1869 college football season
The 1869 college football season was the first season of intercollegiate football in the United States. While played using improvised rules more closely resembling soccer and rugby than modern gridiron football, it is traditionally considered the inaugural college football season. The 1869 season consisted of only two games, both between Rutgers and Princeton. The first game was played on November 6 at Rutgers' campus, and the second was played on November 13 at Princeton's campus. Both games were won by the home team.
Image: The first game rutgers targum nov 1869
Image: Birthplace of College football plaque (cropped)
1869 Princeton vs. Rutgers football game
The 1869 Princeton vs. Rutgers football game was played between Princeton and Rutgers on November 6, 1869. The rules governing play were based on the London Football Association's 1863 rules that disallowed carrying or throwing the ball. Therefore, the game more closely resembled association football| than gridiron football. Moreover, the match was played with a regular football
. As a result, it is considered the first collegiate american football match and the birth of football in the United States.
Painting by Rutgers graduate, William Boyd, depicting the game. See the goal posts and ball used, more in the style of association football rather than American football
Rutgers roster for the game
"The Foot-Ball Match", Chronicle of the first game at The Targum, Nov 1869
Image: George large of rutgers