On March 25, Coach Michelosen welcomed 66 players, including 30 lettermen for his ninth spring practice session.[14] The coaches were allotted 20 days of practice to be completed by April 27. The annual Blue-White game was played on that date at Pitt Stadium. The Blues managed an 8–0 victory with no time remaining on a 15-yard interception return by guard Ray Popp. The two point conversion was successful (a pass from Ray Conway to John Verkleeran).[15][16]
On April 2, Pitt assistant line coach Frank Lauterbur was named head coach at Toledo University.[17] On August 24, the Athletic Department announced the hiring of Joe Pullekines to replace Lauterbur. Pullekines previously coached as a graduate assistant for Pitt, while pursuing his dental degree.[18]
A squad of 60 players, including 27 lettermen, were invited to fall camp at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, commencing on August 19. The squad returned to campus on September 1 for class registration, and then practiced on campus for their opening game at UCLA on September 20.[19]
Pitt opened their 1963 season with a trip to the West Coast to play the UCLA Bruins for the sixth time. Pitt led the all-time series 3–2. The Bruins returned 25 lettermen including All-American end candidate Mel Profit. Pitt followed their normal procedure of a stopover in Albuquerque, NM. Coach Michelosen held a team work-out on the University of New Mexico field, and then the squad proceeded to Los Angeles.[20]
On September 20, Pitt defeated the UCLA Bruins 20–0 in front of 28,095 fans at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Pitt kicked off and forced a punt. They gained possession on the UCLA 48-yard line. On the seventh play, Paul Martha ran over the right side for the score from the 4-yard line. Rick Leeson kicked the point after and Pitt led 7–0. Later in the quarter, UCLA intercepted a Fred Mazurek pass and returned it to the Panthers' 11-yard line. Pitt's defense held and the Panthers took over on their 9-yard line. UCLA did not threaten to score again. Rick Leeson scored 10 points in the second quarter on a 27-yard field goal, 1-yard plunge and extra point for a 17–0 halftime lead. Then, Leeson capped the scoring with a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter.[21]
The Panthers gained 202 yards rushing and 227 yards passing. Halfback Eric Crabtree led the team with 44 rushing yards on 8 carries. Quarterback Fred Mazurek contributed 43 rushing yards on 7 carries and completed 8 of 11 passes for 106 yards. Kenny Lucas completed 4 of 8 passes for 70 yards and Fred Novak completed 4 of 7 passes for 51 yards.[22]
The starting Pitt line-up for the game against UCLA was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, Mitchell Zalansky, Ronald Linaburg, Tom Raymond, Ray Popp, Bernie LaQuinta, Joe Novogratz, Bob Guzinsky, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, Fred Hoaglin, James Irwin, James Jones, Dennis Bernick, John Jenkins, John Verkleeren, Eugene Sobolewski, Kenny Lucas, Fred Novak, Tom Black, Glen Lehner, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, Robert Roeder, John Ozimek, John Telesky and Barry McKnight.[23]
Joe Kuzneski 14-yard pass from Mazurek (kick failed)
PITT 13–6
On September 28, the Panthers home opener was against the Washington Huskies. Coach Jim Owens' Huskies had 14 returning lettermen, and were led by All-American guard candidate Rick Redman. Pitt led the all-time series 3–1.
[24]
In front of 37,136 fans, the Panthers won their second game in a row by defeating the Huskies 13–6. Late in the first quarter, the Panthers started a 75-yard, 11 play drive that ended, on the fourth play of the second quarter, with quarterback Fred Mazurek scoring on a 1-yard sneak. Rick Leeson kicked the extra point for a 7–0 halftime lead. Washington threatened in the second quarter, but fumbled on the Panthers' 3-yard line. The Huskies scored in the final period on a 49-yard, 10-play drive. Dave Kopay scored from the 2-yard line. Fred Mazurek tackled Charley Browning in the backfield on the two point attempt to keep the Panthers in the lead 7–6. Pitt tackle Ernie Borghetti recovered the onside kick on the Panthers' 48-yard line. On the fifth play, Mazurek hit Joe Kuzneski with a 14-yard touchdown pass. Leeson missed the extra point. The Huskies Steve Bramwell returned the kick-off 70 yards to the Panthers 27-yard line. Mazurek intercepted a Bill Douglas pass which gave Pitt possession on their 13-yard line. The Panthers then drove to the Washington 1-yard line, and fumbled with 1 minute remaining.[25]
Fred Mazurek ran 7 times for 21 yards and completed 11 of 16 passes for 117 yards. He also caught a pass for an 11 yard gain. Paul Martha (82 yards) and Rick Leeson (48 yards) led the team in rushing.[26]
The Pitt starting line-up for the game against Washington was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, Ronald Linaburg, Ray Popp, Bernie LaQuinta, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, James Irwin, James Jones, John Jenkins, John Verkleeren, Eugene Sobolewski, Kenny Lucas, Tom Black, Glen Lehner, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, Robert Roeder and John Telesky.[26]
Jim Blakeney 85-yard kick-off return (Tom Blanchfield kick)
CAL 7–0
1
PITT
Paul Martha 1-yard run (Fred Mazurek run)
PITT 8–7
1
PITT
Eric Crabtree 47-yard run (Rick Leeson kick)
PITT 15–7
2
PITT
Crabtree 10-yard pass from Kenny Lucas (Leeson kick)
PITT 22–7
3
PITT
Leeson 32-yard pass from Fred Mazurek (kick failed)
PITT 28–7
4
PITT
Barry McKnight 14-yard run (Leeson kick)
PITT 35–7
4
CALT
Jack Schraub 14-yard pass from Craig Morton (Schraub pass from Morton)
PITT 35–15
On October 5, the Panthers played the California Bears (their third Athletic Association of Western Universities opponent) at Pitt Stadium. Coach Marv Levy's Bears were 1–1 on the season and a two touchdown underdog. Pitt led the all-time series 2–1.[27]
Pitt made it three straight with a decisive 35–15 victory. Cal halfback Jim Blakeney took the opening kick-off 85 yards for the game's first score, and Tom Blanchfield's placement put Cal ahead 7–0. Pitt scored the next 35 points. Paul Martha completed a 10-play, 61-yard march with a 1-yard slant over left tackle. Fred Mazurek ran over the right side for the two point conversion to put Pitt ahead 8–7. Eric Crabtree scored 3 minutes later on a 47-yard reverse around the left side. Rick Leeson converted the first of his three placements to make the score 15–7. Crabtree caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Lucas in the second quarter, and Leeson's placement made the halftime score 22–7. Leeson scored on a 32-yard pass from Mazurek in the third period. Barry McKnight closed the Panther scoring with a last quarter 14-yard run to cap a 14-play, 84-yard drive. Cal made the score more respectable against Pitt's reserves with a Craig Morton 14-yard touchdown pass to Craig Schraub. Morton passed to Schraub for the two point conversion.[28]
The Pitt starting line-up for the game against California was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, Ronald Linaburg, Ray Popp, Bernie LaQuinta, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, James Irwin, James Jones, John Jenkins, John Ozimek, Eugene Sobolewski, Kenny Lucas, Francis Novak, Tom Black, Glen Lehner, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, Robert Roeder, Barry McKnight and John Telesky.[29]
Joe Kuzneski 3-yard pass from Fred Mazurek (Rick Leeson kick)
PITT 7–0
2
WVA
Chuck KInder 31-yard field goal
PITT 7–3
4
WVU
Dick Leftridge 5-yard pass from Jerry Yost (Kinder kick)
WVU 10–7
4
PITT
Paul Martha 46-yard run (kick failed)
PITT 13–10
On October 19, the 1963 Backyard Brawl was played on Mountaineer Field. Coach Gene Corum's Mounties were 2–2 on the season, and a two touchdown underdog to the #3 ranked Panthers. Pitt led the all-time series 39–15–1, but had lost 3 of the previous 4.[30]
In front of 31,000 Homecoming Day fans, Pitt managed a come-from-behind 13–10 victory to improve their record to 4–0. The Pitt offense drove to the WVU 15 to open the game, but Paul Martha fumbled. The Panthers regained possession on their own 29-yard line. An 11-play drive was capped with a Fred Mazurek 5-yard touchdown pass to Joe Kuzneski. Rick Leeson booted the point after and Pitt led 7–0. West Virginia kicker Chuck Kinder made a 31-yard field goal in the second quarter that was dominated by 90 yards of penalties (50 on Pitt and 40 on WVU). After earlier having a touchdown negated by a clipping penalty, and then fumbling on the Pitt 2-yard line, West Virginia's offense scored in the final quarter on a 5-yard pass from Jerry Yost to Dick Leftridge. Kinder added the placement and the Mountaineers led 10–7. Pitt took possession on their 20-yard line. Martha raced 46-yards through the left side of the defense for the go-ahead score on the sixth play. Leeson missed the extra point. Then Pitt's Bob Roeder intercepted a Yost pass at midfield, and Pitt ran out the clock.[31]
Fred Mazurek completed 7 of 9 passes for 82 yards. Fullback Rick Leeson carried the ball 11 times for 82 yards, and he caught 3 passes for 40 yards.[32]
The Pitt starting line-up for the game against West Virginian was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, James Jones, Ray Popp, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, James Irwin, Bernard LaQuinta, Ronald Linaburg, James Jenkins, John Verkleeren, Robert Long, Kenny Lucas, Glenn Lehner, Tom Black, Robert Roeder, Eric Crabtree, John Telesky, Barry McKnight and Marvin Lippincot.[33]
Eric Crabtree 39-yard pass from Kenny Lucas ( pass failed)
NAVY 17–6
4
NAVY
Pat Donnelly 1-yard run (Marlin kick)
NAVY 24–6
4
PITT
Paul Martha 74-yard pass from Lucas (pass failed)
NAVY 24–12
On October 26, The Panthers travelled to Annapolis, MD to play the Navy Midshipmen. Pitt led the all-time series 7–3–1, but had lost 2 of the past 3 games. Wayne Hardin's Middies were 4–1 on the season and ranked #10. Pitt was ranked #3 and was a 4-point underdog.[34]
The Panthers lost 24–12 in front of a near capacity crowd of 30,231 at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. It would turn out to be their only loss of the season. Navy quarterback Roger Staubach befuddled the Panther defense. He completed 14 of 19 passes for 168 yards, he rushed for 60 yards on 19 carries (but he was sacked for 93 yards in losses) and he caught 2 passes for 19 yards. Navy center, Tom Lynch, intercepted a Fred Mazurek pass in the opening quarter, which led to Fred Marlin converting a 36-yard field goal to put Navy ahead 3–0. Navy's Pat Donnelly intercepted a Mazurek pass that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run by John Sai in the second quarter. Marlin added the placement and Navy led 10–0 at halftime. Navy's third interception resulted in a 1-yard touchdown sneak by Staubach and Marlin's extra point to extend the lead to 17–0 early in the final period . The Panther offense answered with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Lucas to Eric Crabtree. The two-point conversion try failed. Pitt regained possession on their 15-yard line, but Kenny Lucas threw the Panthers' fourth interception of the game, which was returned by Donnelly to the Panthers' 1-yard line. Donnelly scored on second down, and Marlin kicked the extra point for a 24–6 lead. Pitt answered with a 76-yard touchdown pass from Lucas to Paul Martha. The two-point conversion try again failed.[35]
The Pitt starting line-up for the Navy game was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, James Jones, Ray Popp, Joe Novogratz, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, James Irwin, Bernard LaQuinta, Ronald Linaburg, James Jenkins, John Verkleeren, Eugene Sobolewski, Kenny Lucas, Robert Roeder, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, John Telesky, Glen Lehner and Tom Black.[36]
Fred Mazurek 2-yard run (Al Grigaliunas pass from Mazurek)
PITT 8–7
2
SYR
Richard King 3-yard run (Gus Giardi pass from King)
SYR 15–8
2
SYR
Duckett 1-yard run ( pass failed)
SYR 21–8
3
PITT
Mazurek 41-yard run (Rick Leeson pass from Mazurek)
SYR 21–16
3
PITT
Paul Martha 1-yard run (pass failed)
PITT 22–21
3
PITT
Grigaliunas 13-yard pass from Mazurek (pass failed)
PITT 28–21
4
SYR
Mike Koski 53-yard pass from King (run failed)
SYR 28–27
4
PITT
Leeson 3-yard run (Leeson kick)
PITT 35–27
On November 2, the Panthers welcomed Floyd Schwartzwalder's Syracuse Orangemen for their Youth Day and Homecoming game. Syracuse was 5–1 on the season, having only lost to Kansas. Pitt led the all-time series 10–6–2.[37]
The Panthers won by scoring 27 second half points in a come-from-behind 35–27 victory. After falling behind 21–8 in the first half, the Panthers' defense held Syracuse to two second half first downs and one touchdown. Syracuse recovered a fumble on Pitt's opening possession at the Panthers' 19-yard line. Nat Duckett scored from the 3-yard line on the sixth play. John Paglio kicked the extra point for a 7–0 Syracuse lead. Pitt answered with a 19-play, 81-yard drive capped by a 2-yard run by Fred Mazurek. Mazurek hit Al Grigaliunas for the two point conversion and Pitt led 8–7 at the end of the first quarter. Syracuse scored twice in the second quarter to lead 21–8 at halftime. On the fifth play of the second half Mazurek scored his second touchdown of the day on a 41-yard run. Mazurek passed to Rick Leeson for the 2-point conversion. The Pitt defense forced a punt, and the Pitt offense marched 85 yards for the go-ahead score. Paul Martha scored from 1-yard out, and the two-point pass attempt was batted down. Pitt regained possession and scored on a 13-yard pass from Mazurek to Grigaliunas. The two-point pass attempt failed, but Pitt led 28–21 at the end of 3 quarters. Syracuse answered in the final period on a 53-yard pass from Richard King to Mike Koski. Their two-point try failed and Pitt held a 1- point lead. Syracuse regained possession, but Marty Schottenheimer intercepted on the Syracuse 45-yard line. Leeson capped the 45-yard, 8-play drive with a touchdown run from the 3-yard line, and kicked the extra point for the final 35–27 margin.[38]
Pitt earned 24 first downs to Syracuse's 7, and Pitt outgained the Orange 338 yards to 203 yards. Quarterback Fred Mazurek led the Panthers with 119 yards rushing on 22 carries, and he completed 13 of 21 passes for 136 yards. He also scored two touchdowns and passed for another.[38]
The Pitt starting line-up for the Syracuse game was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, James Jones, Ray Popp, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, James Irwin, Bernard LaQuinta, Ronald Linaburg, James Jenkins, Eugene Sobolewski, Kenny Lucas, Robert Roeder, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, John Telesky, Glen Lehner and Tom Black.[39]
Paul Martha 92-yard kickoff return ( kick blocked)
ND 7–6
2
PITT
Rick Leeson1-yard run (pass failed)
PITT 12–7
3
PITT
Fred Mazurek 10-yard run ( Mazurek run)
PITT 20–7
4
PITT
William Howley 6-yard pass from Kenny Lucas (Leeson kick)
PITT 27–7
On November 9, the Panthers traveled to South Bend, IN to play Coach Hugh Devore's Fighting Irish of Notre Dame for the 30th time. Notre Dame led the all-time series 18–10–1. Pitt had only won twice previously at Notre Dame. The Irish were 2–4 for the season.[40]
The Pitt Panthers beat the Irish on their home turf for the third time 27–7. Notre Dame intercepted a Fred Mazurek pass on the Pitt 38-yard line early in the first quarter. The 12-play drive ended with Irish quarterback Frank Budka's 1-yard sneak for a touchdown. Ken Ivan booted the extra point and Pitt trailed 7–0. Pitt halfback Paul Martha answered with a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Rick Leeson's placement attempt was blocked and Pitt still trailed 7–6 at the end of the opening quarter. Eric Crabtree returned an Irish punt 45 yards to the Irish 25-yard line in the second period. Mazurek led an 8-play drive that was capped with a 1-yard plunge by Leeson. Mazurek's pass for the conversion was intercepted, but Pitt led 12–7 at halftime. Pitt gained possession on an interception on their 49-yard line in the third quarter. The Panthers scored in two plays. A 41-yard pass to Martha was followed by a 10-yard scamper by Mazurek for the touchdown. Mazurek ran for the 2-point conversion to increase the lead to 20–7. The second and third team substitutes scored in the final quarter on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Lucas to William Howley. Leeson booted the extra point to close the scoring.[41]
The Pitt starting line-up for the Notre Dame game was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, John Verkleeran, James Jones, Tom Raymond, Ray Popp, Joe Novogratz, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, Fred Hoaglin, James Irwin, Bernard LaQuinta, Robert Sorochak, Ronald Linaburg, Dennis Bernick, James Jenkins, Eugene Sobolewski, Mitchell Zalnasky, Kenny Lucas, Francis Novak, Robert Roeder, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, John Telesky, Glen Lehner, Barry McKnight, John Ozimek and Tom Black.[41]
Eric Crabtree 27-yard pass from Kenny Lucas (Leeson kick)
PITT 28–0
The #6 ranked Pitt Panthers welcomed the Army Cadets for their fourth home game of the season. Coach Paul Dietzel's Cadets were 7–1, but an 8-point underdog. Pitt led the all-time series 6–2–2.[42]
In front of 47,947 fans, the Pitt Panthers improved their record to 7–1 with a 28–0 shutout of the Army Cadets. Pitt gained possession on their 20-yard line late in the opening quarter. Paul Martha ran through right tackle for a 48-yard touchdown on the fourth play. The two-point pass attempt failed and Pitt led 6–0. The Panthers scored twice in the second quarter. Quarterback Fred Mazurek went 33-yards on a keeper play for a touchdown, but his run for the extra points fell short. Rick Leeson then kicked a 29-yard field goal to make the halftime score 15–0. The Panthers offense started the third quarter with an 8-play, 66-yard drive capped by Leeson's 5-yard touchdown run. The Panthers substitutes added a touchdown in the final period when Kenny Lucas's 27-yard pass was deflected by Army defensive back James Bierschmitt into the hands of Pitt end Eric Crabtree. Leeson kicked the extra point.[43][44]
The Pitt starting line-up for the Army game was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, John Verkleeran, Ron Long, Dan Picciano, James Jones, Tom Raymond, Ray Popp, Joe Novogratz, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, Fred Hoaglin, Jock Beachler, James Irwin, Bernard LaQuinta, Robert Sorochak, Ronald Linaburg, Dennis Bernick, James Jenkins, Eugene Sobolewski, Mitchell Zalnasky, Kenny Lucas, Francis Novak, Robert Roeder, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, John Telesky, Glen Lehner, Barry McKnight, John Ozimek and Tom Black.[43]
Nick Spinelli 6-yard pass from George Mira ( Cifra kick)
MIAMI 14–9
2
PITT
Bill Bodle 2-yard run ( Rick Leeson kick)
PITT 16–14
3
PITT
William Howley 17-yard pass from Mazurek ( kick failed)
PITT 22–14
3
MIAMI
Spinelli 11-yard pass from Mira (pass failed)
PITT 22–20
4
PITT
Leeson 1-yard run (kick failed)
PITT 28–20
4
PITT
Leeson 24-yard field goal
PITT 31–20
On November 30, the #5 ranked Panthers final road game was to Miami, Florida to play Coach Andy Gustafson's Hurricanes at Orange Bowl Stadium. The Hurricanes were 3–5 for the season. The all-time series was tied at 4 games apiece.[45]
The Panthers beat the Hurricanes 31–20 in front of 33,230 hostile fans to improve their record to 8–1. Each team scored two touchdowns in the first half, but Pitt led 16–14 thanks to a mishandled center snap that led to a safety. The Pitt defense held Miami's offense to one second half touchdown, while the Pitt offense scored two touchdowns and a field goal. Pitt quarterback Fred Mazurek led the Panthers with 146 rushing yards on 21 carries and 149 passing yards on 10 of 18 completions. Paul Martha gained 108 yards on 20 carries. Mazurek, Bill Bodle, Bill Howley and Rick Leeson scored for the Panthers. Pete Banaszak opened the scoring for Miami on a 1-yard run. George Mira passed to Nick Spinelli for their other two scores. Mira completed 25 of 43 passes for 309 yards.[46]
Gerry Sandusky 9-yard pass from Pete Liske (Coates kick)
PSU 14–6
2
PITT
Rick Leeson 1-yard run ( pass failed)
PSU 14–12
3
PITT
Rick Leeson 35-yard field goal
PITT 15–14
3
PSU
Don Caum 10-yard pass from Liske ( Coates kick)
PSU 21–15
4
PITT
Fred Mazurek 17-yard run (Leeson kick)
PITT 22–21
On December 7, the #4-ranked Pitt Panthers played their in-state rival Penn State for the sixty-third time. Pitt led the all-time series 33–26–3. Coach Rip Engle's Lions were 7–2 for the season.[47]
Sixteen seniors (Chuck Ahlborn, Jeff Ware, John Maczuzak, Ernie Borghetti, Ed Adamchik, John Jenkins, Glenn Lehner, Rick Leeson, Joe Kuzneski, Gene Sobolewski, Bob Long, Al Grigaliunas, John Telesky, Bob Roeder, John Ozimek and Paul Martha) suited up for their final game as Pitt Panthers. So far they were 0–3 against Penn State.[48]
Pitt kept the 52,349 fans on the edge of their seats as they defeated the Nittany Lions 22–21 in a hard fought come-from-behind victory. Penn State scored first on a 9-yard run by Gary Klingensmith, and Ron Coates kicked the extra point. Pitt answered with a 46-yard drive capped on a 1-yard plunge over right tackle by Paul Martha. The two-point conversion failed. Penn State recovered a Fred Mazurek fumble on the Pitt 36-yard line. Pete Liske hit Gerry Sandusky with a 9-yard touchdown pass on the seventh play. Coates kicked the extra point. Pitt countered before halftime with an 80-yard, 9-play drive. Rick Leeson went through right guard from the 1-yard line for the touchdown, but the two-point conversion failed again. Pitt trailed at halftime 12–14. Pitt managed to score first and last in the second half. The Staties drove to the Panthers 10-yard line, but the Pitt defense held and took over on downs. The Panthers drove to the State 7-yard line, and had to settle for a 25-yard Rick Leeson field goal for their first lead of the game. (15–14) It was short-lived as Penn State took the kick-off and drove 75-yards in 8 plays. Liske threw a 10-yard pass to Don Caum for the go-ahead score and Coates added the point after. Pitt regained the lead for good in the final quarter with a 77-yard, 11-play drive. Fred Mazurek ran the final 17-yards for the touchdown and Leeson booted the extra point to put the Panthers ahead 22–21. Penn State managed to get into field goal range, but Coates was wide-left on his 37-yard attempt. Pitt finished the season with a 9–1 record.[49]
The Pitt starting line-up for the Penn State game was Al Grigaliunas (left end), John Maczuzak (left tackle), Jeff Ware (left guard), Charles Ahlborn (center), Ed Adamchik (right guard), Ernest Borghetti (right tackle), Joe Kuzneski (right end), Fred Mazurek (quarterback), Paul Martha (left halfback), Bill Bodle (right halfback) and Rick Leeson (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were William Howley, Ron Long, James Jones, Tom Raymond, Ray Popp, Martin Schottenheimer, Paul Cercel, James Irwin, Bernard LaQuinta, Ronald Linaburg, James Jenkins, Eugene Sobolewski, Kenny Lucas, Robert Roeder, Dale Stewart, Eric Crabtree, John Telesky, Glen Lehner and Tom Black.[49]
Pitt ended the season with a 9–1 record. They were ranked #3 by the United Press International and #4 by the Associated Press, but they were not extended a bowl invitation. Ten years later Randy L. Jesick, a researcher, documented what the members of the 1963 roster were doing. "Of the 75 players on his (Michelosen's) roster, Jesick found that 66 had graduated; 33 from that lot enrolled in post-graduate programs. There were three doctors, 15 dentists, five lawyers, seven educators, 28 involved in industry and two ministers."[50]
Halfback Paul Martha was named first team All-America by the Newspaper Enterprise Association, The Sporting News and the Central Press Association. He was named to the second team by United Press International, Look magazine and the American Football Coaches Association. Ernie Borghetti was named first team All-America on the Look magazine squad and third team by the Newspaper Enterprise Association. Guard Ed Adamchik was named second team All-America by the Newspaper Enterprise Association.[52][53][54][55]
