Rayam recalls fabled block

[pmull]

As the University of Alabama prepares to travel to Penn State Saturday for the first time since 1989, the hero from the Crimson Tide's last trip there recalls the fabled play as if only 22 minutes have passed, not 22 years. With Alabama clinging to a 17-16 lead, Penn State attempted a field goal from chip-shot rage -- a shorter distance than an extra point -- with 13 seconds remaining. Rayam blocked the field goal to preserve the win, and the play was later immortalized by artist Daniel Moore with a print titled "Desperation Block."

"My job was to open a hole so Mike Ramil could block it, but everyone was so gung-ho to block that kick, I knocked a man out of the way," Rayam said. "I found myself back there so deep, I just reached for the sky. Then I felt the ball hit my hand."

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[SUPERCOACH]

I remember that play like it was 22 minutes ago too.

[Hannibal Lecter, MD]

This is my first major, distinct memory of Alabama football (age 8 ).  I remember running out the door and through the yard in excitement.  

[bamaphil]

I was 8 years old, remember the moment and the moment vividly.  I think my neighbor and I also ran out into the yard.

[Chechem]

I was listening on the radio from somewhere in the marshes of Louisiana.  I forgot where we were (hunting?), but I remember the radio reception was poor.  I heard the announcers say Penn State was lining up for a chip shot, then the reception went wacky.  I heard screaming, and finally I got the voices back saying it'd been blocked.  HD TV is much better, but at least it was memorable.

[cbbama99]

I was 14 and was in the car with my mom helping her buy groceries (I wanted to ask who buys groceries during a Bama game, but that would have gotten me knocked into next week) but we had the game on the radio. When Rayam got that hand up, I remember very well Jerry Duncan screaming "They blocked it! They blocked it, Eli!!"
I nearly made my mom drive off the road I screamed so loud. That may have been the last time I went shopping with her on a game day.

[pmull]

I was watching on TV. Penn State was getting huge gains everytime they ran the ball. I still think they would have scored if they did not try for the FG and ran the ball one more time. We were outplayed in that game but we found a way to win.

[pmull]

It has nothing to do with Rayam's block but I have another good memory of an old Penn State game.

In 82 both teams were highly ranked. I think Penn State was # 3. It was early in a close game and Penn State was forced to punt. The  personal protector for the punter backed up to far and the punter kicked him right in the azz. Penn State blocked their own punt. We scored and blocked another punt without their help and the rout was on. We beat them 42-21. That is the only game Penn State lost that year on their way to JoePa's first NC.

[SUPERCOACH]

I was watching on TV. Penn State was getting huge gains everytime they ran the ball. I still think they would have scored if they did not try for the FG and ran the ball one more time. We were outplayed in that game but we found a way to win.

I am pretty sure that I saw an interview with JoePa or somebody from Penn State who said they went for the field goal because they still had nightmares about the goal line stand.  They couldn't bear the thought of going for it and coming up short again.  This was probably last year before the game.

[pmull]

I was watching on TV. Penn State was getting huge gains everytime they ran the ball. I still think they would have scored if they did not try for the FG and ran the ball one more time. We were outplayed in that game but we found a way to win.

I am pretty sure that I saw an interview with JoePa or somebody from Penn State who said they went for the field goal because they still had nightmares about the goal line stand.  They couldn't bear the thought of going for it and coming up short again.  This was probably last year before the game.

We are in the Old Man's head. 

[SUPERCOACH]

I was watching on TV. Penn State was getting huge gains everytime they ran the ball. I still think they would have scored if they did not try for the FG and ran the ball one more time. We were outplayed in that game but we found a way to win.

I am pretty sure that I saw an interview with JoePa or somebody from Penn State who said they went for the field goal because they still had nightmares about the goal line stand.  They couldn't bear the thought of going for it and coming up short again.  This was probably last year before the game.

We are in the Old Man's head. 

Yep.  I can't remember if the interview was with JoePa or one of the assistents.  I think it was someone who was on the staff for the 89 game.  I think it was on one of those classic replay shows where they played most of the game and mixed in some interviews with different people who were involved that day.

[ricky023]

I believe Galen hall was the O/C at that time was he not? He always wanted to go for it so JoPa had to call for the attempt at the Field Goal. RTR!

[Chechem]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPZ1Sa7s240" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPZ1Sa7s240</a>

The block was big, but the high snap from center gave us the opportunity.  

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