The Clemson Insider · May 4, 2020
Clemson Flashback: Danny Ford's first game, Woody Hayes' punch
1978 Gator Bowl remembered more for what happened at the end than the Tigers' win
Danny Ford had perhaps the most memorable first game of any head coach in the history of college football, though he really had nothing to do with it besides coach Clemson to a victory.
Ford’s first game was in the 1978 Gator Bowl, when his Clemson team faced Hall of Fame head coach Woody Hayes and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ford took over as head coach at Clemson after Charlie Pell left to go coach the Florida Gators.
The Tigers had won their first ACC Championship in 11 years, were 10-1 and ranked No. 7 in the country heading into the 1978 Gator Bowl.