The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-12-01
Football Enthusiasts Find
ing Difficulty in Picking
Rightful Claimant
CHICAGO ENTITLED
TO TOP POSITION
Comparative Scores Give Maroon
Eleven Call Over Rivals-Ne-
braska and Notre Dame
Have Good Claims

Chicago. November 30.-Now that the
smoke of battle has cleared away from
the football gridirons in the middle west,
rooters are trying to dope OUT which
of the many contenders is legitimately
entitled to the title honors of the divi-
sion. Chicago, Notre Dame Nebraska.
Michigan Aggies and even Michigan, have
been urged for the position, and there
seems little to choose between the first
four mentioned. The conference situa-
ton, happily, is easy to figure out after
the first three places have been passed,
and unquestioned leadership goes to Chi
cago. Minnesota and Iowa, however, have
claims to second place, which claims are
not to be passed over lightly.
Chicago Entitled to Honor
From comparative showings and from
its representative schedule few persons
doubt that Chicago is entitled to ranking
western position. This is not without con-
sidering the claim of Notre Dame and
Nebraska, however. Chicago played seven
members of the intercollegiate Confer
ence Athletic association, and although
perhaps two or three of these teams did
not measure up to the standard set by
a few outsiders, there is no gainsaying
that they are the best representative
teams in the division.
Nebraska has a good claim, but the
Cornhuskers, unfortunately, failed to play
as many acknowledged strong teams as
did the Maroons.
Notre Dame has a claim which cannot
be disputed. but the South Benders must
waive rights in view of their schedule.
The South Bend eleven undoubtedly is
powerful-a grand team, with some great
players. 1t would be impossible to com
pare it with Chicago, however, for No
tire DANES record has been compiled at
the expense of weak western and strong
eastern teams.
Aggies Claim Notice
Michigan Agricultural college refuses to
be set down without high mention Any
team which can beat Michigan and Wis
consin on successive Saturdays undoubt-
edly is entitled to consideration. We saw
the Aggies in one game, however, and
their. showing in this contest, making
due allowances for the fact that they
were not forced to play their best, die
not convince us they were entitled tc
rank above Michigan.
1t will be remembered the Michigan
team they defeated was largely an expert
ment, with Pontinus at fullback and sew
eral other regulars in unfamiliar positions
IN our humble opinion, Michigan at the
end of the season was at least four touch
downs better than the Aggies Macklin s
team, however, probably could beat Wis
consin four times out of five.
Evenly Matched
Michigan and Minnesota appeared
about evenly matched playing the same
style game. Aside from Craig. Mime
sofa had undoubtedly the stronger team
hut ofeyic
brought the Wolverines up into place. The
Gophers had fairly successful season
but must give place to Nebraska.
When the CornhuslSers triumphed over
Minnesota early in the year. many laid
the upset to Minnesota's overconfidcnce
and to a fluke. When Steihms men beat
Iowa, however the other victory became
more impressive, for any team which can
beat the shifty Hawkeyes Undoubtedly
has something more than eleven suits and
a hope.
Iowa Immediately follows Minnesota in
both west and conference. Wisconsin
trails Purdue in the conference and Indi-
ana ranks after Illinois
Indians Rank High
Eastern rankings are easier to make
but despite the fact that Harvard is al
most universally conceded the premier
place, Carlisle looks like the only team
which would have chance against the
strong western teams. Dartmouth might
make a showing, but this Is doubtful
for the Hanoverians do not look to nave
q strong enough line to stack up against
Chicago, Notre Dame, Michigan or Ne
braska.
When comparing eastern and western
teams eastern experts delight to dwell
upon the strong defensive play put up by
their strongest teams. Carlisle and Dart
mouth have gone farther toward shatter.
ing this buncomb this year than any other
elevens ever have done. but Notre Dame
and Michigan contributed their share.