The Rivalry: Indiana and Purdue and the History of their Old Oaken Bucket Battles 1925 - 2007

Over a century of competition has succeeded in transforming college football from the 19th century flying wedge to today's multitude of offensive and defensive formations. What was once a contest of power has become a game of speed, deception and remarkable feats of athletic ability. But some trappings have remained inviolate through the years. For over 100 autumn Saturdays the Boilermakers of Purdue University and the Hoosiers of Indiana have played each other,

usually at season end, in a game to establish annual bragging rights for the state of Indiana. In 1925, the two schools decided such a prestigious event should have some symbol of yearly dominance. An Old Oaken Bucket was chosen and, for the next 78 years, this century old bucket became the centerpiece of one of college football's greatest rivalries. Every fall, late in November, these two teams played for possession of the Bucket, no holds barred, through cold, ice, rain, mud and all other meteorological events indigenous to Indiana in late November. Fights were commonplace and feelings ran deep particularly among the respective students who had proceeded to make "Bucket Week", a period of celebration and skullduggery.

Few of the battles were of the magnitude to warrant national attention but the Bucket game had uncertainty, no matter which team was favored. It had color and unparalleled drama to compete with any college contest in the country that particular Saturday. In 1979, Indiana players revealed signs that read "This is not just a game, this is war" And they meant it!

Some of the greatest players and coaches in the annals of college football participated over the years. Many are in the Hall of Fame. These then are their stories and those of others

competed during boom times and bad times; wars and student revolts and sadly, days of infamy. The greatest rivalry in the history of college football comes to life!

Bob Arnold is a graduate of Indiana University and its School of Law. For two decades he served as an executive and general legal counsel for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Following his retirement, he began to fulfill a boyhood ambition to write, initially chronicling the IU Class of 1954 through its four years on campus for their fortieth anniversary celebration. In 1996, he wrote the story of IU football’s 1945 squad, the school’s only unbeaten football team, in Hoosier Autumn: The Remarkable Story of Indiana University’s 1945 Championship Team. An Indianapolis resident most of his life, he and his wife Linda recently relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida.

CHAPTER SEVEN: 1936

The greatest game

As Indiana and Purdue concluded spring practice in April 1936, a feeling of excitement permeated both programs. For Purdue, a return to title contention was as a distinct possibility; for the Hoosiers, continued improvement was all but assured in what would be Bo McMillin’s third year at the helm. Both squads had premier tailbacks. Junior Cecil Isbell, the redhead from Houston, Texas, returned to lead the Boilermakers. His passing and running skills would certainly merit All-America consideration. In Bloomington, stocky Vern Huffman, who starred in football and basketball, was the talk of the campus. And the schedules, although preordained by the conference “haves,” actually benefited both teams. These were down years for Iowa, Chicago, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Only Minnesota, with its 20-game conference winning streak, and always-powerful Ohio State emerged as serious obstacles to the title aspirations of the two Indiana schools.

Prior to the start of college football in September, Americans were focused on two significant events during that summer of 1936. Germany hosted the Olympics in Berlin, in what became a showcase for American track star Jesse Owens. And America’s political parties chose their presidential candidates at national conventions, Alf Landon and the incumbent, Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was FDR who, in accepting the Democratic nomination on June 27, sounded an admonition to the country’s youth: “To some generations much is given. Of other generations, much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny!”

A few months later, destiny dealt a harsh blow to the Purdue faithful. On Saturday, September 12, the Purdue football squad had just finished a strenuous practice. As they stripped off their gear, an explosion ripped through the locker room. A gas heater had ignited gasoline fumes, and flames spread quickly across the dressing room floor. Six players were hospitalized with burns on their feet and legs. Senior Carl Dahlback died the next day when poisons absorbed by his burns attacked his kidneys. Tom McGammon, a promising tailback, lingered until early Thursday morning, but he died as well. Purdue officials were quick to investigate so as to prevent a recurrence, but the tragedy had a profound effect on not only the university, but the entire state.

By the end of September, the prognosticators had selected Minnesota to defend the conference titles it had won in 1934 and 1935. The Gophers’ last defeat had come in the 1932 season finale against Michigan, and then only by a field goal. Minnesota would be aided in its efforts by a schedule that featured six homes games in its 63,000-seat stadium. Pappy Waldorf at Northwestern had assembled a highly competitive team and would challenge Minnesota. In fact, the title could be decided early in the season, when the Wildcats played host to the Gophers in Chicago. Purdue and Ohio State were considered dark horses, with Indiana listed as a long shot. Once again, Michigan, the oft-proclaimed “conquering heroes,” were relegated to the second division. Harry Kipke’s run as coach of the Wolverines was about to end.

The Boilermakers began their schedule a week early, on September 26. They promptly allayed any concerns that they might be flat because of the September 12 tragedy, trouncing Ohio University 47-0. It was the largest margin of victory against a nonconference foe at Ross-Ade Stadium. Isbell was the star, accounting for four touchdowns himself and throwing a TD pass to sophomore Bill Vergane.

After taking a week off, Purdue buried an inept Wisconsin squad, 35-14, in front of 18,000 Homecoming fans. Senior John Drake ran for three scores. Chicago was host to the Boilermakers on October 16, but the Maroons were no match for Purdue offensively or defensively, falling 35-0. Could any team stop Isbell and his mates? The Boilers would find out next as they ventured to Minnesota, where the Gophers’ unbeaten string stood at 27.

With 48,000 fans looking on, Minnesota survived a tepid first half, then rolled up 27 points after halftime to defeat Purdue 33-0. After a fumble ended Purdue’s first half drive on the Minnesota six-yard line, the Boilers proved no match for the eventual national champions.

Two nonconference games followed, and the results were mixed. Carnegie Tech held Purdue until the fourth quarter when John Drake, filling in for the injured Isbell, took over and led the Boilermakers to a 7-6 win. But a strong Fordham team, hoping for a Rose Bowl bid, held Purdue scoreless on a wet and misty day at New York’s Polo Grounds, winning 15-0. Then, a week before the Bucket clash, the Boilers journeyed to Iowa and beat the hapless Hawkeyes 13-0.

Indiana’s season began with victories over Centre and Michigan, the second win particularly satisfying since the Hoosiers hadn’t beaten the Wolverines since 1928. Finally, the schedule and reality caught up with the team as they traveled to Nebraska to meet the powerful Cornhuskers. Indiana, a two-touchdown underdog, fought vainly, mounting seven sustained drives and gaining the ’Huskers’ respect. Still, the Hoosiers fell 13-0. The next week at Ohio State, IU fell again, displaying virtually no offense in a 14-0 loss before 44,000 in Columbus.

The Hoosiers then ran the table for three weeks, pleasing 18,000 Homecoming fans by whipping Iowa and Ozzie Simmons, 13-6. In bright Indiana sunshine, eastern foe Syracuse grabbed a seven-point advantage at halftime only to see the Hoosiers fight back in the third quarter to grab the lead and the game, 9-7. Huffman’s pass to speedy Frank Filchock tied the game, and center George Miller kicked a field goal for the final margin. Chicago posed no problem for Indiana, as Huffman threw two scoring passes. Hoosiers 20, Maroons 0. Heading into Bucket week, the schools had identical records – 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The stage was set for what turned out to be the grandest of all Bucket battles.

Purdue officials anticipated a large crowd, but they were stunned on November 21 when 32,000 fans showed up a rainy, chilly day – the largest crowd ever at Ross-Ade Stadium and 7,000 over capacity! And the overflow throng had hardly reached their seats when Hoosier Vern Huffman grabbed Purdue’s opening kickoff and raced 89 yards, only to be caught from behind at the Boilermaker 10-yard line. A gallant stand by Purdue prevented a Hoosier score, and Purdue soon punted out of danger. Indiana then moved to the Purdue 32 only to be stopped again. A series of punts followed before Isbell and Drake drove the Boilers to IU’s 23. Purdue was unable to advance further, however, and the first quarter ended.

Neither team made a serious threat in the second quarter, and the game was scoreless at the half. As the fans flocked to the concession stands or viewed Purdue’s award-winning marching band, the temperature fell and snowflakes began to shroud the stands and field. A low-scoring game, even a scoreless tie, seemed a distinct possibility.

Purdue changed that thinking early in the second half, putting the ball in play on its own 19-yard line and, in just six plays, scoring the game’s first touchdown. Isbell and Drake ran the ball four times into Hoosier territory, and two passes to Junior Jim Zachary put the ball in the end zone. The extra point was good, and Purdue led 7-0. Both squads turned the ball over on downs before Purdue’s Don Powell blocked a Hoosier punt, deflecting the ball out on bounds on the Indiana 11. On the next play, Isbell found senior Fred Stalcup in the end zone for Purdue’s second score. A holding penalty against the Boilers put the extra-point try out of reach, but Purdue had a 13-0 lead.

Indiana received the ensuing kickoff and promptly marched downfield for its first score. Huffman was electric, running for significant yardage and then completing three straight passes, the last one to junior R.L. Kenderline for the TD. Junior George Miller booted the all-important conversion, and the Hoosiers trailed 13-7. Purdue wasn’t finished. Isbell and Drake sprinted to IU’s 34. Pass interference by Indiana put Purdue at the Hoosiers’ 11. A third score seemed imminent, but Chris Dal Sasso and the Indiana line miraculously held. IU kicker G.L. Fowler, with a strong wind at his back, soon sent the Boilermakers back 84 yards to their 16 yard line!

In the final 15 minutes, the cold intensified and the field became slippery from the rain and snow. And in late November, with overcast skies, darkness began to envelop the stadium. But both teams were determined to win. Possession of the Bucket and a second-place conference finish were at stake.

The Hoosiers struck first, taking a Purdue kick and moving quickly into Boilermaker territory, with Filchock and Fowler nearly breaking tackles, the latter being dragged down at Purdue’s 14. A four-yard gain preceded Huffman’s touchdown pass to Kenderline. But Miller missed the extra point, and the game was tied. Then a break: Purdue’s Ippolito fumbled, and the Hoosiers recovered at Purdue’s 15. This time the Purdue line rose to the occasion, stopping Indiana on three plays. Miller’s field goal try was wide. Then, another break for Indiana: Purdue unwisely chose to run on fourth down and fumbled the football again. This time the Hoosiers would not be denied. Huffman was on the mark to senior Nelson Beasley for six points. Miller’s kick was true this time, and IU had its first lead, 20-13.

With the home fans on their feet in the cold, gray, waning afternoon, Purdue began a clock-fighting drive. A completed pass to Zachary and a pass interference call on Indiana spotted the ball at IU’s 32. Drake caught another pass on the 15-yard line, and then the drive seemed to stall. After another Hoosier penalty, two plays gained little. The clock showed only a minute to play when Isbell faded to pass and heaved the ball in Zachary’s direction. The pass was short, but Zachary dove into the muddy end zone turf and came up with it! Purdue needed the extra point to tie, and Isbell delivered – as he had all afternoon. Final: 20-20, the first tie since the inaugural game in 1925.

The crowd was stunned as the gun sounded. They had witnessed a game that had all the aspects of a classic! The sports pages of the next day’s Indianapolis Star extolled:

 “As dusk in its somber drabness settled down over this historic battlefield late this afternoon, 32,000 parched voices whispered in hoarse tones the praise of two of the most gallant, strong-hearted, spirited and courageous football teams ever to represent the Old Gold and Black of Purdue and the Cream and Crimson of Indiana.”

There was no shortage of offense: Purdue gained 501 yards, Indiana 455. First downs also favored the Boilermakers, 15-9. The teams finished in a tie for third place in the conference behind Minnesota and Ohio State, each of which won 4 games. Northwestern claimed the conference title with its 6-0 defeat of the Gophers, although Notre Dame routed the Wildcats 26-6 in their season finale at Soldier Field. This was the first year of a national poll, and Minnesota, despite its defeat by Northwestern, was selected the No. 1 team in the nation.

The great Cecil Isbell would return next year for Purdue, but IU’s Vern Huffman had used up his eligibility, having sat out the 1933 season. Huffman was honored with the award as the Big Ten’s most valuable player.

Other great Old Oaken Bucket games would follow through the years, but on this cold, wet Saturday in late November of 1936, with a six-year Depression yet to end and a World War only two autumns away, the men of Purdue and Indiana competed in a game that  would never be replicated. It was the greatest of them all.