USC and Notre Dame's rivalry reaches enormous heights with an incredible finish to this 1978 game. Be sure to watch this classic with Joe Montana quarterbacking Notre Dame.
Used to get the Notre Dame playbacks of each saturdays' games in the late 60s/early 1970s. Fond memories. Back when Ara Persighian was coach. They'd always have huge games with USC. Even in college, Montana was a miracle worker.
@@markgardner9460 Many reasons have been offered up as to why Montana wasn't selected until the 3rd round. Most believe it was because Montana was undersized being under 200 lbs. However, The best explanation I ever heard, was that Montana fled the pocket way too early in College, which is not what NFL scouts are looking for in an NFL Quarterback. But there were reasons for that. One, Montana could throw just as well on the run as he could in the pocket. And two, if he would've forced himself to be exclusively a pocket passer his career would've ended a whole lot quicker, because Montana got Killed in the pocket occasionally. 😅
I was at the game, rooting for USC. Montana was impressive ... a relentless competitor. I took notice of Montana at that game. Was not surprised at his later success in the NFL
Uncharacteristically , JM was 5/ 21 for 89 yards midway thru the third quarter, and then fumbled away a TD on the goal line! And USC still couldn't put the game away. It's fair to say that both teams snatched defeat from the jaws of victory multiple times on this day, and you had to figure the winner would probably be the last one to have the ball. What a classic!
John Robinson said he had nightmares about this game for years afterwards. Would have been nice if ND could have pulled it out. For the first three quarters, SC was unstoppable. But with Montana, you were never out of it. Believe it or not, Montana was not named an All-American while at ND. So while he breezed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is ineligible for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame the way the rules stand now.
The best game I saw, that Montana had in the NFL that he DIDN'T win, was against the Redskins in the NFC championship game. The best game that Montana had in COLLEGE that he DIDN'T win, was against the Trojans in this game here.
Bobby Leopold started 15 games as a rookie drafted in the 8th round - that's pretty dang good. Thanks for bringing him up - hadn't heard that name in a long time.
I never liked notre dumb or the 40whiners but I always was a Joe cool fan imo the best ever @ qb....there's actually a great doc series on peacock about Montana it's really good.
To me, in order to converse about the greatest QB of all-time, the conversation must start with QB's who could win a game with their arm or legs...and Montana could certainly do that. John Madden called him the greatest of all-time.
@@markgardner9460 I loved this Era, and being a bills fan, I knew who exactly they should draft, haha and wanted Montana, and simply angry when that didn't happen. They had Knox as a coach, Jerry Butler, Frank Lewis and Joe Cribs. Joe Ferguson posted really good numbers with that cast.
I can think of McDonald, Leinart and Marinovich off the top of my head, but can't come up with even 2 from any other school, so it seems that you're correct. Anybody else have any info?
Paul McDonald was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and was their starting QB in 1984. He had some good games as a pro, but overall, he had more success leading the Trojans.
@@markgardner9460 True. And Cleveland actually drafted Charles White first ((1980 draft). He was with the Browns for a few years. Also, Bob Golic had some very good years in Cleveland, as well, tho he came via New England.
@@markgardner9460 Yes, excellent picks by Cleveland - helped them become a power team in the 80’s. A lot of NFL pros came from these two squads in ‘78; Ronnie Lott was in this game, Dave Waymer (Saints), Dennis Smith (Broncos), and, of course Joe Montana. And probably many more.
I was glued to the tv on Saturdays - loved college football back then. Like you alluded to, times change and now teams combine to score close to 100 points or more per game on a regular basis.
Used to get the Notre Dame playbacks of each saturdays' games in the late 60s/early 1970s.
Fond memories. Back when Ara Persighian was coach. They'd always have huge games with USC.
Even in college, Montana was a miracle worker.
Most of the games that I remember watching between these teams in the '70's was exciting. I'm surprised that Montana lasted until the 3rd round.
@@markgardner9460 Many reasons have been offered up as to why Montana wasn't selected until the 3rd round. Most believe it was because Montana was undersized being under 200 lbs. However, The best explanation I ever heard, was that Montana fled the pocket way too early in College, which is not what NFL scouts are looking for in an NFL Quarterback. But there were reasons for that. One, Montana could throw just as well on the run as he could in the pocket. And two, if he would've forced himself to be exclusively a pocket passer his career would've ended a whole lot quicker, because Montana got Killed in the pocket occasionally. 😅
I always liked these college games when Keith Jackson called them. There will never be anyone better at in this profession. RIP Keith.
I'm working one another one with Mr. Jackson, so please stay tuned. Thank you for commenting and watching.
I was there. Greatest game I've ever seen.
Wow - gotta love that memory!!
I was at the game, rooting for USC. Montana was impressive ... a relentless competitor. I took notice of Montana at that game. Was not surprised at his later success in the NFL
I was surprised that he was drafted so late
Uncharacteristically , JM was 5/ 21 for 89 yards midway thru the third quarter, and then fumbled away a TD on the goal line! And USC still couldn't put the game away. It's fair to say that both teams snatched defeat from the jaws of victory multiple times on this day, and you had to figure the winner would probably be the last one to have the ball. What a classic!
John Robinson said he had nightmares about this game for years afterwards. Would have been nice if ND could have pulled it out. For the first three quarters, SC was unstoppable. But with Montana, you were never out of it. Believe it or not, Montana was not named an All-American while at ND. So while he breezed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is ineligible for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame the way the rules stand now.
That Montana kid just might make it, in the NFL.
John Madden once called him the best QB that he'd ever seen. He'd previously said that about Joe Namath.
RIP Keith Jackson, Mr. College Football.
I don't know of anyone who was better than he for college football.
'WHOA NELLIE!!!!'
Always loved how he called a fumble.
@@higgy04 Yeah, that was his signature call. Nobody better for college football, in my opinion.
Nothing like Keith Jackson broadcasting a college football game on Saturday afternoon
@@loydkline makes the beverages and snacks even better
I was an 8year old in 1978,this is time travel trippy sh I t!
Yeah, it's fun to go back in time from time to time.
The best game I saw, that Montana had in the NFL that he DIDN'T win, was against the Redskins in the NFC championship game. The best game that Montana had in COLLEGE that he DIDN'T win, was against the Trojans in this game here.
Yeah, that game against Washington was in the '83 season. Montana passed 48X, while the 49ers only ran the ball 16X.
Think, two 49er legends playing against each other, Ronnie Lott on defense for the Trojans and Joe Montana offense for the Irish!!
I bet they talked about this game a time or two in the 49ers locker room.
❤️ usc& notre dame fight song
Another great job
Thank you, Scott! I appreciate it. I have a list of more college football games that I'd like to publish.
remember, Montana fumbled at the goal line in the fourth quarter
As a Niner fan this is good to see again. Montana, Lott and Bobby Leopold.
Bobby Leopold started 15 games as a rookie drafted in the 8th round - that's pretty dang good. Thanks for bringing him up - hadn't heard that name in a long time.
Vicious chop block at 4:07
Yeah, that was commonplace back in the day. Would hate to have that laid down on me.
Difference in game was sack/ fumble by MacDonald on last drive ruled incomplete pass by PAC ref🤬
Watching Montana one can really see how Tom Brady was influenced by his hero.
I never liked notre dumb or the 40whiners but I always was a Joe cool fan imo the best ever @ qb....there's actually a great doc series on peacock about Montana it's really good.
To me, in order to converse about the greatest QB of all-time, the conversation must start with QB's who could win a game with their arm or legs...and Montana could certainly do that. John Madden called him the greatest of all-time.
I watched Joe Montana play
The lesser known names that played some in the NFL...Pete Holihan, Dave Waymer, Calvin Sweeny.
Calvin Sweeney had an 8 year career with the Steelers.
❤️ 1970s college football: ❤️ usc& notre dame fight song greatest fight in college football
'70's college football is tought to beat!!
Charles White, great game
I loved watching Charles White. How he could take all that punishment from all those carries is beyond me. He wasn't very big at all.
@@markgardner9460 I loved this Era, and being a bills fan, I knew who exactly they should draft, haha and wanted Montana, and simply angry when that didn't happen. They had Knox as a coach, Jerry Butler, Frank Lewis and Joe Cribs. Joe Ferguson posted really good numbers with that cast.
@@timb9257 Their defense just wasn't quite up to par to make a dent in the playoffs - exciting offense though!
The fumble at the goal line Montana difference in the game
How could anyone, "you" (SportsStatsNGab) leave out "thePlay/Call" ⁉
Copyright issues
You could have taken these two teams and have a decent NFL team....Montana, Golic, Smith etc.
That's for sure I remember Bucs Head Coach John McKay saying that his USC teams could have beat the Bucs their first couple years in the league
Did the Browner brothers ever play against each other?
Yes, in the family backyard. J/K. I'm pretty sure at least one combination of brothers played each other in the NFL at one time or another.
There was a fifth Browner brother, Willard, who played fullback at ND for one year in 1976.
How did Frank Broyles get this job while being the Arkansas Athletic Director?
ABC probably stipulated that he not provide any commentary for Arkansas games.
Is it my imagination or has USC had more left handed QBs over the years than any other program by a wide margin?
I can think of McDonald, Leinart and Marinovich off the top of my head, but can't come up with even 2 from any other school, so it seems that you're correct. Anybody else have any info?
@@markgardner9460 next closest is Alabama with Stabler and Tua.
Is this the game where use qb fumbled the ball late in the game & the refs did not call it ???
I don't recall seeing that in this game
@@markgardner9460 SELECTIVE MEMORY .
Yes. McDonald sacked/ fumbled on last drive. Refs ruled incomplete pass😣
@@mfnflyw16 Thank You ! I was there ,just maybe did not WANT to remember it. LOL.
@@mfnflyw16 Jay Case caused the fumble.
Paul McDonald was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and was their starting QB in 1984. He had some good games as a pro, but overall, he had more success leading the Trojans.
Yep, then they drafted Bernie Kosar #1 overall in '85 and that about did McDonald in.
@@markgardner9460 True. And Cleveland actually drafted Charles White first ((1980 draft). He was with the Browns for a few years. Also, Bob Golic had some very good years in Cleveland, as well, tho he came via New England.
and Clay Mathews, Sr. was a 1st round draft pick by the Browns in '78 and another linebacker from USC, Chip Banks, was their 1st round pick in '82.
@@markgardner9460 Yes, excellent picks by Cleveland - helped them become a power team in the 80’s. A lot of NFL pros came from these two squads in ‘78; Ronnie Lott was in this game, Dave Waymer (Saints), Dennis Smith (Broncos), and, of course Joe Montana. And probably many more.
Paul McDonald's great usc quarterback,, usc rosebowl 🏆 winner 1980,,
Back when college football was so fun, now it absolutely sux. P.S. The Irish got robbed in this game with no fumble call at the end.
I was glued to the tv on Saturdays - loved college football back then. Like you alluded to, times change and now teams combine to score close to 100 points or more per game on a regular basis.
Nortre dame is better than usc