Yankee Stadium’s College Football History

Since 1925, both the current and old Yankee Stadium has been hosting professional and college football games.  The first football game played at Yankee Stadium was between Army and Notre Dame in 1925.  Besides baseball, Yankee Stadium has a rich history of college football.

The Notre Dame-Army game was annualy played at the old Yankee Stadium from 1925 to 1947.  In the 1928 game, legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne gave his famous “win one for the Gipper” speech at halftime which inspired Notre Dame to eventually win the game.  Another famous matchup between the Irish and the Cadets occured in 1946.  It was considered the “Game of the Century” as Army was ranked #1 and Notre Dame was #2.  Both teams had great offenses but the game ended in a scoreless tie.

Besides Notre Dame and Army, New York University played 96 games at old Yankee Stadium and Fordham played 19 there.  Also, Syracuse has a rich history at Yankee Stadium playing 6 games (7 counting last year’s Pinstripe).

The only bowl game ever played at old Yankee Stadium was the Gotham Bowl in 1962.  The game was between the Miami Hurricanes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  Nebraska won 36-34 but because only 6,000 fans showed up, the Gotham Bowl was never played again.

The first game played in new Yankee Stadium was between the old foes, Army and Notre Dame.  The Irish ended up winning the game, 27-3.  Syracuse played Kansas State last year in the inagural Pinstripe Bowl.  Syracuse won with a controversial finish, 36-34.  Iowa State’s opponent in the bowl, Rutgers, played earlier this year in Yankee Stadium.  The Scarlet Knights beat the Black Knights (27-12) behind a great performance from WR Mohamed Sanu (13 receptions for 129 yards).

What kind of history will be made in Yankee Stadium on December 30th when Iowa State comes to town?