The Chinese Bandits of LSU were famous as a defensively oriented platoon that could, as all players did, go both ways, and other schools copied the Bayou Bengals' success with their own versions of a specially formulated defensive unit. Penn State copied the same helmet numerals, using the "LSU-style" block numbers of navy blue on the sides of their white helmets, complete with navy blue one-inch center stripe. However on the field, Coach Rip Engle instituted his "equal-time plan" where he substituted two entire offensive units during each game. Having what he felt was an abundance of offensive talent, he wanted as much of it on the field as possible each contest. Both units were considered to be "first string" with Galen Hall heading up one, and former high school QB Dick Hoak the other, called "The Reddies". Hoak would later star with the Steelers as a halfback known for his ability to throw the option pass. With the first two slots filled, QB hopeful Don Jonas, destined to become the greatest player in the 1960's minor leagues, moved to halfback. Losing three of their first five games, it took a while to get the offense in gear but they finished with five consecutive wins to close at 6-3 before facing Oregon in the Liberty Bowl. They also lost RB Roger Kochman for the year with a knee injury but Al Gursky picked up the slack. The line was stocked with ends Bob Mitinger and terrorizing soph Dave Robinson, future pros Stew Barber and Bill Saul at tackle (with Saul also playing guard and center). The Lions opened their season in brand new Beaver Stadium with a win and closed it in the Liberty Bowl under fourteen inches of snow, howling twenty-five mile per hour winds and enough points to bury Oregon 41-12.