R.I.P., HARRY OLIVER.
Harry Oliver, former Notre Dame kicker, dead at the age of 47 after a long battle with cancer.
Like many of college football’s niche heroes, Oliver was a good and well-liked player with one great and iconic moment he became beloved for: kicking a 50 yard field goal to beat Michigan on September 20, 1980. Watch Oliver’s finest moment below, complete with Bob Ufer sounding as if he’s just been stabbed with a barbecue fork in the lungs and is struggling to maintain composure.












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Harry O was a religious,funny, generous kind and humble man. Harry was a ray of sunshine and brought many smiles to peoples faces whether it be the Notre Dame fans after the kick or to his friends and family. Harry fought the battle of cancer like a courageous man would. He had the hopes and optimizium that he would “kick it” and get better unfortunately he didnt but he continued to fight it like a true CHAMP up until his last day. God rest you in peace HarrBear we miss you.
Comment by Pres of HarryO fanclub — August 24, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
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There has never been a better announcer than Bob Ufer. Even a clip like this shows how much he loved Michigan football. How may of us Gator fans could calmly report the score after the UT game a few years ago when Baker got that bs unsportsman ? Bob was heartbroken by that kick.
Comment by AtlantaGator — August 14, 2007 @ 3:57 pm
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Here’s the post from Blue Gray Sky about the same topic. In addition to a bit more commentary, they link to a video of the Tony Roberts call of the kick in addition to the ever-hilarious call by the Michigan announcer.
Comment by PAK — August 14, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
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Hats off to Harry Oliver. I still have trouble believing that kick happened.
BBC, it’s either God or Lucifer…
Comment by PJ from NU in SF — August 14, 2007 @ 10:06 am
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In these here parts (no, I don’t actually talk like that), the most celebrated kicker would have to be Van Tiffin. This is one of Keith Jackson’s best calls, which says something:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOyNwgWQsDk
Of course, in Lee County, he’s known as “Van Fuckin’ Tiffin”.
Comment by HFS — August 14, 2007 @ 8:17 am
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The kick was going to be going into a 25 mph wind until the players got set . . . and then the flags stopped waiving . . . and then the ball was snapped . . . and Harry Oliver was a hero.
More proof that God is Irish and loves Notre Dame
Comment by BBC — August 14, 2007 @ 7:54 am
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gawd, i love this site.
Comment by LSUJoshua — August 13, 2007 @ 11:35 pm
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If you read eric y’s comments like panels in a comic strip, they start to make a little more sense. Unfortunately, they read like Mary Worth or Hi and Lois.
Also, Re: 10, the first name that came to mind was Kevin Butler. Not sure why.
Comment by PW — August 13, 2007 @ 10:57 pm