Posts Tagged ‘Boulder Daily Camera’

The Hiring of Bill McCartney – The Unlikely Choice

//posted 6.9.1982

National and Big Eight recap – 1982

In 1982, Penn State, which had failed to win titles in undefeated seasons, won its first national championship with an 11-1 campaign. Under long time head coach Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions fell only once during the regular season, losing to Alabama 42-21. Recovering from the early stinging defeat, Penn State could not be bested the rest of the season, defeating previously unbeaten Georgia and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker 27-23 in the Sugar Bowl. The Nittany Lions were led by running back Curt Warner and quarterback Todd Blackledge.

In the Big Eight, Nebraska made it two consecutive unbeaten conference seasons, capturing the Big Eight crown for 12th time. The Huskers concluded their season 12-1, with the only blemish being a 27-24 early season loss to eventual national champion Penn State. Nebraska capped its season by beating LSU, 21-20, in the Orange Bowl, finishing 3rd in the final polls behind only Penn State and Georgia. Center Dave Rimington added a Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the nation’s outstanding lineman, to his second Outland Trophy. The national leader in scoring, total offense, and rushing, the Nebraska offense was led by quarterback Turner Gill, running back Mike Rozier, and…

Washington State – “You’ve got to be kidding”

//posted 9.19.1981

(Post your own memories)

September 19th – Boulder Washington State 14, Colorado 10

Washington State came into Boulder 1-0, coming off a warm-up game against none other than Division I-AA Montana State, winning 33-21. The Cougars had only been 4-7 in 1980, so the game matched two teams looking to erase the memories of the previous campaign, and gain confidence by starting 1981 at 2-0.

Colorado led the game 10-0, and had possession of the football with under four minutes to go in the game. A 2-0 start was within the Buffs’ grasp.

Then disaster struck.

Colorado was held on downs, and then, on fourth down, failed to get the punt off, leading to a five-play, 34-yard drive for a touchdown. 10-7. On the next series, the Buffs again went three and out, except the Buffs forgot the “and out” part. This time the punt was blocked and returned 43 yards for a touchdown by Cougar free safety Paul Sorenson. What had been a 10-0 defensive gem was now a 14-10 loss. The first defensive unit for Colorado more than held it’s own, but it was wasted.

The loss was “bitter”, according to Chuck Fairbanks. Those in attendance did not disagree, though only a…

Drake – Beneath Nadir – “Who the Hell is Drake?”

//posted 10.11.1980

(Post your own memories)

October 11th – Boulder Drake 41, Colorado 22

Colorado responded from the Oklahoma debacle by out-gaining the supposedly out-manned Drake Bulldogs, 379-347. This was not sufficient, however, to prevent a loss to a team the Buffs had surely scheduled as a breather game between games against ranked Big Eight opponents. Colorado certainly had no reason to be overconfident against any team, but they played as if they only needed to put on their pads in order to record their first win of 1980. Seven turnovers later, however, and the Buffs had qualified as one of the worst teams in the country, falling 41-22, to drop the 1980 season record to 0-5.

Colorado actually enjoyed its first lead of the season in this game, as quarterback Charlie Davis led the Buffs to an early 14-3 advantage. Unfortunately for the Buffs, Charlie Davis was injured after scoring the second Colorado touchdown. With back-up quarterback Randy Essington suspended for one game for “disciplinary reasons”, the Buffs attack was placed in the hands of Scott Kingdom. Kingdom failed to come through, though, completing only 10-of-25 passes for130 yards, zero touchdowns and 4 interceptions. By halftime, the Buffs were down 24-14, well on their way…

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Posts Tagged ‘Boulder Daily Camera’

The Hiring of Bill McCartney – The Unlikely Choice

Washington State – “You’ve got to be kidding”

Drake – Beneath Nadir – “Who the Hell is Drake?”

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