Langley, 77, Who Still Holds USC Interception Record, Dies

Lawrence (Bud) Langley, whose 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against Notre Dame in 1936 is still a USC record, died Dec. 30 after a lengthy illness. He was 77.

According to “The Game is On: Notre Dame vs. USC, a 50-year History,” Langley was aided by referee Tom Louttit during his record-breaking runback at the Coliseum on Dec. 5, 1936.

After stepping in front of receiver Andy Puplis and intercepting a pass from Bob Wilke, Langley took off up the left sideline, with Irish fullback Larry Danbom in pursuit. Danbom, though, was hindered in his chase by Louttit, who ran to the right and rear of Langley.

“Every time Danbom got a line on Langley, the referee inadvertently cut him off,” Cameron Applegate wrote in his history of the USC-Notre Dame series. “Finally, Larry did what any red-blooded American would do: He ran over the referee.

“Even though he didn’t hit the deck with Louttit, the collision cost him precious seconds and Langley ran the remaining 20 yards to the goal line unmolested.”

Langley’s touchdown helped USC gain a 13-13 tie in a game that was dominated by the Irish. USC managed only one first down--Notre Dame had 18--and was outgained by the Irish, 406 yards to 53.

Langley was buried Monday at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.