Bluebonnet Bowl

1962

Missouri 14
Georgia Tech 10

Missouri Fight Song

HOUSTON (AP) — Bill Tobin, taking advantage of a key block by Andy Russell, broke loose for a 77 yard touchdown run in the third quarter Saturday to break up a defensive deadlock and give Missouri a 14-10 victory over favored Georgia Tech in the fourth annual Bluebonnet Bowl football classic.

Russell, with two interceptions, then paced the powerful Missouri defense- the fifth best in the nation- as it protected the 14-7 lead by turning back three late Tech threats by giving up nothing more than a 26-yard field goal by Billy Lothridge.

A fumble recovery at the Missouri 15 paved the way for Lothridge's three-pointer late in the third period. And, two interceptions gave the Engineers late chances at the Tiger 23- and 22-yard lines before Russell made his game saving pass thefts.

Missouri, a touchdown underdog, never trailed in a game witnessed by a crowd of 55,000 and a national television audience.

The Tigers took a 7-0 first period lead with a 67-yard drive that Jim Johnson climaxed with a 21-yard touchdown. Tech matched this with a 61-yard second quarter surge to tie the score as Joe Auer, behind perfect blocking, scored on a 6-yard run.

Tobin, a 193-pound senior from Burlington Junction, Mo., broke loose on his game-winning run on the second play after a punt by Lothridge was killed at the Missouri 20.

After Paul Underhill had picked up 3 yards, Russell's neat block permitted Tobin to break through the middle. Tobin sped quickly into the secondary and moved across the goal untouched. Don Toner, Engineer defensive back, made a desperate dive at the 15 yard line but could not get his fingers on the Tiger halfback.

The two long touchdown drives gave Missouri its only serious threats but they were all the Tigers needed.

In addition to the two late opportunities smashed by Russell's interceptions, Tech also lost an early second quarter chance when Roger Phillips intercepted, a Lothridge pass at the Missouri 19.

Tobin, with 114 yards in 11 carries, was named the game's most outstanding back, receiving 15 votes to 10 1/2 for Johnson. Conrad Hitchler, Missouri end, was the outstanding lineman with 12 votes to six for runner-up Rufus Guthrie, Tech guard.

Hitchler's defensive play was particularly tough in the first half on Lothridge’s passing efforts.

Lothridge, who set a Tech record for attempts and completions this season, had his first five passes knocked down. Missouri defenders intercepted four of the triple threat's passes but he completed five of 15 attempts for 68 yards and two of the completions played major roles in Tech’s touchdown drive.

Johnson and Jimmy Roland, meanwhile, had no completions while attempting only seven passes for Missouri.

Tech's defense had given up an average of only 102 yards rushing as the Engineers compiled a 7-2-1 Southeastern Conference season record but Missouri runners penetrated the Tech defense for 258 yards. Missouri’s defense had allowed 10 opponents an average of 112 yards rushing, but Tech netted 185.

The upset gave Missouri of the Big Eight Conference its second straight bowl game victory after having lost six in a. row. Missouri bowed to Tech 21-7 in its first venture into the post-season classics in the 1940 Orange Bowl.

The third straight bowl game defeat for Tech cut the Engineers' impressive post-season record to 11-5.

Roland and Tobin started Missouri's first period scoring drive with a pair of 11-yard runs. Tobin and Paul Uderhill teamed for another first down at the Tech 33, and Gus Otto rammed the middle for 3 yards and another at the 21, from where Johnson sped around his right side for the touchdown.

Lothridge's first pass completion in six attempts put Tech's second period drive into motion, Auer taking a 23-yarder at the Missouri 36. Three plays later, Tech brought out its shotgun spread formation and Ted Davis made a spectacular catch of a 13-yard pass from Lothridge for a first down at the 17.

Mie McNames moved to the 14 and Lothridge, on a quick keeper, picked up 8 yards to the 6 from where Auer scored behind great blocking by Lothridge, Guthrie and McNames.

Lothridge's field goal came on the fourth play after Frank Sexton recovered a Russell fumble at the Missouri 15.

Bill Tobin explodes for 77 yard touchdown.

Attendance- 55,000

Scoring Summary

Individual Statistics

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