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1935 Buffalo Bulls Football

by Scott Hollander
University at Buffalo Libraries

Team photo

The 1935 Buffalo football team had a rough start.  It lost its first three games and was outscored 136-0.  In his second year as the U. B. head coach, George Van Bibber led the “Bulldogs” to just two victories over Alfred and Hobart.

Hobart was, at the time, Buffalo’s arch rival and U.B.’s 13-12 victory was something to be celebrated. (see “No Classes at U. B. Tomorrow As Students Celebrate Win” Buffalo Courier-Express, 10 November 1935)

Individual Buffalo stars for the 1935 season included end Danny Dalfonso and tackle Johnny Rappole.

Individual Buffalo stars for the 1935 season included end Danny Dalfonso and tackle Johnny Rappole


1935 Buffalo Bulls Football Season

Date Home Team Score Visiting Team W-L-T Location
9/28/19351 Buffalo 0 – 55 Baldwin-Wallace L Buffalo, NY
10/5/19352 Hamilton College 20 – 0 Buffalo L Clinton, NY
10/12/19353 Western Reserve 61 – 0 Buffalo L Cleveland, OH
10/19/19354 Buffalo 7 – 0 Alfred University W Buffalo, NY
10/26/19355 Buffalo 0 – 14 Wayne State L Buffalo, NY
11/2/19356 Buffalo 0 – 32 Clarkson L Buffalo, NY
11/9/19357 Hobart College 12 – 13 Buffalo W Geneva, NY
11/16/19358 Toledo 19 – 6 Buffalo L Toledo, OH

FINAL RECORD: 2-6
Home: Rotary Field, Bailey and Winspear Avenues;
Coach: George Van Bibber


  1. Baldwin-Wallace Batters Down Buffalo Defense To Romp to Victory, 55 to 0Buffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 29 September 1935.
  2. Hamilton Wins Handy Triumph Over U.B., 20-0Buffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 6 October 1935.
  3. Reserve Runs Up 61-0 Count Over BuffaloBuffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 13 October 1935.
  4. Rosing’s 89-Yard Sprint Beats Saxon Eleven, 7-0; Rappole Stops Last DriveBuffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 20 October 1935.
  5. Detroit Eleven’s Deceptive Attack Beats Bulldogs, 14-0 In Homecoming Day ContestBuffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 27 October 1935.
  6. Clarkson Tech Hands Buffalo 32-0 SetbackBuffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 3 November 1935.
  7. Dalfonso Tops Inspired U.B. In 13 to 12 WinBuffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 10 November 1935.
  8. Toledo Rush In Second Half Is Fatal To BullsBuffalo Courier-Express Buffalo, NY, 17 November 1935.

Newspaper clipping: No classes at U B tomorrow as students celebrate winNo Classes at U. B. Tomorrow As Students Celebrate Win

As far as the students at the University of Buffalo are concerned the outstanding triumph in Saturday’s grid contests was the 13 to 12 victory turned in by the Bulldogs against their archrivals, Hobart University. As a result all classes at the Main Street Institute of learning will be set aside Monday and in their place will be a general celebration at Norton Hall.

Coaches George Van Bibber and Jim Peelle, as well as most of the players will be called on to make short speeches and the student body will show its approval with songs and cheers. The rally is scheduled to start at 10.30 o’clock.

 

Buffalo Courier-Express, November 10, 1935