The Greatest Days in College Football History: Upsets and Tragedy on Nov. 28, 1942

Less than a full year before the conclusion of the 1942 college football season, America fundamentally changed. The Empire of Japan’s attack of Pearl Harbor forced the United States into growing global conflict and commencing the second World War.

In turn, all facets of American life changed — including sports.

College football continued during wartime, but with countless college-aged men enlisting, the makeup of the sport changed. Army West Point established one of the most dominant dynasties in the sport’s history during World War II, a direct result of enlistment numbers, and base teams that were every bit as good as the top university squads formed.

The War’s influence on the game became more pronounced in 1943, but the first stages of change led to a 1942 season that is one of the most chaotic in the sport’s history.

On the final, full day of the ‘42 regular season, two of today’s most prominent powerhouses claimed their first national championship; the first Heisman Trophy recipient from the SEC stood tall; a tie helped determine the Rose Bowl; and the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2-ranked teams lost by a combined 77 points.

And, sadly, one of the greatest upsets in the sport’s history was overshadowed by one of the greatest tragedies in American history.

This is Nov. 28, 1942.