1941 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

{{CFB schedule

| poll = AP

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 4

| w/l = l

| opponent = Purdue

| site_stadium = Pitt Stadium

| site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA

| score = 0–6

| attend = 24,000

| source= {{cite news|title=Panthers Drop Opening Game To Boilermakers, 6-0: Petty Hits Tackle For Purdue Score|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|author=Chester L. Smith|date=October 5, 1941|page=III-7|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807188/panthers_drop_opening_game_to/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 11

| w/l = l

| away = y

| opponent = Michigan

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| score = 0–40

| attend = 34,403

| source = {{cite news|title=Michigan Trounces Pitt, 40-0|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|author=John N. Sabo|date=October 12, 1941|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35906541/michigan_trounces_pitt_400/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 18

| w/l = l

| away = y

| opponent = Minnesota

| opprank = 1

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN

| score = 0–39

| attend = 35,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Gophers Pound Pitt, 39-0: Higgins Is Sensation in Victory|newspaper=Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal|author=Charles Johnson|date=October 19, 1941|pages=Sports 1–2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35795996/gophers_pound_pitt_390_higgins_is/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 25

| w/l = l

| opponent = Duke

| opprank = 4

| site_stadium = Pitt Stadium

| site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA

| score = 7–27

| attend = 25,000–28,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Duke Wins: Blue Devils Lick Colgate By 27 to 14|newspaper=Asheville Citizen-Times|date=October 19, 1941|page=29|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35788484/duke_wins_blue_devils_lick_colgate_by/|via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite web|title=All-Time Results|publisher=Duke University Sports Information Office|work=2019 Duke Football Media Guide|page=108|access-date=December 14, 2022|url=https://goduke.com/documents/2019/7/30/2019_Duke_Football_Media_Guide.pdf}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 1

| w/l = l

| opponent = Ohio State

| site_stadium = Pitt Stadium

| site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA

| score = 14–21

| attend = 50,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Pitt Loses, 21-14: Jones, Fife Star Before 50,000 Fans|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 2, 1941|author=Chester L. Smith|page=41|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35807916/pitt_loses_2114_jones_fife_star/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 8

| w/l = w

| opponent = Fordham

| opprank = 3

| site_stadium = Pitt Stadium

| site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA

| score = 13–0

| attend = 20,000–25,000

| source = {{cite news |title=Rams Are Toppled: Bowl Hopes Crushed by Panthers, Who Gain First 1941 Victory |first=Joseph C. |last=Nichols |work=New York Times |date=November 9, 1941 |page=S1}}{{cite news|author=Chester L. Smith|title=Jones Sparks Pitt to First Victory|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 9, 1941|page=Third Section-14|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118704489/pitt-upsets-fordham/|access-date=February 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 15

| w/l = w

| away = y

| opponent = Nebraska

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, NE

| score = 14–7

| attend = 35,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Cornhuskers lose 5th in row, 14 to 7: Pitt scores two in final quarter|newspaper=Sunday Journal and Star|author=Don Kellogg|date=November 16, 1941|page=11|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35912461/cornhuskers_lose_5th_in_row_14_to_7/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 22

| w/l = l

| opponent = Penn State

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Pitt Stadium

| site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA

| score = 7–31

| attend = 33,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Penn State Crushes Pitt, 31-7, In Stadium Upset: 'Pepper' Petrella Hero In Great Win|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|author=Chester L. Smith|date=November 23, 1941|page=III-9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35912517/penn_state_crushes_pitt_317_in/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 29

| w/l = w

| opponent = Carnegie Tech

| site_stadium = Pitt Stadium

| site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA

| score = 27–0

| attend = 19,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Pitt Tramples Tech, 27-0: Panthers' Power Beats Game Scots|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|author=Eddie Beachler|date=November 30, 1941|pages=III-11, III-12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35912596/pitt_tramples_tech_270_panthers/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

}}

On March 1, Charles Hartwig, former Pitt All-American lineman, was added to coach Bowser's staff as guard coach. Former guard coach Luther Richards left the squad in September and Harold Klein stepped in temporarily while finishing his degree. Hartwig had been coaching at Martins Ferry High School in Ohio.{{cite news|title=Hartwig Returns to Pitt as Grid Aide to Bowser|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=February 18, 1941|page=22|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117101987/hartwig-returns-to-pitt-as-assistant-coa/|access-date=January 23, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Dick Fullerton resigned to go into business and Bill Daddio signed a contract to play football for the Chicago Cardinals.{{cite news|author=Eddie Beachler|title=Deflated Pitt Faces "Suicide" Schedule|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=September 10, 1941|page=27|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117736172/pitt-had-brutal-schedule/|access-date=February 1, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Ted Konetsky was hired to aid Kliskey with the freshmen.{{cite news|title=Kliskey Calls Frosh Football Candidates|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=33|number=6|date=October 3, 1941|page=7|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062141266/viewer#page/7/mode/1up|access-date=February 1, 2023}}

In mid-February, Coach Bowser had the football players attend meetings with their position coach to study film and techniques. Bowser faced the hardest schedule in Pitt history with only four returning starters.{{cite news|title=Bowser Opens Indoor Meetings, Prepares For Spring Football|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=32|number=44|date=February 14, 1941|page=3|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062149681/viewer#page/3/mode/1up|access-date=January 23, 2023}} Outdoor spring drills did not commence until late March due to inclement weather. Sixty-two candidates were given uniforms.{{cite news|title=62 Players Report to Bowser; Sophomore Gridders Show Well|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=32|number=62|date=March 28, 1941|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150788/viewer#page/3/mode/1up|access-date=January 23, 2023}} On April 26, spring practice ended with a scrimmage starring halfback Jack Stetler. The White team scored first when halfback Stetler threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Bill Fitchko. Stetler changed jerseys at halftime, and scored for the Blue squad on a 2-yard run to make the final score 6–6.{{cite news|title=Stetler Paces Blues (Whites) to 6–6 Tie With Whites (Blues)|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=32|number=71|date=April 28, 1941|page=3|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062150549/viewer#page/3/mode/1up|access-date=January 23, 2023}}

On September 10, third-year Coach Bowser's 55-member squad began preseason practice.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Fullerton Quits Panthers, Tech Adds Two Coaches|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=September 10, 1941|page=23|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117747846/fall-practice-opens/|access-date=February 1, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} The Panthers wore plastic helmets that were similar to the headgear worn by the RAF paratroopers.{{cite news|author=Alex Zelenski|title=Sports From A to Z|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=33|number=3|date=September 26, 1941|page=6|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062141316/viewer#page/6/mode/1up|access-date=February 1, 2023}}

class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;"
colspan="10" style="background:gold; color:dark blue; text-align: center;" | 1941 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff
colspan="10" align="right" |
valign="top" | | style="font-size: 110%;" valign="top" | Coaching staff Charley Bowser – Head coach Robert Hoel – Assistant coach Dr. Arnold Greene – fullback coach Harold Stebbins – halfback coach Charles Hartwig – guard coach John Dickinson – end coach Nick Kliskey– freshman team coach Ted Konetsky – assistant freshman team coach | width="25" |   | valign="top" | | style="font-size: 110%;" valign="top" | Support staff Dr. H. A. Ralph Shanor – team physician Howard Waite – football trainer Harold Whitson – varsity equipment manager James Hagan - director of athletics Frank Carver – publicity director William Ritenbaugh – varsity student manager

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 1: Purdue at Pitt

| Visitor = Purdue

| Host = Pitt

| V1 =0| V2 =6| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 =0| H2 =0| H3 =0| H4 =0

| Date =October 4, 1941

| Location = Pitt Stadium
Pittsburgh, PA

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 24,000

| Weather = hot

| Referee = H. O. Dayhoff (Bucknell)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Purdue Boilermakers football team }}

File:October 4, 1941 University of Pittsburgh versus Purdue University football program.jpg

File:Football game stub for the October 4, 1941 Pitt versus Purdue game.jpg

On October 4, the Panthers opened the season against Mal Elward's Purdue Boilermakers, the supposed weakest of their 4 Western Conference opponents. Purdue had 21 returning lettermen, but they were upset 3 to 0 by Vanderbilt in their opener.{{cite web|title=1941 Purdue Boilermakers Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=January 27, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/purdue/1941-schedule.html}} Their guard Tom Melton was named third team All-America by the Associated Press.

Coach Bowser warned: "Don't be fooled by that defeat by Vanderbilt. Purdue is a tough ball club, both offensively and defensively...Any squad that has 21 lettermen, plus a lot of good sophomores, is bound to be good...Our chief lack is experience, and we'll pick that up as we go along." The Panthers starting lineup had one holdover, end Stanley Gervelis, from the 1940 squad.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Boilermakers On Rebound—Bowser|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=October 2, 1941|page=23|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117594189/purdue-is-panthers-first-opponent/|access-date=January 30, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Frank Carver, Pitt Publicity Director, announced that children under 12 would be admitted the game for 25 cents and soldiers in uniform would be admitted for 50 cents.{{cite news|title=Service Men, Kiddies Get Special Rate|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=September 30, 1941|page=28|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117748984/servicemen-and-kiddies-get-special-rates/|access-date=February 1, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Panthers lost their first home opener since 1922 as the Boilermakers eked out a 6 to 0 win. Pitt received the opening kick-off and advanced the ball to the Purdue 9-yard line. Four running plays failed to move the ball beyond the 1-yard line, and Purdue took over on downs. Purdue scored in the second period. Pitt back Bill Dutton fumbled on his own 29-yard line and Tom Melton recovered for Purdue. John Petty ran through right guard from the 2-yard line for the touchdown. John Galvin missed the point after. The Pitt offense then advanced the ball to the Purdue 22-yard, from where they threw five incomplete passes (off-setting penalties gave the extra down) as time ran out in the first half. Purdue back Ken Smock ran the second half kick-off back 65 yards to the Panther 35-yard line for the highlight of the game. The Pitt defense kept Purdue from scoring, even though the second half was mostly played in Pitt territory.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Purdue Beats Pitt, 6–0|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=October 5, 1941|page=Section III-6|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117599752/purdue-spoils-home-opener-60/|access-date=January 30, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} The Boilermakers finished the season with a 2–5–1 overall record and tied for seventh place in the Western Conference at 1–3.{{cite web|title=1941 Western Conference Year Summary|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=January 30, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/western/1941.html}}

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Purdue was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Harry Kindelberger (left tackle), George Mitchell (left guard), Jack Heister (center), Vince Antonelli (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), Harold Hinte (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Jack Stetler (left halfback), William Dutton (right halfback) and John Ross (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Norbert Gestner, Jack Durishan, Joseph Broudy, Steve Sinclair, Ralph Fife, Joe Salvucci, John Stahl, Ralph Hammond, Edgar Jones, Joe Connell, Frank Saska, Jack Kerr and Mat Gebel.

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Purdue|HomeName=Pittsburgh|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Purdue

| DrivePlays=5

| DriveLength=29

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=John Petty

| yards=2

| kickresult=no good

| Kicker=John Galvin

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=6

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=6|Home=0}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 2: Pitt at Michigan

| Visitor = Pitt

| Host = Michigan

| V1 =0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 =6| H2 =0| H3 =14| H4 =20

| Date =October 11, 1941

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, MI

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 34,403

| Weather = clear

| Referee = Frank Lane (Cincinnati)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Michigan Wolverines football team }}

File:October 11, 1941 University of Michigan versus the University of Pittsburgh football game program.jpg

File:Football ticket stub for the October 11, 1941 Michigan versus Pittsburgh game.jpg

On October 11, the Pitt Panthers traveled to Ann Arbor, MI for their first game against Fritz Crisler's Michigan Wolverines in “The Big House”. Michigan was 2–0 on the season, having beaten Michigan State 19–7 and Iowa 6–0.{{cite web|title=1941 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=January 30, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1941-schedule.html}} Fullback Bob Westfall and tackle Al Wistert received recognition on both the 1941 College Football All-America Team and the 1941 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Even though the Wolverines were 7-5 favorites, Crisler told the Detroit Free Press: "We are prepared for anything...We are taking nothing for granted."{{cite news|author=John N. Sabo|title=Drill Belies Team's Role As Underdog|newspaper=The Detroit Free Press|date=October 11, 1941|page=12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117816601/pitt-underdog-at-michigan/|access-date=February 2, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

While his 34-man traveling squad worked out on Michigan Stadium, Coach Bowser noted: "We're the underdogs and we should be. Michigan has a distinct edge in experience and that veteran Michigan line will be a tough nut to crack."

Coach Bowser was correct as the Wolverines routed the Panthers 40 to 0. The Pitt offense was limited to three first downs (27 yards rushing and 18 yards passing). They never penetrated beyond the Michigan 35-yard line. Michigan scored 6 touchdowns, had one called back on a clipping penalty, and ran out of time on the Pitt 1-yard line to end the game. The Panthers' defense gave up a 72-yard, 14 play drive in the opening period. Michigan back Harold Lockard scored on a 6-yard run. Merv Pregulman missed the point after. The rest of the first half was scoreless. Left halfback Tom Kuzma scored two touchdowns in the third quarter. His 7-yard scoring jaunt, after a recovered Pitt fumble, was followed by a 48-yard punt return. Bob Ingalls converted both placements. Three substitute backs – Don Boor, Don Robinson and Dave Nelson – scored in the final quarter. Bill Melzow converted two of the placements to reach 40 points.{{cite news|author=Bob Murphy|title=Nelson Has Big Day as U. M. Routs Pitt|newspaper=Detroit Sunday Times|date=October 12, 1941|page=Part 2–6|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117886815/nelson-has-big-day/|access-date=February 3, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news|author=Bob Murphy|title=Lockard, Kuzma, Boor, Robinson, Nelson Score|newspaper=Detroit Sunday Times|date=October 12, 1941|page=part 2-1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117887260/pitt-routed-by-michigan/|access-date=February 3, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} The Wolverines finished the season #5 in the final Associated Press poll with a record of 6–1–1.

The 40–0 defeat was the worst drubbing handed the Panthers since 1903 when the WUP athletic department was in disarray and both Penn State (59–0) and Geneva (57–0) ran up the score.{{cite news|title=It Happened Before, But Long, Long Ago|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=October 12, 1941|page=third section -11|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117889673/it-happened-before/|access-date=February 3, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Eddie Beachler of The Pittsburgh Press lamented: "Thus life begins at “40” for the Panthers – a new life of 40–0 defeats, marking the end of one of football's greatest dynasties that made Pitt's 'Sock It To-Em!' one of the most feared cries in the grid world."{{cite news|author=Eddie Beachler|title=Deflation's Dreary Path Due For Terrific Climax in Tests With Gophers, Irish|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=October 13, 1941|page=19|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117891997/de-emphasis-means-losing-seasons/|access-date=February 3, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Michigan was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Harry Kindelberger (left tackle), George Mitchell (left guard), Jack Heister (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), Harold Hinte (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Jack Stetler (left halfback), William Dutton (right halfback) and John Ross (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were John Stahl, Norbert Gestner, Martin Rosepink, Jack Durishan, Joe Salvucci, Robert Crissman, Vince Antonelli, Joseph Broudy, William Dillon, Steve Sinclair, James Clowes, Ralph Hammond, George Allshouse, Frank Scatton, Edgar Jones, Joe Connell, Frank Saska, Jack Kerr and Mat Gebel.{{cite news|title=Pitt(y) Panther!|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=October 12, 1941|page=III-11|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116893211/pitty-panther/|access-date=January 20, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Pittsburgh|HomeName=Michigan|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=

| Team=Michigan

| DrivePlays=14

| DriveLength=72

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Harold Lockard

| yards=6

| kickresult=no good

| Kicker=Merv Pregulman

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=6

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Michigan

| DrivePlays=2

| DriveLength=29

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Tom Kuzma

| yards=7

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Bob Ingalls

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=13

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Michigan

| DrivePlays=1

| DriveLength=48

| DriveTime=

| Type=PuntTD

| Runner=Tom Kuzma

| yards=48

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Bob Ingalls

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=20

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Michigan

| DrivePlays=6

| DriveLength=22

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Don Boor

| yards=7

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Bill Melzow

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=27

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Michigan

| DrivePlays=2

| DriveLength=6

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Don Robinson

| yards=5

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Bill Melzow

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=34

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Michigan

| DrivePlays=2

| DriveLength=24

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Dave Nelson

| yards=27

| kickresult=no good

| Kicker=Bill Melzow

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=40

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=0|Home=40}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 3: Pitt at Minnesota

| Visitor = Pitt

| Host = Minnesota

| V1 =0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 =0| H2 =21| H3 =12| H4 =6

| Date =October 18, 1941

| Location = Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)
Minneapolis, MN

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 35,000

| Weather = drizzle

| Referee = James Masker (Northwestern)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team }}

File:October 18, 1941 roster sheet for the University of Minnesota versus University of Pittsburgh football game.jpg

On October 18, the Panthers traveled to Minneapolis, MN to play the defending National Champion Minnesota Gophers. 10-year coach Bernie Bierman's Gophers were on an eleven game win streak. They beat Washington and Illinois to open the season.{{cite web|title=1941 Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=February 6, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/minnesota/1941-schedule.html}} All-America halfback and Heisman Trophy winner Bruce Smith led the backfield and All-America tackle Dick Wildung anchored the Gopher line.{{cite web|title=Consensus All-America Teams (1940-1949)|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=February 6, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-1940-1949.html#1941}}{{cite web|title=Bruce Smith|publisher=Heisman Trophy Trust|work=Heisman Trophy|access-date=February 6, 2023|url=https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/bruce-smith/}}

Coach Bowser altered the lineup for the Gophers: George Allshouse replaced Jack Heister at center; Edgar Jones and Joe Connell replaced Jack Stetler and William Dutton at halfback and Mat Gebel replaced John Ross at fullback. The Gophers were favored by more than 25 points.{{cite news|author=Bob Beebe|title=Pitt Better Than Rated, Says Coach|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|date=October 18, 1941|page=7|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118111385/pitt-better-than-rated-says-coach/|access-date=February 6, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Bowser told the Star Journal: "I'd say our morale is good under the circumstances and the changes we have made in the lineup this week have improved our team somewhat, but I'm not going to hazard any guess on what will happen until I see for myself."{{cite news|author=Charles Johnson|title=Team Better, Morale Okay Upon Arrival|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star Journal|date=October 17, 1941|page=26|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118110888/bowser-not-making-predictions/|access-date=February 6, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Minnesota Gophers continued their winning streak buy routing the Panthers 39 to 0. The Panthers were shutout for the third week in a row. Statistically Pitt matched the Gophers in first downs (13 to 13) and gained 277 yards to the Gophers 340, but could not reach the end zone.{{cite news|title=Gopher Statistics|newspaper=Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal|date=October 19, 1941|page=Peach Section-2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118168836/gopher-statistics/|access-date=February 7, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} After a scoreless first quarter, Bill Daley scored twice in the second on 1-yard plunges. All-America back Bruce Smith was injured and replaced by Bob Higgins, who scampered 47 yards for the third touchdown. Bill Garnaas converted the extra points and Minnesota led 21 to 0 at halftime. The Gophers scored three second half touchdowns. Bill Garnaas's 70-yard interception return for a touchdown was sandwiched between two Bob Higgins short touchdown runs. One placement was blocked, one hit the crossbar and bounced back and one was wide. Final score 39–0.{{cite news|title=Gopher-Pitt Play-By-Play|newspaper=Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and Star Journal|date=October 19, 1941|page=Peach Section-2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118168409/gopher-pitt-play-by-play/|access-date=February 7, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} The Minnesota Gophers finished the season unbeaten and were named National Champions in the final Associated Press football poll for the second year in a row.

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Minnesota was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Harry Kindelberger (left tackle), George Mitchell (left guard), George Allshouse (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), Harold Hinte (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Edgar Jones (left halfback), Joe Connell (right halfback) and Mat Gebel (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Michael Sotak, Jack Durishan, Steve Sinclair, James Clowes, Vincent Antonelli, Joe Salvucci, John Stahl, Ralph Hammond, Jack Stetler, Harold Stickel, William Dutton and John Ross.{{cite news|title=Hey, No Score Yet?|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=October 19, 1941|page=III-9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117388464/pitt-vs-minnesota-lineup/|access-date=January 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Pittsburgh|HomeName=Minnesota|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Minnesota

| DrivePlays=7

| DriveLength=65

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bill Daley

| yards=1

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Bill Garnaas

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Minnesota

| DrivePlays=5

| DriveLength=52

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bill Daley

| yards=1

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Bill Garnaas

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=14

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Minnesota

| DrivePlays=6

| DriveLength=60

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bob Higgins

| yards=47

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| Kicker=Bill Garnaas

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=21

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Minnesota

| DrivePlays=4

| DriveLength=21

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bob Higgins

| yards=2

| kickresult= no good (blocked)

| Kicker=Bill Garnaas

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=27

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Minnesota

| DrivePlays=1

| DriveLength=70

| DriveTime=

| Type=IntTD

| Def=Bill Garnaas

| yards=70

| kickresult= no good

| Kicker=Bill Daley

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=33

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Minnesota

| DrivePlays=6

| DriveLength=55

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bob Higgins

| yards=1

| kickresult= no good

| Kicker=Bill Garnaas

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=39

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=0|Home=39}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 4: Duke at Pitt

| Visitor = Duke

| Host = Pitt

| V1 =6| V2 =0| V3 =14| V4 =7

| H1 =0| H2 =0| H3 =0| H4 =7

| Date =October 25, 1941

| Location = Pitt Stadium
Pittsburgh, PA

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 28,000

| Weather = sunny and cool

| Referee = Leo Daley (Boston College)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Duke Blue Devils football team }}

File:October 25, 1941 cover photo of the Duke University versus the University of Pittsburgh football game program.jpg

File:October 25, 1941 ticket stub for the Duke University versus University of Pittsburgh football game.jpg

On October 25, the Duke Blue Devils came to Pittsburgh for the second time in the six-game series. Pitt led the series 3–2, but Wallace Wade's club had won two of the past three.{{cite web|title=Football Lettermen|publisher=University of Pittsburgh|work=2008 Pitt Football Media Guide|page=135|access-date=February 8, 2023|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/136/mode/1up}} The Devils were 4–0, ranked #4 and had outscored their opposition 139–28.{{cite web|title=1941 Duke Blue Devils Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=February 8, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/duke/1941-schedule.html}} Fullback Steve Lach and tackle Mike Karmazin received All-American honors.{{cite web|title=All-America Selections|publisher=Duke University Media Relations Department|work=2022 Duke Football Media Guide|page=138|url=https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/goduke.com/documents/2022/7/21/2022_Duke_Football_Media_Guide.pdf|access-date=February 8, 2023}} Coach Wade told the Sun-Telegraph: "Some people have the idea we are shooting for a Rose Bowl bid. That idea definitely is wrong. We are not thinking of any post-season game. I doubt if the faculty committee would accept a bid if we were to receive one. The committee debated a full day before accepting the 1938 Rose Bowl bid. The school authorities feel that the football players are away from their work too long by the extension of the season through the holidays."{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title='Not Interested,' Says Blue Devil Grid Mentor|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=October 24, 1941|page=32|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118239102/duke-visits-pittsburgh/|access-date=February 8, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

In front of 28,000 faithful fans, the Panthers suffered their fourth loss in a row to the Devils 27–7. Duke opened the scoring in the first period with a 35-yard touchdown pass from halfback Moffat Storer to halfback Steve Lach. Blue Devils' quarterback Tommy Prothro missed the point after. At the end of the second quarter, Pitt's Edgar Jones threw a 60-yard pass to end Stanley Gervelis but Duke halfback Tom Davis intercepted it on the 3-yard line as time ran out in the first half. The Panthers' defense gave up three touchdowns in the second half. Duke fullback Winston Siegfried plunged into the end zone from the 1-yard line, after a 55-yard, 16-play drive. Panther errors resulted in the final two Blue Devil scores. A Walter West fumble recovered by center Bob Barnett gave Duke possession on the Panthers' 26-yard line. Tom Davis scored on the second play. Later, Duke end Bob Gantt blocked a Joe Connell punt and Duke recovered on the Pitt 31-yard line. Duke's seventh play was a 5-yard touchdown pass from Tom Davis to Steve Lach. Tom Prothro converted the three placements and Duke led 27 to 0. The Pitt offense answered with a 17-play, 65-yard drive for their first score of the season. Substitute running back William Dutton gained 48 of the yards on seven carries, but John Ross broke through center from the 2-yard line for the touchdown. Ralph Fife converted the extra point to make the final score 27–7.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Pitt Gets Touchdown, But Loses to Duke, 27–7|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=October 26, 1941|page=Section III-2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118300508/pitt-finally-scores/|access-date=February 9, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Duke finished the regular season ranked #2 in the final Associated Press football poll with a record of 9–0. They were invited to play in the 1942 Rose Bowl, that was played in Durham, NC for national safety reasons, and lost to the Oregon State Beavers 20–16.

Coach Bowser told The Press: "Well, we finally cracked the ice. The boys showed they at least can score, and now mebbe [sic] we can go ahead from here." The Pitt News reporters joked: "Hooray, no school Monday. Our side got a touchdown."{{cite news|author=Eddie Beachler|title=Lach Shows Pitt How|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=October 26, 1941|page=Third Section-12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118304356/lach-shows-pitt-how/|access-date=February 9, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Duke was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Harry Kindelberger (left tackle), George Mitchell (left guard), George Allshouse (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), Harold Hinte (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Edgar Jones (left halfback), Joe Connell (right halfback) and Mat Gebel (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Jack Durishan, William Dillon, Joe Salvucci, John Stahl, Ralph Hammond, Jack Stetler, Frank Saksa, William Dutton and John Ross.{{cite news|title=We Scored, Anyhow!|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=October 26, 1941|page=III-11|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117389100/pitt-versus-duke-lineup/|access-date=January 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Duke|HomeName=Pittsburgh|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=

| Team=Duke

| DrivePlays=4

| DriveLength=64

| DriveTime=

| Type=RecTD

| Receiver=Steve Lach

| QB=Moffat Storer

| yards=35

| kickresult=no good

| Kicker=Tommy Prothjro

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=6

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Duke

| DrivePlays=16

| DriveLength=55

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Winston Siegfried

| yards=1

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Tommy Prothro

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=13

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Duke

| DrivePlays=2

| DriveLength=26

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Tom Davis

| yards=8

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Tommy Prothro

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=20

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Duke

| DrivePlays=7

| DriveLength=31

| DriveTime=

| Type=RecTD

| Receiver=Steve Lach

| QB=Tom Davis

| yards=5

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Tommy Prothjro

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=27

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Pitt

| DrivePlays=17

| DriveLength=65

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=John Ross

| yards=2

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=27

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=27|Home=7}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 5: Ohio State at Pitt

| Visitor = Ohio State

| Host = Pitt

| V1 =6| V2 =6| V3 =7| V4 =2

| H1 =0| H2 =7| H3 =7| H4 =0

| Date =November 1, 1941

| Location = Pitt Stadium
Pittsburgh, PA

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 50,000

| Weather = sunny and cool

| Referee = W. T. Halloran (Holy Cross)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Ohio State Buckeyes football team }}

File:November 1, 1941 Photographer's pass for the Ohio State University versus the University of Pittsburgh football game.jpg

File:November 1, 1941 Ohio State University versus University of Pittsburgh football game program cover.jpg

On November 1, the Panthers played the Ohio State Buckeyes, their fourth Western Conference opponent. The all-time series stood at 2–2–1. Paul Brown was in his first year and had the Buckeyes at 3–1 with victories over Missouri, USC and Purdue. Their only loss was to Northwestern who were led by Otto Graham.{{cite web|title=1941 Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule and results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/1941-schedule.html|access-date=February 13, 2023}} Buckeye tackle Jim Daniell (brother of Pitt great Averell Daniell) was named to the first team Central Press Association All-America squad.{{cite news|author=Walter L. Johns |title=Midwest, South Top Captains' All-Americas|newspaper=Reading Eagle|date=December 7, 1941|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YI8hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uJcFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4839,1948324&dq=wildung+sinkwich&hl=en}} Prior to the Pitt game Coach Brown dismissed starting left end Charley Anderson from the squad for disobeying team rules. Sam Fox took his place and Dick Burgett started at fullback for the injured Jack Graf.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Bowser Revamps Pitt Lineup in Move to Generate Power|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 1, 1941|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118637457/bowser-changes-lineup-for-buckeye-game/|access-date=February 14, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Charley Bowser revamped the Panther lineup for the Buckeyes - Jack Durishan replaced Harry Kindelberger at left tackle, John Stahl replaced Harold Hinte at right end, William Dutton replaced Joe Connell at right halfback, and Frank Saksa replaced Mat Gebel at fullback.

Coach Bowser's new lineup gave the Buckeyes a battle, but the Ohio eleven prevailed and kept the Panthers winless with a 21 to 14 victory. In the first quarter, Ohio guard Lindell Houston recovered a Stan Gervelis fumble on the Buckeyes 40-yard line. The Buckeyes drove 60 yards in three plays. Tom Kinkade went 32 yards around left end for the touchdown. Leon Schoenbaum's extra point was blocked. The next Ohio touchdown came in the second quarter. Fullback Burgett went over left guard from the 1-yard line to culminate a 7-play, 43-yard drive. Schoenbaum's kick was blocked again. The Panthers' offense answered with an 11-play, 82-yard drive. Frank Saksa bulled over center for the touchdown and Ralph Fife added the placement. Pitt got the ball back via fumble recovery on the Ohio 35-yard line. The Pitt offense moved the ball to the Ohio 14-yard line, where the Ohio State defense held and took over on downs. Ohio led 12 to 7 at halftime. The Buckeyes took the second half kick-off and drove 84-yards in 5 plays for their final touchdown of the game. Ohio back Dick Fisher ran 35-yards through right tackle for the score. Schoenbaum converted the placement and Ohio led 19 to 7. Ohio regained possession and tried to pass. Pitt's Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones intercepted Fisher's pass and raced 45-yards for a touchdown. Fife kicked the point after and Pitt trailed 19 to 14. The OSU punter kept the Panthers deep in their own territory in the final period. Ohio guard George Cheroke broke through the Panthers' line and blocked a Jones punt into the end zone. Jones recovered the ball for a safety to end the scoring.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Jones Hero in Panther Showing|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 2, 1941|page=Section 3-2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118643556/ohio-state-prevails-but-panthers-close/|access-date=February 14, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Ohio State finished the season ranked #13 in the Associated Press football poll with a 6–1–1 record.

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Ohio State was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Jack Durshan (left tackle), George Mitchell (left guard), George Allshouse (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), John Stahl (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Edgar Jones (left halfback), William Dutton (right halfback) and Frank Saksa (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Michael Sotak, Harry Kindelberger, William Dillon, Joseph Broudy, Vincent Antonelli, Harold Hinte, Martin Rosepink, Ralph Hammond, Jack Stetler,and Joe Connell.{{cite news|title=Closer and Closer|newspaper=The Pittsburgh press|date=November 2, 1941|page=III-9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117390294/pitt-versus-ohio-state-lineup/|access-date=January 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Ohio State|HomeName=Pittsburgh|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=

| Team=Ohio State

| DrivePlays=3

| DriveLength=60

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Tom Kincade

| yards=32

| kickresult=no good (blocked)

| Kicker=Leon Schoenbaum

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=6

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Ohio State

| DrivePlays=7

| DriveLength=43

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Richard Burgett

| yards=1

| kickresult=no good (blocked)

| Kicker=Leon Schoenbaum

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=12

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Pitt

| DrivePlays=11

| DriveLength=82

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Frank Saksa

| yards=1

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=12

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Ohio State

| DrivePlays=5

| DriveLength=84

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Dick Fisher

| yards=35

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Leon Schoenbaum

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=19

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Pitt

| DrivePlays=1

| DriveLength=45

| DriveTime=

| Type=IntTD

| Def=Edgar Jones

| yards=45

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=19

| Home=14

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Ohio State

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=SafetyOther

| Info=Jones recovered blocked punt

| Visitor=21

| Home=14

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=21|Home=14}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 6: Fordham at Pitt

| Visitor = Fordham

| Host = Pitt

| V1 =0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 =7| H2 =0| H3 =0| H4 =6

| Date =November 8, 1941

| Location = Pitt Stadium
Pittsburgh, PA

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 50,000

| Weather = cold

| Referee = E. A. Geiges (Temple)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Fordham Rams football team }}

File:November 8,1941 University of Pittsburgh versus Fordham University football game program cover.jpg

File:November 8, 1941 ticket stub for the University of Pittsburgh versus Fordham University football game.jpg

On November 8, the Panthers met the unbeaten (5–0) Fordham Rams at Pitt Stadium. Jim Crowley's Rams had outscored their previous opponents 115–38, and, as 8–1 favorites with a #3 ranking in the AP poll, were favored to win their remaining games and return to a bowl.{{cite web|title=1941 Fordham Rams Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=February 15, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/fordham/1941-schedule.html}}{{cite news|author=Jack Smith|title=Rams, 8–1, to Wallop Pittsburgh's Amateurs|newspaper=The Daily News|location=New York, New York|date=November 8, 1941|page=28|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118695551/rams-heavily-favored-over-pitt/|access-date=February 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Fordham led the all-time series 2–1–3, and due to Pitt's football de-emphasis, this was the final meeting on the gridiron between the two schools.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Rams Seek Sixth Win In Row|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 8, 1941|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118694372/rams-seek-sixth-win-in-row/|access-date=February 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Sportswriters considered this Crowley's best team with end Jim Lansing, halfback Jim Blumenstock and fullback Steve Filipowicz earning All-America laurels.{{cite web|title=Fordham All-Americans|publisher=Fordham University Libraries|work=1965 Fordham University Football Press Brochure|page=17|url=https://www.library.fordham.edu/digital/item/collection/p17265coll9/id/1700|access-date=February 15, 2023}} Crowley was cautious: "We are not over the hump yet by any means. We still have three ball clubs to meet and any one of them might come through with an upset...Fordham is in fine physical condition. The boys have played fine ball to date and I hope they can continue their fine pace."{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Crowley Sees Pitt in Fine Spot For Great Upset|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 7, 1941|page=29|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118700736/crowley-worried-about-upset/|access-date=February 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

In front of 20,000 fans, the Panthers shocked the football world with a 13–0 shutout of the Rams. After two exchanges of punts, the Panthers' offense gained possession on the Pitt 30-yard line. The Panthers' 11-play drive ended with fullback Frank Saksa's 1-yard plunge into the end zone. Ralph Fife converted the point after and Pitt led 7 to 0. The rest of the first half was mainly a punting duel. Late in the quarter, Fordham advanced into Pitt territory but Saksa intercepted an errant Filipowicz pass on the 12-yard line and returned the ball to the 37-yard line as time expired. In the third period, Fordham advanced the ball to the Pitt 13-yard line. A bad center snap lost 9 yards and the Pitt defense stiffened and took over on downs. In the fourth quarter, Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones intercepted a Benny Babula pass and raced 33 yards for the second touchdown. The extra point was blocked and Pitt led 13 to 0. The Panthers had to intercept two more passes before the upset was final.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Panthers Ruin Rams' Bowl Dreams|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 9, 1941|page=Section 3-2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118768880/panthers-upset-rams-bowl-dreams/|access-date=February 16, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Bowser was upbeat: "I believe this thing had been building up over quite some time. The boys have been improving steadily in recent games. For the first time this season they didn't make any mistakes. The boys were alert mentally, had lots of poise and most important, worked together as a unit....All our players did a grand job, and while the game proved our squad doesn't have much depth in material–it proved we could play good football."{{cite news|title=Pitt Lauded By Faculty|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 10, 1941|page=27|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118773156/pitt-lauded-by-faculty/|access-date=February 16, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Fordham finished the regular season with a 7–1 record and earned an invitation to the Sugar Bowl. They beat Missouri2–0 and were ranked #6 in the final Associated Press football poll.

Coach Charles Bowser was selected "Coach of the Week" by the United Press for the upset victory over the Rams.{{cite news|title=Bow to Bowser|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 12, 1941|page=31|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118778971/bowser-coach-of-the-week/|access-date=February 16, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Fordham was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Jack Dursihan (left tackle), William Dillon (left guard), George Allshouse (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), John Stahl (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Edgar Jones (left halfback), William Dutton (right halfback) and Frank Saksa (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Michael Sotak, Harry Kindelberger, Vincent Antonelli, Steve Sinclair, Albert Kunkel, Vincent Antonelli, Martin Rosepink, Jack Stetler and Joe Connell.{{cite news|title=Sweet Victory|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 9, 1941|page=III-14|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117391430/|access-date=January 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Fordham|HomeName=Pittsburgh|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=

| Team=Pitt

| DrivePlays=11

| DriveLength=70

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Frank Saksa

| yards=1

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Pitt

| DrivePlays=1

| DriveLength=33

| DriveTime=

| Type=IntTD

| Def=Edgar Jones

| yards=33

| kickresult=no good (blocked)

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=13

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=0|Home=13}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 7: Pitt at Nebraska

| Visitor = Pitt

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 =0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =14

| H1 =0| H2 =7| H3 =0| H4 =0

| Date =November 15, 1941

| Location = Memorial Stadium (Lincoln)
Lincoln, NE

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 35,000

| Weather = clear and warm

| Referee = Dwight Ream (Washburn)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team }}

File:November 15, 1941 "Tales of the Cornhuskers" official program for the University of Nebraska versus the University of Pittsburgh football game.jpg

On November 15, the Panthers traveled to Lincoln, NE for their annual game with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Pitt led the series 9–3–3, but Nebraska won the previous two meetings in Pittsburgh. The Panthers were unbeaten in Lincoln (4–0–3).{{cite web|title=All-Time Series|publisher=University of Pittsburgh Media Relations Office|work=2008 Pitt Football Media Guide|page=142|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/139/mode/1up|access-date=February 16, 2023}} Eddie Beachler of The Press noted: "With Major Lawrence 'Biff' Jones losing 18 members of last year's Rose Bowl squad through graduation and the draft, the Huskers are no longer bossing the Big Six, a group which they ruled with an iron fist for nine of the past 13 years."{{cite news|author=Eddie Beachler|title=Panthers Out to 'Get Even' With Huskers|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 13, 1941|page=26|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118780605/panthers-off-to-play-nebraska/|access-date=February 16, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} The Huskers, after starting the season with 2 victories, were on a 4-game losing streak.{{cite web|title=1941 Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=February 16, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/nebraska/1941-schedule.html}}

On Wednesday at 11 pm the 33-member Pitt squad boarded the train to Chicago, IL. The layover included a workout on Thursday at Chicago Stadium. They departed Thursday night and arrived in Omaha, NE on Friday morning. After a morning visit to Boys Town, Bowser held another workout at Benson field on Friday afternoon. The squad traveled the final 55 miles to Lincoln on Saturday morning. Harry Kindelberger started at tackle in place of the injured Jack Durishan.{{cite news|title=Pitt Gridders Halt at Omaha|newspaper=The Lincoln Star|location=Lincoln, Nebraska|date=November 14, 1941|page=11|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119829268/pitt-arrives-in-omaha/|access-date=February 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Panthers won their second game and kept their unbeaten streak in Lincoln intact with a 14 to 7 victory over the Cornhuskers. Nebraska scored first. In the second period Dale Bradley scored from the 3-yard line after the Huskers offense drove 68 yards in 10 plays. Vic Schleich converted the extra point and Nebraska led 7 to 0 at halftime. After the break, the Huskers offense drove 77 yards in 18 plays to the Pitt 3-yard line, but lost the ball on downs. With ten minutes left in the game, Pitt gained possession on their own 38-yard line. Eleven plays later Bill Dutton bulled into the end zone from the 1-yard line, and Ralph Fife converted the point after to tie the score. The teams exchanged punts. Pitt back Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones intercepted Bradley's pass and raced 75 yards for a touchdown. Fife booted the point and Pitt led 14 to 7 with 15 seconds left. Nebraska went to the air again and Jones intercepted an errant Howard Debus pass and raced 48 yards before he was tackled on the 3-yard line as time ran out.{{cite news|author=|title=Play By Play of Pitt's Victory on Late Rally on U. N.|newspaper=Sunday World-Herald|location=Omaha, Nebraska|date=November 16, 1941|page=B-Five|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119838820/play-by-play-of-pitt-versus-nebraska/|access-date=February 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

In what was Biff Jones' final season, Nebraska finished with a 4–5 record.

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Nebraska was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Harry Kindelberger (left tackle), William Dillon (left guard), George Allshouse (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), John Stahl (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Edgar Jones (left halfback), Joe Connell (right halfback) and Frank Saksa (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Jack Durshan, George Mitchell, Steve Sinclair,Vincent Antonelli, Martin Rosepink, Ralph Hammond, Harold Stickel and William Dutton.{{cite news|title=Superman Stuff|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 16, 1941|page=III-9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117392377/pitt-versus-nebraska-lineup/|access-date=January 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Pittsburgh|HomeName=Nebraska|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Nebraska

| DrivePlays=10

| DriveLength=67

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Dale Bradley

| yards=2

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Vic Schleich

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Pittsburgh

| DrivePlays=11

| DriveLength=62

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bill Dutton

| yards=1

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=7

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Pitt

| DrivePlays=1

| DriveLength=75

| DriveTime=

| Type=IntTD

| Def=Edgar Jones

| yards=75

| kickresult=good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=14

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=14|Home=7}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 8: Penn State at Pitt

| Visitor = Penn State

| Host = Pitt

| V1 =0| V2 =14| V3 =10| V4 =7

| H1 =7| H2 =0| H3 =0| H4 =0

| Date =November 22, 1941

| Location = Pitt Stadium
Pittsburgh, PA

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 33,000

| Weather = sunny and cool

| Referee = F. X. Keating (Fitchburg)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Penn State Nittany Lions football team }}

File:November 22, 1941 University of Pittsburgh versus Penn State University football game program cover.jpg

On November 22, the 5–2 Penn State Nittany Lions, led by 12-year coach Bob Higgins, was Pitt's opponent. The Lions lost 2 of their first 3 games, but arrived in Pittsburgh on a 4-game win streak.{{cite web|title=1941 Penn State Nittany Lions Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=March 6, 2023|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/penn-state/1941-schedule.html}} The Panthers led the all-time series 24–14–2, but Coach Higgins was optimistic: "In past years we just haven't had a chance. Pitt's third team usually was as good as our varsity. Last year we had a pretty good chance but got off to a bad start and never regained our balance. We'll give them a battle this time, right down to the finish."{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Lions Seek Fifth Win In Row|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 22, 1941|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120362769/lions-seek-fifth-win-in-row/|access-date=March 7, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Coach Higgins was right as his Lions pummeled the Panthers 31 to 7. Pitt opened the scoring in the first quarter. The Panther offense engineered a 3-play, 57-yard drive highlighted by a 43-yard touchdown run by Edgar Jones on a reverse. Jones ran the fumbled extra point snap into the end zone to make the score 7 to 0. The Penn State eleven dominated the rest of the contest. John "Pepper" Petrella scored three touchdowns and Ralph Ventresco added another. Bill Smaltz converted on all four extra points and booted a 16-yard field goal. The Lions earned 14 first downs. They gained 171 yards rushing and 90 yards through the air by completing 6 of 12 passes. The Panthers only managed 4 first downs and 81 yards rushing.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Smaltz, Petrella Star as Lions Shatter 22-Year-Old Jinx|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 23, 1941|page=Section 3-2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120434725/lions-massacre-panthers/|access-date=March 8, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news|title=Pitt-State Yardstick|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 23, 1941|page=Section 3-2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120435036/pitt-state-yardstick/|access-date=March 8, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Coach Bowser stated: "We were simply outcharged and outfought." Penn State was "as tough a team as we've met this year."{{cite news|author=Eddie Beachler|title='We've Waited a Long Time' – Bob Higgins|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 23, 1941|page=Third Section-12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120521072/pitt-outfought-in-loss/|access-date=March 8, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Penn State was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Jack Durishan (left tackle), William Dillon (left guard), George Allshouse (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), John Stahl (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Edgar Jones (left halfback), William Dutton (right halfback) and Frank Saksa (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Michael Sotak, Harry Hindelberger, George Mitchell, Steve Sinclair, Vincent Antonelli, Joe Salvucci, Martin Rosepink, Ralph Hammond, Jack Stetler and Joe Connell.{{cite news|title=Jinx Breakers|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 23, 1941|page=III-9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117392971/pitt-versus-penn-state-lineup/|access-date=January 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Penn State|HomeName=Pittsburgh|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=

| Team=Pittsburgh

| DrivePlays=3

| DriveLength=57

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Edgar Jones

| yards=43

| kickresult= not attempted, Jones recovered fumbled snap for extra point

| Kicker= Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Penn State

| DrivePlays=7

| DriveLength=53

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=John “Pepper” Petrella

| yards=1

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Bill Smaltz

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=7

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Penn State

| DrivePlays=4

| DriveLength=12

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=John “Pepper” Petrella

| yards=2

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Bill Smaltz

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=14

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Penn State

| DrivePlays=6

| DriveLength=51

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=John “Pepper” Petrella

| yards=24

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Bill Smaltz

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=21

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Penn State

| DrivePlays=4

| DriveLength=3

| DriveTime=

| Type=FG

| yards=16

| Kicker=Bill Smaltz

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=24

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Penn State

| DrivePlays=8

| DriveLength=44

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Ralph Ventresco

| yards=1

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Bill Smaltz

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=31

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=31|Home=7}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 9: Carnegie Tech at Pitt

| Visitor = Carnegie Tech

| Host = Pitt

| V1 =0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 =0| H2 =13| H3 =7| H4 =7

| Date =November 29, 1941

| Location = Pitt Stadium
Pittsburgh, PA

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 19,000

| Weather = sunny and cool

| Referee = H. O. Dayhoff (Bucknell)

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{see also| 1941 Carnegie Tech Tartans football team }}

File:November 29, 1941 University ofPittsburgh versus Carnegie Institute of Technology football game program cover.jpg

File:November 29, 1941 Ticket stub for the University of Pittsburgh versus Carnegie Tech football game.jpg

On November 29, the (2–6) Pitt Panthers were matched against the (1–6) Carnegie Tech Tartans in the final game of the season for both schools. Pitt led the once heralded "City Game" series 21–5–1.{{cite web|title=All-Time Series|publisher=University of Pittsburgh Media Relations Office|work=2008 Pitt Football Media Guide|page=139|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/136/mode/1up|access-date=February 16, 2023}} Tartan coach Eddie Baker's squad numbered only 23 and his best running back, Virgil Cantini, was injured and would not play.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Tartans In Danger of Dropping Last Major Opponent|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 28, 1941|page=29|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120564733/tartans-in-danger-of-dropping-last-major/|access-date=March 10, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Tackle Lou Zelenka, who enlisted in the Army earlier in the week, received permission to play.

Fifteen seniors were playing their final game as Panthers – Al Kunkel, Ralph Fife, Stan Gervelis, Joe Connell, John Ross, Hap Stickel, Ray Rabinek, Stave Sinclair, Bill Benghouser, John Stahl, Robert Crissman, Harry Kindelberger, George Mitchell, George Allshouse and Edgar Jones.{{cite news|author=Eddie Beachler|title=20,000 to See Rivals Clash at Stadium – Final Game for 21 Seniors|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 29, 1941|page=7|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120576466/city-game-saturday/|access-date=March 10, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Panthers dominated the Tartans and won 27–0 for their third victory of the season. The Panther offense drove the ball 78-yards to open the game, but the Tartan defense held and took over on downs at their 1-yard line. After an exchange of punts the Panther offense gained possession on the Tartan 43-yard line. Bill Dutton capped the touchdown drive with a two-yard plunge. Ralph Fife's point after was blocked by Bill Philipchuck. Late in the half, Edgar Jones fielded a punt on the Tech 39-yard line. He lost 6 yards on first down, but on second down he raced 45 yards for the touchdown. Fife was good on the placement and Pitt led 13–0 at halftime. Early in the third period Dutton intercepted an errant Tartan pass on the Panther 34-yard line. The 5-play, 66-yard drive ended with an 18-yard reverse from Joe Connell to Edgar Jones for the touchdown. Fife booted the point and Pitt led 20–0. The Pitt reserves played most of the second half. Late in the game the Panther offense marched 78 yards for the final touchdown. Dutton bulled into the end zone from 2-yards out. The referees debated for some time before awarding the touchdown. Joe Connell added the point after to close the scoring.{{cite news|author=Tom Hopkins|title=Panthers Defeat Tartans in Listless Battle, 27–0|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 30, 1941|page=Section 4–5|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120582529/pitt-beats-city-rival-27-to-0/|access-date=March 10, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} Statistics proved Pitt's domination. The Panthers had 18 first downs to Tech's 4 and 293 rushing yards to Tech's 24.{{cite news|title=Pitt-Tech Statistics|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 30, 1941|page=Third Section-11|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120584782/pitt-tech-statistics/|access-date=March 10, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

Immediately after the game, Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones left for New York to participate in a charity football game on Sunday at the Polo Grounds. An All-Star Negro eleven played against a team of college stars and some New York Yankee pros.{{cite news|title=Girl and Mother Kiss Jones|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=November 30, 1941|page=Section 4–5|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120585565/girl-and-mother-kiss-jones/|access-date=March 10, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} The Yankees won 24–20.{{cite news|author=Hy Turkin|title=Yanks Dim Stars, 24–20; DeCorrevont Best|newspaper=The Daily News|location=New York, New York|date=December 1, 1941|page=53|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120586940/yanks-win-charity-contest/|access-date=March 10, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Carnegie Tech was Stanley Gervelis (left end), Jack Durishan (left tackle), William Dillon (left guard), George Allshouse (center), Ralph Fife (right guard), William Benghouser (right tackle), John Stahl (right end), Walter West (quarterback), Edgar Jones (left halfback), William Dutton (right halfback) and Frank Saksa (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Michael Sotak, Norbert Gestner, Harry Kindelberger, John Shaffer, George Mitchell, Steve Sinclair, Albert Kunkel, Vincent Antonelli, Ray Rabinek, Joe Salvucci, Robert Crissman, Martin Rosepink, Frank Scatton, John Stetler, Harold Stickel, Joseph Connell, Bruce Reuter, Joseph Adamchic, Mat Gebel and John Ross.{{cite news|title=Jones' Farewell|newspaper= The Pittsburgh Press|date=November 30, 1940|page=III-11|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117592452/pitt-ends-season-with-win/|access-date=January 30, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=Carnegie Tech|HomeName=Pittsburgh|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Pittsburgh

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=43

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bill Dutton

| yards=2

| kickresult= blocked

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=6

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Pittsburgh

| DrivePlays=2

| DriveLength=39

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones

| yards=45

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=13

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=3

| Time=

| Team=Pittsburgh

| DrivePlays=5

| DriveLength=66

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones

| yards=18

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Ralph Fife

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=20

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Pittsburgh

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=78

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Bill Dutton

| yards=1

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Joe Connell

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=0

| Home=27

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=0|Home=27}}

Guard Ralph Fife was named first team All-America by the Associated Press.{{cite news|title=Ralph Fife Named on A. P. All-America|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|date=December 12, 1941|page=34|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120645778/ralph-fife-first-team-a-p-all-americ/|access-date=March 11, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} On December 5, Fife was awarded a gold watch during the Kate Smith radio hour by Fordham coach Jim Crowley for being a member of the "Kate Smith All-American Football squad."{{cite news|title=Fife Honored By Radio Star|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=33|number=30|date=December 5, 1941|page=1|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062140607/viewer#page/1/mode/1up|access-date=March 11, 2023}} He was named second team All-American by NEA, Ted Husing of CBS, and the United Press.{{cite news|author=Earl Surloff|title=Fife, Jones Picked by Sportswriters, Announcers On All-American Elevens|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=33|number=30|date=December 5, 1941|page=6|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062140607/viewer#page/6/mode/1up|access-date=March 11, 2023}}

Halfback Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones received honorable mentions on both the International News Service and United Press All-American football teams. Coach Carl Snavely chose Jones for the North squad in the annual North-South All-Star game on Christmas Day.

Coaches Andy Kerr and Bernie Bierman chose Fife and end Stanley Gervelis to play for the East squad in the annual East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco on New Year's Day. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the game was moved to Tulane Stadium in New Orleans and played on January 3, 1942 for security reasons.{{cite news|title=Fife, Gervelis Depart for Drills|newspaper=The Pitt News|volume=33|number=36|date=December 19, 1941|page=6|url=https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062140508/viewer#page/6/mode/1up|access-date=March 13, 2023}}

The following players were selected in the 1942 NFL draft.{{cite web| url = https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1942/draft.htm| title = Pro Football Reference| publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/Pro Football| access-date = January 11, 2023}}

class="wikitable" width="80%"
align="center" style="background:#091C44;color:#CEC499;" | Player	Position	Round	Pick	NFL club
align="center" bgcolor="" | Stan Gervelis	End	14	127	Brooklyn Dodgers
align="center" bgcolor="" | Edgar Jones	Back	19	180	Chicago Bears
align="center" bgcolor=""

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