Alley-Oop Orgins | TigerFan.com

bhelmLSU · Jul 16, 2008

Found this interesting:

The term "Alley Oop" was first used in the 1950s by the NFL 49ers to describe high-arching passes from Y. A. Tittle to R. C.Owens, who would out leap shorter cornerbacks for touchdown receptions.
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http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louis...ts_Chandler_Olympics_Peyton_Manning__6802.asp

The term "alley-oop" is derived from the French term allez-hop, the cry of a circus acrobat about to leap. [1] The term "Alley Oop" was first used in the 1950s by the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL to describe a high arcing pass to wide receiver R.C. Owens,who would outleap smaller cornerbacks for touchdown receptions ("The Catch", the famous Dwight Clark touchdown reception from Joe Montana by which the 49ers gained entry into their first Super Bowl was also an "Alley Oop" pass) but that eventually became to be used in basketball. The play was called "Alley Oop" after a popular tune by the Hollywood Argyles and had nothing to do with the comic strip or the French expression.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alley_oop_(basketball)

Geaux Tigers

BigWee_TEAMKATT · Jul 17, 2008

I knew that Tittle and Owens had a pass play called the alley-oop, but I had no idea that it originated with them.

Good find bhelm.:thumb:

fanatic · Jul 25, 2008

I always thought it was a Hail Mary in football and the alley oop was reserved for basketball. Shows what I know.