Although a relative rookie to the field, Sacks's responsibilities were increased because Staeckel felt that she could handle "her home turf" better than most.

"Bullshit, Bullshit"

"Put down the crowd mike," Staeckel screamed as the Harvard partisans chanted "Bullshit, Bullshit," in response to a controversial penalty call. The network has never had a love affair going with the rowdy Harvard faithful and the more outrageous band. Last year, ABC refused to show the Harvard halftime show because of a 1973 incident in which a rather spicy presentation embarassed the ABC brass.

This year, the emphasis was on the UMass band, their tacky spats and "Hometown, USA" costumes glistening in the Cambridge sun.

The Harvard band's show was obscured by the "Prudential College Scoreboard" up-date, during which Murphy read scores over zoom shots on individual members of the band. Both bands were mere instruments of the ABC sound crew, as Staeckel cued them as well: "Okay, Bob, have the band pad out the commercial and tell them to stop when the QB brings 'em to the line."

The final touches came with seconds to go in the contest. The Harvard telecast was running ahead of the regional game in the New York area. "Hey, Ned, Chet [Forte, the producer of the New York area game] is two minutes and a commercial behind us," the assistant director relayed. A harried Staeckel ordered a time-out from the ref. And it was decreed. But while Bob Murphy read a promo about the "Wide World of Sports," 20,000 fans sat and wondered why the clock was stopped with 0:01 showing and Harvard ahead, 24-13.