Here’s a complete rundown of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Oilers game on December 3, 1978, incorporating all the key names and highlights from this hard-fought AFC Central showdown.
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Steelers 13, Oilers 3 – A Defensive Slugfest
This Sunday Night Football battle had major playoff implications, as the Steelers and Oilers were both vying for divisional supremacy. Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defense delivered a dominant performance, neutralizing the Oilers’ rising star, Earl Campbell, and forcing multiple turnovers.
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Best Moments & Highlights
1. The Steel Curtain Shuts Down the Oilers
The Steelers’ legendary defense, anchored by “Mean” Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, L.C. Greenwood, and Mel Blount, completely suffocated Houston’s offense:
Forced six turnovers
Held the Oilers to just 164 yards of total offense
Harassed QB Dan Pastorini, sacking him multiple times
Lambert intercepted Pastorini twice, while Mike Wagner added another pick
The Steelers’ front seven stacked the box, preventing Campbell from breaking off his usual big plays.
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2. Donnie Shell’s Devastating Hit on Earl Campbell
One of the most iconic moments of the game came when safety Donnie Shell delivered a brutal, clean hit on Earl Campbell.
Campbell, who had been effective early (41 yards on 7 carries), was knocked out of the game with bruised ribs.
The Oilers’ offense never recovered after losing their star running back.
This hit became known as “The Hit Heard ‘Round the World.”
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3. Terry Bradshaw’s Clutch Performance
Despite struggling early, Terry Bradshaw came through in the fourth quarter, making key plays to put the game away:
Connected with Lynn Swann on a crucial third-down conversion to extend the game-winning drive.
Hit John Stallworth for a 5-yard touchdown, sealing the victory.
His ability to stay composed against Curley Culp and Robert Brazile of the Oilers’ defense proved crucial.
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4. Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier Control the Clock
The Steelers’ running game, led by Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, kept Houston’s defense on the field:
Harris rushed for 102 yards on 27 carries, including a critical 31-yard run in the third quarter to set up a field goal.
The Steelers’ ground attack chewed up the clock, keeping the Oilers’ offense off the field.
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5. The Game-Sealing Drive
Late in the fourth quarter, with Pittsburgh leading 6-3, Bradshaw led a methodical 11-play, 80-yard drive, finishing with:
A 25-yard pass to Stallworth in triple coverage on third-and-9.
A 5-yard touchdown pass to Stallworth, the only TD of the game.
The Steelers’ offense finally broke through, putting the game out of reach.
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Impact of the Game
1. Division Title Clinched
The win helped the Steelers clinch the AFC Central title and move to 14-2 on the season.
This victory solidified Pittsburgh’s dominance in the AFC, leading to their third Super Bowl appearance.
2. The Oilers’ Playoff Push
Despite the loss, Houston still finished 10-6 and made the playoffs as a wild card team.
They would get a rematch with Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship Game, where they were blown out 34-5.
3. A Defining Moment in the Rivalry
This game exemplified 1970s smash-mouth football—physical, low-scoring, and dominated by defense.
The Steelers-Oilers rivalry was at its peak, with future Hall of Famers battling for supremacy.
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Final Thoughts
The Steelers’ 13-3 victory over the Oilers on December 3, 1978, was a defining moment in their Super Bowl XIII run. This game was a showcase of defensive brilliance, clutch performances, and the physicality of the 1970s NFL. It remains one of the great battles between these two AFC powerhouses.
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