This weekend’s game against Auburn marks the 15th anniversary of the legendary Earthquake Game brought on by former LSU quarterback Tommy Hodson’s game-winning touchdown pass to running back Eddie Fuller. Hodson holds the LSU career record with 9,115 passing yards with 9,115 and 69 touchdowns.
JD: Looking back at the Earthquake Game, what was your mindset before the big play?
TH: Well it was a really tough ballgame. I don’t know if we had crossed the 50 [yard line] all game. Auburn had a really great defense that night and all year. We were down 6-0 with six or seven minutes left in the game and we had 74 yards to go to score a touchdown. So it really was kind of now or never. We were able to put together a nice drive and go down the field. We had guys that made some great plays during the drive, Willie Williams, Eddie Fuller and Tony Moss. We got down to that fourth down and 10 yards to go and we had to score a touchdown or we had lost another game. So I don’t think I was really thinking anything in particular up to that play. I was just trying to execute the play that was called, take my drop, read the defense and put it in the right guy’s hands. Eddie popped open up the scene and I was able to get it to him.
JD: After the play was over, what were you feeling?
TH: I was kind of relieved actually that we had something good happen to us. We hadn’t had anything happen to us good the whole ballgame. It’s really a satisfying feeling when you are able to execute the plays that are called and put it in the end zone against a great defense.
JD: The 15th anniversary of that game is Saturday. There has already been lots of media attention given to that and the Earthquake Game has become a part of LSU history and tradition. How has that been for you?
TH: Well, it’s great for me, it’s great for my kids. They weren’t around when I was playing and they get real excited and they ask me, “What’s the Earthquake Game all about?” So I am able to tell them a little bit about my career. It’s really an honor to be part of LSU football history. I’m really honored that the fans would think this is one of the greatest plays in 100 and some odd years of football at LSU.
JD: What did you think of the “Hodson for Heisman” campaign at the time and do you think back fondly on it now?
TH: That was kind of a different feeling for me because I really don’t like to be the center of attention. I like to play my role and not say a whole bunch. I was never really ever a vocal leader. It was sort of hard having a poster out there and being publicized for the Heisman trophy. But I am grateful that it happened looking back on it now. I am glad that there was a poster with my name on it and all the good things that went along with being a potential Heisman candidate. It didn’t work out, but I am honored and am very grateful to LSU for putting me for such a great honor.
JD: You had a reputation for having great timing with your receivers, especially Wendell Davis and Tony Moss. How did you develop that?
TH: I think first of all you have to have an offensive coordinator that has that type of offense. I was the guy that fit in well with Coach Zaunbrecher’s style. We had some great receivers that we’re able to run routes really well. I wasn’t a big strong-armed quarterback so I had to rely on timing, taking the proper drop, getting the ball out of my hand and not taking a lot of hits or sacks unnecessarily. So the offensive style that we played back then really fit my style and I had great players around me.
JD: How was your career after LSU?
TH: I played six years in the NFL and that’s really a good career. It didn’t work out as well as I hoped it would. I bounced around to four different teams, but it was a career for six years. It’s again a great honor to play college football and get selected in the third round of the NFL draft then hang around for a while. I’m proud of that. I wish it would have lasted longer. I miss playing sometimes, but all good things come to an end.
JD: Thank you.
TH: You’re welcome.