Classic 'Burgh by Finoli David;

Author:Finoli, David;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Kent State University Press

Carnegie Tech

13

7

0

7

27

Notre Dame

0

0

7

0

7

Team

Play

Score

Tech

Letzelter 12-Yd Run (Kick Failed)

6–0

Tech

Harpster 12-Yd Run (Harpster Kick)

13–0

Tech

Rosenzweig 30-Yd Run (Harpster Kick)

20–0

ND

Mullins 10-Yd Fumble Return (Carriedo Kick)

20–7

Tech

Letzelter 16-Yd Pass From Harpster (Harpster Kick)

27–7

#23

PITT PANTHERS 36, WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS 35

OCTOBER 17, 1970

MEN’S NCAA FOOTBALL

A Comeback of Epic Proportions

It was a dark time for the University of Pittsburgh football program as it entered the 1970s. Wins were few and far between, and only the occasional outstanding performance would be remembered. During the decade’s first Backyard Brawl between Pittsburgh and West Virginia, one of those memorable performances—a comeback of epic proportions—made quarterback Dave Havern a revered figure in Pitt football lore. It was also an afternoon that would stay with Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden, as losing such a big lead taught a lesson that he and his opponents would never forget.

In 1963 the Panthers surprisingly finished 9–1, losing only to the 10th-ranked Navy Midshipmen, who eventually finished second, 24–12. Pitt finished the season ranked fourth and while a return to the glory days was hoped for, it turned out to be a quick downward trend, never seen before in the history of Pitt football and beginning a run in 1966 that saw them finish 1–9 for three consecutive seasons.

Chancellor Wesley Posvar and his new athletic director, Caz Myslinski, needed a new coach to turn around the fortunes of the Panthers. But the job was not as esteemed as it used be, reflected by one prominent head coach who agreed to take the job but then backed out only a few days later. A couple more strong candidates were considered, only to turn Pitt down. Finally, the administration turned to a former player, one who had great success as a head coach (albeit at the NAIA level) and had won a national championship in 1966. His name was Carl DePasqua, and he brought a long-overdue winning attitude to the program, telling the players when he first addressed them, “We are going to win. I’ve been with winners. My staff has been with winners. We all know what it takes to win. And that’s precisely what we’re going to do here.”1

It was his exuberance that guided the Panthers to more victories in his first campaign in 1969 (four) than they had managed the previous three combined. There was an enthusiasm among fans that hadn’t been seen in years. The following year’s media guide proudly declared, “The Pitt Panther Is Back.”2

Linebacker Ralph Cindrich, who would become a renowned sports agent, led the charge defensively while Dave Havern, a quarterback from nearby McKees Rocks, would run DePasqua’s offense. Havern, nicknamed “Mighty Mouse” due to his slight build for a major college quarterback, actually had Pitt football coursing through his blood—his grandmother was a cousin of legendary Panthers coach Jock Sutherland.

Sutherland would have been proud. Havern burst onto the scene his sophomore season in 1968, throwing for 1,810 yards while setting school records by completing 29 passes in a game, attempting 51 in a contest, and completing 287 for the season. After sitting

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