University of Georgia Athletics
40-for-80 The Sweetest Season - South Carolina Game
October 27, 2020 | Football
By: Jeff Dantzler
November 1, 1980
Sanford Stadium
Athens, GA
Georgia - 13, South Carolina - 10
Wearing gray slacks, a black sport coat, white shirt, red tie, and black and white saddle oxfords, the great man and iconic defensive coordinator Erk Russell, his head freshly shaved and polished, walked up smoking his cigar to address the team.
After giving his brief review of the defensive game plan, he paused and looked out the window. Gesturing with the smoke coming off the cigar towards the window, he said "Men, look outside. It's a beautiful day. The sky is blue, and the birds are singing. We're playing in Sanford Stadium on national TV. They're number 13, we're number four. They've got George, we've got Herschel."
There was another pause for effect, and he turns back to us and simply says, "God Almighty, what an opportunity!"
This story from the morning of the Georgia-South Carolina showdown was recounted by starting senior rover Chris Welton, still feeling the emotion 40 years later.
It was a grand stage Between The Hedges, with 7-0 Georgia hosting 6-1 South Carolina. The Gamecocks had one of their best ever teams, and senior running back George Rogers, who had strung together 17 straight 100-yard plus rushing performances, was leading the Heisman Trophy race. The Gamecocks had won at Michigan, and lost only at Southern Cal, which was led by Marcus Allen.
Lots of Heisman winners getting mentions here.
Freshman sensation Herschel Walker's tales had been spun by the incomparable Larry Munson. But unless you were one of the lucky fans that had been in Sanford Stadium, Neyland Stadium or Commonwealth Stadium, there were only highlights, news reports. And the mighty Munson.
This one was on national television.
The country would now see these two teams, and these two tailbacks.
A golden Saturday awaited with clear blue skies, a breeze from the northwest of no more than ten miles per hour, and a temperature of 68 degrees for the 12:35 kickoff Between The Hedges.
First Quarter
It was an eventful first quarter on special teams.
On Georgia's first possession following a Gamecocks' punt, Georgia punter Mark Malkiewicz bobbled the snap. As he fought for possession, Malkiewicz got the kick away on a bounce just off the ground. The punt was officially 16 yards, from the Georgia 49 to the Gamecocks 35, but it was positive yardage and a very good athletic play on what could have been a disaster for the Bulldogs.
This would be an all-time gritty, hard-hitting, hard nosed classic defensive battle. Every yard, every inch, there was a hard fight.
Rogers was running tough for the Gamecocks, who moved to the Bulldogs 44. South Carolina faced a third and three, and the Bulldogs superb defensive tackle Eddie "Meat Cleaver" Weaver burst through the line and hit the Heisman winner for a three yard loss. The All-SEC defensive tackle had a lights out performance, with six solo stops and 12 total tackles.
Facing fourth and six from the Bulldogs 47, South Carolina elected to punt. The Bulldogs special teams then came up with the big play, as Pat McShea got through and blocked the punt.
Georgia took over at the Gamecocks 40, and turned to No. 34. "That kid out of Johnson County" carried six straight times to the South Carolina four yard line, where Georgia faced third-and-three. But the Gamecocks got the stop. Georgia turned to the All-American Rex Robinson.
Then the unthinkable happened.
One of the all-time greats missed a 22-yarder, just wide to the left.
"I just lined it up wrong," Robinson recounted. "I probably was a little lackadaisical because it was a short kick, which wasn't a bad kick, it was just all in the alignment."
Robinson would soon have redemption, and deliver two of the most impressive field goals of his stellar career.
An injury to the Bulldogs outstanding offensive captain Hugh Nall, the team's starting center, before the Kentucky game the week prior, forced the Bulldog to shuffle the line. Nat Hudson and Tim Morrison, both All-SEC standouts, anchored the right side. Jeff Harper, like Nall, Morrison and Hudson, was a senior and the left tackle. Jim Blakewood was the left guard. Wayne Radloff, a future All-SEC pick, and Joe Happe teamed up to take over at center.
Following a Gamecocks punt, and seven yard return by All-American Scott Woerner, Georgia took over on its own 19.
The famed combination of Buck Belue and Lindsay Scott connected for a 41-yard connection. The All-SEC duo had the Bulldogs in business. A pair of Walker runs had Georgia third-and-two from the South Carolina 32. But an errant pitch resulted in an eight-yard loss. On came Robinson.
"There was a little wind at my back, coming from the bridge end, as is usually the case," remembers Robinson. "I hit it good, and fortunately made it."
The 57-yard boomer was the longest of Robinson's career and set a Georgia record, giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead on the final play of the first quarter.
Quick redemption.
Second Quarter
Back and forth the Bulldogs and Gamecocks went, defensive muscles flexing on a trio of punt exchanges. Georgia took over on its 20 with 9:52 to go before the half, and put together a tremendous drive.
Georgia drove 79 yards on 17 plays to the South Carolina one, with an excellent mixture of Belue's passing and the rushing attack led by Walker and fullbacks Jimmy Womack and Ronnie Stewart. On third-and-one, the Gamecocks stopped Walker. Georgia hadn't developed the "Herschel over the top" play yet. The Bulldogs, on the 18th play of the drive, went for the touchdown. South Carolina burst through and hit Belue, disrupting the pass and keeping Georgia's lead at 3-0 with 2:20 to play in the second quarter.
The Gamecocks were able to pick up a pair of first downs and run out the first half clock.
Georgia had the lead. South Carolina had the momentum. Georgia would get the ball to start the second half.
Third Quarter
A mediocre-at-best "writer" and lifelong Bulldogs superfan asked the greatest college football player ever many years ago what his greatest run at Georgia was?
"My greatest run at Georgia," Herschel paused briefly, "I'd have to say the one against South Carolina."
The Greatest College Football Announcer Ever: "And they run a trap with Herschel Walker, got a hole, five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, There Goes Herschel! There Goes Herschel! Suddenly 76 yards. Man! Did he turn it on!"
On the third play of the second half, facing third and six from their own 24, the Bulldogs called for a draw play to Herschel Walker. Tremendous blocking got him through for a first down and more. Then the big man turned on the afterburners, and that Olympic caliber speed shined as Herschel outraced a quartet of Gamecock defenders who had an angle on him racing up the north sideline towards the bridge in the West End Zone.
Hello America.
The longest run of his Georgia career elevated Herschel's legend, pop culture status and Heisman Trophy candidacy. Most importantly, following Robinson's extra point, the epic scoring jaunt elevated the Bulldogs lead to 10-0.
Georgia had the momentum and Sanford Stadium was rollicking in Bulldogs glee. Georgia stopped the Gamecocks three-and-out. Senior captain linebacker Frank Ros, amongst the many Bulldog defensive greats on the day, broke up Garry Harper's third down pass attempt. South Carolina was just two of 13 passing for 25 yards, with one interception. Which would come later, on the game's final critical play.
Woerner returned a 42 yard punt 13 yards, and the Bulldogs set up shop on their own 44. Belue hit Norris Brown, part of the terrific tight end tandem along with Clarence Kay, for 26 yards, and Georgia was again knocking on the door at the Gamecocks 30. But the South Carolina defense rose up, and Georgia went backwards.
Number five would be called on again. This one a 51-yarder. This one into that breeze towards the bridge and the West End Zone.
Boom! First from 57, and now from 51. Rex Robinson was true again, and the Bulldog led 13-0.
But the game would soon turn.
South Carolina answered Robinson's second field goal with an impressive drive. Rogers carried most of the load and the Gamecocks completed their first of two passes in the game. Their drive stalled at the Bulldogs 28, and South Carolina kicker Eddie Leopard hit a 45-yard field goal to cut the Georgia lead to 13-3.
The teams traded punts three times, and then the Gamecocks struck paydirt. Set up on the Bulldogs 39, South Carolina's supporting actor in the backfield Carl West scored from 39 yards out. Just like that, with 3:33 to go in the third quarter, Georgia's lead was down to three tiny points.
The physicality, the hitting, the blocking, the tension, the stakes... all were elevated to Level 10.
Georgia managed a couple of first downs and got out to its own 43, but the drive was halted by the tough Gamecocks defense. Malkiewicz punted to the South Carolina 22. Rogers ran for four, and the third quarter came to an end with the Gamecocks within three.
Fourth Quarter
South Carolina put together a couple of first downs and drove to the Georgia 45. But the Bulldogs gritty defense rose up. The Gamecocks punted from the Bulldogs 45, and downed the pigskin on the six.
Hang on Dawgs!
Belue hit the stellar senior Amp Arnold for 12 yards and a big first down. A pair of runs by Herschel got the ball to the 29, where it was third and three. But Belue was sacked for a 12-yard loss. A 30-yard punt gave the Gamecocks the ball at the Georgia 47 with 7:20 to go.
Vince Dooley and Erk Russell would again lean on that "Split 60" defense to hunker down and somehow protect the scoreboard.
But big George had other ideas.
Rogers for nine. Rogers for three and a first down. Rogers for eight. Rogers for seven. On that seven yard run, his hand was stung on a hard hit by Ros. In came West. He gained three on first and ten from the Georgia 20. Back came the Gamecocks greatest player ever.
Georgia responded with one of the biggest plays of the year.
Rogers fumbled, and a bevy of Bulldogs swarmed the Gamecocks great runner. The ball was loose, and Georgia's Tim Parks pounced on it.
Georgia had the ball!
Georgia had the ball!
Who actually caused it - there was a horde of red jerseys and helmets around Rogers and the ball is a good source of conversation, and it summarizes how unselfish this TEAM was.
Ros, who had a great game and produced 12 tackles, said Woerner caused it. McShea, who came up big with the blocked punt and five solo stops, credits Ros. Welton, who played tremendously with seven solo stops and took on tight ends and fullbacks leading the way for Rogers, came out jumping and pointing Georgia's way with his left arm was credited in the type-written play-by-play and UPI national story with recovering it. He says he didn't. Parks got it.
There were Dogs swarming, all over the place, and the consummate TEAM had held. Now, could Georgia put the game away?
There was 5:22 on the clock. Georgia was on its own 16.
No gain for Herschel. Herschel for four. Herschel for five. It was fourth and one on the 25.
Georgia was remarkable in the punt game all year, with Woerner averaging 15.7 yards per return, while the Bulldogs allowed only eight total yards all season.
Malkiewicz came on and boomed his best kick of the day, a 54-yard punt. But wait, there was a flag. South Carolina roughed him.
First down Georgia!
You know what's coming next. Herschel ripped off a 25-yard run against the dejected Gamecocks and the clock was in Georgia's favor. Herschel went for seven. On second and three, he raced 22 yards to the South Carolina six. It was Herschel for one, then Herschel for three. South Carolina called time. On third down, the magnificent freshman got one. The Gamecocks then held Georgia out of the end zone, stopping him on the one yard line.
Beginning with the Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame for the national championship and for the remainder of his career at Georgia, short yardage pickups were automatic with Herschel going "over the top." It was the most unstoppable play in college football.
"That was all Superman," said the All-SEC right guard Morrison.
Only 45 seconds remained, and South Carolina was looking for some magic. The Gamecocks got their second completion of the day, a 17-yarder to the 18. Then they threw incomplete. Finally, taking a shot downfield, Harper's deep pass was picked off by All-American safety Jeff Hipp, who returned the interception 32 yards.
All Belue had to do was fall on the ball, and the game was over.
Exhale.
Georgia had done it, winning one of the most high profile showdowns in Sanford Stadium annals.
The Bulldogs had a one-point win at Tennessee, a four-point triumph over Clemson, a seven-point victory over Ole Miss and now, a three-point margin against the Gamecocks. These Dawgs were finding a way time after time. These Dawgs believed.
The Aftermath
Georgia lost to South Carolina in both 1978 and 1979. This victory broke that two-game losing streak and improved the Bulldogs to 8-0 overall. It was the first win of a November gauntlet of the Gamecocks, Florida, Auburn, and the Yellow Jackets.
Herschel and George were tremendous.
It was an 18th straight game with over 100 yards for Rogers, who picked up 168 on 35 carries. The long run of the day was 16, and of course the Bulldogs got the turnover. That's keeping a great player relatively in check. Though West did, the eventual Heisman Trophy winner did not break a long one.
Ros, from Barcelona, Spain and Greenville, South Carolina, had a funny recollection of this legendary battle between these two great teams and legendary players - with regard to South Carolina's nickname, which of course is a version of a chicken.
"During the game, we could call him Chicken George after we would tackle him and it was ticking off his offensive linemen - several of whom I had played with in the South Carolina-North Carolina High School All-Star Game" remembers Ros. Years later I saw George at a Super Bowl pre-party and walked up behind him, and said 'Chicken George.' He turned around smiling and said 'it must be a Georgia player,' and we had a good laugh. He's a good guy and a good sport."
For "The Goal Line Stalker," it was one of his finest games. Herschel Walker carried 43 yards for 219 yards, with the unforgettable 76 yard dash plus several other long runs.
Georgia's passing attack was much better. Belue his 10 of 18 passes for 179 yards. South Carolina's Harper was two of 13 for 25 yards with the pick by Hipp sealing the game.
The Bulldogs defense was rugged. The Meat Cleaver, Nate Taylor and Captain Ros all had 12 tackles. Tim Crowe had nine tackles on the defensive line. Hipp had the pick and eight stops. Welton registered seven tackles, playing as much outside linebacker as safety against the Gamecocks power sets. McShea and Parks had the big plays. Jimmy Payne, Joe Creamons and Robert Miles played well up front. Woerner had two stops and was a key cog in a stellar pass defense performance. Tim Bobo had a pair of stops. Younger players Tommy Thurson, Dale Carver, Dale Williams and Will Forts had valuable snaps. Williams had a pair of pass breakups.
This was once again, the complete TEAM victory.
Fate further intervened, and the Bulldogs climbed further up the rankings.
Top-ranked Alabama lost 6-3 to Mississippi State in Jackson. Second-ranked UCLA was upset at Arizona 23-17.
That vaulted Notre Dame, which defeated Navy 33-0, fourth straight win by at least 17 points, to the No. 1 ranking with a record of 7-0
Georgia was now the No. 2 ranked team in America, with Florida waiting on deck for the cocktail party in Jacksonville.
What an opportunity.
November 1, 1980
Sanford Stadium
Athens, GA
Georgia - 13, South Carolina - 10
Wearing gray slacks, a black sport coat, white shirt, red tie, and black and white saddle oxfords, the great man and iconic defensive coordinator Erk Russell, his head freshly shaved and polished, walked up smoking his cigar to address the team.
After giving his brief review of the defensive game plan, he paused and looked out the window. Gesturing with the smoke coming off the cigar towards the window, he said "Men, look outside. It's a beautiful day. The sky is blue, and the birds are singing. We're playing in Sanford Stadium on national TV. They're number 13, we're number four. They've got George, we've got Herschel."
There was another pause for effect, and he turns back to us and simply says, "God Almighty, what an opportunity!"
This story from the morning of the Georgia-South Carolina showdown was recounted by starting senior rover Chris Welton, still feeling the emotion 40 years later.
It was a grand stage Between The Hedges, with 7-0 Georgia hosting 6-1 South Carolina. The Gamecocks had one of their best ever teams, and senior running back George Rogers, who had strung together 17 straight 100-yard plus rushing performances, was leading the Heisman Trophy race. The Gamecocks had won at Michigan, and lost only at Southern Cal, which was led by Marcus Allen.
Lots of Heisman winners getting mentions here.
Freshman sensation Herschel Walker's tales had been spun by the incomparable Larry Munson. But unless you were one of the lucky fans that had been in Sanford Stadium, Neyland Stadium or Commonwealth Stadium, there were only highlights, news reports. And the mighty Munson.
This one was on national television.
The country would now see these two teams, and these two tailbacks.
A golden Saturday awaited with clear blue skies, a breeze from the northwest of no more than ten miles per hour, and a temperature of 68 degrees for the 12:35 kickoff Between The Hedges.
First Quarter
It was an eventful first quarter on special teams.
On Georgia's first possession following a Gamecocks' punt, Georgia punter Mark Malkiewicz bobbled the snap. As he fought for possession, Malkiewicz got the kick away on a bounce just off the ground. The punt was officially 16 yards, from the Georgia 49 to the Gamecocks 35, but it was positive yardage and a very good athletic play on what could have been a disaster for the Bulldogs.
This would be an all-time gritty, hard-hitting, hard nosed classic defensive battle. Every yard, every inch, there was a hard fight.
Rogers was running tough for the Gamecocks, who moved to the Bulldogs 44. South Carolina faced a third and three, and the Bulldogs superb defensive tackle Eddie "Meat Cleaver" Weaver burst through the line and hit the Heisman winner for a three yard loss. The All-SEC defensive tackle had a lights out performance, with six solo stops and 12 total tackles.
Facing fourth and six from the Bulldogs 47, South Carolina elected to punt. The Bulldogs special teams then came up with the big play, as Pat McShea got through and blocked the punt.
Georgia took over at the Gamecocks 40, and turned to No. 34. "That kid out of Johnson County" carried six straight times to the South Carolina four yard line, where Georgia faced third-and-three. But the Gamecocks got the stop. Georgia turned to the All-American Rex Robinson.
Then the unthinkable happened.
One of the all-time greats missed a 22-yarder, just wide to the left.
"I just lined it up wrong," Robinson recounted. "I probably was a little lackadaisical because it was a short kick, which wasn't a bad kick, it was just all in the alignment."
Robinson would soon have redemption, and deliver two of the most impressive field goals of his stellar career.
An injury to the Bulldogs outstanding offensive captain Hugh Nall, the team's starting center, before the Kentucky game the week prior, forced the Bulldog to shuffle the line. Nat Hudson and Tim Morrison, both All-SEC standouts, anchored the right side. Jeff Harper, like Nall, Morrison and Hudson, was a senior and the left tackle. Jim Blakewood was the left guard. Wayne Radloff, a future All-SEC pick, and Joe Happe teamed up to take over at center.
Following a Gamecocks punt, and seven yard return by All-American Scott Woerner, Georgia took over on its own 19.
The famed combination of Buck Belue and Lindsay Scott connected for a 41-yard connection. The All-SEC duo had the Bulldogs in business. A pair of Walker runs had Georgia third-and-two from the South Carolina 32. But an errant pitch resulted in an eight-yard loss. On came Robinson.
"There was a little wind at my back, coming from the bridge end, as is usually the case," remembers Robinson. "I hit it good, and fortunately made it."
The 57-yard boomer was the longest of Robinson's career and set a Georgia record, giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead on the final play of the first quarter.
Quick redemption.
Second Quarter
Back and forth the Bulldogs and Gamecocks went, defensive muscles flexing on a trio of punt exchanges. Georgia took over on its 20 with 9:52 to go before the half, and put together a tremendous drive.
Georgia drove 79 yards on 17 plays to the South Carolina one, with an excellent mixture of Belue's passing and the rushing attack led by Walker and fullbacks Jimmy Womack and Ronnie Stewart. On third-and-one, the Gamecocks stopped Walker. Georgia hadn't developed the "Herschel over the top" play yet. The Bulldogs, on the 18th play of the drive, went for the touchdown. South Carolina burst through and hit Belue, disrupting the pass and keeping Georgia's lead at 3-0 with 2:20 to play in the second quarter.
The Gamecocks were able to pick up a pair of first downs and run out the first half clock.
Georgia had the lead. South Carolina had the momentum. Georgia would get the ball to start the second half.
Third Quarter
A mediocre-at-best "writer" and lifelong Bulldogs superfan asked the greatest college football player ever many years ago what his greatest run at Georgia was?
"My greatest run at Georgia," Herschel paused briefly, "I'd have to say the one against South Carolina."
The Greatest College Football Announcer Ever: "And they run a trap with Herschel Walker, got a hole, five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, There Goes Herschel! There Goes Herschel! Suddenly 76 yards. Man! Did he turn it on!"
On the third play of the second half, facing third and six from their own 24, the Bulldogs called for a draw play to Herschel Walker. Tremendous blocking got him through for a first down and more. Then the big man turned on the afterburners, and that Olympic caliber speed shined as Herschel outraced a quartet of Gamecock defenders who had an angle on him racing up the north sideline towards the bridge in the West End Zone.
Hello America.
The longest run of his Georgia career elevated Herschel's legend, pop culture status and Heisman Trophy candidacy. Most importantly, following Robinson's extra point, the epic scoring jaunt elevated the Bulldogs lead to 10-0.
Georgia had the momentum and Sanford Stadium was rollicking in Bulldogs glee. Georgia stopped the Gamecocks three-and-out. Senior captain linebacker Frank Ros, amongst the many Bulldog defensive greats on the day, broke up Garry Harper's third down pass attempt. South Carolina was just two of 13 passing for 25 yards, with one interception. Which would come later, on the game's final critical play.
Woerner returned a 42 yard punt 13 yards, and the Bulldogs set up shop on their own 44. Belue hit Norris Brown, part of the terrific tight end tandem along with Clarence Kay, for 26 yards, and Georgia was again knocking on the door at the Gamecocks 30. But the South Carolina defense rose up, and Georgia went backwards.
Number five would be called on again. This one a 51-yarder. This one into that breeze towards the bridge and the West End Zone.
Boom! First from 57, and now from 51. Rex Robinson was true again, and the Bulldog led 13-0.
But the game would soon turn.
South Carolina answered Robinson's second field goal with an impressive drive. Rogers carried most of the load and the Gamecocks completed their first of two passes in the game. Their drive stalled at the Bulldogs 28, and South Carolina kicker Eddie Leopard hit a 45-yard field goal to cut the Georgia lead to 13-3.
The teams traded punts three times, and then the Gamecocks struck paydirt. Set up on the Bulldogs 39, South Carolina's supporting actor in the backfield Carl West scored from 39 yards out. Just like that, with 3:33 to go in the third quarter, Georgia's lead was down to three tiny points.
The physicality, the hitting, the blocking, the tension, the stakes... all were elevated to Level 10.
Georgia managed a couple of first downs and got out to its own 43, but the drive was halted by the tough Gamecocks defense. Malkiewicz punted to the South Carolina 22. Rogers ran for four, and the third quarter came to an end with the Gamecocks within three.
Fourth Quarter
South Carolina put together a couple of first downs and drove to the Georgia 45. But the Bulldogs gritty defense rose up. The Gamecocks punted from the Bulldogs 45, and downed the pigskin on the six.
Hang on Dawgs!
Belue hit the stellar senior Amp Arnold for 12 yards and a big first down. A pair of runs by Herschel got the ball to the 29, where it was third and three. But Belue was sacked for a 12-yard loss. A 30-yard punt gave the Gamecocks the ball at the Georgia 47 with 7:20 to go.
Vince Dooley and Erk Russell would again lean on that "Split 60" defense to hunker down and somehow protect the scoreboard.
But big George had other ideas.
Rogers for nine. Rogers for three and a first down. Rogers for eight. Rogers for seven. On that seven yard run, his hand was stung on a hard hit by Ros. In came West. He gained three on first and ten from the Georgia 20. Back came the Gamecocks greatest player ever.
Georgia responded with one of the biggest plays of the year.
Rogers fumbled, and a bevy of Bulldogs swarmed the Gamecocks great runner. The ball was loose, and Georgia's Tim Parks pounced on it.
Georgia had the ball!
Georgia had the ball!
Who actually caused it - there was a horde of red jerseys and helmets around Rogers and the ball is a good source of conversation, and it summarizes how unselfish this TEAM was.
Ros, who had a great game and produced 12 tackles, said Woerner caused it. McShea, who came up big with the blocked punt and five solo stops, credits Ros. Welton, who played tremendously with seven solo stops and took on tight ends and fullbacks leading the way for Rogers, came out jumping and pointing Georgia's way with his left arm was credited in the type-written play-by-play and UPI national story with recovering it. He says he didn't. Parks got it.
There were Dogs swarming, all over the place, and the consummate TEAM had held. Now, could Georgia put the game away?
There was 5:22 on the clock. Georgia was on its own 16.
No gain for Herschel. Herschel for four. Herschel for five. It was fourth and one on the 25.
Georgia was remarkable in the punt game all year, with Woerner averaging 15.7 yards per return, while the Bulldogs allowed only eight total yards all season.
Malkiewicz came on and boomed his best kick of the day, a 54-yard punt. But wait, there was a flag. South Carolina roughed him.
First down Georgia!
You know what's coming next. Herschel ripped off a 25-yard run against the dejected Gamecocks and the clock was in Georgia's favor. Herschel went for seven. On second and three, he raced 22 yards to the South Carolina six. It was Herschel for one, then Herschel for three. South Carolina called time. On third down, the magnificent freshman got one. The Gamecocks then held Georgia out of the end zone, stopping him on the one yard line.
Beginning with the Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame for the national championship and for the remainder of his career at Georgia, short yardage pickups were automatic with Herschel going "over the top." It was the most unstoppable play in college football.
"That was all Superman," said the All-SEC right guard Morrison.
Only 45 seconds remained, and South Carolina was looking for some magic. The Gamecocks got their second completion of the day, a 17-yarder to the 18. Then they threw incomplete. Finally, taking a shot downfield, Harper's deep pass was picked off by All-American safety Jeff Hipp, who returned the interception 32 yards.
All Belue had to do was fall on the ball, and the game was over.
Exhale.
Georgia had done it, winning one of the most high profile showdowns in Sanford Stadium annals.
The Bulldogs had a one-point win at Tennessee, a four-point triumph over Clemson, a seven-point victory over Ole Miss and now, a three-point margin against the Gamecocks. These Dawgs were finding a way time after time. These Dawgs believed.
The Aftermath
Georgia lost to South Carolina in both 1978 and 1979. This victory broke that two-game losing streak and improved the Bulldogs to 8-0 overall. It was the first win of a November gauntlet of the Gamecocks, Florida, Auburn, and the Yellow Jackets.
Herschel and George were tremendous.
It was an 18th straight game with over 100 yards for Rogers, who picked up 168 on 35 carries. The long run of the day was 16, and of course the Bulldogs got the turnover. That's keeping a great player relatively in check. Though West did, the eventual Heisman Trophy winner did not break a long one.
Ros, from Barcelona, Spain and Greenville, South Carolina, had a funny recollection of this legendary battle between these two great teams and legendary players - with regard to South Carolina's nickname, which of course is a version of a chicken.
"During the game, we could call him Chicken George after we would tackle him and it was ticking off his offensive linemen - several of whom I had played with in the South Carolina-North Carolina High School All-Star Game" remembers Ros. Years later I saw George at a Super Bowl pre-party and walked up behind him, and said 'Chicken George.' He turned around smiling and said 'it must be a Georgia player,' and we had a good laugh. He's a good guy and a good sport."
For "The Goal Line Stalker," it was one of his finest games. Herschel Walker carried 43 yards for 219 yards, with the unforgettable 76 yard dash plus several other long runs.
Georgia's passing attack was much better. Belue his 10 of 18 passes for 179 yards. South Carolina's Harper was two of 13 for 25 yards with the pick by Hipp sealing the game.
The Bulldogs defense was rugged. The Meat Cleaver, Nate Taylor and Captain Ros all had 12 tackles. Tim Crowe had nine tackles on the defensive line. Hipp had the pick and eight stops. Welton registered seven tackles, playing as much outside linebacker as safety against the Gamecocks power sets. McShea and Parks had the big plays. Jimmy Payne, Joe Creamons and Robert Miles played well up front. Woerner had two stops and was a key cog in a stellar pass defense performance. Tim Bobo had a pair of stops. Younger players Tommy Thurson, Dale Carver, Dale Williams and Will Forts had valuable snaps. Williams had a pair of pass breakups.
This was once again, the complete TEAM victory.
Fate further intervened, and the Bulldogs climbed further up the rankings.
Top-ranked Alabama lost 6-3 to Mississippi State in Jackson. Second-ranked UCLA was upset at Arizona 23-17.
That vaulted Notre Dame, which defeated Navy 33-0, fourth straight win by at least 17 points, to the No. 1 ranking with a record of 7-0
Georgia was now the No. 2 ranked team in America, with Florida waiting on deck for the cocktail party in Jacksonville.
What an opportunity.
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