Missouri vs. Nebraska, 1969

Missouri wound up splitting the Big Eight conference crown with Nebraska in 1969, the same Nebraska they beat by 10 on October, 11. So yeah, if you detect any bitterness during the the upcoming 50th anniversariy celebration, that’s why. Another great cover by Amadee Wohlschlaeger. And another OJ Simpson back cover.

Michigan vs. Missouri, 1969

Missouri was apparently pretty good in 1969. Good enough to end the season Big Eight co-champs. Good enough to destroy Michigan, 40-17, in the Big House no less. Sheesh. Stats below. Inside we have a great Coke ad. On the back cover… oh man… O.J. Simpson pitching not a white Ford Bronco but a 1970…

Florida vs Alabama, 1973

Nice picture of future Florida Hall of Famer Nat Moore on the cover. And look, Florida’s even playing on the Solid-State Chroma Color II. How’s that for marketing synergy.

Purdue vs. Ohio University, 1966

Bully Bob’s Boilermakers Blowout Bobcats. Perfectly alliterative, perfectly accurate. All-American legend Bob Griese threw and kicked eventual Rose Bowl champs Purdue to a 42-3 win at home over a mediocre Ohio squad on Band Day. Video of the slaughter below. Here’s Griese from the 1967 Purdue yearbook.

Ohio State vs. Indiana, 1977

Chris Ward‘s (No. 79, as if you weren’t about to figure it out) shoulder pads were basically a 12th man on a field. I mean, I know they were bigger back then. More prominently perched. Bulkier. But look at that — that’s just insane. The two-time All-American tackle was the fourth pick in the first-round…

Navy vs. Ole Miss, 1955 Sugar Bowl

The Nashville Tennessean just went for it: NAVY HUMILIATES REBELS, 21-0. The Midshipmen went for it on their first fourth down, which just happened to the game’s fourth play from scrimmage. They made it. It set the tone. Ole Miss passed midfield just once before the fourth quarter and earned the rare-ish distinction of losing…

Illinois vs. Minnesota, 1947

Another great Lon Keller cover. Digging that photo mixed media stuff. Or is that gridiron vignette actually part of the illustration Keller turned in and he’s simply that good? Illinois quarterback Perry Moss was 100 percent on the day, two of his seven perfect passes going for touchdowns in the Illini’s 40-13 route of beefy Minnesota. It…

Nebraska vs. Kansas, 1975

What is that thing? Herbie Husker? Doesn’t look like any of the Herbie Husker Google knows anything about, even the 70s versions. I mean he’s tall and has a cowboy hat and stuff. But that dang massive kiddie punching bag corn prop isn’t popping up anywhere. Was that a thing, Nebraska fans? Oh well, at…