Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-08-28
GOSSIP THE GRIDIR ON:
an Exceptionally Bright Outlook for the Coming Football Season
Important Change In Scoring Rules.

, ii kick a goal from drop, which many
suppose is a comparatively easy thing
to do, his opponents ought to profit
by it, There are many points in favor
OF both methods OF scoring, and trial
Of the new way can surely work no
great harm, even il found unsatisfac-
tory after one seasons test.
Last fall the Western Football asso-
citation, which includes most of the
leading colleges and institutions in
Chicago and west of that city, made
some radical changes in the method Of
scoring. e. A. Stagg, the well known
ply slcal instructor of the University
OF Chicago, an old Yale player, is the
leading spirit OF the organization.
The changes were made without con-
sultation with the eastern universe
ties land only after thu new regulations
had been adopted were copies mailed
to them, with a request that they be
used in the east. An eoffrt was made
TO have representatives of the two
committees meet, in order, if possible,
to reach joint conclusion. Stage,
however, did not think it necessary,
aid the result is that the rules differ
materially, so that it will be practic-
ally impossible to make any compari-
sons. Besides this difference will tend
to separate the east from the west in
all that relates to football, and that is,
of course, greatly to be regretted.
1t Is unfortunate that chickering's
among the leading eastern UNIVERSE
ties forbid a schedule OF games that
will definitely determine the cham
pionship each season. For some years
the only way get any sort OF an
idea OF the reiative strength Of the
leading teams is by means of COMPARE
sons, which are nearly always mis-
leading. 1t is not fair to judge the
standing of two colleges by games
they have played against third, fire.
quently On widely separated dates.
In the west many changes will take
place this fall in college team ched
uies. The triple alliance of Chicago,
Michigan and Illinois within the big
seven" and has brought about a new
condition of affairs, and elevens viii
meet on the gridiron that have never
faced each other before. The big
seven," S it is called, consists of the
following Institutions: Wisconsin,
Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, North
5stern, Minnesota and Purdue. Hi
noiS is most benefited by the change,
for the Champlain team gets a two
year contract with Michigan, and has
home game with Minnesota on
Thanksgiving day. Chicago will have
the usual Thanksgiving game with
Michigan at Chicago. This game will
be played outdoors this year. Chica-
COS game with Pennsylvania, regard
Ing which there seems to be some
question, makes a change in the blue
and red schedule necessary. October
20 will probably be the date decided
upon.
Illinois plays the Carlisle Indians at
Chicago on November 10, at a field to
be decided on later. IlinCis and Mich
igan are to meet for the first time.
For long time Wisconsin has desired
to play the Ann Arbor men, but base
bal troubles made game between
them an imposibility, and Illinois,
which supported the stand taken by
Michigan and Chicago, was at once
given a date which it has been trying
to obtain for several years. The
game will be played at Detroit. No
vember IL, and Michigan has signed
contract to play at Champlain the fol-
lowing year.
Illinois and Minnesota meet on
Thanksgiving dAy for the first time at
Champlain with mutual satisfaction to
both institutions. Northwestern Uni
versity will again play the Badgers,
and Wisconsin may find it advantage
Gus to make an easter trip. Negotia-
lions for such tour have been made.
She has also invited one of the big
eastern teams to make a western trip
next fall, but it is hardly likely that
any one of the big four" will take
chances against such strong teams
away from home.
LEO ETHERINGTON.