The Best Cotton Bowl Classic Games

The Cotton Bowl Classic, one of the oldest and most prestigious bowl games in college football, has hosted numerous memorable games that have left an indelible mark on the sport's history.

This essay explores some of the best Cotton Bowl games of all time, highlighting the drama, the historical significance, and the sheer athletic prowess displayed on the field.

1957 Cotton Bowl: TCU vs. Syracuse

The 1957 Cotton Bowl is often cited for its dramatic finish. Syracuse, led by the legendary Jim Brown, was favored to win. Brown, who would become one of the greatest NFL players, had an outstanding game, rushing for 132 yards and scoring three touchdowns. However, TCU managed to secure a victory by blocking a crucial extra point after Brown's third touchdown and capitalizing on Syracuse's missed kicks. TCU won 28-27 in a game that showcased both offensive and defensive brilliance. This game is remembered not only for Brown's performance but also for the strategic play by TCU that decided the outcome.

1970 Cotton Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Texas

The 1970 Cotton Bowl is celebrated for its significance in college football history. This game featured a matchup between the top-ranked Texas Longhorns and the ninth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Texas, having already been declared national champions by President Richard Nixon after defeating Arkansas in the "Game of the Century," needed to validate that claim on the field. The game was tight, with Texas staging a late comeback. The Longhorns sealed the victory with a 17-play drive in the final minutes, ending with a 1-yard touchdown run by Billy Dale to win 21-17. This game not only confirmed Texas's championship status but also added to the lore of the Cotton Bowl.

1979 Cotton Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Houston

Known as "The Chicken Soup Game," this matchup is legendary for Joe Montana's performance while battling flu-like symptoms. Notre Dame was down 34-12 in the fourth quarter, but Montana, who had been fed chicken soup at halftime to combat his illness, led an astonishing comeback. The Irish scored 23 points in the final quarter to win 35-34. This game is not only a testament to Montana's resilience and skill but also one of the greatest comebacks in college football bowl history.

1991 Cotton Bowl: Miami vs. Texas

This game is often remembered for its intensity and the school record for penalties by Miami, with 15 penalties totaling 230 yards. Despite this, Miami's defense and special teams shone, with Darrin Smith's interception returned for a touchdown being a pivotal moment. Miami's Craig Erickson was named Offensive MVP, and the game concluded with a decisive 46-3 victory for the Hurricanes. This matchup highlighted Miami's defensive prowess and became a classic example of how discipline on the field can impact the game's outcome.

2004 Cotton Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State

This game is remembered for the stellar performance of Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning in his final college game. Manning threw for 259 yards, leading the Rebels to a 31-28 comeback win over Oklahoma State. The game was neck-and-neck, with Manning orchestrating a crucial drive in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. This game was significant not only for Manning's performance but also because it marked a high point for Ole Miss football during that era.

2007 Cotton Bowl: Auburn vs. Nebraska

This game was a defensive showdown where both teams struggled to score. Auburn managed to edge out Nebraska with a 17-14 victory, thanks to a field goal in the fourth quarter. What made this game memorable was the defensive battle and the impressive performance by Auburn's defense, which was crucial in holding off Nebraska's offensive threats. This game underscored how defense can play a defining role in the outcome of high-stakes games.

2015 Cotton Bowl: Michigan State vs. Baylor

In the inaugural year of the College Football Playoff, this Cotton Bowl game was a showcase of offensive firepower. Michigan State's Connor Cook and Baylor's Bryce Petty engaged in an offensive duel that resulted in a high-scoring affair, ending with Michigan State winning 42-41 in a game that set Cotton Bowl records for combined points and total yards. This game was emblematic of the modern, high-octane style of college football, where scoring was at a premium, and defenses had to work overtime.

2017 Cotton Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Western Michigan

While not as historically significant, this game was notable for its competitiveness and the performance of Western Michigan, a Group of Five team, against a powerhouse like Wisconsin. The Badgers won 24-16, but the Broncos showed remarkable resilience, keeping the game close throughout. This matchup is a testament to the excitement that can come from unexpected challenges in bowl games, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent in college football.

The Cotton Bowl Classic has been a stage for some of the most memorable moments in college football. From dramatic comebacks to defensive standoffs, each game listed here contributed to the rich tapestry of college football lore. These games not only entertained but also demonstrated the evolution of the sport, from the era of strategic, low-scoring games to the modern, high-scoring spectacles. Each of these Cotton Bowl games tells a story of human endeavor, strategic ingenuity, and the unpredictable nature of football, making them some of the best in the annals of the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Texas and Notre Dame meet in this year’s version of the Cotton Bowl Classic tomorrow at 7:30PM EST.

Ohio State rolls 28-10.