Presbyterian College: Chip Porter, Andy Forrest and The Mighty Blue Hose

The Unforgettable Season: How the 1979 Presbyterian College Blue Hose Shocked the College Football World

In the annals of college football history, there are countless tales of underdog teams defying the odds and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Few stories, however, can match the sheer improbability and excitement of the 1979 Presbyterian College Blue Hose football team's remarkable season. This small liberal arts college in Clinton, South Carolina, with a student body of just 900, managed to capture the attention of the entire state and make waves on the national stage.

The story of this incredible season has been beautifully preserved in Chip Porter's book, "The Southern Massacre: 13 Weeks to Remember," and was recently brought to life in a captivating podcast episode featuring Porter and former player Andy Forrest. Their firsthand accounts offer a vivid glimpse into a magical moment in college football history.

From the outset, the 1979 season promised to be something special. Presbyterian College, competing in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), opened their schedule with two David vs. Goliath matchups against larger Division I programs. In a stunning turn of events, the Blue Hose emerged victorious against both The Citadel and Furman University, schools with student populations several times larger than Presbyterian's.

These early upsets sent shockwaves through the South Carolina sports community. Suddenly, this tiny school with its quirky "Blue Hose" nickname (a nod to their Scottish heritage and blue socks) was the talk of the state. The local media dubbed their success "The Southern Massacre," a moniker that would stick throughout their incredible run.

What made this team truly special wasn't just their on-field success, but the close-knit community that rallied around them. In an era before widespread television coverage of college football, the Presbyterian College games became must-see events. The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the annual Bronze Derby game against rival Newberry College.

Played on Thanksgiving Day, this rivalry game was a testament to the passion for football in small-town South Carolina. Despite most students being away for the holiday, the stadiums would be packed to capacity and beyond. As Andy Forrest recounted, "Clinton had 3,000 people, population. Newberry had 3,000 people, population. The towns are 18 miles apart. Thanksgiving Day, there'd be 7,000 or 8,000 people at the football game, no students." It was a true community event, with families adjusting their holiday plans to accommodate the game.

The 1979 Bronze Derby game was particularly memorable. Presbyterian entered the contest with a 9-1 record and a #1 ranking in the NAIA polls. However, they found themselves trailing late in the game, their perfect season and playoff hopes hanging in the balance. In a dramatic turn of events, a personal foul by Newberry gave the Blue Hose new life, allowing them to drive down the field and kick the game-winning field goal.

This victory secured Presbyterian's place in the NAIA playoffs, where they would host Saginaw Valley State in the quarterfinals. Once again, the tiny town of Clinton was transformed into a football mecca. As Forrest described, "In our stadium, we had a small stadium that probably sat how many people, four thousand. And it was every seat was taken. Plus some seats they brought in and standing room only probably seven, eight thousand people at the game."

The quarterfinal game provided yet another chapter in this storybook season. When starting quarterback Jimmy Spence was injured, backup Paul Scott came off the bench to lead the team to a resounding 36-6 victory. Scott's performance was so impressive that it sparked a tongue-in-cheek "Paul for Heisman" campaign among the student body the following year.

While the Blue Hose's magical run would come to an end in the semifinals against Central State Oklahoma, nothing could diminish the impact of their incredible season. They had put Presbyterian College on the map, earning national recognition and instilling a sense of pride that resonates to this day.

The story of the 1979 Presbyterian College football team is more than just a tale of on-field success. It's a testament to the power of community, the thrill of the underdog, and the unique place that college football holds in American culture. In small towns across the South, these teams become the focal point of civic pride, bringing together diverse groups of people in a shared passion.

Chip Porter's book and the subsequent podcast have done a remarkable job of preserving this moment in time. Through painstaking research, including interviews with former players and coaches, and the collection of newspaper clippings and game plans, Porter has created a time capsule of a truly special season.

What stands out most in both the book and the podcast is the sense of camaraderie and lifelong bonds formed through this shared experience. Decades later, the pride and emotion are still palpable in the voices of Porter and Forrest as they recount their college days.

For football fans, especially those who appreciate the rich history and traditions of the college game, "The Southern Massacre" offers a window into a bygone era. It reminds us that sometimes the most compelling stories in sports come not from the big-name programs, but from small schools with oversized hearts and unwavering community support.

The 1979 Presbyterian College Blue Hose may not be a household name in the broader landscape of college football history. However, for those who lived through that magical season, and for anyone who takes the time to discover their story, they represent everything that makes college athletics special. They are a reminder that with determination, teamwork, and a little bit of luck, even the smallest schools can achieve greatness on the biggest stages.

As we reflect on this remarkable story, we're reminded of the power of sports to unite communities, create lasting memories, and inspire future generations. The legacy of the 1979 Presbyterian College football team lives on, not just in record books or trophies, but in the hearts of all those who were touched by their incredible journey.

10 Fun Facts about the Big South Conference:

1. The Big South Conference was founded in 1983.

2. It currently has 11 member institutions across five states.

3. The conference sponsors championship competition in 19 sports (10 men's, 9 women's).

4. Coastal Carolina University won the conference's first-ever NCAA Division I national championship in baseball in 2016.

5. The Big South was the first conference to offer live streaming of all men's and women's basketball games.

6. The conference's football members compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

7. Winthrop University has won the most Big South men's basketball championships with 11 titles.

8. Liberty University won 14 consecutive Big South women's basketball championships from 1997 to 2010.

9. The Big South Conference Men's Basketball Tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

10. In 2019, the conference partnered with ESPN+ to stream over 900 events annually.

10 Facts about Presbyterian College:

1. Presbyterian College was founded in 1880.

2. The college's nickname is the Blue Hose, which originated from the blue socks worn by their sports teams.

3. Presbyterian College is located in Clinton, South Carolina.

4. The college has a student body of approximately 1,000 undergraduate students.

5. Presbyterian College's colors are garnet and blue.

6. The college is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

7. Presbyterian College offers 30+ majors and 9 pre-professional programs.

8. The college's motto is "Dum Vivimus Servimus" (While We Live, We Serve).

9. Presbyterian College competed in NCAA Division I athletics from 2007 to 2020 before transitioning back to Division II.

10. The Bronze Derby trophy, contested between Presbyterian and Newberry College, was one of the oldest football rivalries in South Carolina, dating back to 1913.