Moments in College Football History

Run, Lindsay, Run

The last Saturday in October is the traditional day for the famous, neutral site Florida-Georgia game known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

[I am using the traditional name for the game, despite the wishes of the current presidents of the respective universities, both of whom would rather pretend that calling it something else will somehow miraculously cause fans to curtail their game-related festivities. Note to Bernie Machen (UF) and Michael Adams (UGA): Everybody but you thinks your idea is really dumb.]

This rivalry has given the college football world many notable moments over the years, but, none, perhaps, as memorable as "Run, Lindsay, Run."

Leading up to the game in 1980, Georgia had been carried by the legs of a freshman tailback named Herschel Walker to an 8-0 record and a #2 ranking.

The Gators had ridden the arm of freshman quarterback Wayne Peace in a wide open offense (the "Run and Shoot") installed by first year coordinator Mike Shanahan, then 28 years old. Florida had fought their way to a 6-1 record, but was still recovering from the debacle that was the 0-10-1 season in 1979.

Against the Gators, Walker had another terrific day, carrying the ball 37 times for 238 yards. But Florida scratched and clawed, and, somehow, led 21-20 when they punted the ball inside the Georgia 9 yard line with 1:35 remaining.

Tension had built in the stadium during the afternoon as the public address announcer updated the crowd on the score of the Georgia Tech - Notre Dame game. The Irish were unbeaten, and ranked #1. A Notre Dame loss, combined with a Georgia win, would move the Bulldogs into the top spot.

Facing a 3rd and 11 from their own 8 yard line with 1:08 to play, an obvious passing situation, Georgia quarterback Buck Belue took the snap and dropped back.

Bear in mind that, when you have a running back like Herschel Walker, you don't pass much. You don't have to. At that point, Belue had attempted 15 passes in the game, and completed just 6. He'd been intercepted twice.

Peace, by comparison, completed 20 of 37 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown.

Belue, under pressure in his own endzone, spotted Bulldog receiver Chuck Jones deep down the field. He was covered. In desperation, Belue rolled to his right, and heaved the ball to Lindsay Scott, who had briefly broken open at the Georgia 25.

The video here is accompanied by the play-by-play description of the legendary Voice of the Bulldogs Larry Munson. I urge you to listen to the audio in its entirety...



After 92 yards, Lindsay Scott flashed across the goal line for the winning score. Georgia 26. Florida 21.

Georgia Tech and Notre Dame tied 3-3 that day, and Georgia claimed the top spot in the poll.

The Bulldogs went on to beat Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, and win a national championship, their 12-0 record preserved by the improbable combination of Buck Belue to Lindsay Scott.