His freshman year, Groth was a duel threat player, getting experience at both running back and wide receiver.
Bowling Green head Coach Don Nehlen was attempting to take advantage of Groth's speed and his athletic talents.
Houston had acquired Ken Stabler from Oakland in an attempt to improve their already high octane offense.
Groth struggled to get playing time behind the likes of Ken Burrough, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, and Mike Renfro.
Bum Phillips was fired, and Groth was one of many players traded or outright released at the end of the season.
Phillips landed on his feet with the New Orleans Saints, hoping to turn around a franchise that at the time, was the only team in the NFL that had never appeared in a play off game.
He supplanted Ike Harris in the starting line-up, pairing with Wes Chandler, at the time one of the best deep threats in the NFL.
Groth's first professional score came on a 24 yard pass from quarterback Dave Wilson in a 21-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
With Wes Chandler gone to the San Diego Chargers, Groth was the only receiver left on the Saints roster with much experience.
Ken Stabler retired and the Saints hoped to get over the hurdle by acquiring Richard Todd from the New York Jets.
While Groth had an impressive season, Tyrone Young, a taller, lankier receiver, became Todd's number one target.
With Todd reduced to third string, Groth caught passes from Dave Wilson, a career back-up, and Bobby Herbert, who the Saints acquired from the Oakland Invaders when the USFL folded.