Ex-Coach Peterson Man of Some Words

The latest NCAA News devotes a section to former Florida State football coach Bill Peterson, who became a living legend with his malaprops and mixed metaphors. These are from a collection by Bill McGrotha of the Tallahassee Democrat:

--”I’m the football coach around here and don’t you remember it.”

--”They gave me a standing observation.”

--”All we have to do is capitalize on our mistakes.”

--”Let’s nip this thing in the butt.”

--”I couldn’t remember things until I took that Sam Carnegie course.”

--Asked if he thought it would rain: “What do you think I am, a geologist?”

--To the team captain before a game: “Lead us in a few words of silent prayer.”

--On his offense: “We’re going to throw the ball, come hell or high water. We’re not gonna be any three clouds-and-a-yard-of-dust kind of team.”

When Charles White hurdled Tampa Bay’s Bobby Kemp on his longest run Sunday, White was only doing what comes naturally.

At San Fernando High School, White was the state low hurdles champion. He ran the 400-meter hurdles in 51.5. That would have scored points in this year’s NCAA championships.

Trivia Time: What number did Charles White wear at USC? (Answer below.)

Said Houston Oilers Coach Jerry Glanville after the 40-7 loss to the Cleveland Browns a week ago Sunday: “That was just a temporary setback. We will pick ourselves up and play good football.”

Last Sunday’s score: Indianapolis 51, Houston 27.

Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka says the officials have a duty to control the crowd so that his players can hear the signals when they play the Minnesota Vikings Sunday night at the Metrodome.

“The rules are clear. We won’t let the fans dictate what we do. We won’t change our game plan,” Ditka said. “What time does the game start, 7 p.m.? It may not be over until 1:30 a.m.”

He added: “Frankly, football shouldn’t be played in domes. They ought to be outlawed. Indoor domes should be used for roller rinks.”

If you’re wondering why straight-ahead kickers have become extinct, the statistics tell the story.

According to the New York Times, the 10 most accurate kickers in history are all sidewinders, ranging from Morten Anderson of the New Orleans Saints with a percentage of .797 to Pat Leahy of the New York Jets at .693.

Lou (the Toe) Groza, most famous of the old-timers, had a percentage of .548. George Blanda, pro football’s all-time scorer, finished at .525.

Trivia Answer: No. 12.

Quotebook

Senior golfer Bob Charles, on one of the advantages of being left-handed: “No one knows enough about your swing to mess you up with advice.”