fans bought more than 2,000 tickets. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad ran a special train to Morgantown, priced at $3.25 on game day, that left Pittsburgh 9:15 a.m and arrived at 12:55 p.m. The return trip left at 5:25 p.m. and arrived back in Pittsburgh at 9:10 p.m.[32]

The Panthers overcame a first half deficit, and beat the Mountaineers 20–7 to extend their winning streak to 5 games. West Virginia threatened to score three times in the first half and finally succeeded with less than a minute to play. The Mountaineers drove 66 yards and scored on a 19-yard pass from Jimmy Walthall to Bernie Huntz. Gene Simmons kicked the extra point and West Virginia led at halftime 7–0. Bimbo Cecconi scored on two touchdown runs (19 and 26 yards), as he totaled 99 yards of offense in the third quarter. Lindaro Lauro added another touchdown on a 7-yard run late in the game. Nick Bolkovac was good on 2 of 3 placements.[33]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against West Virginia was Ted Geremsky (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Bernie Barkouskie (left guard), Len Radnor (center),Mike Boldin (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Bobby Lee (quarterback), Bimbo Cecconi (left halfback), Jimmy Joe Robinson (right halfback) and Carl DePasqua (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were John Masarik, Chris Warriner, Harry Hollihan, Robert Mihm, William Gasparovic, Sam Defede, Rudy Andabaker, Donald Karanovich, Charles Yost, George Radosevich, John Dazio, Louis Melillo, Robert Brennen, Lindaro Lauro, William Sichko, William Hardisty, Armand DiFonso, James Campbell, William Abraham and Bob Becker.[33]

Miami (OH)

Week 4: Miami (OH) at Pitt
1 234Total
Miami (OH) 0 7127 26
• Pitt 14 777 35
  • Date: October 15, 1949
  • Location: Pitt Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 20,893
  • Game weather: cloudy
  • Referee: John H. Coles (Westminster)
Scoring summary
1PITTBimbo Cecconi 4-yard run (Nick Bolkovac kick)PITT 7–0
1PITTJimmy Joe Robinson 75-yard run (Bolkovac kick)PITT 14–0
2MIAMIJohn Pont 36-yard pass from Mel Olix ( George Galat kick)PITT 14–7
2PITTCecconi 13-yard run (Bolkovac kick )PITT 21–7
3MIAMIJack Bickel 79-yard run ( kick missed )PITT 21–13
3PITTJimmy Joe Robinson 26-yard pass from Cecconi ( Bolkovac kick )PITT 28–13
3MIAMIPont 9-yard run ( kick missed )PITT 28–19
4MIAMIPont 8-yard run (Galat kick )PITT 28–26
4PITTTed Geremsky 19-yard pass from Carl DePasqua ( Bolkovac kick )PITT 35–26

On October 15, the unbeaten Panthers and the Miami (OH) Redskins met on the gridiron for the second and final time. In 1931 the Panthers beat the Redskins 61–0. First-year head coach Woody Hayes' squad beat Wichita in the season opener, and then lost to Virginia and Xavier.[34]

Coach Milligan named the same line-up that started against West Virginia. This game was labelled High School Day, and the fans were treated to a band concert prior to kick-off. The Wilmerding, Charleroi and Springdale High School bands performed along with the 150-piece Panther ensemble. The National Air Guard of Pennsylvania performed at halftime.[34]

The Panthers ran their record to 4–0 with a hard-fought 35–26 victory over the Miami eleven. The Panthers raced to a first quarter 14–0 lead on a 4-yard dash by Bimbo Cecconi and a 75-yard run by Jimmy Robinson. The teams traded scores in the second quarter. Miami's halfback John Pont scored the first of his 3 touchdowns on a 36-yard pass from Mel Olix. George Galat added the extra point to cut the lead to 14–7. Pitt answered with a 13-yard run score by Cecconi for a 21–7 halftime lead. Jack Bickell opened the second half with a 79-yard dash to cut the lead to 21–13, as the extra point was wide. Pitt answered with a 65-yard, 7-play march ending with a 26-yard pass from Cecconi to Robinson. Miami then closed the gap to 28–26 on two straight drives ending with John Pont touchdown runs of 9-yards and 8-yards. Galat converted one of the placements. Pitt, then managed to drive 39-yards, and score on a 19-yard pass from Carl DePasqua to Ted Geremsky. Nick Bolkovac was 5 of 5 for the game on his extra points.[35]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Miami (OH) was Ted Geremsky (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Bernie Barkouskie (left guard), Len Radnor (center),Mike Boldin (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Bobby Lee (quarterback), Bimbo Cecconi (left halfback), Jimmy Joe Robinson (right halfback) and Carl DePasqua (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Samer, Flint Greene, Ralph Short, Rudy Andabaker, George Radosevich, Donald Karanovich, Charles Yost, Chris Warriner, John Masarik, Frank Capello, Robert Brennen, Louis Melillo, William Hardisty, William Sichko, Lindaro Lauro, Armand DiFonso, Bill Abraham, Bob Becker and James Campbell.[35]

at Indiana

Week 5: Pitt at Indiana
1 234Total
Pitt 0 770 14
• Indiana 7 131414 48
  • Date: October 22, 1949
  • Location: Memorial Stadium
    Bloomington, IN
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 16,000
  • Game weather: cloudy and cool
  • Referee: Rollie A. Barnum (Wisconsin)
Scoring summary
1INDJerry Van Ooyen 5-yard run (Donald Henkle kick)IND 7–0
2INDBob Robertson 5-yard run (Henkle kick)IND 14–0
2INDJim Gomory 17-yard run (kick missed)IND 20–0
2PITTCarl DePasqua 1-yard run (Nick Bolkovac kick )IND 20–7
3PITTJimmy Joe Robinson 8-yard run ( Bolkovac kick )IND 20–14
3INDAl Tutsie 1-yard run ( Henkle kick )IND 27–14
3INDRobert Robertson 5-yard run (Henkle kick)IND 34–14
4INDRobertson 23-yard pass from Nick Sebek (Henkle kick )IND 41–14
4INDRobertson 29-yard pass from Sebek (Henkle kick )IND 48–14

On October 22, the Panthers travelled to Bloomington, IN to play the Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoosiers led the series 5–1, but they were on an 11-game losing streak. The Panthers won the 1948 meeting, to start them on their current 6-game winning streak.[36][37]

The Panthers squad flew into Indianapolis and bussed to Bloomington. They were housed at the Graham Hotel. Coach Milligan's team was a two-touchdown favorite, even though they had never won in Bloomington. For the fifth straight game, he named the same starting line-up.[38][39]

The winless Indiana Hoosiers took out their frustrations on the Pitt Panthers and won by a score of 48–14. The Hoosiers scored three touchdowns in the first half before Pitt was able to get on the scoreboard. Late in the first period, Jerry Van Ooyen ran 5-yards for the first score. Bob Robertson and Jim Gomory scored touchdowns in the second quarter and Donald Henkle made 2 of 3 extra points to put Indiana ahead 20–0. Before halftime, the Panther offense went on a 72-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 1-yard plunge by Carl DePasqua. Nick Bolkovac added the placement. After halftime, the Panthers cut the lead to 20–14 with an 8-play, 55-yard drive, culminating with an 8-yard scamper by Jimmie Robinson. Bolkovac's kick was good. Indiana answered with 2 touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarter. The Panthers offense had one more sustained drive to the Hoosiers 29-yard line, but lost the ball on downs.[40] The Hoosiers finished the season with a 1–8 record.[36]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Indiana was Ted Geremsky (left end), Nick Bolkovac (left tackle), Bernie Barkouskie (left guard), Len Radnor (center),Mike Boldin (right guard), Robert Plotz (right tackle), Nick DeRosa (right end), Bobby Lee (quarterback), Bimbo Cecconi (left halfback), Jimmy Joe Robinson (right halfback) and Carl DePasqua (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Earl Sumpter, Flint Greene, Ralph Short, Rudy Andabaker, Andy Kisaday, George Radosevich, Donald Karanovich, Charles Yost, William Gasparovic, Chris Warriner, John Masarik, Robert Brennen, Louis Melillo, William Hardisty, William Sichko, Lindaro Lauro, Armand DiFonso, Bill Abraham, Bob Becker, Robert Bestwick and James Campbell.[41]

References

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  15. ^ "University of Pittsburgh 1949 Roster (Alphabetical)". Pitt vs. West Virginia Souvenir Program. West Virginia University Athletic Department: 18. October 8, 1949.
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  20. ^ "Lou Creekmur". Hall of Famers. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
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  22. ^ Carl Hughes (September 24, 1949). "Panthers Get Slight Edge Over Visitors". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ a b Chester L. Smith (September 25, 1949). "Pitt Scores First TD By Grabbing Fumble Behind Goal Line". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.
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  25. ^ Jack Sell (September 30, 1949). "Squad Departs This Morning". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 17 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "Pitt-Wildcat Game on Video". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. October 1, 1949. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ Carl Hughes (October 2, 1949). "Rose Bowl Champs Thoroughly Whipped in Upset at Evanston". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "Real Surprise". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. October 2, 1949. p. Part 3-1 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "Record Book Pitt Football 2005". University of Pittsburgh. 2005. p. 160. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  30. ^ "1949 West Virginia Mountaineers Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  31. ^ Jack Sell (October 7, 1949). "Milligan Names 39-man Squad". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 19 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "Special Train To Morgantown". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. October 5, 1949. p. 18 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b Carl Hughes (October 9, 1949). "Cecconii's Two Touchdowns In Third Quarter Turn Tide". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37. Retrieved June 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ a b Jack Henry (October 15, 1949). "Pitt Plays Miami, Seeks Fourth Victory". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 9. Retrieved June 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ a b Carl Hughes (October 16, 1949). "'Breather Tilt' Turns Into Tight Battle". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 37. Retrieved June 16, 2024 – via Newspaper.com.
  36. ^ a b "1949 Indiana Hoosiers Schedule and Results". SR?College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  37. ^ Jack K. Overmyer (October 22, 1949). "Tackle Crippled Indiana Today". The Indianapolis Star. p. 18. Retrieved June 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ Jack Sell (October 20, 1949). "Neither Able to Play Saturday". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 16. Retrieved June 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ Jack Sell (October 22, 1949). "Injuries Beset Hoosiers Who Have Lost 11 In a Row". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 10. Retrieved June 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ Chester L. Smith (October 23, 1949). "Hoosiers' Easy Victory Is Big Surprise". The Pittsburgh Press. p. 35. Retrieved June 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Wha' Happen?". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. October 23, 1949. p. Page 2- Part 3. Retrieved June 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
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