Doyle Nave

Samuel Doyle Nave (July 12, 1915 – December 10, 1990) was an American football player and coach. He was known for coming off the bench and throwing the game-winning touchdown in the 1939 Rose Bowl. He was drafted 6th overall by the Detroit Lions but did not play for them. Afterwards he was the head coach of the Hawaii Polar Bears, a minor-league team.

Early life Doyle Nave was born on July 12, 1915, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

College career Nave went to college at USC. He played on their freshmen team in 1936. From 1937 to 1939, he was one of their backup quarterbacks.

1939 Rose Bowl In the 1939 Rose Bowl, he came off the bench with little time left and threw 4 straight completed passes to tight end Al Krueger. His fourth pass was completed for a touchdown with seconds remaining to beat the Duke Blue Devils 7–3. It was the only points Duke allowed all season.

He later pursued track and high jumping.

Professional career

Detroit Lions In 1940 Nave was drafted sixth overall by the Detroit Lions but he did not play for them.

Hollywood Bears and Hawaii Polar Bears After being drafted by the Lions, he became the Head Coach of the Hawaii Polar Bears, a minor league team. He played for them and also played shortly with the Hollywood Bears.