Cumberlands Vs. Union – The Rivalry

The rivalry between University of the Cumberlands and Union College dates back to the early days of Patriot football. In fact, the first three games Williamsburg Institute ever played were against Union, in 1905.

While Cumberlands has undergone a few name changes (after being known as Williamsburg Institute, it changed its name to Cumberland College before becoming University of the Cumberlands in 2005), the rivalry has remained hotly-contested over the years.

The series got its beginnings in 1905, but after those three contests—all of which were shutouts by the victor, the two didn’t play against each other until the early 1920s. The last meeting was in 1924 when Cumberland won 26-0. But then Cumberland dropped football soon there after. Union continued playing football through the 1941 season, but the sport was dropped due to World War II and was not reinstated until 1984.

When Cumberland reinstated football in 1985, the rivalry resumed with the Bulldogs winning the 1985 showdown 34-12.

The Brass Lantern was introduced as a traveling trophy for this rivalry in 1995 with the winner of the contest keeping the trophy until the following contest. The Lantern represents the coal mining industry, paying homage to major industry in southeastern Kentucky where both colleges are located.

There have been a number of memorable battles since the series resumed. Here are some of the highlights:

1988— Cumberland 36, Union 31— The Bulldogs were looking to put a blemish on Cumberlands perfect record. The game went back and forth, but ultimately Cumberlands prevailed 36-31 en route to a 10-0 regular-season record and the Mid-South Conference Championship.

1993—Cumberland 12, Union 9— In a cold, dreary game, neither team was able to put many points on the board as WYMT-TV filmed the game live for the fans of Eastern Kentucky for the last time. It came down to a field goal as the game was tied at 9, with little time remaining, Union called all their time outs trying to freeze Cumberlands kicker, but it wouldn’t be as the Patriots golden leg nailed the ball through the uprights and gave Cumberlands the win.

2001—Union 24, Cumberland 17— The Bulldogs headed into the fourth quarter up 16-3 and appeared to be well on their way to victory. However, Cumberland scored early in the fourth to make it 16-10, and then with 1:23 to play, Cumberland scored on a 1-yard run to go up 17-16. Union then went six plays for 87 yards for the game-winning score of 24-17. The win was Tommy Reid’s first as the Bulldogs’ head coach and Chuck King’s first loss in a Union game as the Patriots head man.

2003—Cumberland 25, Union 11— In their homecoming game, Union held their opponents to an average of 394.9 yards per game, but this night was going to be different for the Bulldogs. Their defense held the Patriots to only 10 passing yards but allowed them a total of 513 yards on the ground. Union gained 140 yards in the air and 115 on the ground as Cumberlands went on to win the game 25-11.

2006—Cumberlands 21, Union 9— After a scoreless first half, the Patriots start out the third quarter with a fumble which lead to field goal by Union to start the scoring 3-0. The Patriots answered back with 14 straight points leaving only 12:03 in the game for the Bulldogs to fight back . . . and fight back they did, with a 62-yard pass and a 1-yard rush to bring the score to 14-9 after the failed 2-point-conversion. Cumberlands scored again, bringing home the win 21-9 and the return of the Brass Lantern. The win was John Bland’s first as the Patriots head coach. This also marked the first time the game was played on neutral ground. The game was held in Corbin, KY at Campbell Field and hosted by the Corbin Varsity Club.

The Series: