 However, and especially given the new self-imposed scholarship restrictions, this prevented Brennan from recruiting any recruiting classes worthy of the university or himself... Brennan was essentially recruiting and coaching with his hands figuratively tied behind his back.However...

Brennan's 1957 squad earned the nickname, "Comeback Comets" after finishing 7–3.Among their victories was a 23–21 comeback over Army and a 7–0 shutout of Oklahoma, snapping the Sooners' NCAA record 47-game winning streak.