<![CDATA[Hidden Yardage: The Story of the 1980 College Football Season]]>f90152c6-6cea-5ba3-b79e-47103bca213aSat, 27 Dec 2025 17:16:38 +0000Captivate.fmJoe Moorehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/0831de36-69ee-4ebf-9879-06e3f20f48e8/60854458c4d1acdf4e1c2f79c4137142d85d78e379bdafbd69bd34c85f5819ad.jpgHidden Yardage: The Story of the 1980 College Football SeasonJoe MooreJoe MooreReliving the 1980 College Football Season week by week, through the memories of those that played, coached and covered it.http://www.hiddenyardagepodcast.comfalseserialhttps://feeds.captivate.fm/hidden-yardage-the-sto/nopodcastSupport the show!Thanksgiving and Football (or maybe Vice Versa) - Orville Mulligan: Sports WriterOrville Mulligan: Sports Writer - Thanksgiving and Football (or maybe Vice Versa)Thanksgiving Day, 1924. The recently-established tradition of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers football team hosting the Pennsylvania State Nittany Lions on the afternoon of the national autumnal holiday continues.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is sent to cover the Pitt-Penn State “Keystone Classic” of 1924; in so doing, he discovers a throughline of the football-on-Thanksgiving tradition going back to 1621 (okay, actually, that’s going back to 1869) and reminds us that high-level football games on Thanksgiving are nearly as old as the official Thanksgiving holiday itself.  

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is an audio drama podcast from Number 80 Productions and the Sports History Network.

Thanksgiving and Football (or maybe Vice Versa) script & story by Os Davis.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer stars Doug Fye, Ilona Fye, and Eric Bodwell. Thanksgiving and Football (or maybe Vice Versa) co-stars, in order of appearance, Caedmon Holland, Forrest Hartl and Wayne Brett.

Additional direction by Eric Bodwell. Sound recording and primary editing by Don McIver.

The theme song of Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is “the Dayton Triangles Rag” and was arranged and performed by Bruce Smith. 

Other tracks in this episode include

•  “Jazz Club” by Kriss (available through fair-use agreement via FreeMusicArchive.org);

•  “Litany of the Street” by Silverman Sound Studios;

•  “Bimini Bay” (1921) by the Benson Orchestra of Chicago; and

•  “Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer (Outro)” by David Liso of Dynamo Stairs.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is produced by Os Davis and Darin Hayes. Series concept by Darrin Hayes.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer – coming soon!

]]>Thanksgiving Day, 1924. The recently-established tradition of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers football team hosting the Pennsylvania State Nittany Lions on the afternoon of the national autumnal holiday continues.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is sent to cover the Pitt-Penn State “Keystone Classic” of 1924; in so doing, he discovers a throughline of the football-on-Thanksgiving tradition going back to 1621 (okay, actually, that’s going back to 1869) and reminds us that high-level football games on Thanksgiving are nearly as old as the official Thanksgiving holiday itself.  

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is an audio drama podcast from Number 80 Productions and the Sports History Network.

Thanksgiving and Football (or maybe Vice Versa) script & story by Os Davis.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer stars Doug Fye, Ilona Fye, and Eric Bodwell. Thanksgiving and Football (or maybe Vice Versa) co-stars, in order of appearance, Caedmon Holland, Forrest Hartl and Wayne Brett.

Additional direction by Eric Bodwell. Sound recording and primary editing by Don McIver.

The theme song of Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is “the Dayton Triangles Rag” and was arranged and performed by Bruce Smith. 

Other tracks in this episode include

•  “Jazz Club” by Kriss (available through fair-use agreement via FreeMusicArchive.org);

•  “Litany of the Street” by Silverman Sound Studios;

•  “Bimini Bay” (1921) by the Benson Orchestra of Chicago; and

•  “Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer (Outro)” by David Liso of Dynamo Stairs.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer is produced by Os Davis and Darin Hayes. Series concept by Darrin Hayes.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer – coming soon!

]]>41c84e99-f937-4402-afd8-5d5ec90d4bb8Wed, 23 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -050027:14falsebonusA brief history of Thanksgiving football from 1869 to the 1924 Pitt Panthers-Penn State Keystone Classic, as told by Orville Mulligan, Sports Writer.Episode 11: What Though the OddsEpisode 11: What Though the Odds1980's top teams jockey for position and a shot at the title as bowl bids are handed out. The sport's two pre-eminent programs do battle at Legion Field as Notre Dame and Alabama meet with the Sugar Bowl on the line. Meanwhile the USC Trojans, suspended from postseason play, look to spoil the party and extend their unbeaten streak to 29 games against a Washington Huskies team with something to prove. And Heisman favorite George Rogers tries to carry his South Carolina teammates to a win and a berth in the Gator Bowl against upset-minded Wake Forest.

]]>1980's top teams jockey for position and a shot at the title as bowl bids are handed out. The sport's two pre-eminent programs do battle at Legion Field as Notre Dame and Alabama meet with the Sugar Bowl on the line. Meanwhile the USC Trojans, suspended from postseason play, look to spoil the party and extend their unbeaten streak to 29 games against a Washington Huskies team with something to prove. And Heisman favorite George Rogers tries to carry his South Carolina teammates to a win and a berth in the Gator Bowl against upset-minded Wake Forest.

]]>Buzzsprout-9170739Fri, 10 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -050045:25falsefull111111Episode 10: A Hell of an EngineerEpisode 10: A Hell of an EngineerAfter a chaotic week that saw four top ten teams fall victim to an upset, college football's new number one, Notre Dame, tries to avoid a trap game in Atlanta. Resurgent Florida seeks its first ever SEC championship as it takes on Georgia in Jacksonville where the two teams combine for one of the wildest endings in college football history. Plus, the incredibly true story of Illinois quarterback Dave Wilson's battle with the Big Ten and his record-breaking performance in the Horseshoe against Ohio State to become college football's first 600-yard man. 

]]>After a chaotic week that saw four top ten teams fall victim to an upset, college football's new number one, Notre Dame, tries to avoid a trap game in Atlanta. Resurgent Florida seeks its first ever SEC championship as it takes on Georgia in Jacksonville where the two teams combine for one of the wildest endings in college football history. Plus, the incredibly true story of Illinois quarterback Dave Wilson's battle with the Big Ten and his record-breaking performance in the Horseshoe against Ohio State to become college football's first 600-yard man. 

]]>Buzzsprout-3598684Sun, 03 May 2020 09:00:00 -050056:35falsefull110101Episode 09: Bear DownEpisode 09: Bear DownUndefeated and top-ranked Alabama looks to roll to a 23rd straight victory over Mississippi State in Jackson but the Bulldogs and their coach have a plan to change history. The nation tunes in for a legendary showdown between freshman Herschel Walker and senior George Rogers. Both will have huge days on the ground but a crucial fumble will decide the game and, potentially, the Heisman Trophy. The Oklahoma Sooners humiliate sixth-ranked North Carolina as part of one of the wildest Saturdays in college football history. Four of the six remaining undefeated teams suffer an upset and for the sixth week in a row a top-five team is upended.

]]>Undefeated and top-ranked Alabama looks to roll to a 23rd straight victory over Mississippi State in Jackson but the Bulldogs and their coach have a plan to change history. The nation tunes in for a legendary showdown between freshman Herschel Walker and senior George Rogers. Both will have huge days on the ground but a crucial fumble will decide the game and, potentially, the Heisman Trophy. The Oklahoma Sooners humiliate sixth-ranked North Carolina as part of one of the wildest Saturdays in college football history. Four of the six remaining undefeated teams suffer an upset and for the sixth week in a row a top-five team is upended.

]]>Buzzsprout-2549512Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -050051:54falsefull1991Episode 08: Pluck and GritEpisode 08: Pluck and GritThe 1980 college football season wraps up its second month with Alabama still looking like the team to beat. The top-ranked Tide welcome Southern Miss to Tuscaloosa where Bear Bryant hasn't lost in nearly two decades. In Texas, the number two Longhorns figure to keep their winning streak going against SMU but a freshman quarterback making his first start helps to spark Mustang Mania in the Southwest. Plus, Pittsburgh's Jackie Sherrill takes his Panthers on the road to face his mentor Johnny Majors and the Tennessee Volunteers as Pitt tries to climb back into the national championship hunt.

]]>The 1980 college football season wraps up its second month with Alabama still looking like the team to beat. The top-ranked Tide welcome Southern Miss to Tuscaloosa where Bear Bryant hasn't lost in nearly two decades. In Texas, the number two Longhorns figure to keep their winning streak going against SMU but a freshman quarterback making his first start helps to spark Mustang Mania in the Southwest. Plus, Pittsburgh's Jackie Sherrill takes his Panthers on the road to face his mentor Johnny Majors and the Tennessee Volunteers as Pitt tries to climb back into the national championship hunt.

]]>Buzzsprout-2399180Fri, 03 Jan 2020 07:00:00 -050033:36falsefull1881Episode 07: Through Fair and Stormy WeatherEpisode 07: Through Fair and Stormy WeatherCollege offenses are taking to the air as Illinois and Purdue combine for the greatest passing day in Big Ten history. Jim McMahon and the BYU Cougars continue their assault on the record books when their aerial circus invades Logan, Utah for a game against the Utah State Aggies. The Pitt Panthers look to take out their frustrations after an upset loss to Florida State with a rumble against West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl. After quarterback Dan Marino is lost to injury, the Panthers are just hoping to survive. On the west coast, second-ranked USC’s undefeated streak is in jeopardy against the Oregon Ducks and George Rogers and Herschel Walker continue to punish defenses as they set their sights on each other for southeastern supremacy and the Heisman Trophy.  

]]>College offenses are taking to the air as Illinois and Purdue combine for the greatest passing day in Big Ten history. Jim McMahon and the BYU Cougars continue their assault on the record books when their aerial circus invades Logan, Utah for a game against the Utah State Aggies. The Pitt Panthers look to take out their frustrations after an upset loss to Florida State with a rumble against West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl. After quarterback Dan Marino is lost to injury, the Panthers are just hoping to survive. On the west coast, second-ranked USC’s undefeated streak is in jeopardy against the Oregon Ducks and George Rogers and Herschel Walker continue to punish defenses as they set their sights on each other for southeastern supremacy and the Heisman Trophy.  

]]>Buzzsprout-1889275Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:00:00 -050032:28falsefull1771Episode 06: On The WarpathEpisode 06: On The WarpathThe largest crowd in Florida State history awaits an encore from the Seminoles as they take on their second straight top-five opponent. This time they host the Pitt Panthers, the Beast of the East, and their star defender Hugh Green in a battle of top-ranked independents. Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide look for some national media exposure while in the Big Apple to take on Rutgers and find themselves in an unexpected battle with the Scarlet Knights. UCLA continues its redemption tour as it returns to the West Coast after silencing the Horseshoe with a win over Ohio State and tries to slow down John Elway and Stanford. Plus, a recap of the title contenders as we near the midway point of the 1980 season.  

]]>The largest crowd in Florida State history awaits an encore from the Seminoles as they take on their second straight top-five opponent. This time they host the Pitt Panthers, the Beast of the East, and their star defender Hugh Green in a battle of top-ranked independents. Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide look for some national media exposure while in the Big Apple to take on Rutgers and find themselves in an unexpected battle with the Scarlet Knights. UCLA continues its redemption tour as it returns to the West Coast after silencing the Horseshoe with a win over Ohio State and tries to slow down John Elway and Stanford. Plus, a recap of the title contenders as we near the midway point of the 1980 season.  

]]>Buzzsprout-1855264Sat, 12 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -050031:53falsefull1661Episode 05: Triumphant EvermoreEpisode 05: Triumphant EvermoreThe Florida State Seminoles take on third-ranked Nebraska in Lincoln with a walk-on center and big, bad Ron Simmons. Ohio State defends The Horseshoe against a revenge-minded UCLA Bruins team with nothing to lose while Penn State goes to Columbia, Missouri and comes away with a win and a quarterback. Plus, Colorado is on the wrong end of history as Oklahoma puts up offensive numbers higher than the Rocky Mountains.

]]>The Florida State Seminoles take on third-ranked Nebraska in Lincoln with a walk-on center and big, bad Ron Simmons. Ohio State defends The Horseshoe against a revenge-minded UCLA Bruins team with nothing to lose while Penn State goes to Columbia, Missouri and comes away with a win and a quarterback. Plus, Colorado is on the wrong end of history as Oklahoma puts up offensive numbers higher than the Rocky Mountains.

]]>Buzzsprout-1813675Fri, 04 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -050036:01falsefull1551Episode 04: In All Kinds of WeatherEpisode 04: In All Kinds of WeatherThe oldest rivalry in college football plays its final chapter 111 years after giving birth to the game. The Nebraska Cornhuskers make a trip to Happy Valley for their biggest test of the season against an unbeaten Penn State team looking for revenge. Michigan once again finds itself in a close contest that is decided on the final play, this time against George Rogers and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Plus Bobby Bowden has to make a do or die decision when Florida State and its top-ranked defense puts its shutout streak on the line in the Orange Bowl against Miami and sophomore quarterback Jim Kelly.

]]>The oldest rivalry in college football plays its final chapter 111 years after giving birth to the game. The Nebraska Cornhuskers make a trip to Happy Valley for their biggest test of the season against an unbeaten Penn State team looking for revenge. Michigan once again finds itself in a close contest that is decided on the final play, this time against George Rogers and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Plus Bobby Bowden has to make a do or die decision when Florida State and its top-ranked defense puts its shutout streak on the line in the Orange Bowl against Miami and sophomore quarterback Jim Kelly.

]]>Buzzsprout-1775617Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:00:00 -050038:05falsefull1441Episode 03: Fight OnEpisode 03: Fight OnAlabama reclaims its top spot in the polls after Ohio State’s close call with Syracuse. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame look for their second big win of the season when the Michigan Wolverines come calling and it’s a battle of USC’s as South Carolina and George Rogers invade Los Angeles to take on Ronnie Lott and the Southern Cal Trojans. Plus, Georgia squares off against Clemson between the hedges with freshman running back Herschel Walker firmly entrenched as the starter.

]]>Alabama reclaims its top spot in the polls after Ohio State’s close call with Syracuse. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame look for their second big win of the season when the Michigan Wolverines come calling and it’s a battle of USC’s as South Carolina and George Rogers invade Los Angeles to take on Ronnie Lott and the Southern Cal Trojans. Plus, Georgia squares off against Clemson between the hedges with freshman running back Herschel Walker firmly entrenched as the starter.

]]>Buzzsprout-1734538Thu, 19 Sep 2019 03:00:00 -050041:12falsefull1331Episode 02: Across the FieldEpisode 02: Across the FieldAfter losing the 1979 National Championship by a single point, the number-one ranked Ohio State Buckeyes open their 1980 season against the Syracuse Orangemen in the Horseshoe. In Pittsburgh, Jackie Sherrill and the Panthers uncage one the most talented defenses of all time to feast on Boston College while Lawrence Taylor and the fifteenth-ranked UNC Tar Heels travel to West Texas for a duel with the Red Raiders.  


]]>After losing the 1979 National Championship by a single point, the number-one ranked Ohio State Buckeyes open their 1980 season against the Syracuse Orangemen in the Horseshoe. In Pittsburgh, Jackie Sherrill and the Panthers uncage one the most talented defenses of all time to feast on Boston College while Lawrence Taylor and the fifteenth-ranked UNC Tar Heels travel to West Texas for a duel with the Red Raiders.  


]]>Buzzsprout-1684504Tue, 10 Sep 2019 07:00:00 -050042:27falsefull1221Episode 01: At The Battle's EndEpisode 01: At The Battle's EndAs the 1980 college football season begins, everybody is hunting Alabama and The Bear. Winners of two straight national titles to close out the decade, the Crimson Tide starts the year perched at number two and riding an eighteen-game winning streak. The first week of games features Bobby Bowden and his renegade band of Seminoles continuing their raid on college football’s elite with a season opener in Death Valley against LSU while the Georgia Bulldogs and their prized freshman recruit, Herschel Walker, take on Tennessee in front of the largest crowd to ever watch a football game in the South. Meanwhile, in the Midlands of South Carolina, the Gamecocks’ George Rogers gallops against the University of the Pacific. 

]]>As the 1980 college football season begins, everybody is hunting Alabama and The Bear. Winners of two straight national titles to close out the decade, the Crimson Tide starts the year perched at number two and riding an eighteen-game winning streak. The first week of games features Bobby Bowden and his renegade band of Seminoles continuing their raid on college football’s elite with a season opener in Death Valley against LSU while the Georgia Bulldogs and their prized freshman recruit, Herschel Walker, take on Tennessee in front of the largest crowd to ever watch a football game in the South. Meanwhile, in the Midlands of South Carolina, the Gamecocks’ George Rogers gallops against the University of the Pacific. 

]]>Buzzsprout-1646266Tue, 03 Sep 2019 21:00:00 -050053:12falsefull1111