The Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry, the oldest in college football, began on November 15, 1890, with Minnesota defeating Wisconsin 63-0. The series has been played annually, except in 1906 due to football’s violent nature. In 1930, R.B. Fouch introduced the “Slab of Bacon” trophy, a black walnut slab symbolizing victory. The trophy disappeared in 1943 after a Minnesota win, resurfacing in 1994 at Camp Randall with its scores updated beyond 1943.
The 1943 game was played during World War II, impacting college football significantly. Many schools faced depleted rosters, while others, like Michigan, benefited from military training programs. Minnesota, led by George Hauser, was disadvantaged due to the absence of legendary coach Bernie Bierman, who had joined the war effort. The Gophers also faced Michigan earlier that season, suffering a lopsided 49-6 loss. Michigan’s coach, Fritz Crisler, accepted the Little Brown Jug trophy amid controversy, given the imbalance caused by wartime circumstances. This likely influenced Hauser’s decision to refuse the Slab of Bacon trophy after Minnesota’s 1943 win over Wisconsin.
The Slab of Bacon’s disappearance remains shrouded in mystery. It was replaced in 1948 by Paul Bunyan’s Axe, now the official rivalry trophy. The Axe, with its dramatic and theatrical presentation, is widely considered a more exciting and iconic symbol of the rivalry.
This narrative highlights the broader context of the war’s impact on college football. Wartime shortages, military programs, and player reassignments created uneven playing fields. For example, players like Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch and Bill Daley, previously from rival teams, played for Michigan under Navy programs. This imbalance influenced the outcomes of key games and the fate of trophies like the Little Brown Jug and the Slab of Bacon.
Jon Johnston of Hardcore College Football History emphasizes the importance of remembering how global events, such as World War II, influenced sports. This story showcases how historical context enriches understanding of college football traditions and rivalries.
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