norman's tenure came at a low point in stanford football history: the 1959 team went 3–7 and the 1960 squad was 0–10. in spite of the team's overall record, however, norman put up incredible passing numbers in 1959, leading the nation with 1,963 yards and 2,018 yards of total offense, more than 300 yards ahead of the closest contender, and winning the first-ever sammy baugh trophy, awarded to the nation's top passer. in a losing effort in the 1959 big game against cal, norman threw for 401 yards, then an ncaa record, and still a big game record. norman's 1960 season was less impressive, but he still threw for more than 1,000 yards.