Re: 40 Years Ago Notre Dame and Alabama played for it All
From "Bama Hammer":
"With Richard Todd at QB, Moore lined up the Tide in a full house wishbone formation, with the tight end and split end to the right of the formation. Todd took the snap, and turned and pitched the ball to left halfback Mike Stock on the Alabama version of the student body sweep made famous by the University of Southern California. The play call was “Right,End Over, 68 throwback.” As Stock moved right with the pitch, Todd circled out and moved down the left sideline, alone. Stock pulled up and threw a perfect strike to Todd, who walked into the end zone untouched. It was the best play call I’ve ever seen.
Alabama was ahead 23-21, with the extra point, it would be 24-21. However, Alabama’s Bill Davis missed the extra point. To this day I can remember Guy Moman yelling “Oh No! He MISSED it!”. It would come back to haunt us.
Notre Dame took the ball and drove down the field and kicked a field goal to go ahead 24-23 with 4:26 left in the game. Alabama took the ball and drove to midfield where they took a sack and were forced to punt on 4th and 20. Alabama punter Greg Gant boomed a 69 yard punt, pinning Notre Dame back to the Notre Dame 2-yard line. But wait, there was a flag. Notre Dame was flagged for roughing the kicker, a fifteen yard penalty. The Bama fans were thrilled to get the ball back. However, it would be 4th and 5 from midfield, so Coach Bryant decided to decline the penalty and take the play, pinning Notre Dame back and let our defense make a play. Two runs into the Alabama line gained less than two yards. His strategy was looking terrific. On 3rd and 8, Notre Dame lined up in a two tight end running formation. One of the tight ends was Dave Casper, future Oakland Raider Pro Bowl Tight End. Coach Parseghian decided to try to win the game. Quarterback Tom Clemens executed a play action pass and dropped back in his own end zone. Alabama defensive end M
ike Raines just missed sacking Clemens, who threw a perfect strike to Notre Dame receiver Robin Weber for a 36 yard gain. Notre Dame was able to run out the clock to win the game 24-23."
Who knows what would have happened if Bryant had taken the Notre Dame penalty and possession with 4th and 5 at midfield.