The 1928 Rose Bowl Game was a match between Stanford (7-2-1) and the Pittsburgh Panthers (8-0-1). Usually, the Rose Bowl was played on January 1, but in 1928, that fell on a Sunday, so the game was played on January 2, 1928. At this time, the Rose Bowl was the top and only bowl game, an east-vs.-west matchup. Stanford won the game, 7-6.[1]
Coaching
The coach for Pittsburgh was John B. "Jock" Sutherland, while the Stanford coach was Glenn "Pop" Warner.
Game summary
Stanford's Frankie Wilton had been the goat of the 1927 Rose Bowl: with Stanford leading 7–0 late in the game, an Alabama defender broke through the line and blocked his punt, setting up the Tide's tying touchdown. In the 1928 game, Wilton again made a critical error, losing the ball after being hit on his own 20 yard line, allowing Pitt's Jimmy Hagan to run the fumble in for a touchdown. Walt Heinecke of Stanford blocked Allen Booth's point after attempt, holding Pitt's lead to 6-0. Later in the game, Wilton had his redemption when teammate Spud Lewis fumbled a yard from the goal. Wilton scooped up the ball and crashed through for the tying touchdown. The kick was good, and Stanford held on for a 7-6 win.[2]
Scoring
Third Quarter
- Pitt – Jimmy Hagan, 17-yard run (off Stanford fumble) (Booth kick failed)
- Stan – Frankie Wilton, 5-yard run (off Stanford fumble) (Hoffman kick good)
Individual Stats
Rushing
- Stanford: Hoffman 25-82; Hyland 5-19; Post 3-10
- Pitt: Welch 10-53; Booth 8-32
Game notes
The capacity of the Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium was increased to 76,000, adding 19,000 seats. At game time, the temperature was 70 °F (21 °C).
References
- ↑ 2009-10 Rose Bowl Media Guide, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, December 2009
- ↑ "Lucky Fumble Gives Cards Win," Oakland Tribune, January 3, 1928, p25