Football player Barney Shirrel begins his first semester at Mid West University and works his way up in the fraternity with the help of Tex Roust and Mondrake, an alcoholic football star with a permanent five o'clock shadow. Barney is equally enamored of engineering as he is of law, and between his varied studies and the fraternity, he neglects his girl friend Amber. During Barney's second term, Mondrake gives his class sweater to Barney's sister Barbara, but his drinking problem intensifies when he discovers that Barbara is falling in love with Professor Danvers, the singing drama teacher. The school's reputation hinges on a football game against another university, and when Mondrake does not show up on time, Danvers finds him in jail, has him released, and takes him to the football field just in time to play the game. Although Mondrake previously tried to fight Danvers over Barbara, Danvers stands up for him to the dean, who expels Mondrake for drunkenness and forces Danvers to resign because of his involvement in the matter. Feeling guilty, Barbara proposes marriage to Mondrake, but is forced to admit she is not in love with him, but with Danvers. Mondrake bows out, and Barbara rushes to Danvers' side before he leaves without her. During the new term, Barney has taken on the persona of Mondrake; he has stopped shaving, and taken up drinking and smoking, which puts off Amber. By the time of the big game, Barney is in sorry shape. Mid West is losing until he receives inspiration from Tex, who has returned to watch the game. Despite being knocked out, Barney wins the game for Mid West. Barney marries Amber and returns to his father's dairy, starting in the lowliest position and working up, while he and Amber listen to Danvers singing his song on the radio.