BASN Classics: Jim Brown vs. O.J. Simpson: Week Five

By Michael Ingram

Updated: October 9, 2016

NEW HAVEN (BASN) — Over the last four Sundays, BASN has taken an in-depth look at the signature seasons of Hall of Fame running back, Jim Brown and O.J. Simpson.

If you’re looking off the field stuff with a National Inquirer or TMZ Sports style, you’d probably better step off. This is all about football and nothing else.

In last week’s action, the Browns remained undefeated (4-0) as they outlast their rival from Pittsburgh. Buffalo just got by the Eagles in another see-saw affair. Both runners also reached the century mark as well.

And now, we look at Week Five.

WEEK FIVE 1963: Cleveland defeats the New York Giants 35-24

Facing another rival at Yankee Stadium, the Giants drew first blood as Dick Lynch took an interception back 47 yards for a score. Cleveland answered with the first of Brown’s three scores on the day. New York (3-2) added another touchdown and would eventually take a 17-14 lead to the locker room. To no one’s surprise, Brown would take over the game in the third quarter. Taking a short pass from Frank Ryan, Brown would rumble 72 yards to paydirt to give Cleveland a 21-17 lead. Later in the quarter, he added his third and final score (a 32-yard run) to ensure that Cleveland would remain undefeated at 5-0. Brown’s day: 23 carries, 125 yards with two TDs. He also had four catches for 86 yards and a TD.

WEEK FIVE 1973: Buffalo defeats the Baltimore Colts 31-13

After spotting the Colts (1-4) an early 3-0 lead, the Bills (4-1) answered with a Joe Ferguson (7-of-13, 57 yards, one pick) 10-yard TD pass to Larry Watkins and were never headed. Up 10-6 at the half, Simpson began to make his presence felt in the second half. His three-yard scoring run early in the third quarter made it 17-6. Following a Ferguson one-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter made it 24-6, Simpson’s 78-yard jaunt put the game out of reach. On the day, O.J. finished with 166 yards on 22 carries and two TDs.

Brown ’63

	Carries	Yards	YPC	TDs	Catches	Yards	YPC	TDs
vs NYG	23	125	5.4	2	4	86	21.5	1
Season	101	789	7.8	8	8	201	25.1	2

Anthony McClean can be reached via email at anthonymcclean1962@gmail.com.