1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football
1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football
National champion (DeVold, FR, The New York Times); Co-national champion (FACT, Sagarin); Gator Bowl champion; Eastern champion
Gator Bowl, W 37–9 vs. South Carolina
Conference	Independent
Ranking
Coaches	No. 2
AP	No. 2
Record	11–1
Head coach	Jackie Sherrill (4th season);
Offensive coordinator	Wally English (2nd season)
Offensive scheme	Multiple pro-style
Defensive coordinator	Foge Fazio (2nd season)
Base defense	Multiple front
Home stadium	Pitt Stadium
	Seasons ← 1979 1981 →

The 1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh as an independent during the 1980 NCAA Division I-A football season. Despite losing one game, the Panthers were named national champion by NCAA-designated major selectors DeVold System, Football Research, and The New York Times, while also named co-national champion by Rothman (FACT) and Sagarin.^[1] The university does not claim a national championship for this season, nor are the Panthers popularly recognized for winning that year's national championship. Pitt was awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the champion of the East.

1980 NCAA Division I-A independents football records
v t e	Conf					Overall
Team	W		L		T	W		L		T
No. 2 Pittsburgh		–		–		11	–	1	–	0
Tennessee State		–		–		9	–	1	–	0
No. 5 Florida State		–		–		10	–	2	–	0
No. 8 Penn State		–		–		10	–	2	–	0
No. 9 Notre Dame		–		–		9	–	2	–	1
No. 18 Miami (FL)		–		–		9	–	3	–	0
Southern Miss		–		–		9	–	3	–	0
Navy		–		–		8	–	4	–	0
South Carolina		–		–		8	–	4	–	0
Virginia Tech		–		–		8	–	4	–	0
Boston College		–		–		7	–	4	–	0
Northeast Louisiana		–		–		7	–	4	–	0
Rutgers		–		–		7	–	4	–	0
UNLV		–		–		7	–	4	–	0
Tulane		–		–		7	–	5	–	0
Colgate		–		–		5	–	4	–	1
North Texas State		–		–		6	–	5	–	0
Villanova		–		–		6	–	5	–	0
West Virginia		–		–		6	–	6	–	0
Louisville		–		–		5	–	6	–	0
Richmond		–		–		5	–	6	–	0
Syracuse		–		–		5	–	6	–	0
East Carolina		–		–		4	–	7	–	0
Illinois State		–		–		4	–	7	–	0
Temple		–		–		4	–	7	–	0
Army		–		–		3	–	7	–	1
Holy Cross		–		–		3	–	8	–	0
Cincinnati		–		–		2	–	9	–	0
Memphis State		–		–		2	–	9	–	0
William & Mary		–		–		2	–	9	–	0
Georgia Tech		–		–		1	–	9	–	1

Rankings from AP Poll

The team is noteworthy for featuring four future members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: linebacker Rickey Jackson, center Russ Grimm, tackle Jimbo Covert, and quarterback Dan Marino. Several other players on the team, including Mark May and Hugh Green, would go on to be Pro Bowl NFL stars.

Championship selections

Selectors that named Pitt the 1980 national champion:^[2]

1st-N-Goal
Angelo Louisa
ARGH Power Ratings
College Football Researchers Association
Foundation for the Analysis of Competitions and Tournaments
Harry DeVold
James Howell
Jeff Self
The New York Times
Quality Champions
Sagarin Ratings
Steve Eck
The Fleming System

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance	Source
September 13	1:30 p.m.	Boston College	No. 3	Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA	ABC	W 14–6	44,820	^[3]
September 20	2:30 p.m.	at Kansas	No. 5	Memorial Stadium Lawrence, KS		W 18–3	41,300	^[4]
September 27	1:30 p.m.	Temple	No. 6	Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA		W 36–2	47,071	^[5]
October 4	1:30 p.m.	Maryland	No. 6	Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA		W 38–9	47,409	^[6]
October 11	7:00 p.m.	at No. 11 Florida State	No. 4	Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, FL		L 22–36	52,894	^[7]
October 18	1:30 p.m.	West Virginia	No. 11	Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)		W 42–14	55,130	^[8]
October 25	2:00 p.m.	at Tennessee	No. 12	Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN		W 30–6	94,008	^[9]
November 1	4:00 p.m.	at Syracuse	No. 11	Carrier Dome Syracuse, NY (rivalry)	ABC	W 43–6	50,243	^[10]
November 8	1:30 p.m.	Louisville	No. 9	Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA		W 41–23	47,280	^[11]
November 15	1:30 p.m.	at Army	No. 8	Michie Stadium West Point, NY		W 45–7	31,150	^[12]
November 28	1:00 p.m.	at No. 5 Penn State	No. 4	Beaver Stadium University Park, PA (rivalry)	ABC	W 14–9	82,459	^[13]
December 29	9:00 p.m.	vs. No. 18 South Carolina	No. 3	Gator Bowl Stadium Jacksonville, FL (Gator Bowl)	ABC	W 37–9	72,297	^[14]
Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

^[15]

Game summaries

Boston College

Boston College Eagles at No. 3 Pittsburgh Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	0	6	0	6
No. 3 Panthers	0	8	6	0	14

at Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA

Date: September 13
Game time: 1:30 PM EDT
Game attendance: 44,820
TV: ABC

Statistics	BC	PITT
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Boston College	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Boston College	Pittsburgh
2					Pittsburgh	Pryor 8-yard touchdown reception from Marino, 2-point run good	0	8
3					Boston College	Schoen 35-yard touchdown reception from Loughery, 2-point pass incomplete	6	8
3					Pittsburgh	Pryor 8-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick no good	6	14
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							6	14

At Kansas

No. 5 Pittsburgh Panthers at Kansas Jayhawks – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 5 Panthers	0	10	6	2	18
Jayhawks	3	0	0	0	3

at Memorial Stadium • Lawrence, KS

Date: September 20
Game time: 2:30 PM EDT
Game attendance: 41,300

Statistics	PITT	KU
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Kansas	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Pittsburgh	Kansas
1					Kansas	25-yard field goal by Kallmeyer	0	3
2					Pittsburgh	21-yard field goal by Trout	3	3
2					Pittsburgh	Pryor 2-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	10	3
3					Pittsburgh	Dombrowski 23-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick no good	16	3
4		–	–	–	Pittsburgh	Safety, Kemp tackled in end zone	18	3
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							18	3

Temple

Temple Owls at No. 6 Pittsburgh Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Owls	2	0	0	0	2
No. 6 Panthers	13	13	3	7	36

at Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA

Date: September 27
Game time: 1:30 PM EDT
Game attendance: 47,071

Statistics	TU	PITT
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Temple	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Temple	Pittsburgh
1		–	–	–	Temple	Safety, Heppler tackled in end zone	2	0
1					Pittsburgh	Collier 14-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	2	7
1					Pittsburgh	McCall 22-yard touchdown reception from Marino, 2-point pass incomplete	2	13
2					Pittsburgh	Hawkins 15-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	2	20
2					Pittsburgh	43-yard field goal by Trout	2	23
2					Pittsburgh	23-yard field goal by Trout	2	26
3					Pittsburgh	49-yard field goal by Trout	2	29
4					Pittsburgh	McMillan 3-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	2	36
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							2	36

Maryland

Maryland Terrapins at No. 6 Pittsburgh Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Terrapins	0	3	6	0	9
No. 6 Panthers	14	7	3	14	38

at Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA

Date: October 4
Game time: 1:30 PM EDT
Game attendance: 47,409

Statistics	MD	PITT
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Maryland	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Maryland	Pittsburgh
1					Pittsburgh	Collins 51-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	0	7
1					Pittsburgh	Collier 17-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	0	14
2					Pittsburgh	McMillan 2-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	0	21
2					Maryland	38-yard field goal by Castro	3	21
3					Pittsburgh	40-yard field goal by Trout	3	24
3					Maryland	Havener 12-yard touchdown reception from Tice, 2-point pass incomplete	9	24
4					Pittsburgh	Collins 35-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	9	31
4		—	—	—	Pittsburgh	Fumble recovery returned 0 yards for touchdown by McQuaide, Trout kick good	9	38
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							9	38

At #11 Florida State

No. 4 Pittsburgh Panthers at No. 11 Florida State Seminoles – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 4 Panthers	7	0	15	0	22
No. 11 Seminoles	3	20	6	7	36

at Doak Campbell Stadium • Tallahassee, FL

Date: October 11
Game time: 7:00 PM EDT
Game attendance: 52,894

Statistics	PITT	FSU
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Florida State	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Pittsburgh	Florida State
1					Pittsburgh	Collins 39-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	7	0
1					Florida State	24-yard field goal by Capece	7	3
2					Florida State	Johnson 23-yard touchdown reception from Stockstill, Capece kick good	7	10
2					Florida State	Childers 4-yard touchdown reception from Stockstill, Capece kick good	7	17
2					Florida State	43-yard field goal by Capece	7	20
2					Florida State	50-yard field goal by Capece	7	23
3					Pittsburgh	Collins 36-yard touchdown reception from Marino, 2-point pass good	15	23
3					Florida State	30-yard field goal by Capece	15	26
3					Florida State	44-yard field goal by Capece	15	29
3					Pittsburgh	McCall 2-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	22	29
4					Florida State	Unglaub 13-yard touchdown reception from Stockstill, Capece kick good	22	36
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							22	36

West Virginia

West Virginia Mountaineers at No. 11 Pittsburgh Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mountaineers	7	0	7	0	14
No. 11 Panthers	7	28	0	7	42

at Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA

Date: October 18
Game time: 1:30 PM EDT
Game attendance: 55,130
^[16]

Statistics	WVU	PITT
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
West Virginia	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Starting free safety Rick Trocano moved over to offense in the second quarter to replace the injured Dan Marino. Previously the starter at QB in 1978, Trocano led Pitt to four second-quarter touchdowns during the Panthers' win at Pitt Stadium.^[17]

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	West Virginia	Pittsburgh
1					West Virginia	Thomas 7-yard touchdown reception from Luck, Sinclair kick good	7	0
1					Pittsburgh	McCall 1-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	7	7
2					Pittsburgh	McMillan 1-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	7	14
2					Pittsburgh	Collins 53-yard touchdown reception from Luck, Trout kick good	7	21
2					Pittsburgh	Collins 25-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	7	28
2					Pittsburgh	McMillan 1-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	7	35
3					West Virginia	Thomas 19-yard touchdown reception from Luck, Sinclair kick good	14	35
4					Pittsburgh	Collier 50-yard touchdown reception from Collins, Trout kick good	14	42
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	42

At Tennessee

No. 12 Pittsburgh Panthers at Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 12 Panthers	3	13	0	14	30
Volunteers	6	0	0	0	6

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN

Date: October 25
Game time: 2:00 PM EDT
Game attendance: 94,008

Statistics	PITT	TENN
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Tennessee	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Pittsburgh	Tennessee
1					Pittsburgh	39-yard field goal by Trout	3	0
1		–	–	–	Tennessee	Gault returned kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, Duncan kick no good	3	6
2					Pittsburgh	McCall 1-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, 2-point run failed	9	6
2					Pittsburgh	McMillan 1-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	16	6
4					Pittsburgh	Trocano 31-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	23	6
4					Pittsburgh	McMillan 5-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	30	6
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							30	6

At Syracuse

No. 11 Pittsburgh Panthers at Syracuse Orangemen – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 11 Panthers	12	14	3	14	43
Orangemen	0	6	0	0	6

at Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY

Date: November 1
Game time: 4:00 PM EST
Game attendance: 50,243
TV announcers (ABC): Bill Flemming (play-by-play) and Frank Broyles (color commentator)

Statistics	PITT	SYR
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Syracuse	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Pittsburgh	Syracuse
1					Pittsburgh	36-yard field goal by Trout	3	0
1					Pittsburgh	34-yard field goal by Trout	6	0
1					Pittsburgh	McCall 6-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, 2-point pass incomplete	12	0
2					Pittsburgh	McMillan 39-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	19	0
2					Pittsburgh	McMillan 45-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	26	0
2					Syracuse	Warner 1-yard touchdown run, 2-point run failed	26	6
3					Pittsburgh	26-yard field goal by Trout	29	6
4					Pittsburgh	Collins 54-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	36	6
4					Pittsburgh	Collins 8-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	43	6
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							43	6

Louisville

Louisville Cardinals at No. 9 Pittsburgh Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	9	0	14	23
No. 9 Panthers	0	20	21	0	41

at Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: November 8
Game time: 1:30 PM EST
Game attendance: 47,280

Statistics	LOU	PITT
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Louisville	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Louisville	Pittsburgh
2					Louisville	34-yard field goal by Betz	3	0
2					Louisville	Mitchell 6-yard touchdown reception from May, Betz kick no good	9	0
2					Pittsburgh	24-yard field goal by Trout	9	3
2					Pittsburgh	McCall 1-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	9	10
2					Pittsburgh	Collins 27-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	9	17
2					Pittsburgh	30-yard field goal by Trout	9	20
3					Pittsburgh	McMillan 6-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	9	27
3					Pittsburgh	Hawkins 2-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	9	34
3					Pittsburgh	Collins 67-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	9	41
4					Louisville	Hickman 3-yard touchdown run, Betz kick good	16	41
4					Louisville	Gannon 15-yard touchdown reception from May, Betz kick good	23	41
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							23	41

At Army

No. 8 Pittsburgh Panthers at Army Cadets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 8 Panthers	28	7	3	7	45
Cadets	0	7	0	0	7

at Michie Stadium • West Point, NY

Date: November 15
Game time: 1:30 PM EST
Game attendance: 31,150

Statistics	PITT	ARMY
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Army	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Pittsburgh	Army
1					Pittsburgh	Collins 7-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	7	0
2					Pittsburgh	DiBartolia 1-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	14	0
1					Pittsburgh	Collier 7-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	21	0
2					Pittsburgh	Hawkins 2-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	28	0
2					Pittsburgh	Collier 16-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	35	0
2					Army	Walker 85-yard touchdown run, Aucoin kick good	35	7
3					Pittsburgh	30-yard field goal by Trout	38	7
4					Pittsburgh	Hawkins 32-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Trout kick good	45	7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							45	7

At #5 Penn State

No. 4 Pittsburgh Panthers at No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 4 Panthers	0	7	7	0	14
No. 5 Nittany Lions	3	0	6	0	9

at Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA

Date: November 28
Game time: 1:00 PM EST
Game attendance: 82,459
TV: ABC

Statistics	PITT	PSU
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Penn State	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Pittsburgh	Penn State
1					Penn State	27-yard field goal by Menhardt	0	3
2					Pittsburgh	Pryor 16-yard touchdown reception from Trocano, Trout kick good	7	3
3					Pittsburgh	Trocano 9-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	14	3
3					Penn State	Jackson 13-yard touchdown reception from Blackledge, 2-point pass incomplete	14	9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	9

Vs. #18 South Carolina (Gator Bowl)

1980 Gator Bowl: #3 Pittsburgh Panthers vs. #18 South Carolina Gamecocks – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 3 Panthers	10	7	17	3	37
No. 18 Gamecocks	0	3	0	6	9

at Gator Bowl Stadium • Jacksonville, FL

Date: December 29
Game time: 9:00 PM EST
Game attendance: 72,297
Referee: Robert Carpenter (ACC)
TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Ara Parseghian (color commentator) and Steve Davis (sideline reporter)

Statistics	PITT	S CAR
First downs
Total yards
Rushes/yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Pittsburgh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
South Carolina	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	Pittsburgh	South Carolina
1					Pittsburgh	Trocano 1-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	7	0
2					Pittsburgh	35-yard field goal by Trout	10	0
2					South Carolina	39-yard field goal by Gillespie	10	3
2					Pittsburgh	Collier 3-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	17	3
3					Pittsburgh	25-yard field goal by Trout	20	3
3					Pittsburgh	McMillan 3-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	27	3
3					Pittsburgh	McMillan 3-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good	34	3
4					Pittsburgh	29-yard field goal by Trout	37	3
4					South Carolina	Gillespie 14-yard touchdown reception from Beckham, Leopard kick no good	37	9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							37	9

Personnel

Coaching staff

1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff

	Coaching staff Jackie Sherrill – Head coach Foge Fazio – Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Wally English – Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks Joe Daniels – Running backs Ron Dickerson – Defensive backs Bob Matey – Defensive line Joe Moore – Offensive line Joe Naunchik – Receivers Ray Zingler – Defensive ends			Support staff Alex Kramer – Administrative assistant Kevin Dickey – Recruiting doordinator Nick Rapone – Part-Time Assistant Bob Davie – Part-Time Assistant Kirk Ferentz – Part-Time Assistant			Strength and conditioning staff Buddy Morris – Weight training coordinator

Roster

1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football team roster

Players

Coaches

Offense

Pos.	#	Name	Class
G	`70`	Emil Boures	Jr
OT	`75`	Jimbo Covert	So
C	`56`	Russ Grimm	Sr
QB	`13`	Dan Marino	So
OT	`73`	Mark May	Sr
RB	`40`	Randy McMillan	Sr
TE	`84`	Benjie Pryor	Sr
G	`77`	Ron Sams	So
QB	`8`	Rick Trocano	Sr

Defense

Pos.	#	Name	Class
DT	`68`	Jerry Boyarsky	Sr
DB	`5`	Tom Flynn	Fr
DE	`99`	Hugh Green	Sr
DE	`87`	Rickey Jackson	Sr
DB	`26`	Tim Lewis	So
DT	`71`	Bill Maas	Fr
DT	`86`	Greg Meisner	Sr
DT	`76`	Bill Neill	Sr
CB	`3`	Lynn Thomas	Sr
SS	`48`	Carlton Williamson	Sr

Special teams

Pos.	#	Name	Class
K	`1`	David Trout	Sr

Head coach

Jackie Sherrill

Coordinators/assistant coaches

Legend

(C) Team captain
(S) Suspended
(I) Ineligible

Injured
Redshirt

^[18]

Awards and honors

Hugh Green, Walter Camp Award^[19]
Hugh Green, Lombardi Award^[20]
Hugh Green, Maxwell Award^[21]
Mark May, Outland Trophy^[22]

Team players drafted into the NFL

Player	Position	Round	Pick	NFL club
Hugh Green	Defensive end	1	7	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Randy McMillan	Running back	1	12	Baltimore Colts
Mark May	Tackle	1	20	Washington Redskins
Rickey Jackson	Linebacker	2	51	New Orleans Saints
Greg Meisner	Defensive tackle	3	63	Los Angeles Rams
Carlton Williamson	Defensive back	3	65	San Francisco 49ers
Russ Grimm	Center	3	69	Washington Redskins
Bill Neill	Defensive tackle	5	115	New York Giants
Benjie Pryor	Tight end	5	120	Cincinnati Bengals
Lynn Thomas	Defensive back	5	121	San Francisco 49ers
Jerry Boyarsky	Defensive tackle	5	128	New Orleans Saints
Rick Trocano	Quarterback	11	292	Pittsburgh Steelers

^[23]

Media

Radio

Flagship station	Play-by-play	Color commentator	Sideline reporter	Studio host
WTAE–AM 1250	Bill Hillgrove	John Sauer

References

^ 2018 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. August 2018. p. 114. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
^ "College Football Data Warehouse: Yearly National Championship Selections". Archived from the original on February 11, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2009.
^ "Nine turnovers, but Pitt wins". St. Petersburg Times. September 14, 1980. p. 7C – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Pitt sputters, then rolls by Kansas 18–3". The Kansas City Star. September 21, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Panthers rout Temple despite injury to Marino". The Palm Beach Post. September 28, 1980. Retrieved August 10, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Pitt stops Terps cold". The Daily Times. October 5, 1980. Retrieved January 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Seminoles sizzle on". St. Petersburg Times. October 12, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Pitt rips West Virginia". The Anniston Star. October 19, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Sub quarterback Trocano paces Pitt victory 30–6". The Morning News. October 26, 1980. Retrieved May 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Trocano, Pittsburgh pummel Syracuse". Wisconsin State Journal. November 2, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Pitt stops Louisville". The Dothan Eagle. November 9, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "No. 8 Pitt powers past hapless Cadets, 45–7". Mount Vernon Argus. November 16, 1980. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Pitt edges Penn State, 14–9". The Abilene Reporter-News. November 29, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Pittsburgh pounds South Carolina 37–9". The Palm Beach Post. December 30, 1980. Retrieved January 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "1980 Pitt Panthers Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
^ Gadsden Times. 1980 Oct 19. Retrieved 2018-Dec-16.
^ "Site Unavailable".
^ "Saturday's game rosters". Lawrence Journal-World. (Kansas). September 19, 1980. p. 16.
^ "Football". Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
^ "NCAA College Football Awards - ESPN".
^ "NCAA College Football Awards - ESPN".
^ "FWAA > Awards > Outland Trophy > Winners". Archived from the original on January 2, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
^ "1981 NFL Draft Listing - Pro-Football-Reference.com". Archived from the original on December 21, 2007.

[2018ncaabook-1] 2018 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. August 2018. p. 114. Retrieved November 29, 2018.

[2] "College Football Data Warehouse: Yearly National Championship Selections". Archived from the original on February 11, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2009.

[3] "Nine turnovers, but Pitt wins". St. Petersburg Times. September 14, 1980. p. 7C – via Newspapers.com.

[4] "Pitt sputters, then rolls by Kansas 18–3". The Kansas City Star. September 21, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[5] "Panthers rout Temple despite injury to Marino". The Palm Beach Post. September 28, 1980. Retrieved August 10, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[6] "Pitt stops Terps cold". The Daily Times. October 5, 1980. Retrieved January 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[7] "Seminoles sizzle on". St. Petersburg Times. October 12, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[8] "Pitt rips West Virginia". The Anniston Star. October 19, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[9] "Sub quarterback Trocano paces Pitt victory 30–6". The Morning News. October 26, 1980. Retrieved May 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[10] "Trocano, Pittsburgh pummel Syracuse". Wisconsin State Journal. November 2, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[11] "Pitt stops Louisville". The Dothan Eagle. November 9, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[12] "No. 8 Pitt powers past hapless Cadets, 45–7". Mount Vernon Argus. November 16, 1980. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[13] "Pitt edges Penn State, 14–9". The Abilene Reporter-News. November 29, 1980. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[14] "Pittsburgh pounds South Carolina 37–9". The Palm Beach Post. December 30, 1980. Retrieved January 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

[15] "1980 Pitt Panthers Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 4, 2024.

[16] Gadsden Times. 1980 Oct 19. Retrieved 2018-Dec-16.

[17] "Site Unavailable".

[ljwsgr-18] "Saturday's game rosters". Lawrence Journal-World. (Kansas). September 19, 1980. p. 16.

[19] "Football". Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2009.

[20] "NCAA College Football Awards - ESPN".

[21] "NCAA College Football Awards - ESPN".

[22] "FWAA > Awards > Outland Trophy > Winners". Archived from the original on January 2, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2009.

[23] "1981 NFL Draft Listing - Pro-Football-Reference.com". Archived from the original on December 21, 2007.

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1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football
National champion (DeVold, FR, The New York Times) Co-national champion (FACT, Sagarin) Gator Bowl champion Eastern champion
Gator Bowl, W 37–9 vs. South Carolina
Conference	Independent
Ranking
Coaches	No. 2
AP	No. 2
Record	11–1
Head coach	Jackie Sherrill (4th season)
Offensive coordinator	Wally English (2nd season)
Offensive scheme	Multiple pro-style
Defensive coordinator	Foge Fazio (2nd season)
Base defense	Multiple front
Home stadium	Pitt Stadium
Seasons ← 1979 1981 →