Sports History Network

We are in the mist of College Bowl season and this is the time of year where legends are born, where underdogs rise, dynasties show signs of cracking and one play could live forever.

In this episode, Dana Auguster and Charles Combs are counting down their five most memorable bowl games that they have seen in our lifetimes.

Along with the games, Dana and Charles will add personal antidotes about each game they are describing from personal remembrances to people who watched the game with them.

Their list includes a miracle finish that placed a little known west coast college bowl game and an even lesser known football program on the map. Also on the list a couple of ties that includes one in which one of the coaches turned the tie into a charity event. And also we have a couple of wild finishes in perhaps the most prestigious of all the bowl games, authored by the same player in back to back years.

Also Dana and Charles send a shout out to a sportscaster who was the lead broadcaster of some of these games that we're talking about who is considered the Voice of College football .

To contact the show please send us an e-mail at [email protected].

Gridiron Baltic is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

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GRIDIRON BALTIC BACKGROUND

Gridiron Baltic is a monthly podcast exploring connections between American football in the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. On the surface, America’s Game may seem to have little in common with three small-nation states in Eastern Europe. Basketball and ice hockey, however, are not the only North American sports intertwined with the histories of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian nations.

Among other things, nineteenth century immigration and the shifting political borders of the twentieth century created a multitude of connections and entanglements, both in the West and in the East. From immigrant players in the regional leagues of the United States to the first (un)official games on Soviet and post-Soviet fields, Gridiron Baltic traces how a distinctly American sport intersects with the complex and interconnected histories of the three modern Baltic nations.

New episodes drop on the first day of each month. Some highlight early pioneers who helped build the sport (both in the United States and the Baltic region); others focus on its diffusion and present-day developments in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

HOST - JAMES BAXENFIELD

Hosted by James Baxenfield, a historian, researcher, and chronicler of overlooked stories, Gridiron Baltic invites you on a unique journey through the history of American football—from its significance in immigrant communities to present-day teams and leagues across the Baltic region. Combining guest interviews with scholarship and archival research, Gridiron Baltic brings you the stories of star college players and celebrated coaches of yesteryear alongside Cold War-era gridiron legends.

In 2003, the San Francisco 49ers came from 24 points down to beat the New York Giants in Wildcard Playoff game. There was a controversial end that led NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue to say it was the worst reffing blunder in his 13 year career.

In 1971, boxer Sonny Liston was found dead in his Las Vegas home. Was he murdered for not taking a dive?

In 1988, Pete Maravich died playing a pickup game in Pasadena, Calif. He was 40.

And in 1991, US International’s Kevin Bradshaw bested Maravich's single-game scoring record when he scored 72 points in a loss against Loyola Marymount.

This episode delves into the intricate and esteemed history of college football jersey number three, highlighting its significance and the illustrious players who have donned it throughout the years. We examine the profound legacy of the number, with particular emphasis on the traditions of various collegiate programs, including the memorialization of Abraham Reinhart at Utah Tech and the retirement of Wayne Chrebet's jersey at Hofstra University. Furthermore, we explore the remarkable achievements of notable athletes such as Joe Montana and Carson Palmer, whose contributions to the sport have solidified their places in football history. As we traverse through these narratives, we invite our listeners to participate in the discussion by sharing their insights and suggestions regarding players who merit recognition. Ultimately, we aim to celebrate the dynamic legacy of this iconic jersey number and its continuing evolution in the realm of college football.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

In 2004, Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck made a bold statement but didn't deliver.

In 1981, the Cleveland Browns Brian Sipe threw an interception to end their season on a play called 'Red Right 88.' The reason they ran it was due to their kicker struggling to kick the ball straight.

In 1976, 48-year old George Blanda played his final game, wrapping up a 27 year career that spanned four decades.

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Also on this day in 2006 (but not mentioned in this episode), #1 Texas beat #2 USC to win the Rose Bowl and the National Championship. Texas' Vince Young scored the game winner in the final seconds.

In 2012, West Virginia beat Clemson 70-33 in the Orange Bowl. It was the most points scored by one team in a bowl game until 2018 when Army equaled that.

And in 1984, Adrian Dantley hit 28 free throws in a game to tie Wilt Chamberlain’s record.

Gridiron Baltic is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

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GRIDIRON BALTIC BACKGROUND

Gridiron Baltic is a monthly podcast exploring connections between American football in the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. On the surface, America’s Game may seem to have little in common with three small-nation states in Eastern Europe. Basketball and ice hockey, however, are not the only North American sports intertwined with the histories of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian nations.

Among other things, nineteenth century immigration and the shifting political borders of the twentieth century created a multitude of connections and entanglements, both in the West and in the East. From immigrant players in the regional leagues of the United States to the first (un)official games on Soviet and post-Soviet fields, Gridiron Baltic traces how a distinctly American sport intersects with the complex and interconnected histories of the three modern Baltic nations.

New episodes drop on the first day of each month. Some highlight early pioneers who helped build the sport (both in the United States and the Baltic region); others focus on its diffusion and present-day developments in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

HOST - JAMES BAXENFIELD

Hosted by James Baxenfield, a historian, researcher, and chronicler of overlooked stories, Gridiron Baltic invites you on a unique journey through the history of American football—from its significance in immigrant communities to present-day teams and leagues across the Baltic region. Combining guest interviews with scholarship and archival research, Gridiron Baltic brings you the stories of star college players and celebrated coaches of yesteryear alongside Cold War-era gridiron legends.

In 1973, George Steinbrenner and 11 others bought the New York Yankees from CBS.

In 1946, jockey George Wolff fell off his mount in a horse race and died the following day.

In 1983, Dallas Cowboy Tony Dorsett scored the longest rushing touchdown in NFL history.

In 1987, the Cleveland Browns beat the New York Jets in the 'Marathon by the Lake.'

In 1993, (though not mentioned during this edition of This DiSH) the Buffalo Bills pulled off the largest comeback in NFL playoff history, erasing a 32 point deficit to beat Houston.

In 1984, Washington's Jeff Malone hit a buzzer-beating, falling out of bounds shot to beat Detroit 103-102 in the 'Miracle in Maryland.'

In 2000, the Oakland Raiders denied the Kansas City Chiefs a playoff spot with impressive win at Arrowhead. Raiders coach Jon Gruden said it was a game he'd gladly watch on an endless loop.

In 1982, the San Diego Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins in OT in the 'Epic in Miami.'

In 1994, Houston Oilers DC Buddy Ryan punched Houston Oilers OC on the sideline during a game.

In 1984, Nebraska Cornhuskers legend Tom Osborne opted to go for a 2 point conversion and the win as opposed to the one point PAT. The decision cost the Huskers the National Championship.

In 1977, MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspended Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner for a year for meddling in the free agent process to bring Gary Matthews to Atlanta.

The current discourse centers on the notable outcomes of the second round of the College Football Playoffs for the 2025-2026 season, particularly emphasizing the alarming trend regarding teams that receive first-round byes. It has been observed that, in a strikingly similar pattern to the previous year, a majority of these teams have succumbed to defeat in their subsequent matchups, raising pertinent questions about the efficacy of the bye week as a strategic advantage. Specifically, we find that seven out of eight teams granted byes over the past two years have been eliminated in their first games of the playoffs, suggesting a potential correlation between extended periods of inactivity and diminished competitive performance. This episode delves into the ramifications of such trends, drawing a comparative analysis with the National Football League, where teams with byes have historically fared significantly better. We shall explore the implications of these findings and consider prospective adjustments that could be implemented to enhance the preparedness of teams entering the playoffs.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The recent culmination of the second round of the College Football Playoffs for the 2025-2026 season has elicited a plethora of intriguing statistics and narratives worthy of examination. This discussion centers on the performance of teams that received first-round byes, particularly in light of the historical context surrounding such advantages. In the past two seasons under the newly instituted 12-team playoff format, a troubling trend has emerged: teams afforded the luxury of a bye have consistently faltered in their subsequent matchups, leading to a significant 7 out of 8 losses among those granted this respite. The implications of this trend provoke critical questions regarding the readiness and competitive edge of teams following extended periods of inactivity. Additionally, the episode delves into a particularly unusual play from the Reliaquest Bowl, wherein a punter's infractions underscored the complexities and nuances of college football rules, illustrating the fine line between strategic innovation and adherence to regulation. Through these discussions, we aim to illuminate the multifaceted nature of college football dynamics, particularly as they relate to playoff performance and the evolving strategies employed by teams.

Under the Radar is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Curt Tomasevicz first made a name for himself as a walk-on football player for the storied Nebraska Cornhuskers' program. After graduation, he was restless for a next journey, so when a female track athlete mentioned bobsledding, he tried it and went all in. Ultimately, he captured a gold medal in the 2010 Games with the late/great Steve Holcomb and took home multiple medals across multiple Olympic Games. Curt's fascinating saga, and how he's stayed a part of what he calls a "blue collar" sport, is all here in this interview with Doug.

UNDER THE RADAR BACKGROUND

Under the Radar: Olympic Athletes Ya Gotta Meet is a podcast dedicated to highlighting the stories of unsung Olympic athletes past and future who are little-known and yet well worth getting to know. True to the Olympic spirit, these athletes have either demonstrated their heroism in past Games or have a chance to shine in future ones. Your host is Doug Levy, a retired sportswriter, reporter, lobbyist, and business owner who brings his love for all things Olympic Games to each podcast.

Every month, Doug will help you learn about athletes who competed just outside the limelight – or have yet to bask in the media spotlight. Each episode will feature an interview with athletes about the Olympic Games journey they took or the Olympic Games story they hope to write. So, sit back and learn about some competitors that NBC-TV and the mainstream media either never really discovered -- or have yet to uncover.

HOST - DOUG LEVY

Doug Levy is a lover of all things sports with a special affinity for the magic that comes come with every rendition of Summer and Winter Olympic Games. A 1984 University of Oregon graduate, he began his career as a sportswriter and columnist, news reporter, and political reporter for two daily newspapers in Washington State. He then spent 35 years in government affairs and politics, including 25 years owning/operating his lobbying business.

After retiring from lobbying at the end of 2022, Doug returned to his roots and spent two years of research, interviews, and writing for his first book, “Hero Redefined: Profiles  of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar.” The book was published in late January 2025 and has earned words of praise from Olympic athletes and sports luminaries such as Sebastian Coe, Frank Shorter, Mac Wilkins, Mitch Gaylord, Willie Banks, and the President of the Golden State Warriors, Brandon Schneider. Doug lives just outside of Seattle, Wash., with his wife of nearly 40 years, Teri, and their dog Riley. They have two sons, Zach, 33, and Cody, 30. To learn more about Doug, visit www.authordouglevy.com

HERO REDEFINED: PROFILES OF OLYMPIC ATHLETES UNDER THE RADAR (Amazon link)