Indiana University Athletics
Great Games in IU-Michigan State Series History - 1967
10/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 27, 2006
Note: As part of the Hoosier Nation Challenge for 50,000 fans at the Oct. 28 Indiana-Michigan State game at Memorial Stadium, IUHOOSIERS.COM takes a look back at some of the great games in IU-MSU history. Today's installment features former head coach John Pont's look back at the visiting Hoosiers' 14-13 victory over the defending national champion Spartans on Nov. 11, 1967.
Throughout an illustrious head coaching career at Miami (Ohio), Yale, Indiana and Northwestern, John Pont has participated in more than his share of rivalry games. And while each series has its own traditions and history, the legendary coach says that few rivalries can match the passion of Indiana and Michigan State's battle for the Old Brass Spittoon.
"Indiana and Michigan State games have always been very, very intense." Pont said. "In our game that year (1967), Harry Gonso threw an interception in the first quarter and when the guy returned it, Harry hit him out of bounds. Both sides erupted. The game has just always meant a lot to both teams."
Despite the interception and subsequent 15-yard penalty, that series of events proved inconsequential. The Spartans were forced to punt on the ensuing series, but the Hoosiers failed to gain offensive momentum through the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Mitchell Pruiett put Michigan State on the board with a 24-yard field goal. MSU went into the locker room with a 3-0 advantage, and the Hoosiers opened the second half by sustaining a drive that culminated with Gonso's one-yard touchdown run. David Kornowa's extra point gave the Hoosiers a 7-3 lead.
The Hoosier offense stalled midway through the third quarter, and George Chatlos recorded a safety to cut the Michigan State deficit to 7-5. Dwight Lee closed the third quarter with a four-yard touchdown run, and Charles Wedermeyer's two-point conversion pass to Allen Brenner pushed the Spartan advantage to 13-7.
With 6:33 remaining in the game, Indiana took possession on its own 31-yard line, and Gonso orchestrated a 69-yard drive that took 3:43, finished with John Isenbarger's four-yard touchdown run. Kornowa's extra point provided the final 14-13 margin.
A hard-charging Indiana defense, paced by all-league linebackers Jim Sniadecki and Ken Kaczmarek, limited Michigan State to just 176 total yards.
"Outside of the (Oct. 28) Arizona game (which Indiana won, 42-7), we did not have a easy time scoring points," Pont said. "We relied heavily on our seniors on defense. We settled our team on defense."
Through the years, Pont has witnessed some considerable changes - on and off the field - in college football. However, the value of home field advantage remains as strong as ever.
"I attended the (Oct. 14) Iowa game, and that is a great example of what can happen when the fans get as excited as the players and coaching staff," Pont said. " 'Hep' (Head coach Terry Hoeppner) has them going in the right direction. If they get that kind of enthusiasm in the stands, things will only get better."
While a team's success is a huge factor towards attendance, Pont has been impressed with Hoeppner's proactive approach to marketing the program.
"That's invaluable," Pont said. "Before Terry accepted the Indiana job, he and I talked about what was needed at IU. You have to go out and open arms to people, go the dorms, fraternities and sororities. When you are building a program, you need to get people on board, but they also need to have patience and give the program time.
"Players are affected by great crowds. That's why I hope people realize how important attendance is."
