Glory days....

[CZM]

First year my family got season tickets. Section WC, Row 69 Memories

I was a guard that game. Worked WC. Got paid $5.00 to watch the game!!

 

[pendal1]

Good points but I disagree slightly.

The '77 offense, I think, was much better than '78's, despite Fusina and Fitzkee being a year older. Jimmy Cefalo added tremendous versatility and athleticism as both a WR, punt returner, and a proven runner (see 1975 Cotton Bowl).

Furthermore, Geise and Torrey were powerful runners and with Matt Suhey and Ed Guthrie gave the Lions a formidable crew of RBs. And Mickey Shuler was an outstanding TE.

However, what makes the 1978 team better than the '77 squad is the defense. Clark and Millen were in their first year as DTs, after playing LB as true freshmen in 1976. In '78, Salt and Pepper were absolutely dominating. The rise oif Larry Kubin at DE was also a huge plus for the defense, as was Rich Milot's huge improvement.

Offensively, Mike Guman brought needed speed to the backfield, as did young Booker Moore. I don't know how to assess an OL accurately, so I won't pretend I do. Maybe they were both similar, but Alabama's defense was too stout in that Sugar Bowl.

Anyway, you are so right about the 1977 squad; it should have beaten Kentucky. I think it might even have led at the half, but I don't remember it well since I did not get to see the game. But I have a bias in favor of that 1978 defense that shut out Ohio State in Columbus.

Good post. Everything about that time was great including the amazing broadcast team of Ray Scott and George Paterno.

 

[rudedude]

From my post above:

This 1977 team was as good as anyone by the end of the season. The upset at home to Kentucky, with DE Art Still and QB Derrick Ramsey, was the only loss. We lost 24-20, after being up 20-10 at the half in a rainstorm. The rain ended at halftime, and Kentucky outscored us 14-0 in the 2nd half. Ramsey became a very good TE in the NFL, and Still had a solid NFL career as well. I believe he is the Uncle, perhaps Great Uncle?, of our own Devon Still, a great DL for us around 2009-2012 or so.

I agree with basically everything you posted about the '77 team vs. the '78 team. ('77 better on O, '78 better on D). Both teams were as good as anyone after the regular seasons.
The '78 OLine was very good, anchored by Keith Dorney at Tackle. The college game was still very much a running-oriented game then, and they dominated throughout the season. That Sugar Bowl was basically a draw, with Bama making one more crucial play than us at a very crucial time on the goalline to determine the National Champion.

If they had Fusina bootleg, he would have scored vs Bama. If there was video review then, also, I believe it would have showed Suhey broke the plane with the ball.

 

[Bob78]

If they had Fusina bootleg, he would have scored vs Bama. If there was video review then, also, I believe it would have showed Suhey broke the plane with the ball.

Yep, a bootleg would have scored. Yes, I agree that Suhey broke the plane on 3rd. Also, if Fitzkee had turned upfield about a half-step sooner on his 3rd down catch inside the 2, he probably would have scored. Lots of "ifs" from that sequence of downs.
Supposedly, Joe wanted to fake the dive on 4th and throw to the TE who would leak into the endzone, and would have been wide open. He gave in to other coaches' opinions.

Just in case someone reading isn't up on it: The legend of PSU trying 4 straight dives from the 1 and in is common myth. It was 2 straight times, 3rd and 4th downs. (1st and goal from the 8, Suhey ran for about 4, iirc. Pass to Fitzkee on a short out, to the 1 on 2nd).
The 4 straight came in 1981 vs Bama at home in a regular season game! Joe was just being stubborn there, but had Farrell and Munchak and Romano in the middle of the line, so how that did not work is beyond me.
Then there's last season's 4 tries inside the 2 vs. Ohio State! Hey, it happens. PSU certainly stopped teams on 4 tries inside the 2 any number of times over the decades.

 

[Bob78]

Good post. Everything about that time was great including the amazing broadcast team of Ray Scott and George Paterno.

Ray Scott and George did the replays on TCS late night Saturday nights back then. George, according to those who had insight, basically never did/never needed any prep. He had a great football mind, and wasn't shy about telling Joe his opinions over plays and strategies when he disagreed. Must have been some interesting conversations!

 

[Connorpozlee]

 

[s1uggo72]

good to see TB, whats he up to these days?

 

[NittanyBuff]

Ray Scott and George did the replays on TCS late night Saturday nights back then. George, according to those who had insight, basically never did/never needed any prep. He had a great football mind, and wasn't shy about telling Joe his opinions over plays and strategies when he disagreed. Must have been some interesting conversations!

I grew up on the Sunday highlight show, heard George was the one guy who could tell Joe the truth about things.

 

[NittanyBuff]

Also, nothing better than seeing the Blue and White battling the Blue and Yellow on Saturdays in the fall