A
last-quarter rally that netted the Detroit Lions a narrow 16-13 decision
over the Steelers in an exhibition game recently indicates that Pittsburgh
has conference title hopes for '53.
Coach
Joe Bach has picked up where his team left off at the end of the '52
season, when the Steelers were rated as probably the loop's "hottest"
team, and they hope to get off to a flying start today and put a crimp
in Detroit's hopes for another title in '53.
The
Lions, meanwhile, jolted by the Philadelphia Eagles, 28-17, in the
final exhibition game of the season last week, have been working overtime
this week to sharpen their attack in an effort to get away winging
in the '53 conference race.
Coach
Buddy Parker predicted some time ago that this year's league race
would be one of the closest on record and the exhibition season seems
to bear out his contention. "Upsets" were the rule rather
than the exception as all teams seemed strengthened for the 1953 season.
The
Steelers have sought to come up with a blend of veterans and rookies
in the right proportions to insure a winner. Coach Bach continues
to rely on such established stars as quarterback Jim Finks, the league's
leading touchdown passer along with Cleveland's Otto Graham last year;
end Elbie Nickel, third ranking receiver in the NFL last year:
George
Sulima, another fine offensive end; Lynn Chandnois, former Michigan
State star, and the NFL's leading kickoff return specialist last year;
plus Ray Mathews, one of the finest offen sive halfbacks in the game.
Coming
home to Detroit as a member of the Steeler club is Ted Marchibroada,
Pittsburgh's No. I draft choice from the University of Detroit, and
one of the most promising rookies in the game. Another top newcomer
who figures to boost Steeler stock is Marv McFadden, a former star
tackle at Michigan State, who occupies an offensive guard spot for
the visitors.
Tackles Bob Goana, a rookie from Wake Forest, and Bill Hegarty, a
former Villanova star, bolster the Steelers froward wall, while halfback
Art DeCarlo of Georgia has provided backfield strength.
The
Lions, after being handicapped by a rush of injuries in the loss of
the Eagles, figure to come into today's game in top physical condition.
Yale Lary, Jack Christiansen, Jim Doran, and rookie tackle Charlie
Ane all were forced out of the final exhibition contest but will play
today.
Today's
meeting is the 13th in the series between the Steelers and the Lions,
with the Lions out front with an 8-4 edge in games played to date.
Seven of the Lion's eight victories in the series have come in games
played here in Detroit. The other triumph was a 31-6 decision scored
by the Parkermen last year in the Smoky City. The Steelers last tipped
the Lions, 14-7, in 1949 in Pittsburgh.
Following
today's game, the Lions move out of Briggs Stadium for a week, meeting
the newly-formed Baltimore Colts next Saturday night in the Maryland
city. The next home game for the Lions is Sunday, Oct. II, when the
San Francisco 49er's appear here. On Oct. 18 the Los Angeles Rams
move in to complete the annual invasion of the West Coast powers.
Tickets for all home games may be purchased at the Lions' office,
1401 Michigan Avenue.
