1956 Football - Year In Review

Coaching Staff
Tom Nugent, Head Coach
Hugh Adams, Assistant Coach
Bob Harbison, Assistant Coach
Vaughn Mancha, Assistant Coach
Paul Odom, Assistant Coach
Hugh Taylor, Assistant Coach
Frank Toomey, Assistant Coach

Click here for team picture

Click here to see individual photos
1956 Football

Paula Parsons, a majorette with the Marching Chiefs. She also wore this outfit when she performed with FSU's "Flying High" circus.

1956 Florida State Signees/Newcomers

Billy Atkins, 5-10, 177, HB, Chipley - Tough defensive man...average runner...fair pass receiver...good competitor...needs more experience.

Clare "Bud" Bagnell, 5-11, 198, E, Battle Creek, Mich. - A wrestling champ and all-city quarterback at Central High in Battle Creek.

Bill Booth, 6-1, 205, T, Melbourne - Good speed and pursuit...weak offensively at present...needs experience...should develop.

Frank Clayton, 5-11, 178, HB, Oak Ridge, Tenn. - Junior college transfer...needs much work defensively...fair speed...good pass receiver.

Larry Cummings, 5-11, 180, FB, Kilgore, Tex. - Junior college transfer...durable...good tackler...lacks speed...could develop fast with experience in FSU system.

Bo Davis, 6-1, 195, C, Atlanta, Ga. - Junior college graduate...offensive ability...lacks defensive experience.

Jerry Graham, 6-0, 202, T, Chicago, Ill. - Potential star...top contender for starting right tackle...exceptional blocker...good defensively...needs game experience.

Steve Holton, 6-0, 205, T, Perry

Sid Ingram, 5-10, 207, G, Birmingham, Ala. - Strong...good defensive performer...lacks offensive finese...needs work and game experience.

Stu Keith, 5-11, 188, C, Panama City - Hard worker...lacks experience...developed fast during spring...needs more work defensively.

Bob Keys, 5-9, 192, T, Ringgold, Ga. - Junior college graduate...shows flashes of defensive form...needs work offensively...average speed.

Bill Kimber, 6-1, 185, E, Winter Park - Good speed...better than average receiver...strong defensively...needs work offensively...good punter.

John McClelland, 6-0, 210, T, Conesus, N.Y. - Strong...inexperienced lineman...should develop defensively...showed improvement during the spring...rated as good blocker.

Joe McGee, 5-8, 191, G, Raleigh, N.C. - Quick...good tackler...weak offensively...needs experience.

Wes Minton, 6-0, 180, HB, Jacksonville

Bob Nellums, 6-1, 201, E, Pensacola - Perkinson Junior College graduate...has size, aggressiveness...top contender for right end job...injured during spring drills...should be ready in the fall.

Jerry Philp, 5-11, 188, E, Royal Oak, Mich. - Junior college graduate...better than average receiver...needs work blocking...not too strong defensively at this point...may develop.

Mel Pope, 6-1, 216, C, Tallahassee - Has shown defensive ability during spring...must develop offensively...lacks speed, but has improved with gradual loss of weight...could be dark horse.

Frank Scheible, 5-7, 187, FB, Milwaukee, Wis. - Junior college graduate...durable...stocky...excellent blocker...good pass receiver...lacks speed...may be in contention for number one fullback job.

Mark Trafton, 5-11, 205, G, Jacksonville - Good speed...fair offensively...better than average defensive player...has size and aggressiveness...has played at center and fullback in the past.

Larry Weber, 5-9, 173, HB, Corpus Christi, Tex. - Junior college graduate...injured throughout spring drills...good junior college record.

Ron Wetherington, 6-0, 196, E, Valdosta, Ga. - Didn't participate during spring...recovering from knee operation...may develop fast in fall.

Mack Wood, 5-11, 175, HB, Greenville, Ala. Good speed...good change of pace and a better than average runner...needs work defensively...junior college man.

Bobby Woodruff, 6-1, 212, T, New London, Tex. - Junior college graduate...fair defensively...needs work offensively...no relation to Florida head football coach.


1956 Roster - By Name

From the Florida Times Union, September 2, 1956, page 30 and the 1956 FSU Football Media Guide, page 26
L
T                                                  PY
R No Name                  Pos     Hgt   Wgt  Cl   Ltr  Hometown (Prior School)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  43 Emil Abood            HB      5-10  182  Jr        Jacksonville (Bishop Kenny)
     Hobo Ackerman         FB      5-10  192  Jr        Hopewell, Va. (Hopewell)
* 86 Jim Arnold            E       5-8   170  Jr   **   Bainbridge, Ga. (Bainbridge)
  24 Billy Atkins          HB      5-10  177  So        Chipley
* 60 Leo Baggett           G       5-8   209  Jr   **   Panama City (Bay)
*    Clare "Bud" Bagnell   E       5-11  198  Fr        Battle Creek, Mich. (Central)
* 52 Troy Barnes           C       6-2   198  Jr   **   Chickasaw, Ala.
* 29 Carmen Battaglia      HB      5-8   178  Jr   *    Niagara Falls, N.Y.
* 81 Ham Bisbee            E       6-0   172  Jr   **   Sanford
  75 Bill Booth            T       6-1   205  So        Melbourne (Melbourne)
* 77 George Boyer          T       6-0   223  Jr   **   Jacksonville Beach (Fletcher)
* 62 Bill Brown            G       5-11  212  So-R      Orlando (Edgewater)
     Frank Clayton         HB      5-11  178  Jr        Oak Ridge, Tenn.
* 20 Lee Corso             HB      5-10  166  Sr   ***  Miami (Jackson)
* 78 John Craig            T       6-0   217  Jr   **   Orlando
  23 Hal Cummings          HB      5-9   179  Jr        Clermont
  40 Larry Cummings        FB      5-11  180  Jr        Kilgore, Tex.
  50 Bo Davis              C       6-1   195  Jr        Atlanta, Ga.
* 27 Stan Dobosz           FB      5-8   185  Jr   **   East Chicago, Ind. (Roosevelt)
* 67 Robert Elliott        G       6-1   195  Sr   *    Saint Petersburg (Saint Paul's Catholic)
* 83 Bob Fountain          E       5-11  187  So        Crestview
  74 Willie Gardner        T       6-0   200  Jr        Tampa
* 79 Jerry Graham          T       6-0   202  So        Chicago, Ill.
* 14 Jerry Henderson       QB      5-11  175  Jr   *    Pensacola (Pensacola Catholic)
* 41 Joe Holt              FB      5-10  181  Sr   ***  Graham, N.C.
  71 Steve Holton          T       6-0   205  So        Perry
  68 Sid Ingram            G       5-10  207  So        Birmingham, Ala.
*    Charlie Jacobs        G       5-8   190  Sr        Miami
* 44 Eddie Johnson         FB      5-10  205  Jr-R *    Charleston, W.Va.
* 53 Stu Keith             C       5-11  188  So        Panama City
  76 Bob Keys              T       5-9   192  Jr        Ringgold, Ga.
  84 Bill Kimber           E       6-1   185  So        Winter Park (Winter Park)
* 64 Bud Leonard           G       5-11  192  Sr   ***  Ocala
  71 John McClelland       T       6-0   210  So        Conesus, N.Y.
* 61 Joe McGee             G       5-8   191  So        Raleigh, N.C.
* 22 Buck Metts            HB      5-9   180  Sr   ***  Sanford (Seminole)
  28 Wes Minton            HB      6-0   180  So        Jacksonville (Lee)
* 73 Bill Musselman        T       5-11  215  Jr   *    Lynchburg, Va.
* 85 Bob Nellums           E       6-1   201  Jr        Pensacola (Perkinston JC)
* 21 Billy Odom            HB      5-8   164  Sr   **   Mount Dora
* 66 Al Pacifico           T       5-7   205  Sr   ***  Altoona, Pa.
* 89 Jerry Philp           E       5-11  188  Jr        Royal Oak, Mich.
  51 Mel Pope              C       6-1   216  So        Tallahassee (Leon)
* 10 Vic Prinzi            QB      6-0   178  Jr   **   Waverly, N.Y.
* 15 Bobby Renn            QB      5-11  170  So-R      Henderson, N.C. (Henderson/Davidson College)
* 11 Ted Rodrigue          QB      5-11  180  Jr   **   Lynn, Mass. (Lynn Classical)
  42 Frank Scheible        FB      5-7   187  Jr        Milwaukee, Wis.
* 80 Ron Schomburger       E       6-2   192  Jr   **   Pittsburgh, Pa.
* 23 Johnny Sheppard       K       5-8   195  So        Tallahassee (Leon)
* 12 Len Swantic           QB      5-10  176  Sr   ***  Columbus, Ga.
* 70 Bob Thomas            T       5-11  198  So        Mansfield, Ohio
  65 Mark Trafton          G       5-11  205  So        Jacksonville
* 25 Pat Versprille        HB      6-2   190  Jr   *    Norfolk, Va.
* 26 Billy Weaver          HB      5-10  175  Jr   **   Miami
  28 Larry Weber           HB      5-9   173  Jr        Corpus Christi, Tex.
  88 Ron Wetherington      E       6-0   196  So        Valdosta, Ga. (Valdosta)
  68 Ted Williams          T       5-10  190  Sr        Tallahassee (Leon)
     Mack Wood             HB      5-11  175  Jr        Greenville, Ala.
  77 Bobby Woodruff        T       6-1   212  Jr        New London, Tex.

1956 Roster - By Number

From the Florida Times Union, September 2, 1956, page 30 and the 1956 FSU Football Media Guide, page 26
L
T                                                  PY
R No Name                  Pos     Hgt   Wgt  Cl   Ltr  Hometown (Prior School)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Hobo Ackerman         FB      5-10  192  Jr        Hopewell, Va. (Hopewell)
*    Clare "Bud" Bagnell   E       5-11  198  Fr        Battle Creek, Mich. (Central)
     Frank Clayton         HB      5-11  178  Jr        Oak Ridge, Tenn.
*    Charlie Jacobs        G       5-8   190  Sr        Miami
     Mack Wood             HB      5-11  175  Jr        Greenville, Ala.
* 10 Vic Prinzi            QB      6-0   178  Jr   **   Waverly, N.Y.
* 11 Ted Rodrigue          QB      5-11  180  Jr   **   Lynn, Mass. (Lynn Classical)
* 12 Len Swantic           QB      5-10  176  Sr   ***  Columbus, Ga.
* 14 Jerry Henderson       QB      5-11  175  Jr   *    Pensacola (Pensacola Catholic)
* 15 Bobby Renn            QB      5-11  170  So-R      Henderson, N.C. (Henderson/Davidson College)
* 20 Lee Corso             HB      5-10  166  Sr   ***  Miami (Jackson)
* 21 Billy Odom            HB      5-8   164  Sr   **   Mount Dora
* 22 Buck Metts            HB      5-9   180  Sr   ***  Sanford (Seminole)
  23 Hal Cummings          HB      5-9   179  Jr        Clermont
* 23 Johnny Sheppard       K       5-8   195  So        Tallahassee (Leon)
  24 Billy Atkins          HB      5-10  177  So        Chipley
* 25 Pat Versprille        HB      6-2   190  Jr   *    Norfolk, Va.
* 26 Billy Weaver          HB      5-10  175  Jr   **   Miami
* 27 Stan Dobosz           FB      5-8   185  Jr   **   East Chicago, Ind. (Roosevelt)
  28 Wes Minton            HB      6-0   180  So        Jacksonville (Lee)
  28 Larry Weber           HB      5-9   173  Jr        Corpus Christi, Tex.
* 29 Carmen Battaglia      HB      5-8   178  Jr   *    Niagara Falls, N.Y.
  40 Larry Cummings        FB      5-11  180  Jr        Kilgore, Tex.
* 41 Joe Holt              FB      5-10  181  Sr   ***  Graham, N.C.
  42 Frank Scheible        FB      5-7   187  Jr        Milwaukee, Wis.
  43 Emil Abood            HB      5-10  182  Jr        Jacksonville (Bishop Kenny)
* 44 Eddie Johnson         FB      5-10  205  Jr-R *    Charleston, W.Va.
  50 Bo Davis              C       6-1   195  Jr        Atlanta, Ga.
  51 Mel Pope              C       6-1   216  So        Tallahassee (Leon)
* 52 Troy Barnes           C       6-2   198  Jr   **   Chickasaw, Ala.
* 53 Stu Keith             C       5-11  188  So        Panama City
* 60 Leo Baggett           G       5-8   209  Jr   **   Panama City (Bay)
* 61 Joe McGee             G       5-8   191  So        Raleigh, N.C.
* 62 Bill Brown            G       5-11  212  So-R      Orlando (Edgewater)
* 64 Bud Leonard           G       5-11  192  Sr   ***  Ocala
  65 Mark Trafton          G       5-11  205  So        Jacksonville
* 66 Al Pacifico           T       5-7   205  Sr   ***  Altoona, Pa.
* 67 Robert Elliott        G       6-1   195  Sr   *    Saint Petersburg (Saint Paul's Catholic)
  68 Sid Ingram            G       5-10  207  So        Birmingham, Ala.
  68 Ted Williams          T       5-10  190  Sr        Tallahassee (Leon)
* 70 Bob Thomas            T       5-11  198  So        Mansfield, Ohio
  71 Steve Holton          T       6-0   205  So        Perry
  71 John McClelland       T       6-0   210  So        Conesus, N.Y.
* 73 Bill Musselman        T       5-11  215  Jr   *    Lynchburg, Va.
  74 Willie Gardner        T       6-0   200  Jr        Tampa
  75 Bill Booth            T       6-1   205  So        Melbourne (Melbourne)
  76 Bob Keys              T       5-9   192  Jr        Ringgold, Ga.
* 77 George Boyer          T       6-0   223  Jr   **   Jacksonville Beach (Fletcher)
  77 Bobby Woodruff        T       6-1   212  Jr        New London, Tex.
* 78 John Craig            T       6-0   217  Jr   **   Orlando
* 79 Jerry Graham          T       6-0   202  So        Chicago, Ill.
* 80 Ron Schomburger       E       6-2   192  Jr   **   Pittsburgh, Pa.
* 81 Ham Bisbee            E       6-0   172  Jr   **   Sanford
* 83 Bob Fountain          E       5-11  187  So        Crestview
  84 Bill Kimber           E       6-1   185  So        Winter Park (Winter Park)
* 85 Bob Nellums           E       6-1   201  Jr        Pensacola (Perkinston JC)
* 86 Jim Arnold            E       5-8   170  Jr   **   Bainbridge, Ga. (Bainbridge)
  88 Ron Wetherington      E       6-0   196  So        Valdosta, Ga. (Valdosta)
* 89 Jerry Philp           E       5-11  188  Jr        Royal Oak, Mich.
Lettermen are listed in the Tallahassee Democrat, December 12, 1956, page 14.

1956 All-Americans

Name                     Organization
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Corso                Associated Press - Honorable Mention 

All-Americans -  1

1956 Noles in the Pros

Name                     No      Pos                Team
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Feamster             79      DE-K               Baltimore Colts

Noles in the Pros -  1

1956 Schedule and Results

           
GAME DAY
 
           
FSU
OPP
OPP EOY
DATE
POST
GAME
BOX
SCORE
LOC
OPPONENT
SCORE
AP
UPI
AP
UPI
AP
UPI
REC
09/22
Postgame
Box
H
Ohio
W 47- 7
 
 
 
 
 
 
2-7
09/29
Postgame
Box
A
Georgia
L 0- 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
3-6-1
10/06
Postgame
Box
H
Virginia Tech
L 7-20
 
 
 
 
 
 
7-2-1
10/13
Postgame
Box
A
North Carolina State
W 14- 0
 
 
 
 
 
 
3-7
10/20
Postgame
Box
H
Wake Forest
T 14-14
 
 
 
 
 
 
2-5-3
10/27
Postgame
Box
A
Villanova
Philadelphia, Pa.
W 20-13
 
 
 
 
 
 
5-4
11/02
Postgame
Box
A
Miami
Miami, Fla.
L 7-20
 
 
9
 
6
6
8-1-1
11/10
Postgame
Box
H
Furman
W 42- 7
 
 
 
 
 
 
2-8
11/17
Postgame
Box
H
Mississippi Southern
W 20-19
 
 
 
 
 
 
7-2-1
11/24
Postgame
Box
A
Auburn
L 7-13
 
 
 
 
 
 
7-3
EOY Stats Ref

                Overall   Home    Away   Neutral
------------------------------------------------
FSU record is    5- 4-1   3-1-1   2-3     0-0
Against Top 25   0- 1     0-0     0-1     0-0


1956 - 100 Yard Rushing Club

Name Date Opponent Att Yds Avg TDs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bobby Renn 10/27/1956 Villanova 18 124 6.89 0 Bobby Renn 11/10/1956 Furman 16 119 7.44 1 Lee Corso 10/13/1956 North Carolina State 10 108 10.80 1 Bobby Renn 11/24/1956 Auburn 22 104 4.73 0 Lee Corso 09/22/1956 Ohio 13 104 8.00 0

1956 - 100 Yard Receiving Club

Name Date Opponent Rec Yds Avg TDs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ None

1956 - 300 Yard Passing Club

Name Date Opponent Att Cmp Yds Int Avg TDs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- None

1956 EOY Stats

From the 1957 FSU Football Media Guide, page 48. Overall Team Statistics TEAM STATISTICS FSU OPP -------------------------------------------------------- SCORING....................... 178 116 Points Per Game............. 17.8 11.6 TOUCHDOWNS.................... 26 17 TDs Rushing................. 10 14 TDs Passing................. 14 2 TDs Fumble Return........... 0 0 TDs Punt Return............. 0 1 TDs Interception............ 2 0 TDs Kickoff Return.......... 0 0 TDs Lateral................. 0 0 TDs Free Kick............... 0 0 PAT-ATTEMPTS.................. 22-26 11-17 Kick........................ 20-23 11-16 Pass........................ 0- 1 0- 0 Run......................... 2- 2 0- 1 FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS.......... 0- 2 1- 2 SAFETY........................ 0 0 FIRST DOWNS................... 156 134 Rushing..................... 105 95 Passing..................... 45 33 Penalty..................... 6 6 RUSHING YARDAGE............... 1727 1827 Yards gained rushing........ 2120 1827 Yards lost rushing.......... 393 Rushing Attempts............ 443 Average Per Rush............ 3.9 0.0 Average Per Game............ 172.7 182.7 PASSING YARDAGE............... 960 812 Att-Comp-Int................ 151- 82-11 123- 61- 7 Efficiency.................. 123.74 99.03 Average Per Pass............ 6.4 6.6 Average Per Catch........... 11.7 13.3 Average Per Game............ 96.0 81.2 TOTAL OFFENSE................. 2687 2639 Total Plays................. 594 123 Average Per Play............ 4.5 21.5 Average Per Game............ 268.7 263.9 KICK RETURNS: #-YARDS......... 26- 429 - Average Per Return.......... 16.5 0.0 PUNT RETURNS: #-YARDS......... 25-297 - Average Per Return.......... 11.9 0.0 INT RETURNS: #-YARDS.......... 7-115 - Average Per Return.......... 16.4 0.0 FUMBLES-LOST.................. -15 -17 PENALTIES-YARDS............... 69- 687 58- 599 Average Per Game............ 68.7 59.9 PUNTS-YARDS................... 55-1937 56-1820 Average Per Punt............ 35.2 32.5 Net punt average............ 35.2 27.2 ATTENDANCE.................... 69,295 124,622 Games-Avg Per Game.......... 5-13,859 5-24,924
 1st2nd3rd4th Total
Florida State
47
34
21
76
178
Opponents
21
33
47
15
116
Overall Individual Statistics

RUSHING              G  Att Gain  Loss  Net   Avg  TD Long  Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bobby Renn           9  105  614   18   596   5.7   2        66.2
Lee Corso           10   88  514  158   356   4.0   3        35.6
Buck Metts          10   81  351   23   328   4.0   3        32.8
Billy Odom          10   33  169   13   156   4.7   0        15.6
Billy Weaver         7   32  152    8   144   4.5   1        20.6
Stan Dobosz         10   33  148    6   142   4.3   0        14.2
Vic Prinzi           7   15   61    7    54   3.6   1         7.7
Joe Holt            10    7   21    0    21   3.0   0         2.1
Eddie Johnson        9    5   12    0    12   2.4   0         1.3
Troy Barnes         10    1    3    0     3   3.0   0         0.3
Wes Minton           4    2    3    5    -2  -1.0   0        -0.5
Ham Bisbee           6    2    1    8    -7  -3.5   0        -1.2
Len Swantic          8   25   37   71   -34  -1.4   0        -4.3
Ted Rodrigue         9   14   34   76   -42  -3.0   0        -4.7

Total.........      10  443 2120  393  1727   3.9  10       172.7
Opponents.....      10      1827       1827        14       182.7


PASSING              G   Effic Att-Cmp-Int   Pct  Yds  TD Long  Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Corso           10  117.79  59- 32- 5   .542  369   5        36.9
Ted Rodrigue         9  119.64  34- 20- 3   .588  239   2        26.6
Len Swantic          8  176.88  33- 19- 0   .576  233   6        29.1
Vic Prinzi           7   66.05  22-  9- 3   .409   98   1        14.0
Bobby Renn           9  188.20   2-  2- 0  1.000   21   0         2.3
Buck Metts          10    0.00   1-  0- 0   .000    0   0         0.0

Total.........      10  123.74 151- 82-11   .543  960  14        96.0
Opponents.....      10   99.03 123- 61- 7   .496  812   2        81.2


RECEIVING            G  No   Yds   Avg  TD Long  Avg/G
------------------------------------------------------
Bob Nellums          9  12   182  15.2   5        20.2
Buck Metts          10  12   158  13.2   0        15.8
Joe Holt            10  16   140   8.8   3        14.0
Ron Schomburger     10  16   140   8.8   0        14.0
Ham Bisbee           6   4    68  17.0   1        11.3
Bobby Renn           9   5    60  12.0   2         6.7
Eddie Johnson        9   3    52  17.3   1         5.8
Lee Corso           10   3    46  15.3   0         4.6
Billy Odom          10   4    38   9.5   0         3.8
Jerry Philp          6   3    27   9.0   1         4.5
Jim Arnold           3   1    17  17.0   1         5.7
Carmen Battaglia     4   1    13  13.0   0         3.3
Wes Minton           4   1    11  11.0   0         2.8
Stan Dobosz         10   1     8   8.0   0         0.8

Total.........      10  82   960  11.7  14        96.0
Opponents.....      10  61   812  13.3   2        81.2


PUNT RETURNS         No  Yds   Avg TD Long
------------------------------------------
Lee Corso             7  102  14.6  0     
Buck Metts            6   71  11.8  0     
Al Pacifico           1   36  36.0  0     
Stan Dobosz           2   29  14.5  0     
Bobby Renn            3   20   6.7  0     
Billy Odom            3   19   6.3  0     
Joe Holt              1    8   8.0  0     
Vic Prinzi            1    5   5.0  0     

Total.........       25  297  11.9  0     
Opponent......                      1     


INTERCEPTIONS        No  Yds   Avg TD Long
------------------------------------------
Bobby Renn            2   40  20.0  1     
Lee Corso             2   29  14.5  0     
Len Swantic           2   22  11.0  0     
Buck Metts            1   38  38.0  1     

Total.........        7  115  16.4  2     
Opponent......                      0     


KICK RETURNS         No  Yds   Avg TD Long
------------------------------------------
Billy Odom            8   147 18.4  0     
Buck Metts            6   116 19.3  0     
Lee Corso             5    73 14.6  0     
Bobby Renn            2    27 13.5  0     
Ron Schomburger       2    26 13.0  0     
Stan Dobosz           1    25 25.0  0     
Joe Holt              1    11 11.0  0     
Billy Weaver          1     4  4.0  0     

Total.........       26   429 16.5  0     
Opponent......                      0     


                                            Fum
FUMBLE RETURNS       No  Yds   Avg TD Long  For
-----------------------------------------------
Bob Nellums           4    0   0.0  0   .    1
Bobby Renn            3    0   0.0  0   .    0
Robert Elliott        2    0   0.0  0   .    0
Eddie Johnson         1    0   0.0  0   .    1
Len Swantic           1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Ham Bisbee            1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Vic Prinzi            1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Ron Schomburger       1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Troy Barnes           1    0   0.0  0   .    0
George Boyer          1    0   0.0  0   .    0
John Craig            1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Bill Musselman        1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Bob Fountain          1    0   0.0  0   .    0

Total.........       17        0.0  0        2
Opponent......       15        0.0  0     


                               |-------- PATs --------|
Name                 TD   FGs    Kick   Rush  Rcv Pass  DXP Saf Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bob Nellums           5   0-1     1-2    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    31
Bobby Renn            5   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    30
Buck Metts            4   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    24
Lee Corso             3   0-0     1-1    2-2   0   0-0   0   0    21
Johnny Sheppard       0   0-1    18-19   0-0   0   0-0   0   0    18
Joe Holt              3   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    18
Jim Arnold            1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Eddie Johnson         1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Jerry Philp           1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Ham Bisbee            1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Vic Prinzi            1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Billy Weaver          1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Stan Dobosz           0   0-0     0-1    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     0
Len Swantic           0   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-1   0   0     0
====================================================================
FSU                  26   0-2    20-23   2-2   0   0-1   0   0   178
Opponent             17   1-2    11-16   0-0   0   0-0   0   0   116

Runs and receptions after a touchdown were worth 1 point before 1958
Touchdowns
R
C
P
I
FR
PR
KR
L
FK
Bob Nellums
.
5
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Bobby Renn
2
2
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
Buck Metts
3
.
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
Lee Corso
3
.
5
.
.
.
.
.
.
Joe Holt
.
3
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Jim Arnold
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eddie Johnson
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Jerry Philp
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ham Bisbee
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Vic Prinzi
1
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
Billy Weaver
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Len Swantic
.
.
6
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ted Rodrigue
.
.
2
.
.
.
.
.
.
Total
10
14
14
2
.
.
.
.
.
Opponents
14
2
2
.
.
1
.
.
.
R = Rushing
C = Catch
P = Pass
I = Interception
FR = Fumble Recovery/Return
PR = Punt Return/Blocked Punt
KR = Kickoff Return
L = Lateral
FK = Free Kick Return


TOTAL OFFENSE        G Plays Rush Pass Total Avg/G
--------------------------------------------------
Lee Corso           10  147   356  369   725  72.5
Bobby Renn           9  107   596   21   617  68.6
Buck Metts          10   82   328    0   328  32.8
Len Swantic          8   58   -34  233   199  24.9
Ted Rodrigue         9   48   -42  239   197  21.9
Billy Odom          10   33   156    0   156  15.6
Vic Prinzi           7   37    54   98   152  21.7
Billy Weaver         7   32   144    0   144  20.6
Stan Dobosz         10   33   142    0   142  14.2
Joe Holt            10    7    21    0    21   2.1
Eddie Johnson        9    5    12    0    12   1.3
Troy Barnes         10    1     3    0     3   0.3
Wes Minton           4    2    -2    0    -2  -0.5
Ham Bisbee           6    2    -7    0    -7  -1.2

Total.........      10  594  1727  960  2687 268.7
Opponent......      10  123  1827  812  2639 263.9


FIELD GOALS         FGM-FGA  Pct 01-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-99 Lg
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Johnny Sheppard       0- 1  .000  0- 0  0- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0
Bob Nellums           0- 1  .000  0- 0  0- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0
FG SEQUENCE Johnny Sheppard Bob Nellums
Ohio
None
None
Georgia
None
None
Virginia Tech
None
None
North Carolina State
None
None
Wake Forest
None
28
Villanova
None
None
Miami
None
None
Furman
None
None
Mississippi Southern
None
None
Auburn
24
None
() For made field goals


PUNTING             No  Yds   Avg Long  TB  FC I20 Blkd
-------------------------------------------------------
Buck Metts          26  862  33.2                     
Bobby Renn          22  861  39.1                     
Jerry Henderson      3   93  31.0                     
Stan Dobosz          1   45  45.0                     
Ted Rodrigue         2   42  21.0                     
Billy Weaver         1   34  34.0                     

Total.........      55 1937  35.2                     
Opponent......      56 1820  32.5                     


ALL PURPOSE          G Rush   Rec   PR   KR   IR   FR  Tot Avg/G
----------------------------------------------------------------
Bobby Renn           9  596    60   20   27   40    0  743  82.6
Buck Metts          10  328   158   71  116   38    0  711  71.1
Lee Corso           10  356    46  102   73   29    0  606  60.6
Billy Odom          10  156    38   19  147    0    0  360  36.0
Stan Dobosz         10  142     8   29   25    0    0  204  20.4
Bob Nellums          9    0   182    0    0    0    0  182  20.2
Joe Holt            10   21   140    8   11    0    0  180  18.0
Ron Schomburger     10    0   140    0   26    0    0  166  16.6
Billy Weaver         7  144     0    0    4    0    0  148  21.1
Eddie Johnson        9   12    52    0    0    0    0   64   7.1
Ham Bisbee           6   -7    68    0    0    0    0   61  10.2
Vic Prinzi           7   54     0    5    0    0    0   59   8.4
Al Pacifico         10    0     0   36    0    0    0   36   3.6
Jerry Philp          6    0    27    0    0    0    0   27   4.5
Jim Arnold           3    0    17    0    0    0    0   17   5.7
Carmen Battaglia     4    0    13    0    0    0    0   13   3.3
Wes Minton           4   -2    11    0    0    0    0    9   2.3
Troy Barnes         10    3     0    0    0    0    0    3   0.3
Len Swantic          8  -34     0    0    0   22    0  -12  -1.5
Ted Rodrigue         9  -42     0    0    0    0    0  -42  -4.7

Total.........      10 1727   960  297  429  115    0 3528 352.8
Opponent......      10 1827   812    0    0    0    0 2639 263.9


                        |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS   GP   UT   AT  Total   ForLoss     No - Yards  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Corso           10    .    .     .      .            .          2- 29   .    .    .      .   .   .
Buck Metts          10    .    .     .      .            .          1- 38   .    .    .      .   .   .
Troy Barnes         10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Bill Musselman      10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Ron Schomburger     10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   3   .
George Boyer        10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Stan Dobosz         10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Joe Holt            10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Leo Baggett         10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Al Pacifico         10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Billy Odom          10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bobby Renn           9    .    .     .      .            .          2- 40   .    .   3-  0   .   .   .
Bob Nellums          9    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   4-  0   1   .   .
Eddie Johnson        9    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   1   .   .
Johnny Sheppard      9    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Ted Rodrigue         9    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Len Swantic          8    .    .     .      .            .          2- 22   .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Robert Elliott       8    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   2-  0   .   .   .
Vic Prinzi           7    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Bud Leonard          7    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Billy Weaver         7    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Joe McGee            7    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Ham Bisbee           6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
John Craig           6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Bob Fountain         6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Jerry Philp          6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bob Thomas           6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Jerry Graham         6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Carmen Battaglia     4    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Jerry Henderson      4    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Stu Keith            4    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Wes Minton           4    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Jim Arnold           3    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bob Keys             3    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Mel Pope             3    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Ted Williams         2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Willie Gardner       2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Pat Versprille       2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Emil Abood           2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bo Davis             2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Steve Holton         2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bill Kimber          2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                    0    0     0      .            .          7-129   .    .  19-  0   2   3   .


Game Participation
##  Player                       GP-GS  OU      UGa     VT      NCS     Wake    VU      UM      FU      USM     Aub     
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43  Emil Abood                    2- 0  xx                                                      xx               
    Hobo Ackerman                 0- 0                                                                           
86  Jim Arnold                    3- 0  xx              xx                                      xx               
24  Billy Atkins                  0- 0                                                                           
60  Leo Baggett                  10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
    Clare "Bud" Bagnell           0- 0                                                                           
52  Troy Barnes                  10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
29  Carmen Battaglia              4- 0  xx              xx      xx                              xx               
81  Ham Bisbee                    6- 1  xx              xx              xx                      xx      xx      O & D
75  Bill Booth                    0- 0                                                                           
77  George Boyer                 10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
62  Bill Brown                    0- 0                                                                           
    Frank Clayton                 0- 0                                                                           
20  Lee Corso                    10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
78  John Craig                    6- 0  xx              xx              xx              xx      xx              xx
23  Hal Cummings                  0- 0                                                                           
40  Larry Cummings                0- 0                                                                           
50  Bo Davis                      2- 0  xx                                                      xx               
27  Stan Dobosz                  10- 0  xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
67  Robert Elliott                8- 0  xx      xx      xx              xx      xx      xx      xx              xx
83  Bob Fountain                  6- 0  xx              xx      xx      xx              xx      xx               
74  Willie Gardner                2- 0  xx                                                      xx               
79  Jerry Graham                  6- 0  xx              xx              xx              xx      xx              xx
14  Jerry Henderson               4- 0  xx                              xx      xx              xx               
41  Joe Holt                     10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
71  Steve Holton                  2- 0  xx                                                      xx               
68  Sid Ingram                    0- 0                                                                           
    Charlie Jacobs                0- 0                                                                           
44  Eddie Johnson                 9- 0  xx              xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
53  Stu Keith                     4- 0  xx              xx              xx                      xx               
76  Bob Keys                      3- 0  xx              xx                                      xx               
84  Bill Kimber                   2- 0  xx                                                      xx               
64  Bud Leonard                   7- 0  xx              xx      xx      xx              xx      xx              xx
71  John McClelland               0- 0                                                                           
61  Joe McGee                     7- 0  xx              xx      xx      xx              xx      xx              xx
22  Buck Metts                   10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
28  Wes Minton                    4- 0  xx              xx                                      xx      xx       
73  Bill Musselman               10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
85  Bob Nellums                   9- 9  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D    
21  Billy Odom                   10- 2  xx      xx      O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
66  Al Pacifico                  10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
89  Jerry Philp                   6- 0  xx              xx              xx              xx      xx      xx       
51  Mel Pope                      3- 0  xx              xx                                      xx               
10  Vic Prinzi                    7- 0  xx              xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx               
15  Bobby Renn                    9- 8  O & D   O & D           xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
11  Ted Rodrigue                  9- 0  xx              xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
42  Frank Scheible                0- 0                                                                           
80  Ron Schomburger              10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
23  Johnny Sheppard               9- 0  xx              xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
12  Len Swantic                   8- 0  xx      xx      xx      xx      xx                      xx      xx      xx
70  Bob Thomas                    6- 0  xx              xx              xx              xx      xx              xx
65  Mark Trafton                  0- 0                                                                           
25  Pat Versprille                2- 0  xx                                                      xx               
26  Billy Weaver                  7- 0  xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx              xx               
28  Larry Weber                   0- 0                                                                           
88  Ron Wetherington              0- 0                                                                           
68  Ted Williams                  2- 0  xx                                                      xx               
    Mack Wood                     0- 0                                                                           
77  Bobby Woodruff                0- 0                                                                           

Florida State 47, Ohio 7

09/22/1956, Tallahassee, Fla.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, September 23, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - With Lee Corso wheeling deftly in his new role as quarterback, and Bobby Renn dealing from a fast-running deck, Florida State poured it on Ohio University, 47-7, in an opening football game here Saturday night.

It was the most points ever scored against an Ohio U. team under one-time national "coach of the year" Carroll Widdoes. And it was the first opening-game setback in Widdoes' nine seasons with the Bobcats.

The crowd of 18,312 - one of the largest turnouts in FSU history - saw the Seminoles let loose a balanced attack that brought three touchdowns on the ground, three via air and another on a pass interception.

Smart Work

Looking mighty like the sharpie Coach Tom Nugent hoped he would turn out, ex-halfback Corso handled the reins superbly. Twice he threw touchdowns to end Bob Nellums, a junior college graduate out of Pensacola from whom much more is bound to be heard later.

Corso, throughout, was a passing-running threat that Ohio simply did not know how to stop. He was the game's leading rusher on 104 yards in 13 carries and hit on three of five passes for 51 yards.

Renn, like Nellums playing his first FSU game, scored twice, on a 15-yard run and a 35-yard runback of a pass interception. In 11 rushing efforts, the speedy Davidson College transfer notched 90 yards.

Other FSU touchdowns were added by end Ham Bisbee, on a 25-yard pass from Len Swantic, Buck Metts from four yards out, and Billy Weaver on an 8-yard end sweep.

Ohio's lone TD came on one of the last plays of the first half. Joe Hilles got it on a 2-yard plunge after a 59-yard drive.

It could have been worse. FSU was assessed a whopping 150 yards in penalties.

FSU went all the way from the opening kickoff, covering 75 yards in 10 plays.

Corso faked a handoff, then tore around end for 26 yards to the Ohio 49 on the first scrimmage play. Buck Metts dug for five, Bobby Renn for ten and then Corso picked up six, then overshot Ronald Schomburger with an endzone pass. After a quarterback sneak netted two to the 23, Metts hit the middle for 11 more. But Corso, trying to sweep, was decked on the 23 by end Walt Gawronski.

Back to pass, Corso was apparently trapped but evaded three Ohioans and threw on the run to Bob Nellums, who grabbed it on the 12 and scored as Joe Holt blocked the only man that could have nailed him.

Johnny Sheppard's kick made it 7-0.

Quickly, FSU got another. Jim Hilles brought the kickoff back to the Ohio 25, fumbled when hit and tackle John Craig recovered for the Seminoles.

Len Swantic, at the helm of the No. 2 unit, immediately lined up in the "I" formation, sent his fullback plunging up the middle on a familiar fake, and passed to Ham Bisbee for six points. Bisbee grabbed the ball on the 10, danced easily the rest of the way.

It was a play similar to that Swantic worked in the opener here last year against NC State, one that worked and won, 7-0.

After this mid-first-quarter hot streak, the Seminoles simmered down considerably.

Next time Swantic tried to throw, from his own 20, Hillis was there to intercept at the FSU 41. The Bobcats whacked away on running plays to the 23 and a personal-foul penalty got them to the eight. Norm Laggett gained two yards but the luckless Hilles fumbled on the following run and big George Boyer made it FSU's ball at the two.

Corso got FSU out of the hole with keep-gains of ten and nine yards. A holding penalty ripped FSU britches, however. On the punt, Renn got a bad center snap and end Nick Petroff whipped through to partially block the boot. The Bobcats had a chance from FSU's 26.

With Larry Buckles leading the ground charge, the visitors got to the 11. But no farther as passes went awry, with fullback Holt doing some deft defending.

Shortly before halftime, Schomburger blocked an Ohio punt at the FSU 40. Big guard Al Pacifico picked up the free ball and lumbered with it 45 yards to the Ohio 15, where quarterback Charles Stobart brought him down from behind.

Right away, Corso gave the ball to Renn, who drove off right tackle, cut back neatly and scored.

Sheppard added his second point for 20-0.

Still, Ohio U. had time to pound out a touchdown before the second quarter ran out.

Don Wirtz brought the kick back 16 yards to the Ohio 41. Suddenly, the Ohio rushing attack started clicking off short yardage. With Hilles, Wirtz and Leggett taking turns, the Bobcats moved to the FSU 29.

McBride passed to Leggett at the 16. Leggett struck off five yards, eight and then one. Hilles piled over the left side for the TD from two-yards range. Al Christopher converted.

After he kickoff, FSU had an anxious moment when penalized back to the one. But Prinzi sneaked up to the five as the half ended, 20-7.

FSU quickly repulsed Ohio's initial third-quarter efforts, then rode 66 yards for touchdown No. 4 in six plays.

Renn started it with a swift burst for 23 yards to Ohio's 43. Corso passed to Holt for 11. Renn ran for six but FSU drew a clipping penalty back to the 38. Corso kept and swept to the 25. Metts went wide for eight. On a bootleg sweep, Corso dropped a pass into the hands of Nellums, all alone in the end zone. Sheppard's kick brought it to 27-7.

With Renn a-romping, FSU was away toward No. 5 a couple of minutes later. The Seminoles had things set up for them when Schomburger partially blocked a punt that netted 24 yards and stopped on the Ohio 42.

Renn racked 18 yards in three tries and Vic Prinzi got 11 in two. Another penalty socked the Seminoles for minus 15. Renn passed to Metts for 13 of the 15. Swantic swept to the five but the Tribe was taxed 15 more yards. Renn dashed through, lateraled to center Troy Barnes for a 14-yard gain to the four. Metts went wide for the touchdown. Corso ran the point over, kayoing a would-be tackler en route, making it 34-7.

Early in the final period, Renn and Corso teamed up for a little lateral razzle-dazzle that netted 20 and Metts reeled off 20 more to put FSU in business at the Ohio 20. A fumble stopped it.

Renn brought a payoff seconds later, however, when he intercepted a McBride pass at the 20 and steamed 35 yards behind slick blocking for TD No. 6. Sheppard made it four conversions in as many kicks for 41-7.

Another interception, this time by Swantic, gave FSU a shot from the Ohio 37. Billy Weaver sailed for 22. After Billy Odom lost three, Prinzi came in to connect with Bisbee on a 10-yard pass. From the eight, on fourth down, Weaver sprinted around right end for the score. Nellums missed the point kick, leaving things at 47-7.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Ohio
0
7
0
0
7
Florida State
13
7
14
13
47

1st   7- 0  Bob Nellums, 23, pass from Lee Corso (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     13- 0  Ham Bisbee, 25, pass from Len Swantic (Len Swantic, pass failed)
2nd  20- 0  Bobby Renn, 15, run (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     20- 7  Opp, 2, run (kick), 4:00 
3rd  27- 7  Bob Nellums, 17, pass from Lee Corso (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     34- 7  Buck Metts, 4, run (Lee Corso, run)
4th  41- 7  Bobby Renn, 32, interception return (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     47- 7  Billy Weaver, 8, run (Bob Nellums, kick failed)


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 18 10 Rushes-yards 45-326 143 Passing 99 18 Att-Comp-Int 10-6-1 11-2-2 Total Yards 55-425 161 Punt Returns 3-47 Kickoff Returns 1-25 Interception Ret. 2-54 1- Fumble Returns 2-0 2-0 Punts 2-14.5 6-26.0 Fumbles-Lost 2 2 Penalties-Yds 12-150 1-5 Attendance 18,312 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 13 104 0 Bobby Renn 11 90 1 Buck Metts 6 49 1 Billy Weaver 2 37 1 Vic Prinzi 2 14 0 Ted Rodrigue 5 14 0 Len Swantic 1 11 0 Stan Dobosz 1 7 0 Eddie Johnson 1 5 0 Troy Barnes 1 3 0 Billy Odom 2 -8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 45 326 3 Opp 143 1 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bob Nellums 2 40 2 Ham Bisbee 2 30 1 Joe Holt 1 16 0 Buck Metts 1 13 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 6 99 3 Opp 2 18 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 3 5 1 51 2 23t Len Swantic 1 3 0 25 1 Bobby Renn 1 1 0 13 0 Vic Prinzi 1 1 0 10 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 6 10 1 99 3 23t Opp 2 11 2 18 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Al Pacifico 1 36 0 Ron Schomburger 1 7 0 Billy Odom 1 4 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 3 47 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 25 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 25 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Ted Rodrigue 1 15 Bobby Renn 1 14 ---------------------------------------- FSU 2 29 Opp 6 156 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn . . . . . 1- 32 . . . . . . Ron Schomburger . . . . . . . . . . 2 . John Craig . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . George Boyer . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Len Swantic . . . . . 1- 22 . . . . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 2- 54 . . 2- 0 . 2 . Opp . . . . . 1- . . 2- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
11  Ted Rodrigue
12  Len Swantic
14  Jerry Henderson
21  Billy Odom
23  Johnny Sheppard
25  Pat Versprille
26  Billy Weaver
27  Stan Dobosz
28  Wes Minton
29  Carmen Battaglia
43  Emil Abood
44  Eddie Johnson
50  Bo Davis
51  Mel Pope
53  Stu Keith
##  NAME
-----------------------------
61  Joe McGee
64  Bud Leonard
67  Robert Elliott
68  Ted Williams
70  Bob Thomas
71  Steve Holton
74  Willie Gardner
76  Bob Keys
78  John Craig
79  Jerry Graham
81  Ham Bisbee
83  Bob Fountain
84  Bill Kimber
86  Jim Arnold
89  Jerry Philp

Georgia 3, Florida State 0

09/29/1956, Athens, Ga.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, September 30, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

ATHENS, GA - A stolen pass in the last 6 minutes set things up for a slightly incredible field goal in the last two as University of Georgia's Bulldogs got their silver pants almost scared off them this sunny afternoon by Florida State's battling Seminoles, who finally went down, 3-0.

Tom Nugent's surprising Floridians, who had a first-quarter touchdown nullifies by a penalty, were off and running toward the Georgia goal when Quarterback Billy Hearn swiped a pass from Ronald Schomburger to start the Bulldogs breathing again at their own 38.

A Hearn pass to Roy Wilkins, coupled with tough running by Knox Culpepper and Gene Littleton, brought Georgia to the FSU 23. Three plays later an aroused FSU had the Bulldogs back at the 26, needing 13 for a first down.

Then, Coach Wally Butts, ushered in Ken Cooper, junior end from Tifton, Ga., for his first play of the season.

Cooper came through admirably, kicking the field goal - officially credited at 36 yards - that broke Seminole hearts. It was the longest in Sanford Stadium history and 25,000 predominantly Georgia fans screamed their appreciation.

Even now, a threat

Even then, with a minute and a half left, FSU threatened to ruin Georgia's home opener. Billy Odom burst through for a 34-yard sprint to Georgia's 40 in the closing 10 seconds. But time shut the Seminoles out after one more play.

Losers to Georgia by 14-0 and 47-13 scores the last two years, the Seminoles played Georgia on their own Southeastern Conference terms. Net total offense for each club was exactly the same, 214 yards.

FSU recovered the first-half fumbles in Georgia territory but lacked payoff power. The Bulldogs, save for that trio of scares, dominated play through the first two quarters.

Georgia Outplayed

In the last half, FSU coolly outplayed the home team, but penalties hurt them awfully. The Seminoles were amassed 78 yards in the game versus 40 against Georgia - and 50 of those yards FSU suffered came in the last half.

Georgia turned up with a stunning pass defense and FSU managed only three completions in eight tosses for 18 yards. The Bulldogs passed seldom, hitting two of five for a net of three yards.

Both teams were tenacious in the clutch. FSU stopped one Georgia thrust at its two-yard line.

Buck Metts emerged as the leading runner of the day with 56 yards in 12 carries. Odom picked up 52 in six. Culpepper was Georgia's best with 48 in 11.

The FSU touchdown that was called back came on a 7-yard pass from Bobby Renn to Bob Nellums in the first quarter. That was as close as FSU got, despite repeated threats.

A Georgia Terror

Guard Wayne Dye was a terror for Georgia with 14 tackles. FSU tackle Bill Musselman had seven.

FSU's three fumble recoveries all came in the first quarter. Closest Georgia to Seminole country during that early stage was its own 49.

The Bulldogs received the opening kickoff, had to punt after Culpepper carried three straight times for eight yards to the 29. Buck Metts, a rugged runner all day, brought Jimmy Orr's boot 22 yards to the FSU 44. On third down, from the "I" formation, Renn tried a quick kick. It was partly blocked by Bulldog Jimmy Brown and traveled but nine yards to the Georgia 49.

But Orr fumbled immediately and Nellums recovered for FSU at the Bulldog 49. Renn hit the line three times for but eight yards, then punted neatly out of bounds at the Georgia five.

Bulldogs Stopped

With FSU's No. 2 unit now in on defense, Georgia marched, Orr leading the charge, up to its 41. A 15-yard holding penalty stopped the Bulldogs there. Then the Bulldogs bobbled a pitch out and Bob Elliott got it for FSU at the 25.

Renn gained nothing on first try and a Lee Corso-to-Nellums short pass clicked for seven yards but was nullified by an illegal procedure penalty. Another penalty - too much time - knocked the Seminoles back five yards more. Corso got 10 back on the keep. Then Renn punted from the 25 out of bounds at the eight.

Two plays later Georgia Quarterback Glen Nulley handed the ball back with a fumble recovered by Troy Barnes at the 12.

Metts went wide for five to the seven. Renn found Nellums with an end-zone pass and an apparent touchdown. But an official decided that FSU was holding and set the Seminoles back to the 25. A Corso-Schomburger pass got five yards as the first quarter ended.

An end-zone pass to Schomburger was broken up by Orr and Comfort. Metts ran four yards to the 16, and Georgia took over.

Bulldogs in Hole

The Bulldogs couldn't get out of the hole and pretty soon Comfort punted to the FSU 30, with Metts returning to the FSU 46. Stan Dobosz struck off five and Len Swantic raced around end for nine and FSU's initial first down, at the Georgia 40. Rushing Georgia ends racked Swantic, trying to pass, on the next two plays and Renn punted out at the 14.

A clipping penalty seconds later put Georgia back at its six and Orr's punt was returned five yards by Corso to the Bulldog 46. The Seminoles bogged down and Renn again kicked to Culpepper at the 11.

The Georgia fullback eluded a tackler and skipped 46 yards to FSU's 43 before Metts nailed him.

Sub Fullback Theron Sapp lit out for 14 yards, and Georgia was rolling. Hearn came on the scene at quarterback.

J.B. Davis, Sapp and Hearn alternated to carry to a first down at the 16. Three plays later, Hearn whipped off five yards, when he found no pass receiver open.

FSU stiffened sharply. Sapp fumbled but Hearn regained the ball for the Bulldogs at the seven. Orr was stopped after a 2-yard gain. Halfback Wendell Tarleton, trying to pass, found Joe Holt all over him and grounded it a foot or two from where he stood. Ken Schulte, a heralded passer, moved in at quarterback confronted with a fourth-and-five situation. Schulte found nobody open and ran wide. He was knocked out of bounds a yard and a half from goal. FSU took over with a minute to go in the half.

Corso Cautious

Corso cautiously ran the clock out with quarterback sneaks.

Georgia found little consolation in a halftime tabulation that showed the Bulldogs leading in first downs 6-1, and in rushing, 188-50. Both teams were sticking to the ground, playing it close.

FSU opened the last half with a running display that carried the Seminoles from their 23 to Georgia's 22.

Odom and Metts swapped turns carrying to the 38. Corso hit Holt with an 8-yard pass. Metts bulled for nine to the Georgia 44. Odom and Metts moved it down to the 32. With fourth down and a yard to go for a first, Metts made it to the 30. Here, a turn to passing failed. Holt dropped one when Davis hit him and Nellums gained but a yard on a short one. Corso picked up seven on a sweep but was decked for minus nine on the next play.

Came Georgia's time to march - but in vain.

Sticking firmly to a running game, the Bulldogs pounded all the way to the FSY 19. Culpepper was the wheel of the 13-play drive, with solid contribution from Carl Manning. At the FSU 21, Georgia needed two for a first down. Manning was elected.

Chains were brought in, showing Georgia a scant one inch from new life. FSU took over.

The Seminoles had advanced as far as their 30 when the third quarter ran out.

From the 37 a minute later, Metts punted 45 yards to Orr and Corso brought him down at the Georgia 15. But a holding penalty knocked that beaut in the head and Metts tried again, this time from the 22. It was a 41-yarder that Manning brought back to the Georgia 45.

Lofton's running led Georgia to the FSU 40. Hearn passes went astray. One of them was complete but Schomburger socked receiver Manning for a loss of seven.

Clipping Penalty

Lofton's punt was returned by Metts. However, FSU had to start over from the five after a clipping penalty.

Billy Weaver, Metts and Corso, running hard, got the Seminoles out of trouble. Indeed, the FSU rushing was beginning to look like a payoff punch as a 7-yard plunge by Dobosz brought FSU to its 46.

The Corso went overhead, and it appeared to be a solid strike to Schomburger on the Georgia38. But Hearn stole the ball from his hands as they hit the ground together and Georgia had a final chance with 5 1/2 minutes.

A 12-yard pass, Hearn to Roy Wilkins, was a big lick, putting Georgia at the FSU 47. Culpepper, in tow rushes, got 12 yards. Littleton tore loose for 12 more to the 23. Georgia was penalized five for illegal procedure. Littleton got it back. Hearn, trying to pass, lost three. Another pass was almost intercepted by Metts in the flat. He could have gone the route with it.

Now fourth and 13. Orr held and Cooper kicked the field goal. It was high, but over. There was a minute and a half left.

With Georgia's defense open for passes, Odom on a pitchout raced to Georgia's 40 with 10 seconds to go. Hemmed in, he tried to lateral. It went wild but Barnes covered it for FSU at the Georgia 43. Odom had managed a threatening 34-yard gain but there was time for only one futile play.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
0
0
0
0
Georgia
0
0
0
3
3

4th   0- 3  Opp, 36, field goal, 1:30 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 10 13 Rushes-yards 47-198 50-211 Passing 16 23 Att-Comp-Int 8-3-1 5-2-0 Total Yards 55-214 55-234 Punt Returns 4-57 2-55 Kickoff Returns 2-42 1-9 Interception Ret. 0-0 1- Fumble Returns 3-0 0-0 Punts 6-26.7 4-43.3 Fumbles-Lost 0 3 Penalties-Yds 78 40 Attendance 25,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 12 56 0 Billy Odom 6 52 0 Lee Corso 13 43 0 Stan Dobosz 3 14 0 Bobby Renn 5 13 0 Billy Weaver 2 11 0 Joe Holt 2 6 0 Len Swantic 4 3 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 47 198 0 Opp 50 211 0 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bob Nellums 1 6 0 Ron Schomburger 1 5 0 Joe Holt 1 5 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 3 16 0 Opp 2 23 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 3 8 1 16 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 3 8 1 16 0 Opp 2 5 0 23 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 3 52 0 Lee Corso 1 5 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 4 57 0 Opp 2 55 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 1 22 0 Buck Metts 1 20 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 42 0 Opp 1 9 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 4 110 Buck Metts 1 41 Team 1 9 ---------------------------------------- FSU 6 160 Opp 4 173 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Musselman 7 . 7 . . . . . . . . . Bob Nellums . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Robert Elliott . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Troy Barnes . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 7 0 7 . . . . . 3- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 1- . . . . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
12  Len Swantic
21  Billy Odom
26  Billy Weaver
##  NAME
-----------------------------
27  Stan Dobosz
67  Robert Elliott

Virginia Tech 20, Florida State 7

10/06/1956, Tallahassee, Fla.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 7, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - A swift, rough Virginia Tech football team hustled away from Florida State here tonight with two third-quarter touchdowns that sent the Seminoles to 20-7 defeat.

FSU stayed on the heels of the hurrying Gobblers during the first two periods, coming from behind to tie it up at 7-7 two minutes before halftime.

But Tom Nugent's men, with a trio of halfbacks on the ailing list, were unable to match the two-platoon tactics of Tech in the final half. There was none of the rallying power the Seminoles forged against Tech a year ago when down three touchdowns midway the game, they almost took it out of the fire before losing, 24-20.

FSU had some individual heroics from right half Buck Metts and Bob Nellums, both turning in rugged all-round performances.

Passing Spark

But the only sustained offensive spark FSU was able to strike came when Ted Rodrigue, fourth-string quarterback, came in to throw passes that brought the lone touchdown.

Rodrigue threw 15 yards to nellums for the score.

Completely bogged down in the first quarter by a stubborn FSU defense for more than a quarter, Virginia Tech "awoke" when halfback Bobby Wolfenden took a punt and raced it back 65 yards for a touchdown. The Gobblers were a dangerously different team on offense after that.

From the second half kickoff, they marched 65 yards to another TD. Fullback Bobby Conner scored from the one.

Long Aerial

Minutes later Tech got No. 3. Ray England paved it with a 27-yard punt return to the FSU 38. Two plays later, Jimmy Lugar sailed a 34-yard pass into the arms of Nick Mihales as he crossed the goal line.

It was Tech's third victory in four starts, FSU's second setback in three.

A band-day crowd of 16,783 saw FSU loosen its heaviest passing attack of the young season. The Seminoles hit on nine of 19 for 104 yards. But the only effective weapon in their ground game was Metts, who emerged with 70 of the team total of 80 rushing yards. He carried 12 times. Rodrigue hit on seven of 12 passes for 81 yards.

Metts was on the field for all but one play of the game.

If Tech ad a "star," it must have been Wolfenden. His was the biggest lick with that long punt return for six points. He also picked up 55 yards rushing in 10 carries and punted for a 45-yard average.

The Gobblers had numerous unsung standouts up front. Their work in opening up holes for backs in the last half was something to watch.

Brisk Beginning

The Seminoles started briskly and Virginia Tech sluggishly enough. On the first play from scrimmage, after VPI's opening kickoff went into the end zone, Corso shot a pass to Bob Nellums for a 20-yard gain. But a penalty - familiar FSU bugaboo - nullified it and the Seminoles started over again from the five.

Crisp FSU tackling stopped the Gobblers each of their first three times they had the ball on defense. VPI, however, got large mileage from Wolfenden's punts. He kept FSU backed up with 38, 51 and 55-yard efforts in the first quarter.

After one Wolfenden punt rolled to the FSU 6, Buck Metts swept left end for 20 yards, then lit out off right guard for 15 more, to the 41. That thrust played out when the No. 2 unit came in, with Wes Minton decked immediately for a 5-yard loss.

Wolfenden Scores

It was Wolfenden 55-yard boot to the FSU 16 that set things up for VPI's first-quarter score. Stalled after three running plays, Metts punted from the 23.

Wolfenden hauled it in on the Tech 35, then headed straight up the middle, got a block or two and was on a 65-yard payoff run. Barry Frazee kicked the point and VPI led 7-0 with a minute and a half to go in the first quarter.

Some heady running by Corso put the Seminoles a yard inside VPI territory a little later. Metts and Odom alternated in pushing to a first down at the 34. There Tech's line bowed up sharply. Metts was socked for minus five, then Corso was hit for losses of five and six. Metts punted from the 50, had to do it over again from the 35 when the Seminoles drew a holding penalty.

Tech was on the go again. With Wolfenden and Ray England taking turns behind a forewall that was doing some precise blocking, the Gobblers ripped from their 42 to the FSU 19. FSU's first unit entered the game and Bob Nellums cracked Don Divers on the 27, forced a fumble and recovered it.

That livened up the Seminoles considerably, and from the 27 they cut loose on a time-consuming drive for a touchdown.

The march almost stopped before it got rolling. Metts had to punt but was roughed up after the kick and VPI got a 15-yard assessment that kept FSU alive.

Rodrigue came on the scene for the first time with FSU at its 45. He shot a 6-yard pass to Odom, then an 8-yarder to Nellums. After Joe Holt picked up two, Rodrigue fired again, to Metts in the flats for a gain of 19 to the VPI 20.

Two Rodrigue passes fell incomplete before he connected with Ron Schomburger for a first down on the 10. Rodrigue then threw a strike to Holt in the end zone, but the fullback dropped it after a vicious VPI tackle.

A screen pass to Schomburger lost five and moments later Rodrigue was confronted with a fourth-down-and-15 situation. Nellums weaved loose from defenders, however, and took Rodrigue's pass over the middle a couple of steps from the end zone, bounced across for the score.

Johnny Sheppard came in to kick the point for 7-7 two minutes before halftime.

Still, VPI had time for another threat. Jimmy Lugar passed and ran the Gobblers to the FSU 30 before the clock took things out of his hands.

Tech rambled from the second-half kickoff 65 yards to its second touchdown. It took a dozen runs, one pass.

Wolfenden and Frazee led the charge. Bobby Conner climaxed it by bucking over from one yard out on fourth down. After Len Swantic jumped the gun twice in an effort to block the point-after and rattle the center, Conner tried to run the ball over from the half-yard line. He was stopped cold. Score stood 13-7.

Metts 'Saver'

FSU couldn't muster a first down after the kick and Rodrigue punted. England was almost away on the return but Metts sidestepped a pair of blockers and somersaulted him with a knifing tackle at the FSU 43.

Mett's big effort was in vain. Tech got to the end zone anyway. From the 34, Lugar threw a long one that end Nick Mihales gathered in at the goal line. Frank Webster converted for 20-7.

Opening of the fourth quarter found Tech on another crunching march that carried from the Gobblers' 35 to the FSU 16 before the Seminoles stiffened enough to hold for downs.

FSU couldn't get out of its own backyard. One effort was nipped by Frazee's interception of a Vic Prinzi pass at the FSU 45. Finally, the Seminoles moved into VPI territory on a 23-yard pass from Rodrigue to Corso, now operating at halfback, but VPI's Albert Sebest swiped Rodrigue's next toss.

And that was the last chance FSU had.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Virginia Tech
7
0
13
0
20
Florida State
0
7
0
0
7

1st   0- 7  Opp, 66, punt return/blocked punt (kick), 1:22 
2nd   7- 7  Bob Nellums, 15, pass from Ted Rodrigue (Johnny Sheppard, kick), 1:57 
3rd   7-13  Opp, 1, run (run failed), 8:38 
      7-20  Opp, 34, pass (kick), 4:30 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 10 14 Rushes-yards 36-80 186 Passing 104 71 Att-Comp-Int 19-9-2 6-4-0 Total Yards 55-184 257 Punt Returns 1-15 1-66 Kickoff Returns 5-45 Interception Ret. 0-0 2- Fumble Returns 2-0 1-0 Punts 8-33.9 5-37.0 Fumbles-Lost 1 2 Penalties-Yds 45 45 Attendance 16,783 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 12 70 0 Billy Odom 9 22 0 Lee Corso 9 5 0 Joe Holt 1 2 0 Eddie Johnson 1 1 0 Stan Dobosz 1 -2 0 Ted Rodrigue 1 -5 0 Wes Minton 1 -5 0 Len Swantic 1 -8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 36 80 0 Opp 186 1 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bob Nellums 3 41 1 Lee Corso 1 23 0 Buck Metts 1 19 0 Ron Schomburger 3 15 0 Billy Odom 1 6 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 9 104 1 Opp 4 71 1 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Ted Rodrigue 7 12 1 81 1 Vic Prinzi 1 4 1 19 0 Lee Corso 1 2 0 4 0 Buck Metts 0 1 0 0 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 9 19 2 104 1 Opp 4 6 0 71 1 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Stan Dobosz 1 15 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 15 0 Opp 1 66 1 66t Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 3 35 0 Ron Schomburger 1 10 0 Billy Odom 1 0 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 5 45 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 7 244 Ted Rodrigue 1 27 ---------------------------------------- FSU 8 271 Opp 5 185 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Nellums . . . . . . . . 1- 0 1 . . Bill Musselman . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . . . . 2- 0 1 . . Opp . . . . . 2- . . 1- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   20  Lee Corso
LH   21  Billy Odom
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   21  Billy Odom
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
11  Ted Rodrigue
12  Len Swantic
23  Johnny Sheppard
26  Billy Weaver
27  Stan Dobosz
28  Wes Minton
29  Carmen Battaglia
44  Eddie Johnson
51  Mel Pope
53  Stu Keith
##  NAME
-----------------------------
61  Joe McGee
64  Bud Leonard
67  Robert Elliott
70  Bob Thomas
76  Bob Keys
78  John Craig
79  Jerry Graham
81  Ham Bisbee
83  Bob Fountain
86  Jim Arnold
89  Jerry Philp

Florida State 14, North Carolina State 0

10/13/1956, Raleigh, N.C.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 14, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

RALEIGH, NC - Unable to cut any ice with several early chances, Florida State came back on the twinkling feet of Lee Corso for two last-half touchdowns and a satisfying 14-0 victory over surprised North Carolina State here tonight.

Coach Tom Nugent's Floridians gave the Wolfpack a decisive lesson in ball-control tactics as the totaled up their fourth straight triumph over a slightly favored foe. NC State had the ball for only 40 offensive plays, and most of those came late in the game when FSU had packaged this one up.

FSU ran or passed 74 times, ran up 17 first downs to its opponent's six. NC State intercepted a pair of passes, recovered three FSU fumbles that kept the Seminoles from an even bigger statistical margin.

Corso Runs Well

Quarterback Corso, completing five of 10 passes and running up 108 yards rushing in 10 carries, cracked things open in the third quarter when he weaved 35 yards to score.

Early in the final period, Corso set sail with a punt 62 yards to the NC State 10-yard line. Three plays later, Vic Prinzi passed eight yards to end Bob Nellums for a second TD. It was Nellum's fourth scoring catch of the season.

Johnny Sheppard, a Tallahassee boy, kicked points after both touchdowns, running his record to seven out of seven.

In FSU territory only one time in the first half - and that but barely at the 49 - NC State gave FSU almost no trouble with its vaunted multiple offense. It was the first time the Wolfpack had been held scoreless since the Seminoles won out, 7-0, in an opening game at Tallahassee last season.

Only in the last seven minutes, with FSU virtually home free, did the Wolfpack seriously threaten. Passes finally carried NC State over the FSU goal but a penalty nullified Bill Franklin's 12-yard shot to John Collar.

It was a remarkable FSU effort, considering that both regular linebackers on its No. 2 unit - Fullback Eddie Johnson, Center Bud Leonard - were hobbled with injuries and played little. Ace Halfback Bobby Renn, also injured, played but briefly.

A slim crowd of 10,000 on a fair, cool night watched unbelievingly as FSU pretty well monopolized the action from the kickoff.

Florida State had plenty of first-half opportunity.

NC State received the opening kick, had to punt after reeling off one first down.

Starting from their 36, the Seminoles penetrated to the Wolfpack 36. Billy Weaver's running, spaced with sneaks by Lee Corso and short passes to Joe Holt for 10 and eight yards, had them rolling. A third passing try failed, however. Bobby Renn's punt went out of bounds on the 15. FSU's second unit came in.

Two plays later, Dick Hunter fumbled and Vic Prinzi recovered for FSU at the 22. Prinzi was stopped for no gain and Stan Dobosz lost a yard. A third-down pass was intercepted by Dick Christy at the one-foot line.

Hunter punted to midfield and Dobosz returned to the 37. FSU's first unit was back in now.

Weaver got five, Corso six, Weaver four, eleven and three - all the way to the eight. Here Corso turned to pass. One fell incomplete. Weaver fumbled but Corso recovered. Then Hunter intercepted a Corso throw at the four.

The quarter ended as Corso returned a punt 15 yards to the Wolfpack 31.

Corso ripped off 10 yards. Weaver picked up eight to the 12 in three carries. On fourth down, needing two, Corso tried a sweep, was hit hard, fumbled and NC State recovered at the 15.

Backed up, NC State's multiple offense couldn't click, thanks largely to the driving defensive work of Ronald Schomburger. The Wolfpack punted but had to do it over again from the one after a holding penalty.

Metts took the ball and returned 10 yards to the 23. A Weaver to Len Swantic lost two. A handoff was fumbled and the Wolfpack pounced on it at the 26.

A quick-kick by Tony Guerrier, on third down caught FSU with its defenses down and the ball rolled 60 yards to the FSU 10 and Prinzi was hit after a 3-yard return. The Seminoles moved up to their 37 before slowing and punting.

Two minutes before the half NC State got across midfield for the first time, on a 10-yard scamper by Hunter to the FSU 49. But End Bob Fountain rose up to sock quarterback Tom Katich for a loss of six and Joe McGee swept in from his guard post to deck Katich for minus 10 on the next play. That put an end to that.

The two teams swapped punts early in the third period and FSU started anew from its 14, drove 86 yards in just eight plays for a payoff.

After Billy Odom got a couple, Corso tore loose for 19 to the 35. Weaver bucked for two. Corso rolled out and hit Bob Nellums with a pass at the NC State 42 for a gain of 21.

Renn Takes Turn

Another pass missed. Renn entered the game for his first running try, got only a yard. Corso slanted off right guard for five.

It was fourth and five at the 35. Corso rolled out to his left, got sharp blocking, cut back and went the distance. Johnny Sheppard came in to kick the point for 7-0.

Minutes later FSU forged another threat. Prinzi sailed a 14-yard pass into the arms of Carmen Battaglia at the NC State 36. Clipping was called, however, and the bid was nipped. Metts punted out nicely, a 45-yarder out of bounds on the five.

Hunter punted back and FSU started from its 47. Corso found Nellums with a pass but the end fumbled. Christy got it for the home team as time ran into the last quarter.

Defense Lock Tight

NC State still couldn't unlock FSU's defense. From the 31, Christy punted.

Corso gathered in the ball at the 28, faked a reverse handoff, struck out down the sidelines, cut toward the middle and was all the way to the NC State 10 before Christy, the kicker, got him.

Prinzi came in at quarterback. Dobosz and Metts got but two yards between them as they hit the middle. Then Prinzi, on the familiar rollout to the right, found Nellums on the five with a running throw and the big fellow cruised into the end zone. Sheppard again kicked the point, and the scoreboard read 14-0.

A short punt that took a backward bounce provided FSU with still another shot, this time from the Wolfpack 49. That one played out as NC State tightened up sharply after Swantic ran to the 39.

Thrown back to its 45, FSU punted to the Wolfpack 30. From there, with Bill Franklin heaving passes, NC State started romping.

Big lick was a Franklin strike to Hunter at the FSU 39, a gain of 31. A bit later Hunter connected with Christy on a 22-yard play that carried to the 12. Franklin threw to end John Collar for an apparent touchdown but NC State was detected holding, got slapped back to the 30. Franklin hit Hunter on a 10-yarder, then end John Lowe for eight more to the 12. On fourth down, Collar, clear in the end zone, dropped Hunter's pass. FSU took over with three minutes left.

The Seminoles moved to midfield. Ted Rodrigue was vainly trying to find some pass receivers as the game ended.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
0
7
7
14
North Carolina State
0
0
0
0
0

3rd   7- 0  Lee Corso, 35, run (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
4th  14- 0  Bob Nellums, 8, pass from Vic Prinzi (Johnny Sheppard, kick)


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 17 6 Rushes-yards 61-169 27-57 Passing 94 90 Att-Comp-Int 13-7-2 13-5-0 Total Yards 74-263 40-147 Punt Returns 9-123 Kickoff Returns 1-20 Interception Ret. 0-0 2- Fumble Returns 1-0 3-0 Punts 5-32.8 10-41.2 Fumbles-Lost 6-3 1-1 Penalties-Yds 55 45 Attendance 10,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 10 108 1 Billy Weaver 20 57 0 Bobby Renn 5 19 0 Buck Metts 9 13 0 Joe Holt 2 9 0 Stan Dobosz 5 5 0 Billy Odom 1 2 0 Len Swantic 5 -2 0 Vic Prinzi 2 -3 0 Ted Rodrigue 2 -39 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 61 169 1 Opp 27 57 0 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bob Nellums 3 53 1 Joe Holt 3 28 0 Carmen Battaglia 1 13 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 7 94 1 Opp 5 90 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 5 10 1 72 0 Vic Prinzi 2 3 1 22 1 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 7 13 2 94 1 Opp 5 13 0 90 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 4 75 0 Stan Dobosz 1 14 0 Billy Odom 1 11 0 Buck Metts 1 10 0 Joe Holt 1 8 0 Vic Prinzi 1 5 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 9 123 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 20 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 20 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 2 73 Bobby Renn 2 57 Billy Weaver 1 34 ---------------------------------------- FSU 5 164 Opp 10 412 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vic Prinzi . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 2- . . 3- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   20  Lee Corso
LH   21  Billy Odom
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   21  Billy Odom
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
11  Ted Rodrigue
12  Len Swantic
15  Bobby Renn
23  Johnny Sheppard
26  Billy Weaver
##  NAME
-----------------------------
27  Stan Dobosz
29  Carmen Battaglia
44  Eddie Johnson
61  Joe McGee
64  Bud Leonard
83  Bob Fountain

Florida State 14, Wake Forest 14

10/20/1956, Tallahassee, Fla.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 21, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Racked by the rolling rushes of big fullback Bill Barnes, Florida State had to struggle from behind twice to earn a 14-14 tie with Wake Forest in the rain here Saturday afternoon.

The rain in Campbell Stadium never stopped, but penalties and a rejuvenated crew of Seminoles cut Barnes and the Deacons' attack down to a slow drizzle in the last half.

When Buck Metts dived two yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter and local hero Johnny Sheppard kicked his ninth straight extra point without a miss this season, some 14,000 drenched Homecoming fans were reasonably well satisfied.

Sheppard's toe helped preserve Coach Tom Nugent's record of never losing a Homecoming game here. Incidentally, it was FSU's first tie ball game in Nugent's time.

A Large Point

That big second extra point by Sheppard came the hard way. He kicked one but it was nullified by an illegal-procedure penalty. But he was true enough from five yards further back.

Wake Forest's two conversions were registered by a sophomore named Larry Brooks, who never before had tried his foot in a varsity game.

Barnes, a 185-pounder, whom Nugent says was the best player FSU has faced this year, was as good as billed. He scored both Deacon touchdowns, in the first and second quarter, on plunges of four and three yards. The first six-pointer came after a 39-yard drive that saw Barnes get 28 of the needed yards. A 66-yard kickoff return by Barnes, following FSU's initial touchdown late in the opening period, paved Wake Forest's second score. All told, Barnes got 85 yards in 20 runs from scrimmage.

Officials kept a close eye on Wake Forest holding early in the third quarter and in one span of about five minutes called four 15-yard penalties on the Deacons, three for illegal use of hands. Wake Forest was assessed 104 yards for infractions during the game, with 69 coming in the last half.

A fumbled punt, recovered by FSU and Bob Nellums - a rugged ball player all afternoon, introduced FSU's first touchdown push. When Deane Hildebrand, who fumbled the punt, tried to pull the ball away from Nellums, the Deacons got fined 15 yards for roughing and the Seminoles started on their drive at the Wake Forest 44. Corso scored that one from a yard out.

Despite a rain-soaked field, Corso was steady enough at quarterback. He hit on five of eight passes as the Seminoles mustered a surprisingly good aerial game. FSU connected on 10 of 14 throws. Vic Prinzi, also turning in some bright work in the signal-calling role, completed three of four.

FSU battled 66 yards in the mud to score that tie-bringing touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Corso's passing and running, coupled with timely dashes by Bobby Renn, were the chief contributions.

Renn, approaching full-speed again after nursing a rib injury, racked up 64 yards rushing for the Seminoles.

But as a whole the soggy turf wasn't for FSU. The Seminoles' wide bread-and-butter stuff, designed for their relatively small, fast backs on a dry field, was operating at a disadvantage. Though it rained on both sides, Wake Forest had the pile-driving Barnes to whack the middle repeatedly.

Barnes had some notable upfront help as holes opened for him on the right side of the line. Among the standouts in a ponderous Wake Forest line: end Ralph Brewster, tackle George Johnson, guard Sam Butler.

FSU had first chance of the day with the slippery ball, winning the toss and elected to receive.Three plays from the 30 after the kickoff gained nothing and Buck Metts punted to the Wake Forest 45.

Pretty soon the Deacons punted back, Jim Dalrymple's effort rolling a deadly 45 yards to the FSU three.

Metts promptly booted again, up to the FSU 39.

Payoff Push

In nine plays from the 39, Wake Forest scored. Barnes got 28 in five runs and climaxed things by pounding across from four out. Brooks kicked his first extra point of the season and FSU trailed 7-0.

The Seminoles quickly rallied to tie it up as the ball took some weird bounces.

After the Deacons kicked, off-side penalties stymied FSU and Jerry Henderson punted from the 31 on third down. Guard Sam Butler tore through to block it. The ball rolled back to the three and Henderson covered it there. Fourth down now, and Bobby Renn punted up to the 39.

Hildebrand fumbled the reception and end Nellums hopped on the ball for FSU as Hildebrand engaged him in a wrestling match. Wake Forest drew a 15-yard roughing penalty for Hildebrand's efforts and FSU had a start at the Deacons' 44 as fate turned rapidly.

Renn knocked off five yards. Corso fired a pass to Ronald Schomburger and the end converted it into a 31-yard gain to the eight. Third down found the Seminoles a yard back on the nine. Renn sought Nellums with a pass. A Deacon was judged interfering with the receiver and FSU was provided with a first down at the one. In two smashes, Corso was over. Sheppard came in to kick his eighth extra point in as many tries and knotted the game, 7-7.

Some Return!

Barnes hauled in the kickoff at the 12 and struck out for 60 yards to the FSU 22, where Corso finally pushed him out of bounds. On fourth down, needing seven yards, Barnes made it to the 12 for new life. Barnes then whacked his way to the four, to the three, then scored on the first play of the second quarter. Brooks converted again for 14-7.

Helped along by Renn's 24-yard dash, FSU moved to the WF 37, thence to the 26 on plunges by Metts and Renn. Corso was decked for minus 10, however. Ted Rodrigue came in at quarterback and vainly tried to pass. Metts punted over the goal.

A few plays later, Dalrymple punted for 26 yards up to the FSU 44. This time FSU dug as far as the 29 before running out of downs. Metts punted to the six.

What looked like a sizable FSU advantage went for naught when Nellums crashed in to partially block Dalrymple's punt from the end zone. The ball travelled up to the 10. But Nellums was deemed roughing the kicker and Dalrymple had another chance, this time from the 20 following the 15-yard penalty.

Neither team made any real first-half dents after that.

Heavy Taxing

Wake Forest ran into a staggering series of penalties shortly after the start of the third period. Recovery of a fumbled pitchout, Corso to Metts, gave WF a shot from the FSU 43. Carpenter went wide to the 33. Five plays later the Deacons had drawn three illegal-use-of-hands assessments, 15 yards each, and were back on their own 33.

Dalrymple, trying to punt on third down, got a bad snap and was hit by Schomburger on the 20. His fourth-down boot was returned by Metts five yards to the FSU 47. Thereupon, WF got another 15-yarder for a personal foul and FSU was in position at the Deacons' 37. Renn and Odom spurred a push to the 16 but Len Swantic's last-down pass to Odom at the 13 was short of a first down as the bid played out.

After a punting swap, another FSU attempt died when Corso fumbled and Henry Martin recovered for WF at the Deacons' 38. Once again, a holding penalty shackled the visitors.

The Seminoles were goalward bound as the fourth quarter opened. It was a 64-yard drive and Renn was a big instrument until FSU reached the WF 36. Corso dealt a 22-yard pass into the hands of Schomburger at the 14. Metts got one and Corso, on the keep, dug to the three. On third down, Metts dived across from the two.

He Made It

On Sheppard's first try for the all-important point, Dalrymple partially blocked it. Still it went through. But FSU was penalized five for illegal procedure. Sheppard, booting the ball from the 13, made it anyhow for 14-14.

FSU's kickoff was short, and it was a break. David Lee fielded the the ball, fumbled, and Nellums recovered for FSU at the WF 41. The Seminoles got taxed for holding, however, and Henderson punted to the nine.Dalrymple replied after two futile running tries with a kick to the FSU 47. The Seminoles were on the jump again. Prinzi passed to Corso, now playing halfback for 17 and to Nellums for three. Prinzi dashed to the 26, Stan Dobosz made it to the 23, Corso to the 17, Metts to the 11, Corso to the five.

On fourth down, needing three, the Seminoles couldn't make up their minds whether to try a field goal or not and drew a 5-yard penalty for delay. With the ball on the 10, Nellums tried a field goal from the 18. The kick was low, never reached the goal posts.

Wake Forest wasn't playing to tie. Carpenter fired passes that carried across midfield and on the last play of the game the quarterback ran to the FSU 30 before he was stopped.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Wake Forest
7
7
0
0
14
Florida State
7
0
0
7
14

1st   0- 7  Opp, 4, run (kick)
      7- 7  Lee Corso, 1, run (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
2nd   7-14  Opp, 4, run (kick)
4th  14-14  Buck Metts, 1, run (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     14-14  Bob Nellums, 28, field goal failed, 1:39 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 13 5 Rushes-yards 52-147 141 Passing 95 16 Att-Comp-Int 14-10-0 7-2-0 Total Yards 66-242 157 Punt Returns 1-5 Kickoff Returns 4-54 Interception Ret. 0-0 0-0 Fumble Returns 2-0 3-0 Punts 9-32.3 10-30.7 Fumbles-Lost 3 2 Penalties-Yds 60 104 Attendance 14,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 13 63 0 Buck Metts 10 31 1 Lee Corso 15 23 1 Billy Weaver 3 13 0 Vic Prinzi 4 10 0 Billy Odom 3 8 0 Joe Holt 1 3 0 Stan Dobosz 2 2 0 Ted Rodrigue 1 -6 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 52 147 2 Opp 141 2 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Ron Schomburger 5 48 0 Bob Nellums 2 18 0 Lee Corso 1 16 0 Stan Dobosz 1 8 0 Billy Odom 1 5 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 10 95 0 Opp 2 16 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 5 8 0 48 0 Vic Prinzi 3 4 0 34 0 Bobby Renn 1 1 0 8 0 Len Swantic 1 1 0 5 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 10 14 0 95 0 Opp 2 7 0 16 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 5 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 5 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 1 20 0 Bobby Renn 1 19 0 Joe Holt 1 11 0 Billy Weaver 1 4 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 4 54 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 7 218 Jerry Henderson 1 37 Bobby Renn 1 36 ---------------------------------------- FSU 9 291 Opp 10 307 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Nellums . . . . . . . . 2- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . . . . 2- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . . . . 3- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
11  Ted Rodrigue
12  Len Swantic
14  Jerry Henderson
21  Billy Odom
23  Johnny Sheppard
26  Billy Weaver
27  Stan Dobosz
44  Eddie Johnson
53  Stu Keith
##  NAME
-----------------------------
61  Joe McGee
64  Bud Leonard
67  Robert Elliott
70  Bob Thomas
78  John Craig
79  Jerry Graham
81  Ham Bisbee
83  Bob Fountain
89  Jerry Philp

Florida State 20, Villanova 13

10/27/1956, Philadelphia, Pa.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 28, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Florida State caught Villanova off balance with an assortment of payoff weapons here Saturday night and paraded smartly to a fairly emphatic 20-13 victory.

Seminole Sophomore Bobby Renn, physically fit for the first time since the Georgia game, pestered the Wildcats all evening long.

The 170-pound halfback tore through Villanova's giant linemen for 124 yards in 78 carries. Twice he helped nip Wildcat threats with fumble recoveries. And twice he quick-kicked beautifully, getting off 49 and 46-yard boots that compounded multiple Villanova frustration.

Playing its first home game before a municipal stadium turnout of 42,691 - a remote cry from the 100,000 that Athletic Director Bud Dudley had hoped to attract with a chain-store promotion - the Wildcats mustered some vicious running and precision passing.

But an FSU defense, which seldom made itself felt except in the clutch, forced fumbles numerous times and the Seminoles recovered four of them in the first half.

Scoring on the last play of both the first and second quarters, FSU led 13-0 midway the third stanza but the Seminoles quickly matched it. A final Villanova touchdown came in the closing three minutes with FSU reserves on the field.

Following recovery of a fumble at the Villanova 26, FSU scored its first touchdown in four plays, with Quarterback Vic Prinzi sweeping end from nine yards out. The second score came on Ted Rodrigue's 29-yard pass to Bob Nellums in the end zone. It was the fifth touchdown pass snared by the Pensacola end this season.

After that No. 2 TD, Specialist Johnny Sheppard had his extra-point string broken at 10 when Tackle Ron Wood blocked his kick. The Tallahassee boy hasn't missed the ones he has been able to get away, now has 11 of 12.

Villanova scored first with a 60-yard march on the heels of a pass interception. The sharp passing of Billy Magee led the way and John Ferruolo skirted end from two yards out for six points.

What hopes the Wildcats had of going ahead were immediately blunted when the Seminoles retaliated with a 75-yard scoring parade. Renn's running was the big lick.

But it was Lee Corso's 9-yard pass to Joe Holt in the end zone that finally moved FSU in front 20-7.

Penalties helped Villanova to its second touchdown. A pass-interference ruling moved the ball from the FSU 23 to the two, from where Joe Grazione slipped across.

FSU's pass defense, third in the nation before tonight, was penetrated consistently by the sharpshooting Magee, who hit eight of 13 for 111 yards. Grazione added two of two for 31 yards. With 187 yards rushing and 142 passing, Villanova easily outdistanced any other foe FSU has met this season in its offensive total.

The Seminoles, however, were highly encouraged by their own offense. Running looked much improved, and the Seminoles outrushed the Wildcats, 227 to 187. And passing brought two touchdowns, though only six completions out of 13 for 70 yards.

Suitable Evening

It was quite a suitable evening for football, with the temperature about 50 degrees and the air - whipped up by a brisk wind off the Delaware River - a little nippy but not too cold. The field was a bit damp from Friday rains but looked in good shape.

FSU's circus wrapped up its pre-game show an hour before the 7:30 kickoff. Over half the crowd arriving after the last act, missed a treat.

But all got big kicks at halftime when the FSU band reeled off its precision drills and made the concrete walls of the Mammoth Stadium rock with melodious echoes.

Villanova ran out on the field a team designed along the lines of the stadium - big. FSU won the toss, elected to kick off, taking the North end of the field with the wind in its favor.

In an even dozen plays, punctuated sharply by two passes, Villanova was knocking at FSU's 22-yard line. Billy Magee hit back John Bauer with a 22-yarder that carried to the FSU 49 and a little later found Tony Varrechione for 13 and a first down at the 22.

But when Magee threw his third pass of the game Lee Corso picked it off at the three and stepped to the seven before being tackled.

After one running effort, Bobby Renn quick-kicked 49 yards to the Villanova 44.

Bauer sailed 10 yards with a pitchout and again the Wildcats were bidding. John Ferruolo was racked for minus four by Bob Nellums, however, and put a crimp into that opportunity. Ferruolo punted out at the 17.

With Renn romping for 11, five and four yards and Corso passing 13 yards to Joe Holt, the Seminoles pushed to midfield. Ted Rodrigue's pass skipped off Nellums' fingertips at the 15. Another pass missed. Renn punted out at the 26.

The drift of the game shifted quickly as Rick Sapienza fumbled and guard Bob Elliott recovered for FSU at the 27.

Prinzi Goes Over

Prinzi, on a roll-out, dashed around end to the 17. Billy Weaver went wide for seven and Billy Odom got one off tackle to the nine. Prinzi rolled out again and swept into the corner of the end zone.

Sheppard came in to kick the point on the last play of the quarter for 7-0.

Villanova marched after the kickoff to the FSU 41, spurred by the smashing runs of Bauer and Jack Deveraux. Then Magee fumbled and Renn recovered for the Seminoles at the 38.

Next play Ferruolo intercepted a Corso pass. He dropped the ball after stepping out of bounds but the interception stood.

To complete a cycle of miscues, Ferruolo on the next play fumbled after a hefty gain and Renn was again there to pounce on the ball for FSU at the 24.

From the 30 three plays later, Renn quick-kicked 46 yards to the Villanova 24.

Magee sent his big backs, Bauer and Deveraux, crashing in a drive that ripped all the way to FSU's 12 before the Seminoles stiffened enough to stop it.

Backed up at the seven following three plays, FSU got out of the hole on Buck Metts' 35-yard punt. One try from scrimmage and Villanova coughed up its fourth fumble of the first half, this time by Bauer. Ronald Schomburger got it for FSU at the Seminoles' 43.

With the quarter racing away, Metts dug for six and Renn for seven. Corso nailed Schomburger with a 13-yard pass at the 31, then threw again to the end for two to the 29.

Rodrigue entered the game and on the last scrimmage play of the half pitched a strike to Nellums in the end zone. It was 13-0 when Wood blocked Sheppard's point kick.

'Break' No Help

The Seminoles couldn't cash in a "break" early in the third quarter. A fourth-down punt by Bauer, kicking against the wind, carried only 11 yards and the Seminoles has a start at the Villanova 36.

Renn knocked out nine to the 27 but Deveraux found a clear path to Corso a moment later and decked the quarterback for a loss of 14. Metts punted out at the 17.

Tightening up against Villanova's ground game, the Seminoles forced the home team back to the 10, thanks mostly to Elliott's racking of Magee for minus 10. After another punt, an FSU threat got nipped when Bauer intercepted Prinzi's pass.

From there, the Wildcats hung on to the passing arm of Magee for a touchdown. From the 50, the quarterback hit big (6-5, 230) end Gene O'Pella with a 14-yarder. Then O'Pella got loose in the right flats, grabbed another and lumbered 30 yards to the five before being driven out of bounds.

After Ferruolo picked up two, Magee fed the ball to Rollie West, 215-pound Negro fullback, for the first time during the game. West got to the two, then plunged over on the next play. An offsides penalty nullified it, however.

Ferruolo Sweeps End

West smashed from the seven to the two. On fourth down, as FSU tensed for an expected plunge, Ferruolo swept around right end and scored. Bauer's kick made it 13-7.

FSU struck back promptly, whipping 75 yards in 11 plays under Corso's direction. They stuck to the ground for all but the payoff play and Renn was a driving workhorse, bagging 50 yards in six trips.

Second down on the Villanova nine and Corso rolled out to his right, then whipped a pass into the ready hands of Holt in the end zone. Sheppard converted for 20-7 with a minute gone in the last period.

Utilizing West's power, Villanova probed to the FSU 42. Schomburger ended that by racking Magee for a loss of 13. FSU in turn, got some slashing ball-toting from Stan Dobosz and rambled to the Wildcats' 30 before a holding penalty stymied the attack.

FSU Reserves In

With five minutes to go, Villanova moved in talented sophomore Jim Grazione at quarterback and the Wildcats got a touchdown on a penalty-paced march of 78 yards against FSU reserves.

A personal foul assessment started Villanova rolling. Grazione passed 10 yards to Sapienza. Another Grazione pass was tipped by Van Iniaian into the hands of fellow end Paul Laughlin for a 20-yard gain to the FSU 23.

Trying to pass again, Grazione was hit on the 29 but interference was ruled and Villanova was handed the ball at the one. Grazione sneaked over. Bauer's kick was wide and it stayed 20-13.

FSU stayed on the ground, Corso and Renn ran alternately and the Seminoles were at the Villanova 29 as time ran out.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
7
6
0
7
20
Villanova
0
0
7
6
13

1st   7- 0  Vic Prinzi, 9, run (Johnny Sheppard, kick),  0:00
2nd  13- 0  Bob Nellums, 29, pass from Ted Rodrigue (Johnny Sheppard, kick blocked), 0:03 
3rd  13- 7  Opp, 2, run (kick), 3:30 
4th  20- 7  Joe Holt, 9, pass from Lee Corso (Johnny Sheppard, kick), 14:20
     20-13  Opp, 2, run (kick failed)


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 19 20 Rushes-yards 44-227 56-187 Passing 70 142 Att-Comp-Int 15-6-2 15-10-1 Total Yards 59-297 71-329 Punt Returns 1-4 Kickoff Returns 2-48 Interception Ret. 1-3 2- Fumble Returns 4-0 0-0 Punts 6-33.0 4-26.0 Fumbles-Lost 0 4 Penalties-Yds 77 65 Attendance 42,691 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 18 124 0 Stan Dobosz 5 48 0 Vic Prinzi 5 22 1 Buck Metts 5 13 0 Lee Corso 7 7 0 Billy Weaver 1 7 0 Billy Odom 2 4 0 Eddie Johnson 1 2 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 44 227 1 Opp 56 187 2 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bob Nellums 1 29 1 Joe Holt 3 26 1 Ron Schomburger 2 15 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 6 70 2 Opp 10 142 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 4 7 1 36 1 Ted Rodrigue 1 3 0 29 1 Vic Prinzi 1 5 1 5 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 6 15 2 70 2 Opp 10 15 1 142 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 1 4 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 4 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 24 0 Lee Corso 1 24 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 48 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 2 95 Buck Metts 3 83 Jerry Henderson 1 20 ---------------------------------------- FSU 6 198 Opp 4 104 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Elliott . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Ron Schomburger . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Lee Corso . . . . . 1- 3 . . . . . . Bobby Renn . . . . . . . . 2- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 1- 3 . . 4- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 2- . . . . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
11  Ted Rodrigue
14  Jerry Henderson
21  Billy Odom
23  Johnny Sheppard
##  NAME
-----------------------------
26  Billy Weaver
27  Stan Dobosz
44  Eddie Johnson
67  Robert Elliott

Miami 20, Florida State 7

11/02/1956, Miami, Fla.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 3, 1956, page 7, by Bill McGrotha.

MIAMI, FL - A poised and superior University of Miami football team dominated action until the last quarter here Friday night but had to settle in the end for a 20-7 decision over Florida State.

The unbeaten Hurricanes, ranked ninth in the nation, repeatedly stymied FSU's upset-designed offensive strategy with a hard-charging defense.

Brilliant passing by Bonnie Yarbrough, a lefthanded sophomore, riddled the Seminoles in the first half. The Jacksonville quarterback wound up the evening hitting nine of 15 but he hit seven of nine in the first and second quarters.

Miami led 13-0 at the midway point and extended the margin to 20-0 before the Seminoles got their one and only on Lee Corso's two-yard run with three minutes remaining.

Plevel Scores Two

Joe Plevel, up until last night a fourth-string quarterback, scored twice for the Hurricanes, on a one-yard sneak and a 14-yard tackle run. Yarbrough got the other one from a yard out.

Such stars as quarterback Sam Scarnecchia, halfback John Bookman, tackle Chuck Devore, center Mike Hudock and end Jack Johnson sat this one out, nursing bruises from last week's 14-0 win over Texas Christian.

Though Miami stacked up 108 yards passing and 260 rushing, it needed the help of a fumble recovery and pass interception for two of its touchdowns. No. 1 came after an FSU bobble at its 23. No. 3 was set up on John Barone's theft of a Ted Rodrigue pass at the FSU 48. The middle TD came the hard way, on a 94-yard drive spurred by Yarbrough and All-American Fullback candidate Don Bosseler.

For the first time this season, Bosseler yielded ground-gaining honors in a game. He got but 40 yards in 11 carries. Three teammates did better. Bill Seibel led with 51 in nine. Paul Hefti picked up 45 in eight and Plevel 41 in eight.

Renn Kicks Long

Until Rodrigue started clicking with passes in the closing minutes about all FSU had to cheer about was Bobby Renn's extraordinary punting. The soph halfback kicked four times for a whopping average of 53. And Buck Metts chipped in with two punts that averaged 46 apiece.

Rodrigue connected on eight of 11 throws for 102 yards. He was in there at quarterback, with Corso operating from halfback, when the FSU touchdown came.

Metts caught four passes for 60 yards.

A couple of minutes before FSU scored, capping a 45-yard march, the Seminoles had a touchdown canceled by a penalty for illegal shifting. From the one-yard line, Rodrigue had passed to Stan Dobosz in the end zone. The penalty put the tribe back to the 16 and two plays later had to yield on downs at the 12.

A last-minute FSU drive which carried to the Miami 20 was nipped on Vester Newcomb's interception of a Corso pass.

A shirt-sleeved crowd of 36,925, smallest Orange Bowl turnout of the year for a Miami game, whooped it up as the Hurricanes beat FSU for the fourth time in as many starts. Miami now stands 5-0-1 for the season versus 3-3-1 for FSU.

Couldn't Move

Perhaps the biggest factor was FSU's inability to move the ball on the ground. The Seminoles netted 43 yards rushing in 30 attempts, but then, all teams have found the Miamians hard to run against. UM ranks fifth nationally in rushing defense and undoubtedly will move up next week.

FSU got an early taste of that tenacious Miami defense after the home team won the toss and elected to defend the west goal, with the wind in its favor. The Seminoles chose to receive. Two runs got only a couple of yards and Bobby Renn booted a neat quick-kick to the Miami 22, a 56-yard effort.

In 13 well sorted plays Miami was in scoring position. Yarbrough was the general. He hit three out of three passes, all to different receivers, for a total of 27 yards, sent Bosseler crashing up the middle and Seibel, an unheralded sophomore, around the ends. But it all played out when Ed Oliver coughed up the ball at the FSU seven under Eddie Johnson's pressure tackle. The ball rolled to the one where Johnson recovered for the Seminoles.

Plevel Recovers

Hard smashes by Corso and Renn brought FSU out of the hole to the 24. Then Oliver struck Corso down for minus nine to the 15. Renn got most of the yardage back but fumbled and Plevel covered the pigskin for Miami at the 23.

In four dashing plays, the Hurricanes scored. After Joe Holt decked Terry Stewart for minus two, Quarterback Plevel, unable to find a pass receiver, scooted up the middle to the 10. Varone hit out off tackle to the one, from where Plevel scored with a minute and a half to go in the first quarter. Oliver's conversion made it 7-0.

FSU got no further than its 39 following the kick and finally had to punt from the 25 when Oliver again belted Corso for a loss, this time of 13 yards. Metts' kick was a beaut, going 55 yards to the UM 20. Miami was caught clipping on the play and drew a penalty that put them back on the six.

It wasn't far enough. In 17 plays the Hurricanes swept up the 94 yards to goal. Again Bosseler, Seibel and Yarbrough keyed the drive. Seibel dug for 12 and 15 yards to lead the charge to midfield, then caught 11 and 13-yard passes from Yarbrough that UM to the FSU 27. Yarbrough hit Don Johnson for 12 and Bosseler for five that put the ball on the 11. In three carries Bosseler was to the one and Yarbrough sneaked over from there. Oliver's point kick was wide and the count stood 130-0 until the half, same score it was at the same time a year ago when Miami won out 34-0.

Fountain Grabs It

Before the midway whistle, Miami found time for another push. A Plevel-Stewart pass netted 27 yards for the big lick of the series. A halt was called, however, when Phil Bennett fumbled after catching Yarbrough pass. Bob Fountain recovered for the Seminoles at the FSU 27.

There was only a minute left in the half when FSU got its first pass completion, a 7-yarder from Vic Prinzi to Johnson.

All told, FSU mustered only 33 yards on offense during the first half, compared to 239 for Miami. Miami led in first downs, 15-3. FSU hadn't crossed midfield.

The Seminoles received the third-quarter kickoff but found the going no easier. Renn's punt was a 58-yard nifty to the Miami 32.

Miami continued to move. Runs by Hefti and Yarbrough put the Hurricanes in position at the FSU 31. Varone apparently caught a Yarbrough pass but Renn swiped it from him at the 18 to derail that attack.

A pass-interference ruling on a Rodrigue pass intended for Ronald Schomburger helped FSU navigate up to its 47. Rodrigue connected on passes to Metts for 12 and to Holt for five in the short march. Things ground to a stop when Varone picked off Rodrigue throw and ran back with the interception to the FSU 48.

Miami moved to its third touchdown.

Plevel Runs

Confronted with a fourth-and-four situation at the 41, the confident Plevel elected to run for it. He made it in fine fashion, digging for nine to the 32. Varone skipped for seven. Bill Sande carried twice for 11 to the 14. Plevel found a hole off left tackle and sprinted over the goal. Oliver's point brought things to 20-0 three minutes before the fourth period.

Backed up to its five early in the last quarter Renn punted beautifully again, 59 yards to the Miami 36.

With about 10 minutes to go, FSU got in Miami territory for the first time. A UM drive ran out of gas at the FSU 44. Rodrigue passed to Metts for 21 to the 35, then to Schomburger for 13. After Metts got three, he again grabbed a pass from Rodrigue for 12 to the seven. A Miami offsides gave FSU a first down on the two.

Big Penalty

But the Seminoles couldn't cash it. Dobosz smashed to the two. Then FSU was taxed 15 yards for illegal shifting as Rodrigue's pass was nabbed by Dobosz in the end zone. Back to the 16 now, Rodrigue was nailed for minus seven. A pass fell incomplete. Rodrigue ran to the 12 in a vain fourth-down effort.

FSU made good on a second opportunity moments later. Corso brought Miami's second punt of the game back eight yards to the Hurricane 45. Rodrigue passed to Metts for 18 to the 27, then to Corso for 20 to the seven. A penalty gave the Seminoles a shot at the two. Corso went wide to the right and scored. Johnny Sheppard kicked his 12th extra point in 13 tries for 20-7 with 2:59 left in the game.

The Semoinoles worked a successful onside kick, Renn covering the ball at Miami's 44. Prinzi passed to Odom for 13. In two runs, Prinzi got the to 20 for a first down. Prinzi handed to Corso, who passed. Newcomb intercepted for Miami at the 14. Seconds later it was all over.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
0
0
7
7
Miami
7
6
7
0
20

1st   0- 7  Opp, 1, run (kick)
2nd   0-13  Opp, 1, run (kick failed), 6:00 
3rd   0-20  Opp, 14, run (kick), 3:00 
4th   7-20  Lee Corso, 2, run (Johnny Sheppard, kick), 3:00 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 12 22 Rushes-yards 31-53 53-260 Passing 121 108 Att-Comp-Int 18-9-2 19-11-0 Total Yards 49-174 72-368 Kickoff Returns 7-114 Interception Ret. 0-0 2-9 Fumble Returns 3-0 2-0 Punts 6-50.7 2-34.5 Fumbles-Lost 2 3 Penalties-Yds 65 65 Attendance 36,931 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 6 15 0 Vic Prinzi 3 11 0 Stan Dobosz 3 11 0 Ted Rodrigue 3 6 0 Billy Weaver 2 5 0 Billy Odom 1 3 0 Buck Metts 4 2 0 Eddie Johnson 1 2 0 Lee Corso 8 -2 1 --------------------------------------------- FSU 31 53 1 Opp 53 260 3 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 4 60 0 Lee Corso 1 23 0 Ron Schomburger 1 13 0 Billy Odom 1 12 0 Eddie Johnson 1 7 0 Joe Holt 1 6 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 9 121 0 Opp 11 108 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Ted Rodrigue 8 11 0 114 0 Vic Prinzi 1 5 1 7 0 Lee Corso 0 2 1 0 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 9 18 2 121 0 Opp 11 19 0 108 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 3 65 0 Ron Schomburger 1 16 0 Lee Corso 1 14 0 Buck Metts 1 11 0 Bobby Renn 1 8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 7 114 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 4 212 Buck Metts 2 92 ---------------------------------------- FSU 6 304 Opp 2 69 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe Holt 7 2 9 . . . . . . . . . Troy Barnes 5 3 8 . . . . . . . . . Lee Corso 5 2 7 . . . . . . . . . Ron Schomburger 4 2 6 . . . . . . . . . Bill Musselman 4 1 5 . . . . . . . . . Buck Metts 4 . 4 . . . . . . . . . Joe McGee 3 1 4 . . . . . . . . . Bob Nellums 3 1 4 . . . . . . . . . Stan Dobosz 2 2 4 . . . . . . . . . Bobby Renn 3 . 3 . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Leo Baggett 3 . 3 . . . . . . . . . Al Pacifico 2 1 3 . . . . . . . . . Jerry Graham 2 1 3 . . . . . . . . . Eddie Johnson 2 . 2 . . . . . 1- 0 1 . . Bob Fountain 2 . 2 . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Bud Leonard 2 . 2 . . . . . . . . . Robert Elliott 2 . 2 . . . . . . . . . Bob Thomas 2 . 2 . . . . . . . . . George Boyer 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . John Craig 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . Jerry Philp 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . Billy Odom . 1 1 . . . . . . . . . Vic Prinzi . 1 1 . . . . . . . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 60 18 78 . . . . . 3- 0 1 . . Opp 45 13 58 . . 2- 9 . . 2- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
11  Ted Rodrigue
21  Billy Odom
23  Johnny Sheppard
27  Stan Dobosz
44  Eddie Johnson
61  Joe McGee
##  NAME
-----------------------------
64  Bud Leonard
67  Robert Elliott
70  Bob Thomas
78  John Craig
79  Jerry Graham
83  Bob Fountain
89  Jerry Philp

Florida State 42, Furman 7

11/10/1956, Tallahassee, Fla.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 11, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

A steamed-up Florida State football team, applying the pressure both early and late, clobbered Furman into 42-7 submission here Saturday afternoon.

Stars and substitutes - including some who had seen scarcely a breath of action since the Seminoles routed Ohio U., 47-7, in the opener - all played a determined hand, as though they had a personal score to settle with the startled visitors.

But it was nothing personal. Chastened by errors in a 20-7 loss to Miami last week, the Seminoles had been a rather grim crew all week. Furman just happened along.

Fancy Passing

There were large contributions from several sources, but notably from Lee Corso, Bobby Renn and Len Swantic. Corso and Swantic passed for two touchdowns apiece. Renn scored two.

Corso was at his best, passing for 51 yards and running for 87 more. He hit on five of eight throws. He got those 87 running in just nine carries, including one lick for 57 yards.

Renn ripped off 119 yards in 16 runs. And he caught four passes for 49.

Swantic, who played not at all in the previous two games, completed four of five passes for 89 yards. Ted Rodrigue connected on three of four as the Seminoles ended with a fancy aerial showing of 12 strikes in 17 attempts.

Scoring Story

Approximately 9,000 fans sat happily in the sunshine as FSU scored, in succession, on Corso's 21-yard pass to Renn, Corso's 5-yard pass to Joe Holt, Swantic's 44-yard pass to Eddie Johnson, Renn's 10-yard run, Buck Metts' 1-yard plunge, Swantic's 17-yard pass to Jim Arnold.

Point-specialist Johnny Sheppard kicked all three of his efforts through, running his season's record to 15 of 16. Only one he missed Villanova blocked.

Corso added two extra points and Bob Nellums one as the Seminoles had a perfect day in the department.

It was "Dad's Day" and the fathers of 20 Seminoles were on hand for the pleasant occasion.

Furman turned in some courageous work here and there, notably with its running game in the first half, but tired badly in the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes went away with their sixth setback of the season, against a lone victory over the Citadel, 7-0. It was FSU's fourth triumph against three losses and a tie in eight games.

A Late Splurge

Midway the game FSU was in front, 21-0. A Furman touchdown that cut the score to 21-7 in the third quarter apparently irritated the Tribe no end. They replied with 21 more points in the last 15 minutes.

Furman's one-and-only score came on Billy Baker's 1-foot plunge on the heels of the longest march of the day, 82 yards.

FSU scored first time it got the ball, after Furman had received the kickoff and failed to move.

Renn returned a punt 11 yards to the Furman 45 and the Seminoles moved to a payoff from there in seven plays. The smashes of Metts and Renn led to the 15. After end Tom Avery trapped Corso for a loss of six, the quarterback flipped a short pass to Renn just over the line. Renn lit out for the sidelines and slid into the end zone corner for the touchdown as he was tackled.

Sheppard kicked his point for 7-0 with five minutes gone in the game.

Threat Nipped

Furman came charging back with a brisk ground attack that carried 55 yards to the FSU 8. Feature play of the push was Billy Baker's lateral to Jerry Penland for a gain of 22. Penland very nearly went the distance, was finally pulled down on the 8. FSU's first unit hustled back in to contain the threat, with ends Ron Schomburger and Bob Fountain getting the big licks. Two running plays lost four, two passes were wild and FSU took over on the 12.

Spurred by a 13-yard Corso pass to Holt and an 18-yard Corso dash, the Seminoles scooted across the midfield stripe but got shackled with an illegal-receiver-downfield penalty on a pass and had to give up. Meet's punt was a dilly, 60 yards to the six.

FSU counted TD No. 2 early in the second quarter. Renn's running highlighted a 46-yard drive that was capped by Corso's 5-yard pass to Holt in the end zone. Sheppard converted to make it 14-0.

Shifting into the "I" formation for the first time, Furman still displayed some running steam and whipped downfield to the FSU 34 with Penland in the fore. Guard Bob Elliott slipped through to deck Baker for minus seven, crimping that bid.

Odom Loose

Two minutes before halftime FSU scored again. It was a 73-yard trip. Billy Odom caught a 15-yard pass from Ted Rodrigue to start it. Two plays later, Odom found a hole and maneuvered 34 yards to the Furman 29. A penalty slapped FSU back to the 44.

Swantic replaced Rodrigue and shot a screen pass to Johnson 10 yards away. Johnson picked up a squad of blockers and stepped smoothly along a clear sidelines path for six points. On a fake kick for the point, Corso ran wide to extend things to 21-0.

Corso provided a flashy last-half start, sprinting on the pass-run option 57 yards to the Furman 8 on the first scrimmage play of the third quarter. But two plays later a fumble on a pitchout to Metts was gobbled up by Furman's Hinton Davis at the 5.

After Furman rose up to corral another FSU threat at its 33, the Hurricanes paraded 82 yards to a touchdown.

Ray Nickles' running plus a penalty helped Furman out of the hole. Then Baker passed 14 yards to Avery at the FSU 42. Jackie Powers tore down the sidelines for 23 to the 19. From the 16, Baker passed to Avery for a first down on the 2. Three runs later, Baker sneaked across. Ed Hansen kicked the point, narrowing it to 21-7.

The fourth quarter was barely underway when FSU retaliated with its fourth touchdown. It was a 53-yard march that saw Renn slash through the line for 36 yards, including the last 24. He scored from the 10. Sheppard swung his toe for 28-7.

Get A Fumble

With four minutes left, the Seminoles got another. Opportunity came when FSU end Ham Bisbee recovered a Powers fumble at the Furman 35. Renn and Metts dug for short yardage. Corso swept 15 yards to the 2, from where Metts bounded over. Nellums converted this time and it stood 35-7.

Not satisfied, FSU worked successfully an onside kick that Renn covered at the Furman 45. Swantic passed to Wes Minton for eight yards, to Renn for 18, and finally to Jim Arnold for 17. Arnold made a falling catch in the end zone. Corso tried his foot at point-kicking and creased the uprights for a conclusive 42-7.

Furman was futilely knocking inside the FSU 10 when the minutes ran out.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Furman
0
0
7
0
7
Florida State
7
14
0
21
42

1st   7- 0  Bobby Renn, 21, pass from Lee Corso (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
2nd  14- 0  Joe Holt, 5, pass from Lee Corso (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     21- 0  Eddie Johnson, 44, pass from Len Swantic (Lee Corso, run), 2:00 
3rd  21- 7  Opp, 1, run (kick)
4th  28- 7  Bobby Renn, 10, run (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     35- 7  Buck Metts, 2, run (Bob Nellums, kick)
     42- 7  Jim Arnold, 17, pass from Len Swantic (Lee Corso, kick)


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 23 10 Rushes-yards 48-307 154 Passing 166 83 Att-Comp-Int 17-12-0 8-4-0 Total Yards 65-473 237 Punt Returns 4-40 Kickoff Returns 3-141 Interception Ret. 0-0 0-0 Fumble Returns 1-0 1-0 Punts 3-47.0 7-31.4 Fumbles-Lost 3-1 1-1 Penalties-Yds 8-77 3-15 Attendance 9,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 16 119 1 Lee Corso 9 87 0 Billy Odom 3 45 0 Buck Metts 13 40 1 Stan Dobosz 1 16 0 Billy Weaver 2 14 0 Len Swantic 2 -2 0 Ted Rodrigue 2 -12 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 48 307 2 Opp 154 1 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 4 49 1 Eddie Johnson 1 44 1 Joe Holt 3 33 1 Jim Arnold 1 17 1 Billy Odom 1 15 0 Wes Minton 1 11 0 Ron Schomburger 1 -3 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 12 166 4 Opp 4 83 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 4 5 0 89 2 Lee Corso 5 8 0 51 2 Ted Rodrigue 3 4 0 26 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 12 17 0 166 4 Opp 4 8 0 83 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 2 22 0 Bobby Renn 2 18 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 4 40 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 2 108 Bobby Renn 1 33 ---------------------------------------- FSU 3 141 Opp 7 220 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ham Bisbee . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
11  Ted Rodrigue
12  Len Swantic
14  Jerry Henderson
21  Billy Odom
23  Johnny Sheppard
25  Pat Versprille
26  Billy Weaver
27  Stan Dobosz
28  Wes Minton
29  Carmen Battaglia
43  Emil Abood
44  Eddie Johnson
50  Bo Davis
51  Mel Pope
53  Stu Keith
##  NAME
-----------------------------
61  Joe McGee
64  Bud Leonard
67  Robert Elliott
68  Ted Williams
70  Bob Thomas
71  Steve Holton
74  Willie Gardner
76  Bob Keys
78  John Craig
79  Jerry Graham
81  Ham Bisbee
83  Bob Fountain
84  Bill Kimber
86  Jim Arnold
89  Jerry Philp

Florida State 20, Mississippi Southern 19

11/17/1956, Tallahassee, Fla.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 18, 1956, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Behind 13-0 before it got its britches soiled, Mississippi Southern fought back furiously but futilely here Saturday afternoon as Florida State's slightly stunning Seminoles swallowed up a 14-game winning streak by a gasping 20-19 score.

It was a vigorous replay of Southern's last trip to Tallahassee when FSU squeezed out a 19-18 decision in the final home game of 1954.

Since that reversal, Southern had lost but one game in 19. FSU was the last team to score as many as three touchdowns on Coach Pie Vann's big boys. Only team to beat Southern since FSU was Chattanooga by 10-0 last year.

Ironically, Southern halfback Dallas Whitehead had missed only one extra point attempt out of 18 going into this game. But he missed twice Saturday, after the Southerners' first touchdown and after their last one.

Bidding to to it up at 20-20 in the last three minutes of play, Whitfield never had a chance. He got a high snap from center and Seminoles were all over him before he could do anything with the ball.

In the last analysis, it was the point kicking of specialist Johnny Sheppard, an old Leon High boy, that wrote the difference. Sheppard converted after FSU's first and last touchdowns, running his season's record to 17 out of 18.

In between, FSU had a point try by halfback Stan Dobosz blocked by Southern tackle Don Owens. Sheppard was ineligible to go in at the time.

But the star of stars - and the Seminoles had a galaxy full of them - must have been quarterback Len Swantic, who came from just about nowhere to direct superbly.

Swantic was the general on both of FSU's scoring drives, and he passed for two touchdowns, five yards to end Gerald Philp and 11 to halfback Bobby Renn. Swantic hit 7 of 12 passes for 65 yards. No. 1 quarterback Lee Corso, injured in the first half, connected on four of five for the same yardage.

Metts Intercepts

Metts was close to Swantic in brilliance. He cracked Southern open in the first couple of minutes with a 36-yard runback of an intercepted pass. He ran seven times for 38 and turned some big tackles defensively.

Southern was as hard a running team as it had been represented to be, rolling up 201 yards on the ground with Bo Dickinson getting 84 in 17 carries. But penalties, many of them on roughing, contributed to the demise of the Southerners. They were taxed for a whopping total of 125 yards.

Bobby Hughes, Southern's 6-5 220-pound quarterback, passed like a pro on occasion. Still, he had trouble hitting when it counted most. He ended with nine completions out of 20 throws for 104 yards. FSU intercepted two big ones.

But for all its running and passing, Southern had to have the help of some "breaks" to score. Southern's first TD came after FSU lost a fumble at its 42. No. 2 followed a quick-kick that took a crazy backward bounce to the FSU 48. And Southern's third touchdown was on the heels of a fumble recovery at the FSU 49. Quarterback Doug Barfield scored twice, on three and six-yard runs. Hughes got the last one from a yard out.

A minute and a half after receiving the game-opening kickoff, Southern was purring contentedly along at its 35. Came a 5-yard penalty for offside against Southern and Hughes sought to get the loss back quickly with his first pass of the day.

Metts leaped high, pulled it down, and shifted into high gear as he swerved slightly toward the sidelines and pounded 36 yards to score.

Johnny Sheppard kicked the point and with 2:06 gone, Southern was behind, 7-0.

Right Back

In short order, propelled by Corso's passes, FSU was knocking again.

Starting from their 38, the Seminoles whipped 61 yards to the Southern one-foot line, only to butt their heads against a fleshy but solid wall.

Big licks in the push were Corso's short pass to Metts, which the halfback converted into a 33-yard gain to the Southern 28, and Corso's 15-yard strike to Ham Bisbee at the one. Metts also contributed on 11-yard end run to the lightning drive that took only four plays to cover the 61 yards.

But in four more plays, FSU couldn't score. Corso tried the middle and was introduced to 248-pound tackle Don Owens. Metts hit off right tackle and met Mr. Owens. Corso banged away at the middle again, got stopped by guard Dave Fitzgerald. After a time out, Joe Holt slammed toward center and collided with the 234-pound P.W. Underwood.

Southern proved indeed troublesome after that heroic stand.

Swantic Guides

Still, the Hattiesburg boys couldn't handle a few moments later the No. 2 unit quarterbacked by a cagey Swantic. Maneuvering from the Southern 38 following a punt out of the hole, Swantic and crew got the touchdown that had been denied the starting eleven.

Swantic used a simple formula and stuck to it until he got to the five. He gave the ball to Stan Dobosz one time and to Billy Odom the next. They ran alternately and splendidly seven times until the sticks moved to the nine. Southern was offside and the ball shifted to the four. Odom lost a yard. Then Swantic raised up and pitched a pass over the middle to Philip in the end zone. Dobosz' kicking try for the point was blocked by the monstrous Owens.

It was the 10th time Swantic passed this season, his seventh completion and his fourth touchdown toss. Some mileage!

That 13-0 lead held up until a minute before halftime.

After backfield-in-motion penalties collapsed one FSU march, Southern moved out of its own territory for the first time midway the second quarter. It was managed on one big individual effort, Joe Doggett's 49-yard punt return to the FSU 33. Ronald Schomburger finally tackled him from behind otherwise he would have gone all the way.

A holding penalty shackled Southern momentarily but on Hughes passes to Bob Yencho and Lawrence Meeks, plus the quarterback's own keep running, the penetration went to the 13 before FSU stiffened enough to hold for downs.

FSU was in much difficulty when Yencho broke through to deck Corso on the one-yard line, a loss of 13. Renn punted up to the 35. A Hughes pass to Jerry Taylor on the one looked good but it was canceled by a holding penalty. Then Corso intercepted a Hughes throw at the 14 and wheeled up to the FSU 41.

Renn fumbled on the next play, however, and Underwood covered the ball for Southern at the 43. From there, a touchdown was manufactured.

Seligman, on the draw play, raced 25 yards to the 18. In two carries, Doggett made it a first down at the seven. On fourth down, Doug Barfield scored. Barfield fed the ball to Dickinson but when he failed to hang on, the quarterback smashed over himself. For only the second time this season, Whitfield missed a point kick and it stayed 13-6.

An onside kick flopped when George Boyer grabbed it for the Seminoles at their 48. On the last play of the half, Ted Rodrigue's long pass was deflected from Schomburger's grasping hand on a fine defensive contribution from Whitfield.

Southern drew a tying opportunity early in the third period when a Renn quick-kick took a reverse bounce and traveled a mere 29 yards to the FSU 48.

Dickinson and J.C. Arban led the running charge to the 16. Barfield passed to Arban at the 10. From the six, on third down Barfield, on the keep, romped across. Whitfield kicked his 18th point in 20 tried to knot things up, 13-13.

Quickly, Southern was on the go again as Arban intercepted Rodrigue's, thrown long from the FSU 21, and ran it back 31 yards to the Seminole 30. Southern got snarled with a pair of 15-yard personal-foul penalties, however, and finally had to punt.

After swapping punts, FSU moved 64 yards and scored in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.

Swantic hit Schomburger and Metts with passes that set the Seminoles up at the Southern 44. On a bootleg run, Swantic got nine, then passed to Metts for 10. Renn picked up a couple and Metts cut a wide path to the 15. Renn made it a first down at the 11. After one futile throw, Swantic passed again and Renn turned around just in time to catch it in the end zone. Sheppard's conversion made it 20-13.

It got pretty hectic after that.

Hughes got down to serious business with some reckless and deadly throwing. Mixing his passes with Dickinson's hard running, Hughes guided his attack to the FSU 38. Another 15-yard assessment, this time for clipping, knocked his troops back. They finally had to yield at the FSU 29, just short of a first down. Metts made a vital tackle of Dickinson who was trying to go wide for three yards and add new life.

Southern soon got another shot. Swantic fumbled at midfield and Donnie Waits hopped on the ball for the Mississippians at the FSU 49.

Hughes threw a long on to Arban, who rambled to the one before Renn corralled him. That one was stricken off the books, however, for Southern was detected with their backs in motion.

Hughes, only slightly disturbed, promptly pitched again, this time to Taylor at the FSU 33. Then Hughes cocked once more and Waits grabbed it with a fancy catch at the one, where Renn got him. Interference was ruled on renn at the five but Southern, of course, declined it in favor of the reception at the one.

Hughes plunged over for the touchdown.

As the crowd tensed for Whitfield's kick, FSU linemen were on their toes also. When the snap went high, Whitfield never had a chance to do anything with the ball and he was swarmed under.

With 2:44 to go, Swantic ran out as much of the clock as he could. FSU was finally forced to punt with 44 seconds left. Southern tried two passes in vain before the whistle called it quits.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Mississippi Southern
0
6
7
6
19
Florida State
13
0
0
7
20

1st   7- 0  Buck Metts, 38, interception return (Johnny Sheppard, kick), 12:54
     13- 0  Jerry Philp, 6, pass from Len Swantic (Stan Dobosz, kick blocked)
2nd  13- 6  Opp, 3, run (kick failed)
3rd  13-13  Opp, 6, run (kick)
4th  20-13  Bobby Renn, 11, pass from Len Swantic (Johnny Sheppard, kick)
     20-19  Opp, 1, run (kick failed), 2:44 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 16 14 Rushes-yards 39-116 201 Passing 131 104 Att-Comp-Int 21-12-1 23-11-2 Total Yards 60-247 305 Punt Returns 1-4 Kickoff Returns 1-25 Interception Ret. 2-64 1- Fumble Returns 0-0 2-0 Punts 4-36.8 5-38.6 Fumbles-Lost 2 0 Penalties-Yds 50 125 Attendance 12,200 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 9 47 0 Buck Metts 7 38 0 Stan Dobosz 7 27 0 Billy Odom 5 22 0 Wes Minton 1 3 0 Eddie Johnson 1 2 0 Joe Holt 1 1 0 Lee Corso 3 -11 0 Len Swantic 5 -13 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 39 116 0 Opp 201 3 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 4 54 0 Jerry Philp 3 27 1 Ham Bisbee 1 15 0 Joe Holt 1 13 0 Bobby Renn 1 11 1 Ron Schomburger 1 10 0 Eddie Johnson 1 1 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 12 131 2 Opp 11 104 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 7 12 0 65 2 Lee Corso 4 5 0 65 0 Ted Rodrigue 1 4 1 1 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 12 21 1 131 2 Opp 11 23 2 104 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 4 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 4 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Stan Dobosz 1 25 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 25 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 3 102 Stan Dobosz 1 45 ---------------------------------------- FSU 4 147 Opp 5 193 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buck Metts . . . . . 1- 38 . . . . . . Lee Corso . . . . . 1- 26 . . . . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 2- 64 . . . . . . Opp . . . . . 1- . . 2- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Bob Nellums
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
11  Ted Rodrigue
12  Len Swantic
21  Billy Odom
23  Johnny Sheppard
27  Stan Dobosz
##  NAME
-----------------------------
28  Wes Minton
44  Eddie Johnson
81  Ham Bisbee
89  Jerry Philp

Auburn 13, Florida State 7

11/24/1956, Auburn, Ala.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 25, 1956, page 1, By Bill McGrotha.

AUBURN, AL - Fired by the sizzling runs of Bobby Renn, Florida State rose up on this cold Saturday afternoon to give Auburn's touted Tigers all the football they could handle before finally yielding, 13-7.

Hobbled by injuries to several players after last week's 20-19 victory over Mississippi Southern, the Seminoles had been doped to lose by two touchdowns or more.

But those odds must have been tabulated without reckoning for the sophomore talents of Renn. The swift halfback out distanced Auburn's heralded running pair of Tommy Lorino and Bobby Hoppe at their own high-yardage game.

Renn Totals 104

Renn totaled 104 yards - all but eight of the FSU net of 112 rushing - in 22 carries. Hoppe got 90 in 13 and Lorino 69 in nine.

That was just part of an inspired individual effort. Renn completed the only pass he threw for 17 yards. Twice he quick-kicked, for 47 and 61 yards. Highlight of an ace defensive performance was his interception of an Auburn pass in the end zone.

Save for a bitter-bad break after Auburn's first touchdown, this might have been the Seminoles' first triumph over a Southeastern Conference team.

Odom in Collision

Billy Odom, the speedy senior from Mt. Dora, gathered in the Auburn kickoff on his four-yard line, and 10,000 shivering fans will testify that he would have gone 96 yards for a touchdown had he not collided with a teammate, center Troy Barnes. In the clear at the Auburn 34, with not a Tiger in front of him, Odom ran headon into Barnes, who had turned around to lend a hand with the blocking. Odom was nearly kayoed by the impact.

Auburn unleashed an accurate passing attack in the first half, bringing eight completions in 12 tosses for 154 yards and a touchdown that provided a 7-0 lead at the midway point. The score came with about six minutes to go in the second quarter when end Red Phillips caught a short strike from quarterback Howell Tubbs and went the distance, a 62-yard play. It was one of a half-dozen passes that All-American candidate Phillips bagged for 128 yards.

Two Completions

Though Auburn's aerial functioned not nearly as well in the last half - netting but two completions - the Tigers moved in front, 13-0, in the third quarter. A 40-yard drive was climaxed by Jim Walsh's 3-yard plunge.

FSU fought back with its touchdown with eight minutes remaining in the contest. Renn's running and Len Swantic's passing spurred a 65-yard march. Swantic passed eight yards to fullback Joe Holt for the six points. It was Swantic's sixth TD throw of the year. He completed six of 12 for the day, running his season's total to 19 of 33.

Turn Ball Over

After that, the Seminoles got their eager mitts on the ball only once more, when Renn intercepted a Tubbs' pass in the end zone with little more than three minutes to go. But the Tribe could move no farther than its 29 before turning the ball over to Auburn.

In the second quarter, FSU had ground out a first down on the Auburn seven. The Tigers stiffened, and Johnny Sheppard's fourth-down kick for a field goal was wide.

For Auburn, it was a 15th straight triumph at home.

Auburn, with Alabama still ahead, now owns a 6-3 record. FSU ended its fourth non-losing campaign under Coach Tom Nugent on a 5-4-1 note.

Lee Corso, despite his painful hip injury, was able to provide some relief at quarterback. Though he wasn't up to his familiar tricky style, his service permitted Renn to remain at halfback. Because of Corso's injury, Renn had been pressed into duty as a quarterback in practice last week.

Schomburger At Best

Among FSU troops who carried injuries of varying degree were end Ronald Schomburger and guard Al Pacifico, both with bum knees. Despite being slowed a bit, Schomburger was at his defensive best.

Pacifico was a leader in opening holes through the middle of the Auburn line, where the going was supposed to be exceedingly rough. Renn got all of his yardage up the middle and off tackle as FSU avoided its usual wide stuff in respect of Auburn's fine corps of ends.

Of course, FSU ends Bob Nellums and Bob Fountain played not at all because of knee injuries.

Though Auburn's offensive yardage total of 464 - with 287 rushing - was impressive, time after time the Tigers found FSU rough when it counted most. The Seminoles intercepted two passes, recovered one fumble - while never losing the ball themselves by these routes.

Auburn, which missed one field goal effort from the 25, had one touchdown called back on a penalty and a 39-yard pass play to the FSU two also erased by an infraction. The Tigers were saddled with 90 yards in penalties, versus 30 for the Seminoles.

Passes Fail

Auburn's initial charge after the opening kickoff was checked when passes failed to click down around the FSU 40. Next time the Tigers had a chance they probed all the way to the FSU 10, on Tubbs' passing to Phillips and the running of Hoppe and Lorino. Holding penalties helped bog the Plainsmen.

On their first try with the ball, the Seminoles rambled on the rushes of Renn and the keep-running of Swantic up to their 49. Renn then dashed to the Tiger 41 but a holding penalty erased it. After FSU was again penalized 15 for the same reason. Renn quick-kicked 47 yards to the Auburn 34.

The Tigers pounded to the FSU 31 as the first quarter ended but again got stymied by a penalty. Loino's punt was a weak one into the wind, four yards to the 27.

Seminoles Drive

From there, consuming almost seven minutes of the second quarter, FSU drove 66 yards to the Auburn seven. Pass interference on two Swantic passes contributed. Renn passed to Ron Schomburger for 17 yards on a surprise play for one big lick. From the Auburn 22, Renn tore loose for 15 to the seven and a first down.

The Tigers bowed up sharply. Renn lost a yard. A Swantic pass to Ham Bisbee was beaten down by Tubbs. Bisbee might have gotten loose on an en-around but didn't, gained only a yard back to the seven. Johnny Sheppard came in to try his point-kicking toe on a field-goal effort. It was wide to the right. A brisk and tricky wind might have been a factor.

Auburn took over at its 20 after that, and in five plays had a touchdown. Tubbs got one. Hoppe squirmed through for 15 to the 36. Lorino whacked out two to the 38. Thereupon, Tubbs shot a short pass to Phillips seven yards away at the 45, and the talented end angled for the sidelines and went the route as a panting Buck Metts tried vainly to catch him. Tubbs converted for 7-0.

Odom Hits Barnes

The very next play broke FSU hearts. Odom grabbed the kickoff on the four, started slowly, picked up speed about the 20 as a route unfolded for him. Then at the 34, with absolutely no Plainsmen between him and a touchdown, he ran smack into the arms of Barnes, who had turned and was going the other way, with blocking in mind. He blocked the wrong man for a tragic error.

But the bad turn apparently took no steam out of the Seminoles. Corso passed 18 yards to Bisbee at the Auburn 48. FSU moved on to a first down at the 38 on a short Corso pass to Schomburger. Auburn called a halt, however, and Metts punted to the 20.

With four minutes to go before halftime, the Tigers threw frantically. Jerry Sansom grabbed a 13-yard bullet and Phillips got two for 17 and 10. Pretty soon the Tigers were at the FSU 10.

Score Nullified

Tubbs found Sansom all by his lonesome in the end zone and pitched for an apparent touchdown. But Auburn was detected holding and was set back to the 25. Fourth down, and Billy Atkins went for a field goal. It was wide. Corso caught it and barely escaped the end zone before getting tackled as the first half ran out.

It was midway the third period before Auburn was able to extend that 7-0 margin. Hard running by Walsh and Hoppe had made one deep penetration into FSU territory. Hoppe, on a 24-yard romp, dropped the ball trying to cut back and Swantic recovered at the FSU 20.

After a punt, Auburn drove 49 yards and scored. A 10-yard pass, Tubbs to Sansom, started it. Walsh, Hoppe and Tubbs led a running charge that brought a first down at the six. On third down, Walsh cracked over from the three to notch his first touchdown ever for Auburn. Tubbs' point try missed, leaving it 13-0.

A little later Auburn had a long pass play, Jimmy Cook to Pat Meagher, nullified by a penalty. It would have been a 39-yard gain to the two. Then Swantic intercepted a Cook throw at the FSU 42.

61-Yard Punt

Swantic couldn't get his passes away and Renn quick-kicked 61 yards to the Auburn six. It was a stunning bit of strategy that paved an FSU touchdown for Auburn had to punt back after moving up to its 23.

FSU pounded 65 yards in 11 plays. Renn got the first 18 in two runs. Swantic passed to Metts for 12, to Holt for 10 at the 25. After losing four, Swantic threw to Metts again, this time at the 17. Metts smashed the middle for a first down at the 11. Metts added three more. Then Swantic passed over the middle to Holt on the goal line, and he was in for the score. Sheppard converted for 13-7 with 7:52 left in the game. It was Sheppard's 18th extra point in 19 attempts.

Thoroughly aroused now, the Tigers whipped downfield to the FSU 12. Lorino got away for a 35-yard sprint in leading the drive. In two running bids from the 12, Auburn netted nothing and when Tubbs passed Renn intercepted in the end zone and returned to the five.

Metts and Renn cut out a first-down path to the 19. There FSU's last chance slipped away. On fourth down at the 17, Swantic tried a final futile pass with the clock showing 1:08 to go. Auburn took over but got no further than the 13 before the minutes ran out.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
0
0
7
7
Auburn
0
7
6
0
13

2nd   0- 0  Johnny Sheppard, 24, field goal failed
      0- 7  Opp, 67, pass (kick)
      0- 7  Opp, 25, field goal failed
3rd   0-13  Opp, 3, run (kick failed)
4th   7-13  Joe Holt, 8, pass from Len Swantic (Johnny Sheppard, kick), 7:52 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 16 20 Rushes-yards 41-104 287 Passing 94 177 Att-Comp-Int 17-9-0 16-10-2 Total Yards 58-198 464 Punt Returns 1-8 Kickoff Returns 4-86 Interception Ret. 2-5 0-0 Fumble Returns 1-0 0-0 Punts 8-34.6 3-22.7 Fumbles-Lost 0 1 Penalties-Yds 30 90 Attendance 10,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 22 104 0 Buck Metts 3 16 0 Stan Dobosz 5 16 0 Billy Odom 1 6 0 Ham Bisbee 2 -7 0 Lee Corso 1 -8 0 Len Swantic 7 -23 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 41 104 0 Opp 287 1 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Ron Schomburger 3 39 0 Buck Metts 2 24 0 Ham Bisbee 1 18 0 Joe Holt 3 13 1 --------------------------------------------- FSU 9 94 1 Opp 10 177 1 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 6 12 0 49 1 Lee Corso 2 4 0 28 0 Bobby Renn 1 1 0 17 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 9 17 0 94 1 Opp 10 16 2 177 1 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 1 8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 8 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 2 40 0 Billy Odom 1 30 0 Buck Metts 1 16 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 4 86 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Bobby Renn 4 202 Buck Metts 3 39 Jerry Henderson 1 36 ---------------------------------------- FSU 8 277 Opp 3 68 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bobby Renn . . . . . 1- 5 . . . . . . Len Swantic . . . . . 1- 0 . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 2- 5 . . 1- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . . . . . . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
LH   15  Bobby Renn
QB   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   15  Bobby Renn
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   73  Bill Musselman
RT   77  George Boyer
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
11  Ted Rodrigue
12  Len Swantic
21  Billy Odom
23  Johnny Sheppard
27  Stan Dobosz
44  Eddie Johnson
##  NAME
-----------------------------
61  Joe McGee
64  Bud Leonard
67  Robert Elliott
70  Bob Thomas
78  John Craig
79  Jerry Graham