1953, why no title?

[bcgvh]

I'm sure this has been discussed, and I've always wondered about it. Since I'm thinking about it now, I'll ask it here. In 1953, we beat Maryland in the Orange Bowl, yet Maryland got the national title. What's up with that?

[Soonerfan88]

At that time, they published the last poll and gave out the title before the bowls. IIRC, one of Bud's titles was also that way - undefeated season then lost the bowl game.

[Crucifax Autumn]

and we think it's a dumb system now...

Of course, we'd have WAY more MNCs if it was still like that.

[SbOrOiNaEnR]

Final rankings for the year were on November 29th. Your top 20 was as follows:

1. Maryland Terrapins (10-0-0) ACC
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-0-1) Indep.
3. Michigan State Spartans (8-1-0) Big 10
4. Oklahoma Sooners (8-1-1) Big 7
5. UCLA Bruins (8-1-0) PCC
6. Rice Owls (8-2-0) SWC
7. Illinois Illini (7-1-1) Big 10
8. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-2-1) SEC
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3-1) Big 10
10. West Virginia Mountaineers (8-1-0) Southern
11. Texas Longhorns (7-3-0) SWC
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-1-0) SWC
13. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2-3) SEC
14. Army Cadets (7-1-1) Indep.
15. Wisconsin Badgers (6-2-1) Big 10
16. Kentucky Wildcats (7-2-1) SEC
17. Auburn Tigers (7-2-1) SEC
18. Duke Blue Devils (7-2-1) ACC
19. Stanford Indians (6-3-1) PCC
20. Michigan Wolverines (6-3-0) Big 10

Hard to argue for a 8-1-1 team over a 10-0 team, especially before the bowl games were played. That's the way the system worked then, and unlike Alabama, I'm not going to try to argue for a retroactive title 55 years after the fact. Stomping that assclown Jim Tatum after he tried his damndest to leave OU in the lurch when he took the Maryland job is consolation enough for me.

[OKLA21FAN]

ND and Pitt had something to do with that MNC.


We didnt earn that one by 'OU standards'..... :pop:

[bcgvh]

Well, I guess that explains it then! Yeah, as bad as the system is today, it's still the best we've ever had by far...and it seems to benefit us most of the time. ;)

[Crucifax Autumn]

I notice Texas Tech was better than Texass and ranked behind 'em that year too!

[cheezyq]

I notice Texas Tech was better than Texass and ranked behind 'em that year too!

But, BUT, HEAD-to-HEAD!!!!!

:)

[sooner59]

How did so many teams tie back then? Not like that today.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

In 1954 we were undefeated, and weren't awarded a NC.

[olevetonahill]

How did so many teams tie back then? Not like that today.

No Over time then .

[tommieharris91]

In 1954 we were undefeated, and weren't awarded a NC.

I think that's because another team (ND?) was on a long winning streak and deserved it over us that season.

[sendbaht]

in 1953 Mack was one of the coaches on the Maryland Terrapins. I understand he whined enough to sway some of the voters.

[Crucifax Autumn]

new answer to the original question:

The NCAA were asshats then too!

[Blues1]

Below - You are Looking at my 2nd Season (1953) following "Our Sooners" - I watched Bud and the Sooners on a 12 inch B&W TV beat Maryland in the Orange Bowl 7 to 0 - I'm remember how great it was to See #1 team lose to Oklahoma - Yes back then the Final Poll came out before the main four bowl games - Orange Bowl - Cotton - Rose & Sugar - - There was also the Tangerine bowl for mostly some smaller schools back then. But I do remember whoever the sport caster was ? - (Maybe Lindsey Nelson .. ?) - saying "The number one team has lost to Oklahoma" There was a Big headline on sports pages the next day (Chicago Tribune) 'Maryland goes down to Oklahoma 7 to 0' - Maryland also later lost to us 20 to 6 in the 55 Orange Bowl as well -- I think My Family had traded up to a 14 inch B&W TV by then ~~~ :)
I could on - BUT to you guys it's "Ancient History" But I remember it like it was Yesterday ~~~~ Now maybe you know why I say ~~~ Still Rockin' ~~~ :)


1. Maryland Terrapins (10-0-0) ACC
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-0-1) Indep.
3. Michigan State Spartans (8-1-0) Big 10
4. Oklahoma Sooners (8-1-1) Big 7
5. UCLA Bruins (8-1-0) PCC
6. Rice Owls (8-2-0) SWC
7. Illinois Illini (7-1-1) Big 10
8. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-2-1) SEC
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3-1) Big 10
10. West Virginia Mountaineers (8-1-0) Southern
11. Texas Longhorns (7-3-0) SWC
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-1-0) SWC
13. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2-3) SEC
14. Army Cadets (7-1-1) Indep.
15. Wisconsin Badgers (6-2-1) Big 10
16. Kentucky Wildcats (7-2-1) SEC
17. Auburn Tigers (7-2-1) SEC
18. Duke Blue Devils (7-2-1) ACC
19. Stanford Indians (6-3-1) PCC
20. Michigan Wolverines (6-3-0) Big 10

[Crucifax Autumn]

Man...I had no idea how long you'd been there for the greatest program ever...16 years over my Norman birth!

Obligatory Spek!

[Blues1]

After I wrote my Post ~~~ I thought you know what ~~` That was even Before Rock & Roll ~~~ :) - I heard my first Rock Song in Late 1954 or early 55 "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley ( Or maybe it was Maybellene by Chuck Berry ~~~ :) -- They both came out around the same time - or should I say" --- "They Both Got Radio play around the same time"

And Yes ~~~I'm Still Rockin' ~~~~ :)

[Crucifax Autumn]

I hope it was Chuck...that would be right.

[85sooners]

LOL

[Sooner70]

Help me out here, Sooner historians. Wasn't there a year when both OU's starters and the second team were ranked in the top 10? When was that, & what are the details?

[owenfieldreams]

The idea that our second unit was a top 10 team was simply myth, not fact. In those days, Bud was the leading proponent of platoon football. He was also the leading innovator of "fast break" football.

In many games our second unit would come in and actually have more success than the first unit. Remember, these unit substitutions were not at a point in the game when the outcome was decided. The second unit would come in as early as the second offensive series.

We were running a hurry up O at that time as well but we did huddle. We'd simply sprint to the LOS & snap the ball immediately. In the second Orange Bowl game vs Maryland, their A.A. DT, Bob Pelligrini was quoted as saying to his fellow line men during one drive as they picked themselves off the ground from the previous play, "here they come again".

[humblesooner]

Two comments:
Back then the NC was awarded after the regular season. The Bowl Games were considered Vacations / Exhibition games.

The Second Unit = Top 10, would be an Urban (Meyer) Legend.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

The second team would regularly beat the first team in practice scrimages. The question at OU at the time was "which team was actually better, the first or second"? There was no limit on scholarships you could grant back then, so Bud would recruit a kid to keep him from going to a rival team. We were LOADED with talent in the '50's.

What year were you born, Blues1? I was 1945, about a month before Harry S. dropped those Big Ones on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

[SteelClip49]

I think that's because another team (ND?) was on a long winning streak and deserved it over us that season.

Oklahoma finished #3 in both polls. UCLA and the Buckeyes were co-champs.

[Fraggle145]

The only championship I ever thought of claiming that's not on the stadium is 1949. That is only because I heard Bud claim it in an interview.

[Jdog]

The idea that our second unit was a top 10 team was simply myth, not fact. In those days, Bud was the leading proponent of platoon football. He was also the leading innovator of "fast break" football.

In many games our second unit would come in and actually have more success than the first unit. Remember, these unit substitutions were not at a point in the game when the outcome was decided. The second unit would come in as early as the second offensive series.

We were running a hurry up O at that time as well but we did huddle. We'd simply sprint to the LOS & snap the ball immediately. In the second Orange Bowl game vs Maryland, their A.A. DT, Bob Pelligrini was quoted as saying to his fellow line men during one drive as they picked themselves off the ground from the previous play, "here they come again".

Back in the 50's "platoon" ball wasn't allowed, in other words a set of players had to play both offense and defense - and only be subbed for injury.
Bud had this great Idea o get around the rule - and have a the next best thing to platoon ball - and that was 2 teams, one would play the first 2 series and the other to play the next two. This way you could rest player so they would be fresh by the end of the game. - All Sooner fans need to read the book the "Undefeated" to understand how much things have changed.

Also back then the Bowls were considered to be an reward for the season, not a way to crown a nat'l champ. They were viewed kind of like a exibition game.
It really wasn't until the late 60s and very early 70s that they really started to mean something (mythical).

[Jacie]

Below - You are Looking at my 2nd Season (1953) following "Our Sooners" - I watched Bud and the Sooners on a 12 inch B&W TV beat Maryland in the Orange Bowl 7 to 0 - I'm remember how great it was to See #1 team lose to Oklahoma - Yes back then the Final Poll came out before the main four bowl games - Orange Bowl - Cotton - Rose & Sugar - - There was also the Tangerine bowl for mostly some smaller schools back then. But I do remember whoever the sport caster was ? - (Maybe Lindsey Nelson .. ?) - saying "The number one team has lost to Oklahoma" There was a Big headline on sports pages the next day (Chicago Tribune) 'Maryland goes down to Oklahoma 7 to 0' - Maryland also later lost to us 20 to 6 in the 55 Orange Bowl as well -- I think My Family had traded up to a 14 inch B&W TV by then ~~~ :)
I could on - BUT to you guys it's "Ancient History" But I remember it like it was Yesterday ~~~~ Now maybe you know why I say ~~~ Still Rockin' ~~~ :)


1. Maryland Terrapins (10-0-0) ACC
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-0-1) Indep.
3. Michigan State Spartans (8-1-0) Big 10
4. Oklahoma Sooners (8-1-1) Big 7
5. UCLA Bruins (8-1-0) PCC
6. Rice Owls (8-2-0) SWC
7. Illinois Illini (7-1-1) Big 10
8. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-2-1) SEC
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3-1) Big 10
10. West Virginia Mountaineers (8-1-0) Southern
11. Texas Longhorns (7-3-0) SWC
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-1-0) SWC
13. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2-3) SEC
14. Army Cadets (7-1-1) Indep.
15. Wisconsin Badgers (6-2-1) Big 10
16. Kentucky Wildcats (7-2-1) SEC
17. Auburn Tigers (7-2-1) SEC
18. Duke Blue Devils (7-2-1) ACC
19. Stanford Indians (6-3-1) PCC
20. Michigan Wolverines (6-3-0) Big 10

It was so long ago, the Top 25 was only the Top 20, Stanford were still Indians, Duke was actually good, the Big 10 could still count and tOSU was not one of their four ranked teams.

[TXHornsFan]

It was so long ago, the Top 25 was only the Top 20, Stanford were still Indians, Duke was actually good, the Big 10 could still count and tOSU was not one of their four ranked teams.

And so long ago that Notre Dame was good, Rice was 8-2 and in the top 10, Army was actually considered a serious team, and the Big 7 had not yet turned 8 (let alone 12). Imagine a time when Rice, Duke, and Stanford were all ranked teams.

By the way, TxTech was not in the SWC then. They did not join till 1958.

[Blues1]

Here is something I bet you didn't Know -- Back in 1952 Norte Dame was Still wearing Leather Helmets (A Little Stronger leather than the 1930's Helmets - But Still Leather) --- No BS ---- :)

Amen - Rock On'

[Crucifax Autumn]

Norte Dame was Still wearing Leather Helmets

...And the brain damage is still effecting their gene pool today.

[Blues1]

The second team would regularly beat the first team in practice scrimages. The question at OU at the time was "which team was actually better, the first or second"? There was no limit on scholarships you could grant back then, so Bud would recruit a kid to keep him from going to a rival team. We were LOADED with talent in the '50's.

What year were you born, Blues1? I was 1945, about a month before Harry S. dropped those Big Ones on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Born December 28th,1942 I Will be 66 in 11 days ~~~~ :)
1952 --- I was 10 years old when My Dad turned me on to College Football and "Our Sooners"
I loved the game ever Since....!!!
I remember when Truman got elected - I also was at our Last Victory of the 47 Straight in Columbia MO. November 1957.... :)
OU 39
Tigers 14

[Crucifax Autumn]

ye an old bastage aintcha? :P

Seriously though, that's awesome. I feel sad to have been born to late to see all that. At least I made it in time to see Switzer's entire career though.

[Blues1]

ye an old bastage aintcha? :P

Seriously though, that's awesome. I feel sad to have been born to late to see all that. At least I made it in time to see Switzer's entire career though.


Amen Brother....
The Next week on National NBC TV - I watched Our Sooners Lose to ND 7 to 0

Back in those days Most Newspapers had Saturday Afternoon Editions.

On the front page Headlines of The Afternoon Saturday Chicago Tribune Paper on that day -- In Huge type headlines it Read....

"At the Half Oklahoma 0 Norte Dame 0"

That's How Big that game was --- Once again !!~~~ No BS :(

[olevetonahill]

ye an old bastage aintcha? :P

Seriously though, that's awesome. I feel sad to have been born to late to see all that. At least I made it in time to see Switzer's entire career though.

Go easy on the Old stuff . Us Old farts will smack you down .:P

[Crucifax Autumn]

It's only you old farts that could ever successfully smack me down...the youngsters are too busy trying to hold up their baggy-assed pants.

[Blues1]

It's only you old farts that could ever successfully smack me down...the youngsters are too busy trying to hold up their baggy-assed pants.

Put your Baseball Hat on Straight - (Or OU hat) -- Look me in the Eye - and Lets Get Rockin' ~~~~ :)

Thanks to my younger *Older Buds* - "Olevetonahill and Now Crucfax Autumn" we Ain't taken No SH!t From you younger dudes ~~~~ I love all you guys - Wish I could be in Norman, Oklahoma for all those home games --- Who Knows Lord willing maybe 2009 ...??

Rock on'
Blues1 ~~~ :)

[Crucifax Autumn]

I wish I could be there too. OU doen't play UNLV much!

Gotta love the hat comment...That crap drives me nuts. Just because Will Smith was perceived as cool 20 years ago when he thought the bill of his cap was for ear protection doesn't mean young white dudes can or even should try to pull that one off. If ya ain't catchin a baseball game the damn bill goes in the front, and even if you are catchin it sure as schmidt doesn't go on the side!

[TXHornsFan]

On the front page Headlines of The Afternoon Saturday Chicago Tribune Paper on that day -- In Huge type headlines it Read....

"At the Half Oklahoma 0 Norte Dame 0"

:(

Lady of the North?

[Blues1]

Lady of the North?

Harper High 2 years - 62nd & Wood & Morgan Park High 2 Years (Close to 111th & Longwood Drive)---- ( All on the Southwest Side)

Rock On'

[yermom]

you know, we lost to Maryland in the Sugar Bowl after winning the NC in 1950

[Blues1]

you know, we lost to Maryland in the Sugar Bowl after winning the NC in 1950


If we Did... ?? -- I never Heard about it -- I don't think So -- I think you Are thinking of Kentucky....?

To my Knowledge ~~~ We've played Maryland Three Times - 2 in Bowl Games and One Season Game I saw them all --- and we Never lost - closest was a Early Season game (Something Like 13 to 7 OU --- )

[yermom]

right, i was confused

that was Bear Bryant's Kentucky team

still, same deal though