End of an Era (Acrylic)

As cross-town rivals SMU and TCU played in the famed ‘Battle for the Iron Skillet’ game, which saw TCU defeat SMU 21-13, the 1949 match would end up being more than just a loss on the schedule for SMU. November 26, 1949, would end up being the last time that the great Doak Walker, winner of the 1948 Heisman Trophy, would wear his red and white #37 jersey and play for Southern Methodist University. Doak had to be helped off the field after being hit on an injured leg he had hurt the week before vs. Baylor. This would not only keep him out of the rest of the TCU game, but also made him an observer for the next week’s season finale game against Notre Dame.

Pictured left to right: Manager Bob Rolf, Doak Walker (37), Trainer Wayne Rudy and Dr. Morgan

Date of Game: November 26, 1949

National Rankings: Both teams unranked

Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX

Attendance: 33,000