But the Orangemen lost their last two games, to Connecticut in their regular-season finale and, with a horrible defensive showing, to Georgetown in Madison Square Garden.
Chum Ochse was the press favourite to take the wing role, but the management made the surprise choice of choosing Marais due to Ochse's poor defensive showings in prior matches.
Herrnstein also began the 1964 season with a solid defensive showing.
However the Bisons, despite a strong defensive showing, the Bisons could not generate their offensive potential.
But the victory wasn't because of his offense; it was the Giants' incredible defensive showing that won this game.
After the poor defensive showing by the Red Raiders, Tech Defensive Coordinator Lyle Setencich resigned on September 23, 2007, ostensibly for personal reasons.
While Steele cited "other coaching opportunities" as his reason for leaving, it's hard not to think the poor defensive showing at the Orange Bowl didn't have something to do with it.
Any chances of victory would be reliant upon a strong defensive showing, but the Colts stormed ahead behind three rushing touchdowns by rookie Joseph Addai in the first two quarters.
With a strong defensive showing, the Panthers record their first home shutout since 1996 and their first overall since 1998.
It had been a full ten years since these teams last met, a 6-0 Nebraska victory in Lincoln, and the outcome today would be the same despite a strong defensive showing by Illinois.