[Husker] '77 Nebraska - Alabama

[David Strong]

Settled in last night to watch the 1977 game in Lincoln between Nebraska and Alabama that I'd recorded the night before from ESPN Classic.  I had no memory of the game and didn't know who won.  It was awesome.  Tom in those red pants on one sideline, Bear Bryant chain-smoking unfiltered Luckies on the other sideline.  Rip-away jerseys, straight-ahead kickers, Fullbacks!, and lineman on both sides averaging 245 or so.  Alabama running the wishbone, Power I of course for us. Sorely and Garcia at QB, Rick Berns at I-back, Monte Anthony FB, Tim Smith SE, and Curtis Craig at some position known as wingback (!).  Alabama with Jeff Rutledge, Tony Nathan, Johnny Davis, Major Ogilvie, and Ozzie Newsome.  Incredible game.  Back and forth all game.  Huskers go up 31-24 with 2 and change to play.  Alabama gets two more chances but safety Jim Pillin picks Rutledge both times.  Favorite parts: 1.  the simple pitch to the I-back (the play that time forgot).  We gained
 a bazillion yards with that play over the years. 2. Osborne saving a fresh running back until late in the 2nd and 4th quarters....in this case a sophomore named I.M. Hipp.  1st play he is in takes a swing pass 55 yards.  2nd play a pitch for 20 more.

Dave