At the midway point of the 1947 season when the Steelers were atop the Eastern division, their fans were hoping they would not witness another collapse as they had done in 1936. Three consecutive losses at the end of that season saw the team slump from 6-3 to 6-6 and miss their first opportunity to play postseason football.
Coach Jock Sutherland knew what was required from his players. He was drawing on his experience from his Pitt Panthers days when he told his students at the start of a new season, “This is going to be hard work and we’re not going to enjoy all of it.