In 1977, Oregon safety Kenny Bryant picked off a TCU pass on the 3 yard line late in the game at Fort Worth in Brooks’ first season. He was streaking down the sideline with nobody within 10 yards of him. (Think Kenny Wheaton 17 years earlier.)

Suddenly, a helmetless, purple and black blur came out of nowhere and Bryant was down.

Reserve LB Steve Barker came right off the bench and made a brilliant open-field tackle, or as they say now, “in space.”

Officials gave Bryant the TD anyway.

After the game, Barker said "I’ve been on the bench two weeks and the coaches keep saying to make something happen.. I’m tired of staying on the bench and watching players on the field going through the motions.

“I wanted to tackle him, damn right.”

TCU coach F.A. Dry credited the illegal tackle with firing up the Frogs, who rallied from a 24-3 deficit in the 4th quarter to make it close (Ducks won 29-24 for their first win under Brooks).

After the play, Bryant, who didn’t realize Barker had come off the bench, slammed the ball to the turf in frustration, and was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.