On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [9] This was Pitt's first undefeated national championship since 1937. Dorsett also won the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, and was named UPI Player of the Year. (Schedule and Results), Playoffs:Won Divisional Round 40-14 vs. Baltimore ColtsLost Conference Championship 7-24 vs. Oakland Raiders, Other Notable Asst. The Panthers competed in the Gator Bowl . This article about a sports team in Pennsylvania is a stub. Matt Cavanaugh sustained a hairline fracture in the left ankle during the first half. Oklahoma had won the national championship the previous two seasons, but the Sooners played Texas to a tie in October, then lost consecutive games to Oklahoma State and Colorado, to remove them from both the Big Eight and national pictures. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. [5] Pitt won a tough, hard-fought battle against struggling rival Syracuse. Known simply as "Jimbo," perhaps Cramer should have been referred to by something a bit more ferocious. 2001-2002 Roster Through November 17. [2] Pitt was also awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the best Division I team in the East. The 1976 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1976 NCAA Division I football season and is recognized as a consensus national champion. The Panthers won the Sun Bowl . AFC Central Division We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. A year earlier, Tony Dorsett had finished with 303 yards rushing in Pitt's 3420 victory over the Irish. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. In 1976, not only was Romano an All-American, he was widely regarded as the best nose guard in the country. In the first game of the 1976 season, the Panthers faced off against Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. In either case, Maryland lost to Houston. Following this historic season, Majors returned to his alma mater, the University of Tennessee, to take the head coaching job. He took pride in not being pushed around, and his speed, strength and quickness earned him a reputation as a no-nonsense defender. Posted at 01:41h . He was strong, quick and blessed with tremendous instincts. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions: 1976 NCAA Division I independents football records, North Texas State (originally 65) was awarded a forfeit win after. (); : Thats not unusual today, but it was quite a break from the norm in the world that was 1976. Record: 10-4-0, 1st in And its against these two schools that Pitt stepped forward and took over the 1976 college football season. [1] Pitt was also awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the best Division I team in the East . Audio is not supported in your browser. Record: 12-0 (1st of 137) (Schedule & Results), Bowl Game: Won Sugar Bowl 27-3 versus Georgia, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, February 28, 6:41AM. AFC Central Division Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. ); The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. But Yewcic, a Johnstown native, rescued them, stepping into the fire during the Panthers' 27-6 victory over Louisville that ran their record to 5-0. Majors adjusted for the second half by shifting Dorsett from tailback to fullback, enabling him to explode for an additional 173 yards as Pitt rolled to a 24-7 victory that capped an undefeated regular season.[6]. The Jefferson native, who works in medical sales for Bausch & Lomb, was a rugged player who endured two seasons under legendary strong-armed coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State before returning home to play for Pitt. Or write about sports? All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. The stage was set for 1976, with Pitt ranked ninth in the AP preseason poll, for the Panthers to make a run for the national championship. Safety, Felder tackled Mason in end zone. The Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League ended the 1976 season with a record of 10 wins and 4 losses, finishing first in the NFL's Central Division of the American Football Conference. [2] Pitt was also awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the best Division I team in the East. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Romano, a three-year starter, was picked as the most outstanding lineman in the Panthers' 33-19 victory over Kansas in the 1975 Sun Bowl. Safety, blocked punt goes out of the end zone. Join our linker program. During the 1970s, the top-ranked team won its bowl game only three times: Pittsburgh joined Nebraska (1971) and USC (1972). With Robert Haygood and Matt Cavanaugh sidelined with injuries during the season, the Panthers found themselves in a precarious situation at quarterback. 1976 pitt panthers football roster 1976 pitt panthers football roster. Two other traditional powers were a little off, those being Notre Dame and Penn State. ND - Terry Eurick 4-yard run (Dave Reeve kick). Record: 12-0 (1st of 137) (Schedule & Results), Bowl Game: Won Sugar Bowl 27-3 versus Georgia. - Dr.Z, Sports Illustrated. For the first time in the modern era, Panther fans could legitimately claim, "We're number one!" 1976 Oct 10. Dorsett's achievement prompted a mid-game celebration in which even Navy saluted the feat with a cannon blast. And it's against these two schools that Pitt stepped forward and took over the 1976 college football season. . [5] Pitt won a tough, hard-fought battle against rival Syracuse. at NavyMarine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland. Find out more. The 1976 Pitt football team was the beneficiary, going undefeated behind an extraordinary season from running back Tony Dorsett. He darted 61 yards on his first run of the season and tacked on 120 more by the end of the 3110 Pitt win.[3][4]. : (Schedule and Results), Playoffs:Won Divisional Round 40-14 vs. Baltimore ColtsLost Conference Championship 7-24 vs. Oakland Raiders, Other Notable Asst. The season continued with a 42-14 win at Georgia Tech and a 36-19 win over Miami. "Pitt loses quarterback, but Dorsett nears record." The 1976 team under Majors not only was undefeated, but included Tony Dorsett, Matt Cavanaugh and a Sugar Bowl victory. 1976 was a year in college football when traditional powers took a step back and new teams came forward. Amidst a steady rain in front of an ABC audience, the Pitt defense intercepted Penn State quarterback Chuck Fusina three times and after being contained in the first half, Dorsett was able to get loosened up after intermission and Pitt completed a perfect season with a 24-7 win. He earned All-America honors as a senior in 1978 and finished his college career as the Panthers' all-time receiving yardage leader with 2,230 yards. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) named Majors the 1976 Coach of the Year. Pitt was awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the champion of the East . Web1976 Pitt Panthers Stats | College Football at Sports-Reference.com via Sports Logos.net About logos 1976 Pitt Panthers Stats Previous Year Next Year Record: 12-0 (1st of 137) 2023 University of Pittsburgh Athletics, Gameday Guide: Baseball, Soccer, Softball, Gameday Guide: Gymnastics, Volleyball, Wrestling, Cathy & John Pelusi Family Life . Schedule [ edit] Roster [ edit] Coaching staff [ edit] Team players drafted into the NFL [ edit] [1] References [ edit] ^ "1976 NFL Draft Listing - Pro-Football-Reference.com". During the 1970s, the top-ranked team won its bowl game only three times: Pittsburgh joined Nebraska (1971) and USC (1972). Go To Coaching Staff. Pitt defended its ranking in a close Backyard Brawl against West Virginia to go 10-0 heading into the regular season finale against instate rival Penn State. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Or write about sports? Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Check out the 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers Roster, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports and more on Pro-Football-Reference.com. His son, John Jr., is a sophomore tight end. "They didn't let that grass grow long enough," Dorsett said later. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. He has stayed out of the spotlight since his playing days -- he says he prefers it that way -- living alone in a remote area of central Pennsylvania, 45 miles east of State College. He darted 61 yards on his first run of the season and tacked on 120 more by the end of the 31-10 Pitt win.[3][4]. "A mustloaded with fresh stories you haven't read anywhere else." We present them here for purely educational purposes. Schedule [ edit] Personnel [ edit] Season summary [ edit] Notre Dame [ edit] Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0) at Pittsburgh Panthers (0-0) at Pitt Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Schedule [ edit] In the Backyard Brawl, Pittsburgh was led by freshman quarterback Dan Marino. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. A wonderfully entertaining look back at the NFL's history. Find out more. He keeps busy as owner of Tony Dorsett Food Products and as a motivational speaker for Roger Staubach's sports-celebrity marketing company. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? : George Perles (Defensive Line), Dan Radakovich (Offensive Line), Lionel Taylor (Receivers) and Woody Widenhofer (Linebackers), Founder/Principal Owner/President: Art Rooney. The Panthers did not play in a bowl game; their most recent postseason appearance was in 1956 and the next was in 1973. Click the images below to be taken into the library and back to another era. Roster includes most starters and key reserves. The 1976 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1976 NCAA Division I football season and is recognized as a consensus national champion. Go To Coaching Staff. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Perhaps the best-known Pitt football player of all-time was Dorsett, the electric runner from Hopewell who won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award following the Panthers' 1976 championship season. The season ended on Black Friday with a grudge match against Penn State in Three Rivers Stadium, home to the Steelers and Pirates (Pitts home games were usually played in an old bowl where the top row of the stadium was at ground level). Dorsett finished his college career with 6,082 total rushing yards, then an NCAA record for career rushing. Pitt ascended to #1 and got a bid to the Sugar Bowl to play SEC champ Georgia. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. at Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Please contact us with any questions, comments or donation inquiries: . Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. NO. The defense proved to be a force, as the Steelers paced the circuit . Do you have a blog? The Pitt Stadium crowd erupted in celebration when the stadium public address announcer dramatically gave the final score from Purdue. Pitt defeated the Bulldogs 273 and was voted number one by both the Associated Press and Coaches polls, claiming their ninth national championship. The New Castle native works as a sales representative for an Allentown-based outdoor sports equipment company. When Long, who had just set a Pennsylvania high school record for the longest field goal in the state, visited Pitt for the first time, he found a warm, considerate man in coach John Majors. The Panthers competed in the Gator Bowl. The Pitt-Georgia game was no contest. College football in the East wasnt highly regarded thoughask Penn State, who had seen unbeaten teams in 1968, 1969 and 1973 not get a chance to play for the national championship. Do you have a blog? The previous season, 1975, saw Pitt win the Sun Bowl over Kansas to cap an 8-4 record highlighted by wins at Georgia and Notre Dame. Dorsett had 122 rush yards in the first half alone, and his team coasted home 31-10. 1977 NCAA Division I independents football records, 1977 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1977-standings.html, "1978 NFL Draft Listing - Pro-Football-Reference.com", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1977_Pittsburgh_Panthers_football_team&oldid=1080740533, North Texas State (originally 92) awarded a forfeit win after. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. THE LAST GOLDEN AGE: THE LOU HOLTZ ERA AT NOTRE DAME, THE SEQUEL SEASON: THE YEAR-LONG NARRATIVE OF THE EPIC 1978 BASEBALL SEASON, 1976 Pitt Football Makes An Unlikely Breakthrough For The East. The Panthers traveled to Annapolis on October 23 to face Navy and Dorsett broke the NCAA career rushing record on a 32-yard touchdown run in the 450 victory. [1] Pitt was also awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the best Division I team in the East. Romano is the owner of a modular housing firm, in Syracuse, N.Y., where he was raised. The 1977 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1977 NCAA Division I football season. (). All rights reserved. Though Cavanaugh, a Youngstown, Ohio, native, struggled with injuries in 1976 and 1977, he is remembered for helping to vault Pitt to a No. The 1977 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1977 NCAA Division I football season. 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers Roster. Romano, a three-year. At a packed Three Rivers Stadium on the day after Thanksgiving, the Nittany Lions held Dorsett to 51 yards in the first half and had the game tied 7-7. Rather than take credit for his contributions, Jones points to the Pitt coaching staff for assembling what he refers to as "the ultimate team." Twitter Football: Instagram Football: Tickets Football: Schedule Football: Roster Football: News Soccer Soccer: Facebook Soccer: Twitter Soccer: Instagram Soccer: . Pitt led 21-0 at half and won the game 27-3. Dorsett, who is married and lives in Frisco, Texas, has four children, including former NFL defensive back Anthony. We present them here for purely educational purposes. [7] This was Pitt's first undefeated national championship since 1937. He led the nation in rushing with 1,948 yards and was selected as an All-American. Dorsett's achievement prompted a mid-game celebration in which even Navy saluted the feat with a cannon blast. But did you know he was an All-American running back at Tennessee, where he also coached for many years and finished as runner-up to Paul Hornung of Notre Dame for the 1956 Heisman Trophy? Everything, he said, was synchronized. The final was 16-14, with Michigan missing a 37-yard-field goal on the games final play. Title Pitt football. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. "They even grew the grass high," said Carmen DeArdo, a diehard Pitt alumnus, "and everyone knew Tony would get the ball." The 1976 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1976 NCAA Division I football season and is recognized as a consensus national champion. The Pitt Panthers have won nine national titles, three under "Pop" Warner, five under Jock Sutherland, and one under Johnny Majors, the two-time Panthers coach (1973-1976 and 1993-1996). The 1976 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1976 NCAA Division I football season and is recognized as a consensus national champion.