Senior running back Al Pollard is on the receiving end of a two-point conversion pass from quarterback Matt Robinson against the Cal Bears in the 1976 season opener at Sanford Stadium.
In the rich and storied history of the University of Georgia football program, certain moments stand out not just for their impact on the game at hand, but for their lasting legacy. One such moment took place in the 1976 season opener at Sanford Stadium, a moment that has since become etched in the memories of Georgia Bulldogs fans, thanks to a two-point conversion pass from quarterback Matt Robinson to senior running back Al Pollard.
This particular play, in what would become a highly charged and memorable game against the California Golden Bears, was not only significant for its unusual nature but also for the way it highlighted the creativity and versatility of the Georgia offense. It was a moment of brilliance in a game that saw the Bulldogs overcome early adversity and set the tone for the season.
Pollard, who had already made a name for himself as one of Georgia’s most reliable and dynamic running backs, was about to experience a pivotal moment in his college football career. The play itself would become one of the iconic images of his time at Georgia, symbolizing the resourcefulness and team-first mentality that would define the Bulldogs’ offensive attack under head coach Vince Dooley.
The 1976 season was a crucial year for the Georgia Bulldogs, as they were coming off a respectable 1975 campaign and looking to build on the success they had enjoyed in the previous seasons. Under head coach Vince Dooley, Georgia was a program with high expectations, and the Bulldogs were determined to show that they were capable of competing at the highest levels in college football.
The season opener against California, one of the premier programs on the West Coast, was going to be a litmus test for Georgia. The Bears were a talented team and had a strong offensive unit, led by quarterback Joe Roth, who would go on to have a stellar career before his tragic death a few years later. California’s offense was dangerous, and Georgia needed a strong start to the season to build momentum heading into their SEC schedule.
This game would set the tone for the year. Sanford Stadium, which had become one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play, was packed with eager Georgia fans, hungry to see their Bulldogs take the field and begin what they hoped would be another successful campaign. It was a sun-drenched afternoon in Athens, Georgia, and the stage was set for a thrilling opening to the season.
However, the game did not unfold exactly as many had expected. The Bulldogs found themselves facing early adversity, with California taking the lead and keeping the pressure on Georgia’s offense. Despite the Bears’ best efforts, Georgia managed to claw its way back into the game, thanks in part to the contributions of several key players, including Matt Robinson, Al Pollard, and others who would make crucial plays to secure the win.
The game, though competitive, reached a critical juncture in the fourth quarter. With Georgia trailing and time winding down, the Bulldogs found themselves in a position to take control of the game. It was at this pivotal moment that Matt Robinson, the talented senior quarterback who had taken the reins of the offense, orchestrated a play that would go down in history.
On a key possession near the goal line, Georgia had scored a touchdown to cut California’s lead to just one point. As the Bulldogs lined up for the extra point, the coaching staff decided to go for two—an aggressive, high-stakes decision that reflected Vince Dooley’s bold approach to the game. The choice to go for the two-point conversion would become one of the defining moments of the season.
Matt Robinson, with his strong arm and savvy decision-making ability, took the snap and dropped back to pass. The California defense, known for its ferocity and ability to apply pressure, rushed hard toward Robinson, forcing him to step up in the pocket and look for a target. The Georgia offensive line, led by senior Rodney Warren, held their ground, giving Robinson just enough time to scan the field.
As the pocket collapsed, Robinson’s eyes locked onto his running back, Al Pollard, who had slipped out into the flat. Pollard, a skilled running back known for his strength and agility, was open in space. The timing was perfect, and Robinson launched a pass toward Pollard, who had broken free from his defender. Pollard, who had caught passes out of the backfield before, made the play look easy as he snatched the ball from the air with smooth hands.
Pollard, after securing the ball, dived across the goal line, just inside the pylon, to complete the two-point conversion. The crowd at **Sanford Stadium erupted into a frenzy of excitement and relief as the Bulldogs’ decision to go for two paid off in spectacular fashion. The play had given Georgia the lead, putting them ahead of California in what had been a hard-fought battle.
While the two-point conversion itself was thrilling, it was also significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the decision to go for two was a bold and gutsy move by Vince Dooley and his staff. At the time, the two-point conversion was still a relatively rare and unconventional choice, as most teams would have opted for the traditional extra point kick. Dooley, however, saw the opportunity to take control of the game and trusted his offense to execute the play.
The connection between Matt Robinson and Al Pollard in that crucial moment demonstrated the chemistry and trust that had developed between the two players throughout their time at Georgia. Robinson, a poised and confident leader on the field, had faith in Pollard’s abilities as both a runner and a receiver, and Pollard’s quick thinking and hands-on execution allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize on the moment.
Additionally, the play marked a milestone in Al Pollard’s career, highlighting his versatility as a player. Known for his tough running between the tackles and his ability to break tackles, Pollard was also capable of contributing in the passing game. The two-point conversion pass was a testament to his all-around skill set and his value to the Bulldogs’ offense.
This moment also helped set the stage for Georgia’s successful season, as they would go on to have a strong year under Vince Dooley’s leadership. While the 1976 season wasn’t without its challenges, the team’s ability to execute under pressure, as demonstrated in the game against California, would serve them well as the season progressed. Pollard’s two-point conversion play became a symbol of the team’s resilience and their ability to overcome adversity, no matter the odds.
Al Pollard was more than just the player who caught the two-point conversion pass in the 1976 season opener. Over the course of his career, Pollard became one of the most respected and productive running backs in Georgia history. His ability to run the ball effectively, as well as his contributions in the passing game, made him a dual-threat weapon for the Bulldogs’ offense.
Pollard’s toughness, work ethic, and leadership would help set the standard for future generations of Georgia football players. He had a reputation for being a player who could handle any situation on the field and for never shying away from the big moment. His contributions in key games, like the 1976 opener against California, would go on to cement his place in Georgia football lore.
Pollard finished his career at Georgia with over 2,000 rushing yards and was known for his ability to grind out tough yards in critical situations. He was the type of player who could be relied upon to make plays when the game was on the line, and his consistency helped Georgia earn victories during his time in Athens. Pollard’s combination of power, agility, and leadership made him one of the standout running backs of his era.
The game against California, highlighted by Pollard’s clutch two-point conversion, was a pivotal moment in Georgia’s 1976 campaign. After the thrilling victory, the Bulldogs carried that momentum into the rest of the season. They would go on to finish with a 9-2 record, including a Sugar Bowl appearance. While they didn’t claim a national championship that year, the 1976 season set the tone for future success under Coach Vince Dooley.
Pollard’s play, in particular, stood out as one of the defining moments of that year. His skill as a rusher, receiver, and leader made him a key part of the team’s offensive success. While the two-point conversion itself was memorable for its audacity and timing, it was just one small part of what was a larger effort by Pollard and his teammates to perform at the highest level.
In the years that followed, Pollard’s legacy at Georgia continued to inspire players, coaches, and fans. His ability to rise to the occasion and make crucial plays in tight moments became an example of what it meant to be a Bulldog. Today, his name remains associated with some of the most exciting and unforgettable moments in Georgia football history.
The 1976 season opener against California was a defining moment for Georgia football, and the iconic two-point conversion from Matt Robinson to Al Pollard became one of the key moments of the game. It was a gutsy decision that paid off, and the play would go down in history as one of the most exciting and important plays of Pollard’s career. As one of Georgia’s great running backs, Pollard’s contributions to the Bulldogs’ success that season are remembered fondly by fans to this day.
That unforgettable two-point conversion in the 1976 opener was a fitting symbol of the team’s resilience, creativity, and desire to succeed. It encapsulated the spirit of the Georgia Bulldogs and continues to stand as one of the iconic plays in the history of the program.
