[13] Spring practice commenced on March 14 after a freshman strike threat concerning the financial and working conditions of Code Bowman was thwarted by the Athletic Department.

[14] The sessions ended on May 4 with a varsity scrimmage, which was the feature event of the Western Pennsylvania Scholastic Coaches' Association football clinic.

Former Panthers Harold Klein, Dick Fullerton and John Dickinson were appointed as assistant freshmen team coaches while they continued their studies at the University.

We haven't the reserves necessary to meet the kind of schedule we'll be up against this year...”[17] Coach Bowser appointed tackle Ted Konetsky team captain for the 1940 season.

[18] The Panthers opened the 1940 season against the defending Big Ten (Western) Conference champion Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus.

The Buckeye second string scored in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard touchdown pass from James Sexton to Sam Fox.

Sixth-year coach Don Faurot led the 1939 Tigers to an 8–2 record and sixth place ranking in the Associated Press final poll.

Missouri blocked Mike Sekela's placement attempt, but Rudy Gradisek recovered the ball and lateraled to Edgar Jones who carried it across the goal for the extra point.

Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Jack Goodridge, William Benghouser, Harry Kindelberger, Vincent Antonelli, Harris Hawkins, John Gates, Albert Kunkel, Jack Stetler, Ernest Bonelli, Thomas Murphy, Albert Gurczenski, Earl Pressel, George Mitchell and Joseph Connell.

Late in the second period, SMU fullback Clint McClain fumbled and Pitt tackle Rudy Gradisek recovered on the Mustang 31-yard line.

Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Jack Goodridge, William Benghouser, Harry Kindelberger, Vincent Antonelli, John Gates, Albert Kunkel, Jack Stetler, Ernest Bonelli, Frank Saksa, Thomas Murphy, Albert Gurczenski, George Mitchell and Joseph Connell.

[49] Coach Crowley was cautious: "The game that Pitt played against the Mustangs put a different complexion on our impending battle.

U. S. Senator Josh Lee, Oklahoma's 'draft-the-wealth' politico; Joe E. Brown, the movie comedian and long-time Pitt rooter; Frankie Frisch, Pirate baseball manager and exFordham (sic) Flash; Charles Laughton, actor, were to attend.

I believe we could give any team in the country a good game if the boys decide to play ball and go the limit.”[56] The Panthers led the series 20–5–1.

It will be the Brentwood dentist's initial attempt as big boss against his Alma Mater as well as against Bowser, a frat brother of Phi Delta Theta.

This time Jones raced around right end from 8 yards out for a third quarter touchdown that eventually decided the ball game.

Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were John Stahl, William Benghouser, Harry Kindelberger, Vincent Antonelli, Jack Stetler, Ernest Bonelli, William Dutton, John Ross, Frank Saksa, Albert Gurczenski, Earl Pressel, George Mitchell, George Allshouse and Walter West.

Nebraska went on to win the Big 6 Conference title with a 5–0 record and earned an invitation to the Rose Bowl, where they would lose to Stanford 21–13.

Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were John Stahl, Jack Stetler, Ernest Bonelli, Thomas Murphy and Walter West.

[8] On November 16, the #20 ranked and undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions, hoping to clinch a bowl invitation, arrived in Pittsburgh with a 6–0–1 record.

"[66] Pitt quarterback Mike Sekela and running back James Thurbon suffered leg injuries in the Nebraska game and were unable to start.

In fact, an over-enthused bunch of near-rowdies, plus a broken microphone on the public address system, turned what was intended as a tribute to the football team into a farce.

It became so much of a farce that the football team walked off the stage thoroughly disgusted, and head coach Charley Bowser gave the students who were still in the hall a sizzling and unequivocal tongue-lashing.

I was disappointed when Kracum got away for that long run on that fake reverse early in the game....But the Panthers played smart football and deserved to win.

Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were John Stahl, William Benghouser, Harry Kindelberger, Vincent Antonelli, Harris Hawkins, Jack Stetler, William Dutton, John Ross, Thomas Murphy, Alfred Gurczenski, George Mitchell, Joseph Connell, George Allshouse, Harold Hinte, Walter Ward, Paul Foley, Robert Thurbon, Thomas Murphy, Mike Sekela, Joseph Connell, Ralph Hammond, Louis Sleber and William Fitchco.

The Devils finished in second place in the Southern Conference and ranked #18 in the final Associated Press football poll.

[72] All-American tackle Tony Ruffa anchored the Duke line,[73] and Tommy Prothro led the Devils at quarterback.

The senior substitutes were Joe Rettinger (injured), Al Gurczenski, Harris Hawkins, Lou Sleber, Ernie Bonelli, Earl Pressel, Carl Sardi and Paul Foley.

Duke opened the scoring in the first period with a 10-play, 53-yard drive, that ended with a 11-yard touchdown pass from Wes McAfee to Steve Lach.

The following received letters: Vincent Antonelli, John Benz, Thomas Murphy, John Gates, William Benghouser, Ernie Bonelli, Ralph Fife, Stanley Gervelis, Jack Goodridge, Rudy Gradisek, Al Gurczenski, Harris Hawkins, Edgar Jones, Harry Kindelberger, Ted Konetsky, George Kracum, George Mitchell, Joe Rettinger, Mike Sekela, Stephen Sinco, Jack Stetler, Robert Thurbon, Walter West and Harry Korp.