1958 CALIFORNIA VULCANS

  • California went 8-0 and outscored their opposition 207-31 — scoring 25.9 points per game yielding just 2.9 points per game.
  • California’s average margin of victory was 22 points. The Vulcans recorded four shutouts. Their two closest wins were by 13 points over Indiana and Edinboro.
  • The undefeated regular season is one of only three in the school’s history.
  • The Vulcans led the nation in rushing defense — yielding a paltry 42 yards per game — and was ranked second nationally in total defense.
  • In addition to the victories over Indiana and Edinboro, California defeated Lock Haven, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, Clarion, Susquehanna and Washington and Jefferson.
  • The team’s catalysts were Pete Petroff — an offensive lineman who transferred from Penn State — and the late Jack Scarvel, who returned to California after serving in the Army. Petroff anchored the offensive line while Scarvel provided the soul of the Vulcans’ defense from his nose tackle position in the middle of the unit.
  • The team was coached by Ted Nemeth. His assistants were Bill Hepner, Andy Sepsi, Mitch Bailey, Fran Herron, Gary Kennedy and Steve Tselepis.
  • A number of players on that team are members of the Cal U Hall of Fame including, guard Fleming Mosely, Scarvel, running back Phil Clifford, defensive back Frank Bernadowski and offensive lineman Dick Fields.
  • Nemeth is also in the Hall of Fame. He was also named the Pittsburgh Dapper Dan and Curbstone coaches “Small College Coach of the Year” in 1958.

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