Welcome to the Friday Notes Column Supplement.
Let’s look at the 1980 USC-UCLA game:
This was the “Probation Bowl” as USC, UCLA and three other Pac-10 teams were ineligible.
UCLA developed an eight-man front for the game to stop USC tailback Marcus Allen and because the Trojans were playing first-time starter QB Scott Tinsley.
Everyone remembers that USC defensive back Jeff Fisher tipped a pass that was caught by UCLA tailback Freeman McNeil for a 58-yard TD.
What is less remembered is that USC got to the UCLA 29-yard line at the end of the game and could have had Eric Hipp kick a field goal to tie the game. This was before overtime was an option, however, and John Robinson said he never considered the field goal.
“Hell, no. We don't play these games to tie," Robinson said. "If there'd have been a fifth quarter, we'd have put that baby up (for a field goal) and we'd still be playing now."
"I thought Scott Tinsley did a fine job. Obviously, we were limited; we didn't have a complete repertoire. But Scott brought us down and gave us a shot to score."
But the game ended meekly as Tinsley completed a 4-yard pass to Jeff Simmons as time expired instead of taking a shot for the end zone.
Here’s a button from the Probation Bowl.
Good story. Joey Browner was good. For some reason I like the #47. Also Charles Phillips.
Scotty, I remember seeing those t-shirts being worn on campus all four years I was at SC (81-85). They must have sold a lot of them. Great story, thanks!