JOHN CARROLL 14 – CANISIUS 13 | DECEMBER 5, 1948
DON SHULA COLLEGE TEAM | CARL TASEFF GAME-WINNING TOUCHDOWN | HISTORIC FOURTH-QUARTER COMEBACK
Offered is an original, full press admission ticket from the December 5, 1948 Great Lakes Bowl, played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.
This historic college football collectible represents the final edition of the short-lived Great Lakes Bowl, John Carroll University's first and only bowl appearance, and an important early chapter in the career of future Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Don Shula.
John Carroll University defeated Canisius College by a thrilling 14–13 score in front of 17,964 spectators.
After leading 7–0 at halftime, John Carroll surrendered two touchdowns in the third quarter and entered the final period trailing 13–7.
The Blue Streaks responded with a 55-yard scoring drive led by standout fullback Carl Taseff. Taseff powered into the end zone on a two-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Bob Kilfoyle converted the decisive extra point.
John Carroll held off two additional Canisius drives to preserve its memorable one-point bowl victory.
One of the most significant historical connections is future legendary NFL head coach Don Shula, who was a member of John Carroll's 1948 football team.
Long before becoming the NFL's all-time winningest head coach and leading the Miami Dolphins to their undefeated 1972 season, Shula was a college football player at John Carroll University.
The 1948 team was coached by Herb Eisele.
This ticket connects directly to the college football program that helped launch Shula's remarkable career.
The game's winning touchdown was scored by Carl Taseff, who would go on to an extensive professional football career.
Following his playing career, Taseff joined his former college teammate Don Shula on the Miami Dolphins coaching staff.
Both men were part of Miami's historic 1972 undefeated championship season, culminating in a Super Bowl VII victory.
This provides an outstanding connection between a forgotten 1948 bowl game and one of the greatest achievements in NFL history.
The Great Lakes Bowl was a short-lived postseason college football event sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Knights of Columbus.
The inaugural 1947 game featured Kentucky, coached by future college football legend Paul "Bear" Bryant, against Villanova.
The 1948 contest between John Carroll and Canisius was the second and final staging of the event.
The game remains a memorable chapter in Cleveland sporting history and John Carroll University football history.
Event: 1948 Great Lakes Bowl
Date: December 5, 1948
Venue: Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Matchup: John Carroll vs. Canisius
Final Score: John Carroll 14, Canisius 13
Ticket Type: Original Full PRESS Ticket
Press Ticket Number: 62
Sponsor: Greater Cleveland Knights of Columbus
Grading Company: Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
Grade: VG-EX 4 (MK)
PSA Certification Number: 164336013
This original 1948 ticket has been professionally authenticated, graded, and encapsulated by PSA.
PSA assigned a grade of VG-EX 4 with an MK (Marks) qualifier.
The vintage orange ticket displays bold period typography, prominent PRESS identification, and its original printed ticket number.
The ticket remains housed in its PSA protective holder. Please review the supplied photographs carefully, as they show the exact collectible being offered.
A compelling vintage football collectible for enthusiasts of Don Shula, the Miami Dolphins, John Carroll University, Canisius football, Cleveland sports history, defunct college bowl games, and original PSA-graded sporting event tickets.
An original press ticket documenting a dramatic bowl victory, two future Miami Dolphins coaching figures, and the final game of one of college football's forgotten postseason traditions.