Robbie Martin Scores All Three Touchdowns in National Title Game
12/9/2020 8:10:00 PM | Football
1980 NCAA DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS AND INTERVIEWS
EDITOR'S NOTE: Each Wednesday from September to December, Cal Poly will look back at notable performances from past fall season teams through the Golden 1 Credit Union Golden Moments in Mustang History series.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- It would be unfair to claim that wide receiver Robbie Martin single-handedly led Cal Poly to the 1980 NCAA Division II National Championship.
He did, however, score all three Mustang touchdowns in Cal Poly's 21-13 victory over top-ranked Eastern Illinois in the Zia Bowl at Albuquerque, N.M.
Martin returned a punt 42 yards for the first Mustang score less than two minutes into the game, then ran the final 20 yards of a 58-yard pass play after catching the ball thrown by Craig Johnston, giving Cal Poly a 14-13 lead early in the third period.
Martin's spectacular diving catch of a 33-yard pass from Johnston with 14 minutes remaining in the game was virtually the clinching score for the Mustangs.
That contest, played nearly 40 years ago, on Dec. 13, 1980, and televised nationally by ABC, has been selected as this week's Golden Moment in Mustang History presented by Golden 1 Credit Union.
Many may have forgotten than Martin returned another punt 62 yards for a touchdown a few minutes later, but that score was wiped out by a clipping penalty. Nevertheless, he finished the day with seven catches, two for touchdowns, for 164 yards as he gave the school its first NCAA title in football.
Johnston completed 12 of 21 passes for 236 yards. He was intercepted just once by a team that led the nation with 31 thefts in 11 regular-season games.
Running back Louis Jackson, who along with Martin would earn All-American honors following the 10-3 season, was held to 26 yards on 20 carries as Eastern Illinois' defense was focused on stopping him. Cal Poly was held to just 39 rushing yards for the game.
The Panthers, however, couldn't contain the Johnston-to-Martin passing combination, particularly in the second half as head coach Joe Harper switched from a roll-out passing formation to a straight drop-back style. Johnston, just 2-for-7 in the first half, was 10 of 14 for 213 yards, including the two scoring strikes to Martin, after the break.
"That Martin is a great player," said Eastern Illinois head coach Darrell Mudra, whose club was seeking its second national crown in three seasons. "We had trouble stopping him in critical situations. It's a real credit to his talent that he made the big plays."
Countered Harper, "They surprised us with that eight-man rush and they were putting tremendous pressure on Johnston (leaving single coverage on Martin). We felt our drop-back passing would work if we could pass block well. We went to a passing emphasis because they were absolutely determined to stop the run."
Johnston, pleased with the drop-back decision, also changed his shoes to a pair with longer cleats to gain better traction on the grass, softened and made wet by six inches of snow earlier in the week.
Jackson led all Division II rushers in the nation in 1980 as he compiled 1,424 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.
Despite leading Cal Poly in several statistical categories, Eastern Illinois was stymied by four turnovers -- two lost fumbles and a pair of interceptions by Mustang defensive back Chris Jones.
"I can't express in words how it feels to be national champions," Martin said. "I'm a lucky person. What a perfect, fitting way to end a career. It's unbelievable."
Martin, inducted into Cal Poly's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005, went on to enjoy a six-year playing career in the National Football League -- four with the Detroit Lions and two with the Indianapolis Colts.
Cal Poly played its first two playoff games at home that season, defeating Jacksonville State 15-0 and Santa Clara 38-14. Following the championship win over Eastern Illinois, Harper was named Division II Coach of the Year.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Each Wednesday from September to December, Cal Poly will look back at notable performances from past fall season teams through the Golden 1 Credit Union Golden Moments in Mustang History series.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- It would be unfair to claim that wide receiver Robbie Martin single-handedly led Cal Poly to the 1980 NCAA Division II National Championship.
He did, however, score all three Mustang touchdowns in Cal Poly's 21-13 victory over top-ranked Eastern Illinois in the Zia Bowl at Albuquerque, N.M.
Martin returned a punt 42 yards for the first Mustang score less than two minutes into the game, then ran the final 20 yards of a 58-yard pass play after catching the ball thrown by Craig Johnston, giving Cal Poly a 14-13 lead early in the third period.
Martin's spectacular diving catch of a 33-yard pass from Johnston with 14 minutes remaining in the game was virtually the clinching score for the Mustangs.
That contest, played nearly 40 years ago, on Dec. 13, 1980, and televised nationally by ABC, has been selected as this week's Golden Moment in Mustang History presented by Golden 1 Credit Union.
Many may have forgotten than Martin returned another punt 62 yards for a touchdown a few minutes later, but that score was wiped out by a clipping penalty. Nevertheless, he finished the day with seven catches, two for touchdowns, for 164 yards as he gave the school its first NCAA title in football.
Johnston completed 12 of 21 passes for 236 yards. He was intercepted just once by a team that led the nation with 31 thefts in 11 regular-season games.
Running back Louis Jackson, who along with Martin would earn All-American honors following the 10-3 season, was held to 26 yards on 20 carries as Eastern Illinois' defense was focused on stopping him. Cal Poly was held to just 39 rushing yards for the game.
The Panthers, however, couldn't contain the Johnston-to-Martin passing combination, particularly in the second half as head coach Joe Harper switched from a roll-out passing formation to a straight drop-back style. Johnston, just 2-for-7 in the first half, was 10 of 14 for 213 yards, including the two scoring strikes to Martin, after the break.
"That Martin is a great player," said Eastern Illinois head coach Darrell Mudra, whose club was seeking its second national crown in three seasons. "We had trouble stopping him in critical situations. It's a real credit to his talent that he made the big plays."
Countered Harper, "They surprised us with that eight-man rush and they were putting tremendous pressure on Johnston (leaving single coverage on Martin). We felt our drop-back passing would work if we could pass block well. We went to a passing emphasis because they were absolutely determined to stop the run."
Johnston, pleased with the drop-back decision, also changed his shoes to a pair with longer cleats to gain better traction on the grass, softened and made wet by six inches of snow earlier in the week.
Jackson led all Division II rushers in the nation in 1980 as he compiled 1,424 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.
Despite leading Cal Poly in several statistical categories, Eastern Illinois was stymied by four turnovers -- two lost fumbles and a pair of interceptions by Mustang defensive back Chris Jones.
"I can't express in words how it feels to be national champions," Martin said. "I'm a lucky person. What a perfect, fitting way to end a career. It's unbelievable."
Martin, inducted into Cal Poly's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005, went on to enjoy a six-year playing career in the National Football League -- four with the Detroit Lions and two with the Indianapolis Colts.
Cal Poly played its first two playoff games at home that season, defeating Jacksonville State 15-0 and Santa Clara 38-14. Following the championship win over Eastern Illinois, Harper was named Division II Coach of the Year.
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