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Show Susiday, Vecemiber 26, 1971 Miami Wins Lon est Gamein History, 27-24 By JOE WATTS ‘There's One Problem— You Soon Run Outof Guys’ After watching Kresimir Cosic score 35 points against Utah State, including the last second hook shot that won the game, Utah’s new head coach Bill Foster indicated that he knew how to stop him Foster's Utes have been doing surprisingly well early in the season, and their defense has been credited with much of the good showing. Thus his analysis of how to stop Cosic caught a few ears in the Aggie press box after the game. “First of all, you've got to front him, trying to keep him from getting the ball. Thenyou've got to have someonebehind him so they can't lob over to him. Then a couple of guys on each side would certainly help. You know — the only problem with that is that you soon run out of guys,” Foster quipped.” His statement pretty well summed up how effective Cosic had been against the Aggies. He hit 13 of 22 field goal attempts, and that’s some fine shooting Of course, the Aggie fans were prepared for the offensive show by Cosic. They’ve seem him before and have been impressed. He’s had some fine performancesin the Spectrum during the Indiana 150-129 a row, gave the Stars a 6 ‘¢ game lead over the Pacers in the ABA’s Westera Division. Indiana held a 72-68 lead at the end of thefirst half but the Stars led 104-101 at the end of the third quarter and outscored the Pacers 195 in the first The Stars outscored the Pac- Kresimir Cosic got his hands high in the air to deflect an Aggie pass. It was headed out of bounds under the Aggie basket, and looked for surelike it would go out of bounds. Marish, standing right on the play, blew his whistle a mite early, and Doug Richards, out of nowhere, grabbed the ball and tossed it back in bounds, making a great save on the play. There was no question that Richards had stayed in bounds anastill saved the ball before it was out of bounds, but the problem was that Marich had already blown his whistle. The ordinary thing for an official to do in that case is to suddenly point to the floor like Richards had stepped on the boundaryline, and nullified his fine play, just becausetheofficial had been too quick with the whistle. However, Marich didn’t do that. He changed his call, recognizing his error, and since Richards had successfully tossed the ball to a teammate, gavethe ball to BYU out of bounds. Hewas naturally booed by the homefans whosuffered by the changeofdecision, butit was a great call. It takes courage for an official to change his decision, but when he knowshe has mistakenly called it wrong, the correction should take place. Otherofficials might not have changed their minds, but might have tried to make upfor the error on other questionable calls later. This type of ‘‘keeping the game even"’ makes for poor and inconsistentofficiating. Coach Leaving Rice Could Face Lawsuit Return yardage Punts Fumbles lost Yards penalized cent fromthe field, was led by rookie George McGinnis with 29 points, Freddie Lewis with 25 and Bob Netolicki with 20. The Pacers played the final period without center Mel Daniels who was benched aiter foul trouble. Uten 150) Robbins fouls Jim Kiick, Csonka and Kiick GARY YEPREMIAN (1) watches as his winning 37 yard field goal salls toward the goal post. The fleld goal endedthe bench. Jan Stenerud of the Chiefs missed three fi oal attempts and each of the last two would have won the game. Stenerud sailed a 32-yarder off to the right with 31 seconds to go in regulation time and then linebacker Nick Buoniconti blocked a 42-yard attempt 3:10 the fifth quarter. But Ed Podolak gave the Chiefs another chance when he signaled an omento the Chiefs’ fortunes. The victory vaulted Miami into its first AFC championship game next Sunday opposite the winner of the BaltimoreCleveland game. The longest previous game in pro football history was won by the Dallas Texans over the Colts Are Favored to Top Browns The powerful Colts are expected to return to the Super Bowl to defend their title. Baltimore Supporters can point to the statistical facts: They are the AFC's top team in total, rushing and pass defenses. The Browns are superior only in pass offense. Cleveland is fourth in the conferencefigures, while Baltimore is 1th. The Browns also areriding on a five consecutive win streak, which propelled them inte the Central Divisiontitle. Cleveland coach Nick Skorich said the game would be his team’s ‘Greatest challenge of the season.” “Tt will take our absolute best,” Skorich added. During the past week, the Browns have been drilled hand, studied motion films of two Colts’ games, and been given lots of plans for the nationally televised NBCplayoff game. Skorich said his players, 9-5 for the regular season, will just “go out thereand giveour best,” and added, ‘our men won't be playing fancy football.” The Cleveland mentor said he was notbothered about his team being the underdog this weekend, becausehe didn't want the Browns overconfident. “Wehavethe best club in the league and my men knowthis is just a step closer to the Super Houston Oilers Dec. 23, 1962, Player Suspended when Tommy Brookers’ field goal won for the Texans, 20-17, 2:54 deep in the sixth quarter. The last National Football League game to go into overtime was the Green Bay Packers’ 13-10 victory over the Baltimore Colts for the Western Division championship in 1965. The Chiefs, who had to play the second half and overtime periods without All-Pro safety THE STORY OF THE GAME is shown seconds after Miami “it’s good” and teammate aL Csonka (39) looks to the triumphed over Kansas City 27-24 on Gary Yepremian’s 37 heavens while Kansas City Chiefs Jim Kearney (46) hangs yard field goal. Yepremian’s holder, Karl Noonan, signals his head in defeat. Dallas Cowboys Ramble to 20-12 Win Over Minnesota BLOOMINGTON,Minn. (UPI)—Duane Thomas ran in for a 13-yard touchdown after a pass interception early in the second half and quarterback Roger Staubach passed to Bob Hayes for another score in the quarter Seturday to give the Dallas Cowboys a 20-12 The cowboyswill face the winner of the Washington-San Francisco game for the National Football Conference title on Jan. 2, with the winner of that contest going to the Super Bowl. It was the third time in four yearsthat the Vikings havelost the first playoff game after Dallas Minn. winning the Central Division First Downs 1 W championship. Rushing-yards 39-98 26-101 Bob Lee, who started at Passingyardage 85 210 quarterback for Minnesota, Return yardage 106 6 threw toward Bob Grim at the Passes 10-14-0 19-38-4 Minnesota 43 early in the third Punts 737 443.5 quarter, but Cliff Harris interFumbles lost 0 1 cepted and returned it to the Yardspenalized 10 18 Minnesota 13, On the next play, Thomas broke up the middle, getting into the end zone victory over the Minnesota Vikings and the right to play in as up to put Dallas ahead the NFC championship game “Charlie West returned the next week. But Oilers owner K.S. “Bud” Adams said his club had first claim to Peterson, “He has the commitment to become the Houston head coach and it will be finalized as soon five-year contract to become as he gets back and gets the head coach of the Houston Rice business settled,”he said. Oilers. Peterson joined Rice this “J definitely expect him to Bowl,” he said. “We're at the live up to his contract,” year after an ll-year stint at golden door and knocking to get SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) It’s Hackerman said Friday. eh Florida State. Rice finished the in.” expectedto be a verywetfield at season 38. assumewe can sue him.”” Candlestick Park todayfor the Peterson, who announced The job with the Oilers NFCfootball game between the earlier he accpeted a 15-year opened up when former head Washington Redskins and the $1.25 million contract to lead coach Ed Hughes walked out in San Francisco 49ers. the struggling Oilers of the a dispute wit Adams overstaff SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (UPI) American Football Conference, firings and hirings. Rain Forecast —Jim Niekamp, a defenseman said it is still “my intention The forecast for Sunday is The Broncos were also for the Tidewater Wings, has gray skies, some showers and a right now” to go with the negotiating with Peterson ear- been suspended for three days wet andslipperyartificial turf. Oilers “T love my association with lier in the week, and reportedly and fined $250 by American Friday, the San Francisco Bay Rice. It is a great university agreed to terms by telephone. Hockey League president Jack area was pelted by rain for the and they are great people. But But Peterson said he could not Butterfield, fifth time during the past week there comes a time when there resist the Oilers’offer. The suspension will be in and the rain was accompanied “I was very happyat Rice. I effect from Dec. 26-28 and by gale winds, is a bigofferlike this that you think Dr, Hackerman is one of include two Wings’ games. have to accept.” Theartificial turf at CandlesPeterson was in Montgomery, thefinest gentlemen I have ever Niekamp was accused of tick does awaywith the prospect Ala., to coach the South in the known, But this offer is just conduct unbecoming a hockey of playing in mud but when it Blue-Gray Game. He was also something that happens to you player and abusing an official rains the watersits on the turf claimed by the Denver Broncos once in a lifetime,” Peterson, in Sunday’s game against until someone “rakes” it off or 48, said. Baitimore. the wind blows it away. Sinceit of the AFC. HOUSTON (UPI) —Rice University President Dr. Norman Hackerman says he assumes the school will file a lawsuit against Rice football coach Bill Peterson if Peterson quits a alan carried to Ayeee 36. with Kar! robe kt kicked the fieldea straight and true, setting wild celebration on the Miami Soaate beihora isha Riety tat gate es Unto f 27-24 triumph. Karl Noonan (89) held for Yepremian. Indiana 30, Utah compete. im yard boltoff tackle, putting the ball on the Kansas City 36. A-10.111 CLEVELAND (UPI) — The Baltimore Colts are favored to win in today’s American Football Conference playoff game here with the Cleveland Browns, even if giling running back Norm Bul may not . 20-35-2 18-26-2 640 251 0 2 “uo set up by Larry Csonka’s 29 Indione—34-30-29-28-°129 Utah—35.33.36-46—150 Three point goals Lewis, Keller, McGinnis, Robbins, Combs (2). Personal fouls: Netolicki 2, Brown 2, Daniels 5, Mount 5, Lewis 2, Keller 3, Hillman 3, McGinnis 5, Cannon 3. Robbins 3, Wise 3, Beaty 2 Jones. 3, Combs 3, Boone 4, Leaks Beasley 1. Total : Three times Miami had to rally from deficits and the final margin represented the only Dolphins led in the game. Yepremian’s field goal was Seven Stars joined Beaty in the double figures, including Glen Combs with 27 and Willie Wise with 21. Utah maintained a 58-40 rebounding edge and the Stars committed eight less turnovers than the visiting club. BOX: Indiana (120) Netolicki | Mismi ne a § First Downs Rushes-Yards out wm Passing yardage three minutes of the final period to break the game open. ee SSlosCaslse During the Aggie game I saw call by a referee that deserves some comment. We are usually quick to point out bad calls byofficials, but the good ones go unnoticed, and unappreciated. This call was particularly good. It was made by Rudy Marich, a veteran WACoffic:ai. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (UPI) — Garo Yepremian ended the longest game in pro football history Saturday ae his 37yard field goal cleared the uprights seven minutes, 40 seconds deep into the sixth quarter, giving the Miami Dolphins an uphill 27-24 victor; over the Kansas City Chiefs in an American Football Conference playoff game. The Utah Stars, led by Zelmo Beaty's 30 points, tied a club scoring record in defeating the Indiana Pacers 150-129 Saturday. The victory, Utah's fourth in past two seasons. Ref ChangesHis Decision Dolphins SALT LAKE CITY (UPI) — 3o8. Cookin Field Goal Winsfor o Soe-FERsS2s Watts | Stars Rip THE HERALD, Prove, Utan—Page ii following kickoff 51 yards to the Dallas 42. However, the Cowboys gave up only three yards an” a field goal attempt by Fred Cox from the 46 hit the right upright. Dallas virtually wrapped up the game later in the third quarter when Staubach drove the Cowboys from his own 48 to the Minnesota 9, then hit Hayes in the back of the end zone. The touchdown,at 13:51, madeit 203 for Dallas. The big play of that drive was a 30-yard pass to Lance Alworth who was forced out of bounds on the Minnesota 27. Staubach hit the wide receiver ona third-and-15 situation as he faced a strong Viking rush. Alan Page dumped Staubach in the end zone for a Minnesota safety at 2:47 of the fourth Redskins, 49ers Battle In Playoff Game Today would require quite a few ‘ours to get rid of the water byeither method,playsimply will have to go on as scheduled. vhat means cutting will be difficult for ball carriers, pass receivers and defensive backs and ther: might be quite a few broken or busted plays, a coach's nightmare. Both Teams Offensive “You hate to see a game of this mzagnitude decided by a broken play,” said 49ers coach Nolan. “But the conditions will be the same for both sides and we'll just have to playit as we quarterbacks -John Brodie and Billy Kilmer — are drop back passers; Larry Brown runs outside for the Redskins and Vic Washington does the quarter to makethe score 20-5. Coach Bud Grantthen sent in Gary Cuozzo to replace Lee at quarterback, and Cuozzo drove the Vikings to the Dallas 19, with passes to Gene Washington and Stu Voigt. But Bob Grim let a pass go through his hands to the Cowboys’ Lee Roy Jordan at the Cowboys’ 5 and he returned it five yards to the 11 to end the Minnesota threat. Later in the game, however, Cuzzo drove the Vikings 66 yards for a touchdown, hitting Voigt on a six-yard pass play for the score. But the touchdown which came at 13:52 was too late for Minnesota. The game wasclose in the first half as the Vikings picked up seven first downs and their defense, which led the NFC, held the Cowboys to only four. The Minnesota offense, which was 12th out of the 13 NFC teams, rolled up 311 toal yards compared to 183 for Dallas, which had the No.1 offense in the NFC. The Cowboys moved to a 6-3 halftime Jead on two Mike Clark field goals. Clark scored from the 44 after Chuck Howley intercepted Lee’s pass deep in ae territory and returned to the Minnesota 37, Clark put the Cowboys ahead +0 after taking advantage of a Minnesota fumble early in the first period. samefor the 49ers, and Charlie Harraway is the straight, upthe-middle runner for Washington and Ken Willard does the same for San Francisco. Dallas RoyJefferson is Washington's Minnesota primary wide receiver and veterans Clifton McNeil and Boyd Dowler share the other wide receiving t. Jerry Smith and Mack Alston are the club's tight ends. Johnny Robinson who rio eae a groin injury, the Dal-fg 26 Clark Minn-fg 27 Cox Warfield for 23 in the Kiick cracked over from the 1 with one minute left in the third quarter. A sensational 63-yard pass play from Len Dawson to rookie Elmo Wright set up a three-yard touch down run by Podolak with 6:46 left in the fourth quarter, giving Kansas City a 24-17 lead. That would have finished a lesser team, but the Griese-led Dolphins wouldn’t quit. He hit Warfield for 26 yards on a third -down play to the Kansas City 12 and twoplays later found fleming for the tying touchdown. The fifth quarter was a defensive struggle, Stenerud’s blocked field goal and a 52-yard attempt by Yepremian that fell short of being the only scoring threats. A costly fumile for the Chiefs allowed the Dolphins to go to the dressing room at halftime with a 10-10 tie. Miami KansasCity 10 KC-FB Stenerud 24 3.3 14 020 KC-Podolak pass from Dawson 03 0 912 Stenerud kick Mia-Csonka 1 run Yepremian Dal-fg 44 Clark Dal-Thomas 13 run Clark kick$ Dal 11 Hayes 9 pass from Staubach Clark kick : Minn-safety Staubach tackled in go along.” Neither the Redskins nor Brodie, whenever ie can, end zone 49ers employ fancy offensive looks for Gene Washington on Minn-Voigt 6 pass from Cuozzo maneuvers, and in fact are long passing plays and Ted Cox kick very basic on offense. Both Kwalick ior shorter throws. A-49,100. > t second half like theyoro run away from the Dolphins, Kansas City marched 75 yards in 14 plays, eating up 9:44 doing it. Jim Otis ran 12 yards to the 1 on a third-andaMmay ard then scored two | But the Dolphins came right back, sailing 72 yards in aA plays. Griese, who completed 20 hit Howard Mia-Kiick 1 run Yepremian kick Podolak 3 run Stenerud kick aa 5 pass from riese ‘iepremian kick Mia-FG Yepremian 37 A-50,374. ee q |