The film is based off of stories and accounts from St. Lawrence University Alumni from the era. Including the mid to late 1940s through the 1960s.
Betty Davenport, Gus and Pat Hall are attributed to being the primary source material for most of the stories that inspired the film.
Although called "Baker's Dozen" throughout the film, the game they play is a combination of Beerpong and Beruit, two popular college drinking games. There are references to these two names throughout and their origins (although disputed) are also referenced in the finale of the film.
In attempt to hide his shaved head which was initially considered anachronistic, Nate Howard wore a hat in almost every scene of the film. In the end however many reports and stories from Alumni, many football players from the time would shave their heads.
Every player in the 1959 football game, including Director Jim Powers, were a part of the 2009 St. Lawrence Football team. Playing characters from their own team exactly 50 years earlier.