Monday Morning Time Killer: The '88 Sugar Bowl

We are less than one week away from the kickoff of another Orange football season. And due to the current sad state of Cuse football we at T31 have been looking back at some better times on the hill. Hopefully this kills enough time to get you to your Monday lunch break.

Today courtesy of Champ’s DVR collection we’ll look back at the 1988 Sugar Bowl, which has been waiting to be viewed by me for quite sometime. The DVR is getting full with ChampBaby’s Sesame Street and Wiggles collections.

Live from the Superdome in Louisiana, the undefeated (11-0) and # 4 ranked Syracuse Orangemen are set to do battle with the SEC Champion and #6 ranked Auburn Tigers (9-1-1) in the 54th USF&G Sugar Bowl. Yes, for you kids out there corporate sponsorship existed back in the late ‘80’s.

To set the table, this Orange team was coming off their last minute victory over West Virginia. Donnie MacPherson was robbed of the Heisman but cleaned up with other national player and QB of the year awards. The '87 season featured a thrashing of defending national champions Penn State in the Dome that put the Orangemen back on the national map.

We’re treated to Keith “Whooaaa Nellie” Jackson and Bob Griese doing the broadcasting for ABC Sports. A quick aside—the Superdome looks TERRIBLE for this game. I mean one end zone is painted white with “Sugar Bowl” laid down and the other end zone is left with the Saints logos and color scheme.

Before the game future American Gladiators commentator Mike Adamle interviews Bo Jackson who remarks that he’s here to “…get Auburn to beat these guys.” Apparently the one thing Bo doesn’t know is Sugar Bowls.

Syracuse, wearing their road whites, receives the opening kickoff which is picked up by an up-man and returned to their own 24. Keith Jackson tells us to keep an eye on #82 Tommy Kane, who incidentally would become the Russianator’s favorite Orangeman convicted of manslaughter.

The first play is a Donnie McPherson roll-out and 17 yard completion to Deval Glover. ABC goes through their graphics of the starting lineups….'Cuse offense, names like “McPherson, Johnston, Drummond, Kelly….” Those were the days. Future #1 overall pick (yes, you can look it up) Aundray Bruce is on the Auburn “D.”

The crowd shots are tough, considering each team features orange and blue as their main colors. There is a surprisingly strong Syracuse contingency in the house. On both sides there are a lot of really bad sweatshirts, feathered hair, mesh hats, and mustaches in the crowd.

The Cuse manages to move the ball to the Auburn 42, but is forced to punt. KJ tells us that Syracuse punter Cooper Gardner was a safety last year, but was switched this year to punter due to concussions. Keep your head up Bruce Williams.

Auburn fair catches the punt at their own 13 and it’s time for the Cuse defense intros: Frase, Gregory, Burnett, Wooden, Paul…more chills.

A David “Yes Mark Is My Brother” Bavaro stop at the 38 forces Auburn to punt. Tommy Kane returns to his own 28 and at 10:13 in the first we’re sent to commercial.

When we return Keith Jackson begins his love-fest with Auburn coach Pat Dye commenting on how he is constitently rotating personnel in order to keep players fresh. A close up of Pat shows he’s going with the shirt, tie, dress pants with NO BELT look. He’s looking very much like a sales manager at a Plymouth dealership.

Coach Mac has on the traditional navy blue blazer and orange and blue tie. Honestly, what wasn’t to love about Coach Mac? Well, besides his recent work on the radio.

Back to action, Bob Griese warns us about the Cuse big play offense noting that we’ve scored on 7 out of 11 first possessions this year. Did Syracuse score 7 times at all in 2007? Griese continues on raving about Donnie McPherson stating he’s not only a great option quarterback but also a drop back passer….I think this was Bob’s way of acknowledging Donnie is an African-American. Next subject.

Donnie is dumped back to the 27 yard line on a sack. The Cuse offensive line is really getting pushed around by the Tiger D. They show a replay, which must be from the roof. I’m a spoiled football watcher now--- this game is sans first down line, continuous scoreboard/clock, and the camera on a wire above the field. On a 2nd and 22 Donnie hands off to Mooooooose who’s stuffed. Keith Jackson losing track of the downs, saying it’s fourth when Griese corrects him

3rd and long Cuse fans….can you smell it? Bob Griese does, “Watch for the quick kick here.” Sure enough with Daryl Johnston lined up at TB, Moose kicks one to the 31 yard line. Keith Jackson loves the call. Keith, don’t you know?

Auburn takes over at their own 31 and Pat Die breaks out the trickery. Tiger QB Jeff Burger fires a lateral to WR #24, who promptly goes deep to burner Lawyer Tillman for a 58 yard gain. Markus Paul made the TD saving dive at the Cuse 10. A botched reverse ends up in a loss of 2. Auburn RB Stacy (My Parents Really Wanted A Girl) Danley takes Auburn to the Cuse 6 when penalty flags fly.

A not enough men on the line penalty backs up the Tigers. However Coach Mac is going absolutely ballistic about something. He calls a time out and we’re shown Mac ranting and raving like George Costanza deprived of his “T-Bone” nickname. Mac is absolutely giving the ref hell….again, what wasn’t to like about this guy? Griese calls Mac “A great pro coach” from his time spent in Denver....did I miss something?

2nd and goal from the Cuse 17 and Burger hits Tillman on a beautiful corner route for an Auburn score. PAT good, Auburn-7 Syraucse-0 5:47 to play in the 1st. We’re taken to commercial with the Auburn band playing “Louie, Louie."

Let’s get one back fella’s. Michael Owens returns the kick to his own 21. Owens, Kane, Drummond--- all of these guys played special teams as well as staring on offense. Damn it was nice to have talent.

The offensive line continues to get shoved around. Option loss of 3, fumbled pitch. It’s 3rd and long again kids….what do you smell? Believe it, our 2nd QUICK KICK of the bowl game. We do learn that Moose is averaging 57.2 yards per kick this year on quick kicks. Auburn takes over at the 50.

On the sideline shot we get our first glimpse of a very young looking Coach P talking with Mac. On a 3rd and 6 Burger is picked off by David Holmes. Sideline shot of Pat Die clearly shows an f-bomb being dropped. It’s time for Moose to be Moose as he barrels over 2 Auburn defenders for a gain of 6. A distinct “Let’s Go Orange” chant is heard for the first time and Moose again delivers by moving the pile.

Again, this was before there was a running scoreboard and clock on the TV screen. The only time you got a glimpse of the time would be when they would show the actual stadium clock in the corner of your screen. Something about that Superdome clock is REALLY bothering me, when it hits me. That is the same damn clock with the same damn font that counted down the final seconds of the ’87 title game. Ugh.

Donnie overthrows Rob Moore on that “fake-option, drop back and bomb” play that worked against Penn State on the opening play. Tommy Kane stat time, we’re told he’s 2nd in the nation with and average of 22.2 yards per catch.

Donnie gains 25 on a beautifully run option to the right side. The replay shows Moose absolutely flattening an Auburn LB. You have to love that guy. Bob Griese throws out the first obligatory “Daryl Johnston/Larry Csonka” comparison.

I’ve just noticed—some Auburn players have their names on the back of their jerseys, some don’t. Bizarre.

Donnie continues to move the Orange down to Auburn’s 14. I think we’re out of quick-kick range. A Daryl Johnston dive gains one yard and we’ve reached the end of the first quarter. Auburn-7 Syracuse-0 end of 1st.

On a 2nd and 8 from the 12 Donnie fires a laser to WR Deval Glover, WE’RE ON THE BOARD. Hold the phone, we’ve got a flag. Pass Interference, defense. Woo hoo. Todd Philcox comes on to hold for the PAT and with that old “swinging gate” formation, Tim Vesling boots the PAT. Auburn-7 Syracuse-7. Replays show just how dangerous our option attack used to be. The TD was set up by a great Donnie option fake that had the safety biting all the way. Lots of crowd shots of some very pale looking Cuse fans.

Coming back after commercial Keith reminds viewers of the exciting Cuse-WVU ending to close out the Orange’s regular season. We get our first Otto shot on camera, and I think I spot the Dome Ranger in the background.

Cuse swarms on the kickoff and Auburn sets up shop at their own 15. It’s confirmed, that is the Dome Ranger in New Orleans.

Ted Gregory makes some big stops and Auburn is forced to punt, they however wait for 4th down. On the return Tommy Kanes tries to pull a “Marcus Allen in the SuperBowl” by reversing his field. He returns to the 45 thanks to Markus Paul destroying an Auburn would-be tackler with a tremendous block. That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!

We get a sideline shot of the Auburn Tiger mascot. This thing looks exactly like the Bayside Tiger mascot on Saved by the Bell….uhmmm….or…..so….I’m told. Aside--- it’s apparent that colleges didn’t spend much money on mascot costumes in the ‘80’s. The ’88 version of Otto isn’t winning any awards either people.

Pat Die is looking more and more car salesman-ish. I think he’s trying to get me to go for the rust-proofing. The ref has some really think glasses on and looks like former MLB Commissoner Bowie Kuhn. Archie Manning sets the record for “most use of the word great” in an interview commenting that this is “a great game with two great teams.”

Tim Vessling tries for a 46 yard FG, it’s online but not enough leg. Auburn-7 Syracuse-7. Coming back from commercial we get a shot of the French Market, I’ve spotted the first Coca-Cola sweatshirt of the day!

Auburn is forced to punt and a 10-yard Michael Owens run on 1st down prompts this Jackson classic, “That’s another one that got away from Joe Paterno” referring to the pride of Carlisle, Michael Owens. Nothing about the famed #44 yet? Hmmm. Jackson and Griese continue on about the virtues of the Dome and how we are now on the map for Northeastern football. Imagine that? These were good times my friends.

Moose continues to cause carnage and Drummond is hitting huge holes being opened up by the offensive line who are no longer getting pushed around. Thank you Keith Jackson, he’s just cleared up the Dick MacPherson and Donnie McPherson spellings. For those of us at home, they’re not related.

Things are starting to get chippy with some pushing and shoving after a Donnie sack. A beautiful punt by “Hangin w/ Mr.” Cooper Gardner is downed at the Auburn 4 yard line. The Tigers are backed way up in the Saints end zone. Sideline shot of Otto carrying a Gumby blow up doll wearing a Sugar Bowl sweatshirt….hey when in New Orleans. Who am I to judge?

We’re treated to some out of town scores, Texas A&M leading Notre Dame 35-10 in the Cotton Bowl. I wonder how many castrations Jackie Sherrill performed before kickoff?

Some big plays by the D leave Auburn with a 3rd and 9 from their own 3. Let’s get a stop here fella’s. No luck, Auburn runs a screen from their own end zone and gets a first down. How did that just happen? Two completions and a Syracuse late hit penalty has Auburn on the Cuse 40. On a busted play, Burger scrambles to the 32. Not exactly fleet of foot, Burger is described by Jackson as having “the speed of a ’75 pickup.” Nice one Keith.

Bob and Keith send a shout out to Coach Schwartzwalder and the ’59 title team.

Auburn takes a timeout with :58 seconds left in the half. There is a state trooper on the sidelines with some serious sideburns. Nice.

An Auburn 40 yard field goal will make the score Auburn-10 Syracuse-7. The Auburn punter holds on the FG and he has one of those single-bar Joe Theisman facemasks, you don’t see that anymore. Cuse runs out the clock to some sarcastic “Quick Kick” chants from the Auburn fans. We’re at halftime gang.

We’re back with Bob and Keith for the 2nd half. Auburn receives the kickoff and we’re advised that Ted Gregory is out of the starting lineup. Griese comments that the backup “Wants to get a little action.” Hey Bob, who doesn’t in New Orleans?

Auburn gets robbed on a botched incomplete pass call and has to punt. Sideline ace Mike Adamle lets us know that Gregory is out because he doesn’t want to re-injure his knee. Uh Mike, isn’t he out because the knee is injured? Isn’t it time for Nitro to battle someone in powerball?

Keith Jackson has a serious man-crush on Pat Die. Griese is giving Mac all sorts of Coach of the Year love when KJ chimes in with a “Well, Pat Die was the SEC Coach of the Year.” Great.

The Cuse offense is really mixing things up now. Run, pass, we were a dangerous team. Robert Drummond gets Cuse to the goal line when the self destruction begins. Delay of game. Now it’s 3rd and 8. We get a sideline shot of Syracuse WR Coach Ivan Fears sending in signals with all sorts of gyrations. Keith bets that “He must move around a lot in bed.” I think we have our first “Whoa Nellie” moment.

A Tim Vesling 27 yard FG makes it Syracuse-10 Auburn 10 5:34 in the 3rd.

An Auburn 3 and out has the Orange taking over. Time for Mike Adamle to interview the McPherson family in the stands. Funny moment as Mike continues to talk during live action while Donnie’s mom waits for the play to end before she answers. Good woman.

Michael Owens is now playing with his entire left thigh taped outside of his pants. Also, why was the bare midriff look “in” for college players in the ‘80’s? I’ve seen way too much of the Cuse offensive line today. Crowd shot of a cute little kid cheering for an orange and white team, no idea which team.

Another big difference in football then: defensive backs actually had an opportunity to make a play on the ball without being flagged for interference.

Burger is now heating up with Lawyer Tillman. Griese calls for Syracuse to put a box in one on him and to get Coach Boeheim’s help. Silly Bob, Jimmy only plays 2-3.

We’re tied 10-10 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

A 41 yard FG gives Auburn a 13-10 lead at the 13:27 mark of the 3rd quarter.

The Orange take over at their own 25 and Rob Moore is finally thrown to…incomplete. Rob, where you been? Donnie marches the Orange down the field: Kane for 12, Drummond gains 11, Moose for 12 down to the Auburn 21. Keith is gushing for the Cuse “big-uglies” up front. Love it.

After a timeout, Cuse runs the roll-out throwback to the tight end play (ala McNabb to Brominski) which was lethal in the P-era. Replay shows Pat Kelly wide open, however Donnie got a little pressured and the Orange settle for a 32 yard FG. Syracuse-13 Auburn-13 8:53 to play.

This game is over 20 years old, I know the outcome but I’m getting a nervous feeling in my stomach. Football rules.

Mike Adamle tries to give us the Tigers/War Eagle mascot explanation which ends up just completely confusing the viewing audience even more. A Burger sack forces Auburn to punt and the Orange take over at their own 24 with 6:47 to play.

Donnie hooks up with Deval Glover for a gain of 14. Glover is “double dangerous” according to Keith Jackson. Cuse breaks out the wishbone formation to pick up a short first down. Nice. Keith feels it’s time to let us know we’re in the presence of two Big 10 Players of the Year, Griese (’66 Purdue) and Adamle (’70 Northwestern). This can’t be true, I’m googling right now. Wiki got me nowhere, however I learned he’s now an announcer for the WWF.

At the 4:25 mark Keith tells us “There’s never been a tie in the Sugar Bowl.” My blood pressure continues to rise.

Donnie is moving the Orange. A sideline grab by Kane takes the ball to the 22 yard line. The replay clearly shows Tommy dragging both feet in bounds, but that doesn’t stop Keith from saying “Ooooh, another angle please.” Keith what game are you watching?

On a third and short play, Robert Drummond dives ahead for a first down. Or so I thought. On a TERRIBLE spot, he’s called short. Time for rewind on the DVR. He had it, horrible job by Bowie Kuhn and the Big 8 officiating crew. Hmmmm, I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that #1 Oklahoma would be playing #2 ranked Miami in the Orange Bowl later that night. End of conspiracy theory rant.

Bring on Tim Vesling from 38. It’s good. Syracuse-16 Auburn-13 2:04 to play.
Sideline shot of P and Mac discussing post-game celebration plans in the French Quarter.

Auburn returns the kickoff to the 25. Syracuse breaks out a really soft defense. Dump offs, underneath routes and sideline throws against an obvious prevent defense moves the ball to the Cuse 35. We need a stop!

With :49 seconds left a Burger pass is knocked down by Paul Frase. Cmon we need a pick. Something. At the :28 second mark Auburn is faced wit h a 4th and 5 at the Cuse 30. Keith says for Auburn to “Go for the FG.” A more rational Griese says “Go for the win and the TD.”

Die takes a timeout which leaves us with time for some Griese analysis,

“Pat Die isn’t interested in a tie in a bowl game that doesn’t mean anything in the National Championship race.”

(Champ counterpoint-- if Miami and Oklahoma had tied in the Orange Bowl and Cuse won the Sugar we could have an outside shot at being national champs.)

Die brings the offense onto the field, please don’t jump offside, please don’t jump offside. They’re actually going for it! A Burger floater to Dantley is caught at the 22. First down Tigers. DAMN'T!!!!!! :22 left, 1st down.

A Burger pass to Dantely is complete to the 12 yard line with :04 seconds left.

Keith is all about going for the tie. Griese argues for at least one throw into the endzone. We know how this one ends, Die trots out his kicker and from 30 yards away we’re now tied: Syracuse-16 Auburn-16 :01 left.

Sideline shots of Pat Dye show him shaking hands with his assistants, while Mac looks like he wants to take on Pat in a New England streetfight. Lot’s of boo’s from the crowd. Honestly Auburn fans, you can’t say you were cheering at this point can you? Auburn QB Jeff Burger looks really ticked off on the sideline, almost like he just received an F in his Psychology class. This is what happens when you learn your head coach has no faith in you.

Donnie is named the MVP.

There is still the technicality of the final kickoff. Before it happens there is a mass exodus on the Cuse sideline as players are already heading towards the lockeroom. The Orange try their best Cal-Stanford play to no luck. Final: Syracuse-16 Auburn-16. Yuck.

Mac crosses the field for a brief handshake and Pat Dye returns with a big evil Wyle E. Coyote-like grin on his face. I can’t believe I went with the rustproofing and the extended warranty.

A ton of great talent was on that Orange team that featured a balanced and unpredictable offense. Daryl Johnston was a monster this game. Syracuse showed the nation that this was a program on the rise and was ready to compete with the big boys. They finsihed the season ranked #4 in most polls after going toe-to-toe with the SEC champs. We were robbed on that Drummond 3rd down spot.

Fortunately we don’t have to worry about crap like this happening as the NCAA adopted their overtime system.

Good times. Bring on Northwestern.