Origins and Early Years
The Cotton Bowl Classic, one of the most storied college football bowl games, was conceived by Dallas oilman J. Curtis Sanford. The inaugural game was held on January 1, 1937, at the Texas State Fair Grounds in Dallas, Texas. In this first game, Texas Christian University (TCU) defeated Marquette University 16-6 in front of approximately 17,000 fans. Despite initial financial losses, Sanford’s vision persisted, and the game grew in popularity.
The 1940s: Growth and Challenges
In 1940, a group of prominent Dallas citizens took over the organization of the game, forming the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. This group later became an agency of the Southwest Conference (SWC), which would control the game until the conference’s disbandment in 1996. The 1940s also saw the first interracial Cotton Bowl in 1948, when Penn State played Southern Methodist University (SMU) to a 13-13 tie. Due to racial segregation policies, Penn State’s African-American players were not allowed to stay in Dallas hotels, forcing the team to stay at a Naval Air Station outside the city.
The 1950s: Memorable Moments
The 1950s were marked by several notable events. In the 1954 game, Rice’s Dickey Maegle was famously tackled by Alabama’s Tommy Lewis, who came off the bench to stop Maegle’s 95-yard run. Despite being tackled at the 42-yard line, Maegle was awarded a touchdown. Another significant moment came in 1957 when Syracuse’s Jim Brown scored three touchdowns and rushed for 135 yards, although TCU won the game 28-27 thanks to a blocked extra point.
The 1960s and 1970s: Continued Prestige
The 1960s and 1970s saw the Cotton Bowl solidify its reputation as a premier bowl game. In 1961, Syracuse’s Ernie Davis, the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner, led his team to a victory over Texas, cementing his legacy with a standout performance. The 1970s featured several memorable games, including Texas’ victory over Notre Dame in 1970, which secured the Longhorns’ national championship.
Transition to Modern Era
The Cotton Bowl experienced significant changes in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. After the Southwest Conference disbanded in 1996, the bowl featured teams from the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference (SEC) until 2014. In 2010, the game moved from its original location at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas to the state-of-the-art AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This move marked a new era for the bowl, aligning it with modern facilities and larger audiences.
Integration into the College Football Playoff
In 2014, the Cotton Bowl was selected as one of the six bowls to be part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rotation, hosting national semifinal games once every three years. This inclusion restored the Cotton Bowl’s status as one of the premier bowl games in college football, alongside the Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta, and Peach Bowls.
Notable Games and Records
Over the years, the Cotton Bowl has been the stage for numerous historic games and record-breaking performances. The highest-scoring game in Cotton Bowl history occurred in 2019 when Penn State defeated Memphis 53-39, combining for 92 points. Additionally, USC quarterback Caleb Williams set a record for the most passing touchdowns in a game with five scores against Tulane in the 2022 Cotton Bowl.
Sponsorship and Commercialization
The Cotton Bowl has seen various sponsors over the years, starting with Mobil in 1989. AT&T took over sponsorship in 2006, and since 2015, Goodyear has been the title sponsor, marking the longest sponsorship tenure in the bowl’s history. These sponsorships have played a crucial role in the bowl’s financial stability and growth.
Conclusion
The Cotton Bowl Classic has a rich history filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and significant cultural milestones. From its humble beginnings in 1937, it has grown into a cornerstone of college football, adapting to changes in the sport while maintaining its storied tradition. As part of the College Football Playoff rotation, the Cotton Bowl continues to be a highlight of the college football season, drawing top teams and large audiences to witness the best in collegiate athletics.
