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This newspaper page contains 9 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 27, 1973
Page
9
Marvin Eal Gibson, 33, and Sales 54 spearhead the Decatur matchup in Austin as opening tipoff action begins. The brief notes the players and location but lacks full game details.
Austin and Decatur vow sportsmanship after Decatur star Marvin Gibson collapses and dies. Marvin Sales recalls their close friendship, noting both were junior leaders and top scorers as the Austin Decatur Classic is canceled in mourning. Gibson averaged 16 points and nine rebounds.
Alabama star Conley Duncan emphasizes specialty teams led by Coach Bear Bryant as central to their Sugar Bowl game plan against Notre Dame. Duncan notes Alabama’s kickoff and punt coverage improvements and plans to pressure Notre Dame sprinter Al Hunter while relying on Woodrow Lowe and strong team defense.
Billy Mitchell discusses prep strategy focusing on stopping the opponent's power sweep. He notes the two large guards Gerry DiNardo and Frank Pomarico who pull, and three big backs Penick Best and Bullock creating a deadly outside run. See Duncan on Page 16.
In El Paso the Auburn and Missouri head coaches Ralph Shug Jordan and Al Onofrio insist the Sun Bowl game is a contest built on victory not a vacation. Both acknowledge disappointment this season but stress their teams aim to finish strong and win.
Sun Bowl preview notes Missouri coach Don Faurot says the bowl is a separate challenge and both teams, Auburn and Missouri, bring strong records into the midday kickoff. Auburn stands 6-5, Missouri 7-4, with late-season losses shaping expectations. Jordan’s Auburn visit highlighted by bowl officials and Mexican music as the teams arrive.
Missouri grapples with late season collapse after a 7-4 mark and a Big Eight title bid, as cornerback John Moseley and QB Ray Smith express determination to bounce back in the Sun Bowl against Auburn in El Paso. Coach Al Onofrio cautions that a win will be hard to predict.
Mike Stock, from Elkhart Indiana, chose Alabama over Notre Dame after a home visit and early Notre Dame interest. The 5 foot 11, 190 pound sophomore ran for 115 yards on 29 carries with two touchdowns in a standout Sugar Bowl season. He credits Alabama recruitment for his decision and recalls playing golf with Ara Parseghian in Notre Dame days.
Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian extols Alabama as a tremendously balanced opponent for the Sugar Bowl. He notes Alabama uses multiple teams without losing skill and praises its defense while recalling Notre Dame’s 10-0 regular season and school rushing record achievements led by Bullock and Best amid a high powered offense led by Clements.
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