The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
SHULA, STREAKS TOPPED SYRACUSE
Victory occurred 70 years ago at Municipal Stadium
It could be argued the biggest win in the history of John Carroll football occurred Nov. 12, 2016, when the visiting Blue Streaks stunned No. 1-ranked Mount Union, 31-28.
The win ended the Purple Raiders’ 112-game regular-season winning streak, gave JCU the outright Ohio Athletic Conference championship, and propelled it into the NCAA Division III playoffs, where it advanced to the national semifinal round.
The heroes that day in Alliance — among a cast of others — were quarterback Anthony Moeglin and wide receiver Willie Woods. Moeglin connected with Woods on a 24-yard touchdown throw and catch with 39 seconds left in the game to give the Blue Streaks a pulse-pounding victory over Mount.
That victory is difficult to top in the annals of JCU history, but another — 70 years ago this upcoming season — is in the mix. It’s notable on its own, but now amplified because of the passing of JCU graduate Don Shula on May 4.
Before Shula became a legend as the NFL’s winningest coach, the Harvey High School graduate had a stellar college career as a running back and on a cold November afternoon in downtown Cleveland helped the Blue Streaks to a huge victory that still resonates today.
On Nov. 10, 1950, at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, JCU rallied to defeat Syracuse in a huge upset, 21-16, as it scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The win helped put the program on the national scene.
During that era, Coach Herb Eisele’s team relied on a potent backfield of Carl Taseff and Shula. They were on display against Syracuse in front of 16,724 on a 27-degree day on the lakefront.
During that era, Coach Herb Eisele’s team relied on a potent backfield of Carl Taseff and Shula. They were on display against Syracuse in front of 16,724 on a 27-degree day on the lakefront.