Excitement '68 offense!!!

[mrydel]

One of the hardest licks I ever saw passed in football was when Pinky Clements hit Barney Harris on the sidelines returning a punt, I think, for Texas A&M in 1968. That was the game where Mike Richardson set a rushing record which still stands.

It was a devastating blow. I remember the contact like it was yesterday. I was thinking it was Bickey Lesser, but you are probably right in saying Pinky.

[ontheedgeofmyseat]

These are the moments / exchanges I live for here on PF..thanks for the great memories and stories, guys...

[panhandle_pony]

With reference to Pinky's passing, I believe it was the summer of 1990. Pinky had just dropped his wife at DFW to catch a flight. He exited the north end of the airport on to 114, pulled over to the side of the road and died. He was only 43. What a sad story. I loved Pinky and think of him often.

[mrydel]

Whenever I see a golf tourney with Fred Couples I think of Pinky. I always thought they favored each other in appearance.

[TheEmperor2001]

2 back offense with a TE and 2 wide I believe. QB Chuck Hixson probably threw the ball more than just about any team in the country with WR Jerry Levias (who led country in Receptions) and TE Ken Fleming making the most catches. I really think it was one of the first short passing game ball control offenses around-designed by Hayden Fry. SMU also had a 1,000 yard rusher in Mike Richardson. Two most memorable games were 29 point 4th Quarter comeback at Arkansas on National TV that fell just short 35-29 and a what about 29-27 victory over Oklahoma in the Bluebonnett Bowl. Excitement 68 was a media campaign which was plastered on signs all across the city. Little brother to the Mustang Mania campaign in the 70s.

so, when u say 2 back offense... does that mean i-form, or split-back/pro-set (i kno they mightve used both, but do u know if one was preffered?) ... cuz i know the splitback was the most popular passing formation back in those days with the chargers of sid gillman and the rams before that in the 40's using it... just for some clarification

thnx guys, much appreciated!

[ontheedgeofmyseat]

Was Pinky any relation to Gov. Bill?

[Stallion]

I personally don't remember there being an I-Formation but its only been 42 years. Mrydel will know

[No Quarter]

All the above is correct. Darrell Doggett was our fireplug fullback. Frankie Stringer may have been '68 also at WR. Hixson was straight drop back QB. Local sportswriter described him running as a "pregnant cow". Very exciting team that was led by the National passing champion.

My youngest son married into an enthusiastic Auburn family and his in-laws may have been in college at the time of that 1968 game. They remember in Alabama! In part I have to agree. Chuck Hixson was a redshirt sophomore who had never thrown a varsity pass. I believe that Hixson surprised a lot of people. IMO, that team was one of Fry's great achievements in adapting the offense to the talent.

[panhandle_pony]

no ontheedgeofmyseat, Pinky was from Carrollton, Texas - R.L. Turner if I'm not mistaken.

[couch 'em]

- R.L. Turner

Alma Mater of the great Vanilla Ice

[mr. pony]

Chuck Hixson story on cusa-fans.com:
"When The Circus Came To Town"
http://www.cusa-fans.com/articles/cusa- ... 62708.html

[TheEmperor2001]

I personally don't remember there being an I-Formation but its only been 42 years. Mrydel will know

oh, i feel you man but i think usc used the i-form in the 60's with John Mcckay, i can tell you one thing for sure... i greatly appreciate how much you and everyone else has told me about this offense and this team. i mean, im only 17 so this is a great history lesson for me, and i consider myself a student of the game, you really don't know how much i appreciate this.. thnks guys a lot, and keep the responses coming

so, what im hearing is mainly a split-back/pro-set offense, maybe with some variations of some far and near pro-set formations...?

[mr. pony]

All-American John LaGrone, 1966:
http://www.cusa-fans.com/articles/cusa- ... 52609.html

[mrydel]

Lord, it has been too many years but I believe it was a standard pro set split backfield like most everyone ran in those days. It was not the deep set I like Dickerson and James ran out of.