The First College Football Game in the US

Historic Matchup: Rutgers vs. Princeton

The Team's Formation

The inaugural college football game took place on November 6, 1869, featuring Rutgers University against Princeton University. This remarkable match marked the beginning of football as we know it, where players utilized both their hands and feet to navigate the field and score.

Game Setup

The game was played in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on a field that was much larger than what we see today. Each team comprised 25 players, and the objective was to kick the ball into the opponent's goal, echoing the rules of soccer rather than modern football.

Fierce Competition: The Final Score

Rutgers Victorious

Rutgers emerged triumphant in this historic encounter, winning with a score of 6-4. This win not only ignited the passion for college football but also established Rutgers as a pioneer in the sport’s history.

Impact of the Game

The match generated significant excitement and set the stage for the evolution of college football in the United States. It led to the formation of teams across the country and eventually contributed to the establishment of rules and organized competitions that shape the game today.

Fun Fact

Unexpected Aftermath

An interesting fact about this historic game is that it was played with a round ball, similar to a soccer ball, as opposed to the oval football we are familiar with today. The style of play was so different that today's football enthusiasts might barely recognize it!