THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

During the 1964 season, seven defensive linemen adopted the nickname the “Magnificent Seven,” borrowed from a movie of the same name. They shaved their heads as part of their new look. The unit held up to their reputation of toughness and strength by posting four shutouts that season. They also held opponents to a touchdown or less in three other games. The 1965 iteration of the Magnificent Seven brought back five of the original linemen. They included (left to right) DE George D’Alesandro, DT Frank Pennie, LB Joe Parrish, MG Jack Shinholser, LB Bill McDowell, DT Charles Pennie and DE Terry Garvin. “Shaved heads may not sound like much of a tradition to some, but it made us a better team last year,” said McDowell. “You know, we don’t let just anyone shave his head. Just the seven.” FSU faced a challenging schedule in the 1965 season and finished 4-5-1, though the defense remained steady by allowing just 16 or fewer points in seven of 10 games that year.