UTA FB History: Vol. 10 Gm. 8 - Plodding Along

As a general rule, the 1960's were a very successful decade for Arlington State College, turned UT Arlington, on the gridiron. Lumping in the inaugural 1959 season, only three seasons in the 1960's resulted in a losing season. A 4-6 mark in 1962, a 1-8 tally in '63 and this season's final record. Three seasons in a row is the definition of a rebuilding project. This season was certainly an improvement over the prior year, but that hole was pretty deep and improvement from a one-win season was expected.

When we last looked at 1964, ASC had beaten Arizona State College, 10-9. It was the first time UTA had won a game in a while, breaking a six-game streak dating back to the prior year. That six-game streak was the longest losing streak in program history at the time, broken in 1970, continued to 1971 at 13 games. Had 1970/71 not broken it, a separate six-game streak in '71 would have. So would another in 1972 and 1980. There was also a nine-game losing stretch that started in the last game of 1973 and carried over to 1974. For as successful as the '60's were, the 1970's were the opposite.

After the ASC game, ASC (I'm sure that game wasn't confusing with both teams having the same acronym) carried a 1-1 record. The Rebels, as they were known then, followed that up with a small road trip to the Cotton Bowl to play Southern Methodist University. The Mustangs were not a power in 1964, but the 1-9 Mustangs did beat the lower Division Rebels 14-0. Of the first 11 four-year ASC/UTA teams, they would likely beat SMU at least six times, and probably more. It was just a bad draw and bad timing.

But they couldn't ride the momentum of playing a Southwest Conference team tough into the next few games.

The very first Southland Conference game occurred on October 10th. ASC's defense played a heck of a game as it gave Arkansas State's offense fits. Fullback Kenneth Bowman, scored on a one-yard run. The offense for the Rebels clearly needed help and drives made it to the Arkansas State three, 13, 18 and 20-yard lines without points. The Indians scored on their first drive of the second half and the defenses carried the pace the rest of the way.

At 1-2-1, Arlington State traveled to Ruston Louisiana for a game against Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs were near a decade away from joining the SLC, but they were always a thorn in the side of the Arlingtonians. As conference foes, the Mavericks were 4-10 vs. LTU. As non-conference foes, the Rebels were 1-3. Including in those three losses was the game that occurred a week prior to this one, a 19-7 setback. La Tech was ranked ninth at the time, giving that 19-7 score a moral victory.

In that game, two records were set. Longest pass play of 80 yards from Jimmie Brooks to Jack Miller accounted for the only TD. That distance is still tied for fourth longest all-time. Additionally, kicker/punter Al Smith boomed a 66-yard punt. It would take until 1985 before that punt would drop out of the top five longest in program history.

It will be referenced in the upcoming game article, but if you've noticed a trend, ASC scored more than once in only one game to this point. That was a touchdown and a field goal against Arizona State College. In two games, ASC was shut out, both by University Division opponents. What's just as impressive, a 17-0 combined loss to the higher division shows ASC just needed a competent offense and 1964 could have seen much more success.

It also was a sign of the next decade. The final record would end up 3-6-1. Half the losses were to a higher-tiered team in either the University Division or in the rankings. I have little issue with challenging yourself. But UTA would later play so many that they were almost always on the short end of the stick, killing fan support.

But heading into today's game, the record was 1-3-1 ASC prepped all week to welcome the McMurray Indians to Memorial Stadium. The NAIA squad wasn't having their own success either. However, there was a member of their program that would gain national recognition in the coming years.

Head coach Grant Teaff was in his fifth season coaching his alma mater. He'd coach there for another year. After a hiatus, he manned the Angelo State Rams for three years before he moved to Baylor, coaching in Waco for 21 years. Teaff had a 170-151-8 career record. After two Southwest Conference titles and eight bowl appearances in an era where that was a true accomplishment, he retired and led the American Football Coaches Association. Ultimately, he earned a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Of course, no one knew that in 1964, as on this day in UTA football history, the Arlington State Rebels hosted the McMurray Indians.

Taken from the Dallas Morning News, October 25, 1964