Heisman Moments: The 1970's to 1935

Heisman Moments for Pittsburgh RB Tony Dorsett (1976),  Nebraska WR Johnny Rodgers (1972), USC RB O.J. Simpson (1968), LSU RB/CB/PR Billy Cannon (1959),
SMU HB Doak Walker (1948), Army HB Glenn Davis (1946), Army HB Doc Blanchard (1945), TCU QB Davey O'Brien (1938)


1976 HEISMAN: TONY DORSETT, PITT

In his Senior year, Dorsett led Pittsburgh to a National Championship. Along the way, Dorsett rushed for 1948 yards in '76, finishing his career as the All-Time NCAA Rushing Leader, a record he would hold for 22 years.  Here is the record-breaking carry that sealed up his Heisman:
 

1972 HEISMAN: JOHNNY RODGERS, NEBRASKA

Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers was the key offensive weapon of Nebraska's back-to-back National Championship run in 1970 and 1971.  It was this historic punt return that helped #1 Nebraska fend off #2 Oklahoma in the "Game of the Century."
"Holy Moly; Man, Woman, and Child, did that put 'em in the aisles! Johnny The Jet Rodgers just tore 'em loose from their shoes"
 

1968 HEISMAN: O.J. SIMPSON, SOUTHERN CAL

Although this game occurred in 1967, it was the Simpson's breakout game, nearly stealing the Heisman from the eventual winner, UCLA QB Gary Beban.  #2 USC defeated #1 UCLA 21-20 after Simpson housed this carry in the 4th quarter to give the Trojans the game-winning score.  USC went on to win its bowl game and the national title after the game.  And Simpson overwhelmingly captured the Heisman the following year.

1959 HEISMAN: BILLY CANNON, LSU

One of the most iconic plays in LSU and college football history was Cannon's punt return TD against undefeated Ole Miss (at 1:06 in video).  Unknown to many however, is Cannon's goal-line tackle to secure the Tiger victory in the final minutes (2:25 in video).
 

1948 HEISMAN: DOAK WALKER, SMU

Doak Walker simply did it all: he threw and caught passes, kicked extra points, punted, returned kicks and punts, and was a feared defensive back.  Quite a resume without even mentioning Walker's strongpoint - a Heisman winning running back.  Walker was a 3-time All-American in football and also lettered at SMU in baseball and basketball.  Nowadays, the Doak Walker Award honors the nation's top running back.
Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside Army Blanchard Davis Heisman
Mr. Inside, #35 Doc Blanchard, and Mr. Outside, #41 Glenn Davis

1945 HEISMAN: DOC BLANCHARD, ARMY
1946 HEISMAN: GLENN DAVIS, ARMY

Known as "Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside," this duo of runners led Army to 3 straight undefeated seasons, each winning a Heisman trophy.  The 1944 Army Cadet football team was especially dominant, winning their games by an average score of 56 to 4.  Blanchard, with his bruising runs between the tackles (Mr. Inside), was the perfect complement to Davis' speed around the end.  Due to World War II drafting rules, those drafted for combat could play for the Army football squad, leading to an incredible influx of talent.  These Army teams are among the all-time most dominant teams in the sport- spearheaded by TWO Heisman Halfbacks

1940 HEISMAN: TOM HARMON, MICHIGAN

Tom Harmon led the nation in scoring in both 1939 and 1940; his incredible career was capped off with Michigan's 40-0 win over rival Ohio State. In this game, Harmon passed for 151 yards and 2 TD's, rushed for 139 yards and 2 TD's, kicked 4 extra points, punted for a 50 yard average, intercepted 3 passes including a PICK SIX for his 5th TD.

1938 HEISMAN: DAVEY O'BRIEN, TCU

Taking over at quarterback for legend Sammy Baugh, Davey O'Brien led an aerial assault unmatched in his era.  He tossed 19 Touchdowns (just 4 INT) in the 1938 season.  O'Brien became the first player to win the Heisman, Maxwell, and Walter Camp in the same season, all while leading Texas Christian to an undefeated National Championship.  And of course, the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award is named after him.
Some rare footage of O'Brien:

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