A gridiron rivalry between two colleges is entering its third generation, and the Norton family (father and grandfather were members of teams defeated by rival squads captained by members of the Brawn family) rears Johnny Norton, 3d, to be a star football player. The lad is underweight, however, and initially shows a talent only for drop kicking. During the big game, Johnny is substituted for another player and leads his team to victory, winning for himself the love of Gloria Havens.

Al's father, Professor Rockenrye has discovered a gasoline substitute. He can drop it on a toy train or wind up toy, and the train will start running and the toy will start moving. Al's girl Rose is at his house and opens the door when Al's rival arrives. The big lug is there to whisk her away and marry her. Stupid Al gives the rival a drink of the formula, causing the rival to spit fire. Al then spills all of the remaining formula, ruining the Professor's hope of fame and fortune.