# 1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

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. 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.
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:
* 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 |
| September 13 | 1:30 p.m. | Boston College | No. 3 | Pitt StadiumPittsburgh, PA | ABC | W 14–6 | 44,820 |
| September 20 | 2:30 p.m. | at Kansas | No. 5 | Memorial StadiumLawrence, KS | | W 18–3 | 41,300 |
| September 27 | 1:30 p.m. | Temple | No. 6 | Pitt StadiumPittsburgh, PA | | W 36–2 | 47,071 |
| October 4 | 1:30 p.m. | Maryland | No. 6 | Pitt StadiumPittsburgh, PA | | W 38–9 | 47,409 |
| October 11 | 7:00 p.m. | at No. 11 Florida State | No. 4 | Doak Campbell StadiumTallahassee, FL | | L 22–36 | 52,894 |
| October 18 | 1:30 p.m. | West Virginia | No. 11 | Pitt StadiumPittsburgh, PA (rivalry) | | W 42–14 | 55,130 |
| October 25 | 2:00 p.m. | at Tennessee | No. 12 | Neyland StadiumKnoxville, TN | | W 30–6 | 94,008 |
| November 1 | 4:00 p.m. | at Syracuse | No. 11 | Carrier DomeSyracuse, NY (rivalry) | ABC | W 43–6 | 50,243 |
| November 8 | 1:30 p.m. | Louisville | No. 9 | Pitt StadiumPittsburgh, PA | | W 41–23 | 47,280 |
| November 15 | 1:30 p.m. | at Army | No. 8 | Michie StadiumWest Point, NY | | W 45–7 | 31,150 |
| November 28 | 1:00 p.m. | at No. 5 Penn State | No. 4 | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA (rivalry) | ABC | W 14–9 | 82,459 |
| December 29 | 9:00 p.m. | vs. No. 18 South Carolina | No. 3 | Gator Bowl StadiumJacksonville, FL (Gator Bowl) | ABC | W 37–9 | 72,297 |
| HomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the gameAll times are in Eastern time |||||||||

## Game summaries
### Boston College

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Boston College | Passing |
| Boston College | Rushing |
| Boston College | Receiving |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 6 | 14 |

### At Kansas

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
| Kansas | Passing |
| Kansas | Rushing |
| Kansas | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 18 | 3 |

### Temple

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Temple | Passing |
| Temple | Rushing |
| Temple | Receiving |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 2 | 36 |

### Maryland

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Maryland | Passing |
| Maryland | Rushing |
| Maryland | Receiving |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 9 | 38 |

### At #11 Florida State

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
| Florida State | Passing |
| Florida State | Rushing |
| Florida State | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 22 | 36 |

### West Virginia

| 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
* Statistics
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| West Virginia | Passing |
| West Virginia | Rushing |
| West Virginia | Receiving |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | 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.
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 14 | 42 |

### At Tennessee

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
| Tennessee | Passing |
| Tennessee | Rushing |
| Tennessee | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 30 | 6 |

### At Syracuse

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
| Syracuse | Passing |
| Syracuse | Rushing |
| Syracuse | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 43 | 6 |

### Louisville

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Louisville | Passing |
| Louisville | Rushing |
| Louisville | Receiving |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 23 | 41 |

### At Army

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
| Army | Passing |
| Army | Rushing |
| Army | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 45 | 7 |

### At #5 Penn State

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
| Penn State | Passing |
| Penn State | Rushing |
| Penn State | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 14 | 9 |

### Vs. #18 South Carolina (Gator Bowl)

| 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
* First downs
* Total yards
* Rushes/yards
* Passing yards
* Passing: Comp–Att–Int
* Time of possession
| Team | Category |
| Pittsburgh | Passing |
| Pittsburgh | Rushing |
| Pittsburgh | Receiving |
| South Carolina | Passing |
| South Carolina | Rushing |
| South Carolina | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 37 | 9 |

## Awards and honors

* Hugh Green, Walter Camp Award
* Hugh Green, Lombardi Award
* Hugh Green, Maxwell Award
* Mark May, Outland Trophy

## 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 |

## Media
### Radio

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