1903 Princeton vs. Yale

Like 1902, Princeton-Yale was again the game of the year, and Thomas Edison was there to film it. You can read about Yale's great players, and the previous year's clash between Princeton and Yale, in my article on the 1902 national championship. Yale, who finished 11-1, thrashed every team they played in 1903 except Princeton, including 36-10 over 8-2 Holy Cross, 25-0 over 9-1 Columbia, and 16-0 over 9-3 Harvard.

Yale controlled the game from the start, but Princeton pulled out a win on the strength of John DeWitt's legendary performance. Yale tackle James Hogan scored a touchdown early to cap a 50 yard drive in which he did most of the ball carrying. Another Yale drive ended with a fumble at the Princeton 20. Late in the first half, Yale lined up for a field goal attempt, but John DeWitt blocked it and returned the ball 75 yards for a touchdown (pictured above), then kicked the extra point. On that miracle, the teams went into the half tied, despite Yale dominating.

In the second half, Yale recovered a Princeton fumble and steadily drove to the goal line, but the ball was pulled out of James Hogan's hands just before he crossed over for what would have been a touchdown. This was the second miracle for Princeton, and would prove to be the difference in the game. Yale had another field goal attempt blocked later in the half.

Princeton produced little to no offense in this game, but through defense and kicking they had managed 3 long DeWitt field goal attempts. All had missed. But on Princeton's last chance, with the game nearly over, he did not miss, hitting a 53 yard field goal that split the uprights and shot several yards higher than the crossbar. That gave Princeton the lead 11-6, and three plays later it was over. DeWitt scored all 11 of Princeton's points, and signs on campus read "DeWitt 11, Yale 6."

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