Pigskin Panorama

In bothersome weather—generally damp and humid on the broad brim of the country and snowy in Wyoming—1957 Football rose slowly to its feet last week. Season openers for the Big Ten, the Ivies and many of the major independents were still a week away; the stage was hogged by some intersectional contests and a few early conference struggles.

THE EAST

Oklahoma visited the Panthers of Pittsburgh and treated them like so many fat kittens, emerging with a 26-0 win and fair early claim to the nation's No. 1 rating (see page 30).

In helping to dedicate Boston College's new stadium, fans stood as the Belgium national anthem was played for ex-King Leopold, then sat back in horror as Navy thrashed the Eagles 46-6 (see page 31). Quarterback Tom Forrestal's passing, less than needle sharp at times, and Halfback Ned Oldham's incisive running led the crushing offense.

THE SOUTH

Atlanta was the busiest football town in the country—and one of the hottest—throughout a day-night double-header at Grant Field. Georgia Tech, playing hellbent for its seventh consecutive bowl bid, knocked off tough Kentucky 13-0 and pushed itself into the future books as a contender with Tennessee for the Southeast Conference title (see page 32). Sophomore Quarterback Fred Braselton, in view of his guile, poise and passing talents, seemed to have won himself an exciting three-year job running the Yellow Jackets.

That night Texas marched through Georgia. The 26-7 score forecasts a Texas revival under the new regime of Coach Darrell Royal.

In the Atlantic Coast Conference, top-dog Duke avenged an upset of last year by plowing through second-rated South Carolina 26-14. Duke, trying but three passes, moved Halfbacks George Dutrow and Wray Carlton through wide channels cleared by Fullback Hal McElhaney and Guard Roy Hord. North Carolina again got off on the wrong foot for Coach Jim Tatum, lost an upset decision to N. C. state 7-0.

Virginia Tech reinforced its claim to top billing in the Southern Conference by tripping Tulane 14-13. West Virginia, conference co-favorite, sputtered badly, tied Virginia 6-6.

THE MIDWEST