1934 Rose Bowl
1934 Rose Bowl Program Cover (Scan 4380). Historical Subject Files (Box 92), University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.
In one of the greatest upsets in college football history, the Columbia Lions defeated the Stanford Indians* 7-0 at the 1934 Rose Bowl game. Back then, the Rose Bowl was the college Bowl (Orange and Cotton Bowls started in 1935).
Although Columbia had a stong record (7-1) having lost only to Princeton, Stanford was heavily favored to win; the Indians had been scored on only four times all season. In response, Columbia Coach Lou Little put together an outstanding defensive game plan. In the video, you see how the Lions defense forced multiple fumbles to end Stanford's drives. You can also see the poor field conditions due to rains that week and even during the game. Cliff Montgomery, the quarterback, executes the hidden-ball play known as KF-79 and passes to Al Barnabas for the one goal of the game at 5:13. And don't forget to look for the Columbia cheerleaders with their megaphones along the sidelines and in the stands!
This 13-minute clip below is from a Pathe News Reel. On January 9 and 10, 1934, a version of Pathe's "complete motions pictures" of the game were played at McMillin Theatre. You can read more about Columbia's victory in the student newspaper, the Spectator.
For more Columbia-related digitized audio and video materials, please visit our Media page.
* The Stanford football team changed its name to the Cardinals in 1972 and to the Cardinal in 1982. Stanford returned to the Rose Bowl in 1935 (lost to the University of Alabama, 13–29) and again in 1936 (defeated Southern Methodist University (SMU) 7-0).
Columbia Lions on the field during the Rose Bowl game, from the Record Book of Columbia Football, 1934 Edition, page 32. (Scan 4378). Historical Subject Files (Box 92), University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.