Davis Had Sixth Sense When He Sized Up Irish

It’s one of the best-remembered Times sports headlines of the 1970s:

“DAVIS! DAVIS! DAVIS! DAVIS! DAVIS! DAVIS!”

What else could be said of a 185-pound San Fernando comet named Anthony Davis after his historic six-touchdown afternoon in a 45-23 USC victory over Notre Dame?

Retired Times sports editor Paul Zimmerman was moved to say that day: “I consider this one of the most historic days in college football history. How long do you think it will be before someone else scores six touchdowns against Notre Dame?”

Notre Dame outgained the Trojans that day but the Irish had no defense for a 5-foot-9 sophomore who returned the opening and second-half kickoffs for touchdowns, and scored on runs of one, five, four and eight yards.

Earlier in the week, Davis had told The Times Jeff Prugh: “They’re big and strong, but if I can get outside on them--get in the open--I think I can go all the way a few times.”

Davis ignited the crowd of 75,243 in the opening seconds, taking the opening kickoff back 97 yards, down the left sideline. Then he did it again to start the second half, this time covering 96 yards.

That one put USC ahead, 32-23. With the Irish clearly reeling, USC added two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Also on this date: In 1950, Navy ended Army’s 28-game unbeaten streak with a 14-2 shocker before 101,000 at Philadelphia. . . . In 1976, retired Pittsburgh Pirate manager Danny Murtaugh died at 59. . . . In 1950, USC sophomore Jim Sears returned a second-quarter kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the Trojans’ 9-7 win over Notre Dame, before 70,177 at the Coliseum.