Blackbourn, who coached the program's last winning season in 1953, returned as head coach in 1959.

In the first game of the season Marquette hosted a highly touted Pittsburgh squad that featured Mike Ditka.

“We were beating them in the fourth quarter and punting from our 30-yard line with two or three minutes left,” said George Andrie, a two-way standout who went on to play in five straight Pro Bowls for the Dallas Cowboys. “Ditka blocked it and they scored. If only we could have won that game. … That game stays with me quite a bit.”

Pittsburgh won 21-15 and Marquette finished 3-7 on the season.