Tampa Bay Football History Network - 1989 Hall of Fame Bowl

1989 Hall of Fame Bowl

On January 26, 1988, Jim McVay was hired as the bowl game's first full-time executive director. When NBC lost the broadcast rights to the Rose Bowl, they moved the Hall of Fame Bowl to New Year's Day. The third year was the charm, as the bowl organizers landed their first battle between ranked teams.

Syracuse brought a 9-2 record and a number twelve ranking into the game against the Southeastern Conference co-champions. Louisiana State was 8-3 and ranked number nineteen in the country. The attendance was 51,112 for the game between the Dick MacPherson coached Orangemen and Mike Archer's Tigers.

Syracuse took a 10-0 second quarter lead, before Louisiana State tied the game at 10 in the third quarter. Syracuse would dominate from that point on. LSU was in Orangemen territory for just one play in fourth quarter. Syracuse quarterback Todd Philcox completed 16 of 23 passes for 130 yards and no interceptions, while LSU quarterback Tommy Hodson had three passes picked off. Syracuse running back Robert Drummond ran for 122 of his team's 208 yards rushing, had two touchdowns and was named the game MVP. Cooper Gardiner booted a record punt of 62 yards for the Orangemen in a 23-10 victory.

Back to Outback Bowl History Page

Back to Outback Bowl Main Menu

Back to Home Page