The 1973 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh as an independent during the 1973 NCAA Division I football season. Led by first-year head coach Johnny Majors, the Panthers compiled a record of 6–5–1. At the conclusion of the season, Pittsburgh advanced to the Fiesta Bowl and were defeated by Arizona State. The team played home games at Pitt Stadium in Pittsburgh.

Schedule

Game summaries

Penn State

Penn State overcame a 13–3 halftime deficit with a dominant second-half performance to defeat Pittsburgh 35–13 on November 24, 1973, before 56,600 fans at Beaver Stadium. The Panthers controlled much of the first half behind freshman Tony Dorsett, who scored on a 14-yard touchdown run and finished with 77 rushing yards. Pitt also added two field goals by Carson Long while limiting the Nittany Lions to a single Chris Bahr field goal before intermission.

Penn State's defense turned the game in the third quarter, holding Pittsburgh to just 15 yards and no first downs in the period. Penn State narrowed Pitt's lead to 13-11 when Fullback Bob Nagle scored from 1 yard out and Hayman added the 2-point conversion on a reception. John Cappelletti put Penn State ahead for good on 5-yard touchdown and the game was sealed when Linebacker Tom Hull tallied a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Cappelletti, a leading Heisman Trophy candidate, rushed for 161 yards on 37 carries and was named the game's outstanding player. The victory capped an undefeated 11–0 regular season for Penn State and secured its bid to the Orange Bowl.

Personnel Roster

Coaching staff 1973 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff Johnny Majors – Head coach Jackie Sherrill – Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator George Haffner – Offensive coordinator Joe Avezzano – Offensive line Jim Dyar – Defensive line Larry Holton – Defense Harry Jones – Offensive backs Bob Leahy – Head Freshman Coach Joe Madden – Defensive secondary Bob Roper – Receivers Bob Matey – Freshman Defensive Line Keith Schroeder – Scouting   Support staff Albert Smith – Executive Assistant Director of Athletics

Team players drafted into the NFL Rod Kirby Linebacker11278 Buffalo BillsJim Buckmon Defensive end 12 295 New Orleans SaintsDave Wannstedt Tackle15376 Green Bay Packers

References