re: Watched the 1973 Sugar Bowl and noticed...

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OU used to have a huge crown/slope

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From what was told to me by a former player from the late 60's and early 70's, that crown really had very little to do with drainage....the fact that in those rare occasions when it did rain that it kept things dry was a bonus. Opponents had hard times making field goals and if you did not run the triple option it was problematic.

I don't think they used the victory formation back then. I was watching a game, might have been this one, and it was basically over. All they had to do was kneel the ball or fall on it, but they were handing it off and running. Looks strange now.

You are correct. It had everything to do with the wishbone offense. Home field advantage and all that.

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Did you notice the coaches dressed like gentleman in a coat and tie? Johnny Majors and Gene Stallings were perhaps the last two to dress this way.

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Mike Dubose tried it for a couple of games. I have often wondered why suits and ties were abandoned for the practice wear look. B-ball coaches still wear suits. Years down the road will this be considered a marker for the decline of Western Civilization??? Makes ya think...

I love to watch old football games, especially for the details like those pointed out in the OP. It reminds me of a simpler time.

It’s amazing how small shoulder pads are now compared to the 70’s and 80’s. Those guys look huge on the field and then you realize it’s those giant shoulder pads and loose jersey’s.

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The field at OU used to have a huge crown/slope too. Almost comical how steep it was but that was the drainage solution back then.

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It also helped wishbone teams get to the edge quicker.

How many players had trashy arm sleeve tattoos that they will regret getting in 5 years?

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For me, Tom Landry will always be the pinnacle of this.

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Let’s not forget Hank Stram

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players now much bigger, much much faster - collisions much more violent

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My opinion: Some of the blame can be placed on the "advancement" of equipment. The helmets and pads and braces now used give the players more confidence that they can hit harder, therefore causing more injuries. Just think if we were still playing with leather helmets with no facemasks. Do you think there would be an issue with "leading with the helmet (head)? Hell, no! Common sense and self-preservation take over.

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I could be wrong, but I don’t think the NFL lets coaches wear suits and ties on the sidelines anymore.

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but they'll let Belichek dress like an unemployed couch potato??