COLLEGE FOOTBALL - 1997 SEASON
30/08/97 - Houston (17) @ (42) Alabama - Alabama coach and former player Mike DuBose marked his debut with a big win over the CUSA champion Houston Cougars. The Tide got big games from RB Curtis Alexander (15-88-3) and DB Fernando Bryant (66 yard interception return TD) as they opened a 28-0 lead and never looked back (8, 2 Discs, JP Sports - Brando/Rowe, PAL)
30/08/97 - Texas Tech (17) @ (52) Tennessee - #5 ranked Tennessee started their season with a bang, holding off Texas Tech for the win. The Vols were led by QB Peyton Manning (26-38-310-5) who equalled a school record with 5 TD passes, before leaving the game in the 3rd quarter. The Vols led 24-3 at the half and 45-3 at the start of the 4th quarter before Tech scored 2 late TD's to make the score more respectable. Tech were led by QB Zebbie Lethridge (15-24-170-0 + 9-28-1), RB Ricky Williams (13-38-0) and WR Donnie Hart (7-118-0). Tennessee also featured RB Shawn Bryson (7-33-0), WR's Marcus Nash (7-112-2) and Jermaine Copeland (5-56-1) and back-up QB Tee Martin (5-10-69-1) (8, Missing 1 Texas Tech play late in the 4th quarter, 2 Discs, ESPN - Franklin/Gottfried/Karsten, NTSC)
30/08/97 - UCLA (34) @ (37) Washington State - The Cougars stopped UCLA at the 1 yard line with 2 minutes to go to preserve a 3 point lead and secure their 1st win of the season. QB Ryan Leaf (17-30-381-3) had a strong game as did UCLA QB Cade McNown (19-34-257-1) (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Swann, PAL)
30/08/97 - North Carolina State (32) @ (31) Syracuse - In a wild shootout, North Carolina State stunned #16 ranked Syracuse with a game-winning 2 point conversion in Overtime. Syracuse started brightly with a 68 yard TD pass from QB Donovan McNabb (12-26-216-2) to WR Quinton Spotwood (6-155-1) but Wolfpack QB Jamie Barnette (18-29-279-3) and WR Torry Holt (5-125-2) got NC State back on level terms with 2 TD passes (37 yards and 18 yards). Syracuse then struck again as Spotwood returned a punt 72 yards for a score. NC State then got back on level terms only for McNabb to drive Syracuse down to the 2 yard line with 20 seconds left. A chip-shot FG would have won the game but coach Paul Pasqualoni decided to go for the rushing TD only to see the ball fumbled at the goal-line and recovered by the Wolfpack, who ran out the clock to force overtime. Syracuse scored 1st and NC State replied but decided to go for 2 and the win. Barnette found Holt and the upset was complete (8, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Waltz/Gilmore, PAL)
13/09/97 - Notre Dame (17) @ (28) Purdue - Purdue finally ended a 12 year losing streak to the Irish as QB Billy Dicken (26-39-352-0) and a strong defense had big games. The win was the first for new Purdue coach Joe Tiller and the first loss for new Notre Dame coach Bob Davie (8, 1st Quarter upto 5:20 jerky picture as if missing every other frame, OK for rest of the game, 2 Discs, ABC - Musberger/Fouts/Arute, PAL)
13/09/97 - UCLA (66) @ (3) Texas - The 0-2 Bruins ambushed the #10 ranked Longhorns in Austin and gave Texas it's worst ever home loss. UCLA QB Cade McNown (15-23-202-5) had a huge game, throwing 5 TD passes in the 1st half as the Bruins ran out to a 38-0 lead at the half and coasted home. The Defense played their part, forcing 8 turnovers and recording 7 sacks. Texas were starting back-up QB Richard Walton (16-27-145-0) in the absence due to injury of starter James Brown, but he was overwhelmed, as was his back-up Marty Cherry (9-18-105-0). The Bruins also contained Texas RB Ricky Williams (13-47-0). The Bruins also featured RB Skip Hicks (22-100-2) (8, 2 Discs, ABC - Nessler/Danielson/Blevins, NTSC)
20/09/97 - Tennessee (20) @ (33) Florida - The #1 ranked Gators took the early lead in the SEC East race with a big win over the #4 ranked Vols. The Gators offense, led by QB Doug Johnson (14-32-261-3), RB Fred Taylor (17-134-0) and WR Jaquez Green (8-185-1) kept the scoreboard ticking over while the defense kept Heisman-hopeful Vols QB Peyton Manning (29-51-353-3) off balance, hassling him all game. The Vols out-gained the Gators on offense by 398 yards to 355 yards but they also turned the ball over 3 times, with 1 interception returned 88 yards for a TD (7, 2 Discs, CBS - McDonough/Donahue, PAL)
27/09/97 - Florida (55) @ (28) Kentucky - #1 ranked Florida rolled over the Wildcats, putting up 28 unanswered points in the 1st quarter and then coasting home. Florida QB Doug Johnson (22-34-286-5) had a big game and was helped by WR Jacquez Green (10-139-3) and a running game that put up 174 yards. Kentucky were led by Sophomore QB Tim Couch (33-59-348-2) who had a big game statistically put also threw 3 interceptions (9, 2 Discs, CBS - McDonough/Donahue, PAL)
27/09/97 - Notre Dame (14) @ (21) Michigan - Michigan held off their big rivals with big plays in the passing game as QB Brian Griese (16-22-177-1) and WR Tai Streets (2 TD's) torched the Irish secondary. The Wolverine defense did their part too, led by LB Sam Sword (15 tackles) (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Swann, PAL)
27/09/97 - Oregon (49) @ (58) Stanford - In a shootout, both teams amassed a combined 1,008 yards of Offense but it was the Cardinal that outlasted the Ducks for the win. Stanford QB Chad Hutchinson (21-31-340-4) and WR Troy Walters (13-169-2) were the heroes for the Cardinal. Oregon were led by QB's Jason Maas (16-27-264-5) and Akili Smith (7-12-97-1) (9, 4th quarter JIP 13:32, 2 Discs, FOX - Physioc/Norrie, PAL)
04/10/97 - California (34) @ (41) Louisiana Tech - Cal recovered from an early 21-7 deficit to lead with 50 seconds left but a TD pass from Louisiana Tech QB Tim Rattay (24-51-343-3) to TE Josh Bradley sealed the upset win for the Bulldogs (9, 2 Discs, Sportschannel - Fonzi/Bouza, PAL)
04/10/97 - Alabama (34) @ (40) Kentucky - Kentucky recorded their first win against the Tide since 1922 as QB Tim Couch took the game into overtime where he won it with a 26 yard TD pass. Couch (32-49-355-4) had a huge game (8, 2 Discs, TASN - Crane/Moore, NTSC)
11/10/97 - Florida (21) @ (28) LSU - LSU dominated with defense to shut down the #1 ranked Gators in a loud night game in Tiger Stadium. LSU QB Herb Tyler (10-17-172-0) paced the offense with 2 TD runs of his own but the game belonged to the defense who recorded 4 interceptions of Florida QB Doug Johnson (32-57-346-0). 1 of those picks was returned 31 yards for a score by DB Cedric Donaldson in the 4th quarter (8, 2 Discs, ESPN - Franklin/Gottfried/Karsten, PAL)
18/10/97 - Miami (45) @ (44) Boston College - In the first ever overtime game in Big East history, Miami continued their dominance over BC with a big win to end their own 4 game losing streak. The Eagles cameback from a 24-3 deficit in the 1st half and sent the game into overtime with a TD run with 50 seconds left. In the 2nd overtime Miami scored on a 21 yard TD pass and won the game on the extra point. BC allowed the PAT to win the game by mistakenly thinking they had to go for 2 after their TD in overtime. The 2 point play failed leaving the door open for the 'Canes. Miami were led by RB Edgerrin James (33-271-3 inc. a 69 yard TD run) and WR Reggie Wayne (5-53-1). BC were led by QB Matt Hasselbeck (13-26-134-1) and RB's Omari Walker (24-185-2) and Mike Cloud (19-157-1). Both teams combined for 1,119 yards of total offense (8, 2 Discs, CBS - Johnson/Mayock, PAL)
18/10/97 - California (37) @ (63) Washington State - #13 ranked Washington State built a 42-6 lead at the half then held off a 4th quarter rally to move to 6-0. Washington State QB Ryan Leaf (13-21-332-5) had a big 1st half, leading the Cougars to a 28 point 2nd quarter including a 72 yard TD pass to WR Chris Jackson (5-111-2). But Cal mounted a comeback in the 2nd half, led by QB Justin Vedder (26-45-351-3). Cal scored 31 unanswered points from the end of the 3rd quarter throught the 4th quarter before the Wazzu defense stiffened and closed out the win (8, FOX re-broadcast missing 2nd quarter action between 13:54 and 12:02 inc. 1 WSU TD + action between 7:02 and 1:02 inc. 1 WSU TD + 4th quarter action between 9:24 and 3:58 inc. 1 Cal TD, 2 Discs, FOX - Nemeck/Casper, PAL)
01/11/97 - Washington State (31) @ (44) Arizona State - #21 Arizona State upset the #10 ranked and unbeaten Cougars with a big defensive effort. ASU built a 24-0 lead in the 1st half through the 3 TD passes of Freshman QB Ryan Kealy (23-36-245-4). The Cougars, led by QB Ryan Leaf (24-49-447-3), then rattled off 25 unanswered points to a take a 1 point lead in the 4th quarter. The Sun Devils then re-took the lead on QB Kealy's 4th TD pass of the game, quickly followed by 2 defensive scores as the Sun Devil defense forced QB Leaf into 2 fumbles. One was returned 69 yards for a TD while the other was recovered in the end-zone for a TD. A late score for the Cougars wasn't enough to for them to avoid their 1st loss of the season. Arizona State also featured RB Mike Martin (20-111-0) and WR Lenzie Jackson (9-89-2) on Offense and LB Pat Tillman + DB Mitchell Freedman on defense (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Tompkins/Ramsey/Lewis, PAL)
08/11/97 - Michigan State (21) @ (22) Purdue - In a stunning finish, #24 ranked Purdue scored 12 points in the final 2 minutes to beat the Spartans. The Michigan State Defense contained the high-powered Boilermaker offense while QB Bill Schultz (17-21-220-1) and RB Marc Renaud (22-114-1) paced the Offense. With the Spartans leading 21-10, they attempted a 39 yard FG that was blocked and returned 62 yards for a TD by DL Roosevelt Colvin. Purdue then recovered an on-side kick and ran in a 2 yard TD to take the lead with 40 seconds left. The Spartans had a chance to win the game with a 43 yard FG on the last play but the kick sailed wide. Purdue were led by QB Billy Dicken (17-32-150-0) and back-up Freshman QB Drew Brees made an appearance in the 4th quarter for 1 series (8, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Waltz/Gilmore/Salisbury, PAL)
08/11/97 - Oregon (31) @ (28) Washington - In a see-saw game, Oregon thwarted a Husky comeback with a TD pass with 2 minutes left to steal the win. An injury-hit Washington team were down 24-6 at the half but used a big 3rd quarter to put themselves back into contention. The catalyst was freshman QB Marques Tuiasosopo (15-30-261-1 + 16-95-1), making his 1st college start, and when he threw a 42 yard TD pass with 6 minutes left in the game the comeback seemed complete. But Oregon QB Akili Smith (15-25-193-3) led the Ducks calmly downfield and won the game with a 29 yard TD pass to WR Pat Johnson (3-67-1) (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Rizzs/Sixkiller/McKim, PAL)
08/11/97 - Texas Tech (24) @ (10) Texas - In the battle of the "Ricky Williams", it was the Tech version that won the game. Tech's Ricky Williams rushed for 131 yards on 25 carries and Texas's Ricky Williams ran for 80 yards and 1 TD. Tech DB Dane Johnson returned the 2nd half kick-off 95 yards to break open the game and spoil a record-setting night for Texas QB James Brown who's 397 passing yards set a school record (9, 2 Discs, FOX - Goodman/Gigantino/Bell, PAL)
08/11/97 - Nebraska (45) @ (38) Missouri - #1 ranked Nebraska was pushed to the very limit by their old rivals from Columbia. In one of the greatest finishes ever, Cornhusker QB Scott Frost (11-24-175-1 + 23-141-4) threw a 12 yard TD pass as time expired to force overtime where they finished the game off. Missouri were led by QB Corby Jones (12-20-233-3 + 21-60-1) (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Musberger/Fouts/Arute, PAL)
08/11/97 - Florida State (20) @ (3) North Carolina - #5 ranked and unbeaten North Carolina hosted #2 ranked Florida State in a hard-hitting ACC battle. Both teams were strong defensively but Florida State had just enough Offense to win the game. The Tarheels only gained 73 yards of total Offense and knocked out starting QB Oscar Davenport with a broken ankle. Seminoles QB Thad Busby (14-30-159-2) had a solid game and was supported by RB Travis Minor (30-128-0) and WR's EG.Green (2-31-1) and Peter Warrick (4-64-0). The North Carolina defense featured DL Ebenezer Ekuban, Greg Ellis and Kivuusama Mays, LB Brian Simmons and CB Dre' Bly. The Florida State Defense featured DL Greg Spires and Andre Wadsworth (7, Slightly fuzzy copy from a Multi generation VHS, 2 Discs, ESPN - Franklin/Gottfried, PAL)
22/11/97 - Tennessee (59) @ (31) Kentucky - In a shoot-out at Commonwealth stadium, both teams combined for 1,329 yards of total offense. Both teams went toe-to-toe in the 1st half, with Tennessee QB Peyton Manning (25-35-0-523-5) having a career day. Kentucky QB Tim Couch (35-50-476-2) set a school record for passing yards but was also intercepted 3 times. The Vols finally managed to pull away in the 2nd half, with the defense holding the Wildcats to only 10 points while the offense continued to roll, putting up 35 points. Tennessee also featured RB Jamal Lewis (21-128-4) and WR Marcus Nash (7-195-3). Kentucky also featured RB Derek Homer (18-137-0) and WR Kio Sanford (9-147-1 inc. 87 yard TD catch) (8, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Kesling/Golic/Ward, PAL)
22/11/97 - Florida State (29) @ (32) Florida - Florida used 2 QB's and a monster game from RB Fred Taylor to upset #3 ranked Florida State and deny them a chance of playing for the National Championship. Taylor (22-162-4) ran riot through the top ranked rush defense and got just enough back-up from alternating QB's Noah Brindise (5-9-100-0) and Doug Johnson (13-25-218-1) to stay in the game. Florida State featured QB Thad Busby (23-39-219-1), RB Travis Minor (21-142-1) and WR Peter Warrick (5-51-0) (9, 2 Discs, CBS - McDonough/Donahue, PAL)
22/11/97 - Alabama (17) @ (18) Auburn - #13 ranked Auburn won the Iron Bowl with a FG with 15 seconds left to beat their big rivals. Alabama looked to have the game in hand as they had the ball with 45 seconds left and a 2 point lead, but RB Ed Scissum fumbled the ball after a big hit and Auburn recovered. Tiger QB Dameyune Craig (14-33-213-0) cooly guided the offense in to position for the winning kick and Kicker Jarrett Holmes, with his 4th of the game, didn't disappoint. The Tide were led by QB Freddie Kitchens (12-18-134-1) and RB's Shaun Alexander (13-65-1) and Curtis Alexander (14-64-1) (9, 1 Disc, ESPN - Franklin/Gottfried/Karsten, NTSC)
29/11/97 - Georgia (27) @ (24) Georgia Tech - In the 92nd meeting of the rivalry, #14 ranked Georgia used a TD pass with 8 seconds left to beat the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech recovered from a 21-10 deficit in the 3rd quarter to take the lead with 48 seconds left in the game with a 1 yard TD run. But the Bulldogs roared back down-field and with 8 seconds left and Georgia QB Mike Bobo (30-39-415-4) found WR Corey Allen (5-93-2) for the winning score. Georgia also featured WR Hines Ward (6-102-2), RB Robert Edwards (23-78-0) and DB Champ Bailey. Georgia Tech were led by QB Joe Hamilton (19-34-276-0 + 19-55-1) (8, 2 Discs, ABC - Gannon/Brant, PAL)
29/11/97 - Mississippi (15) @ (14) Mississippi State - In a dramatic finish in a rainy Starkville, Mississippi avenged their home loss to the Bulldogs in 1996 with a last minute win. Both teams were involved in a huge fight during pre-game warm-ups and the intensity continued in the game, with very little ground given. After scoring on their opening drive of the game, the Rebels were shut down the rest of the way until the last drive of the game. Trailing 14–7 with 2:12 remaining the Rebels put together a 64-yard drive that culminated with a 10-yard TD pass with 25 seconds left. Rebels coach Tommy Tuberville decided to go for 2 and the win and QB Stewart Partridge (2 TD passes) connected with Corey Peterson for the sensational win. With the victory the Rebels earned their first Bowl berth in 5 years. Mississippi also featured RB's John Avery and Deuce McCallister, WR Andre Rone (2 TD catches), OL Matt Luke and DL Derrick Burgess. Mississippi State featured QB's Rob Morgan (1 TD pass) and Matt Wyatt, RB James Johnson (119 yards + 1 TD), WR John Jennings (1 TD catch), DL Greg Favours and DB Eric Brown (9, ESPN Classic re-broadcast, 1 hour 23 minutes hi-lites, 1 Disc, ESPN - Waltz/Gilmore, PAL)
05/12/97 - MAC Championship - Toledo (14) @ (34) Marshall - In a dense snow-storm, Marshall WR Randy Moss (7-170-3) still managed to shine as the Thundering Herd won their 1st ever MAC title. Marshall QB Chad Pennington (20-34-322-3) also had a big game (9, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Waltz/Christensen, PAL)
06/12/97 - Navy (39) v (7) Army - Navy jumped out to a 26-7 lead at the half and never looked back as they ended a 5 year run of defeats to Army. The stars for the Midshipmen were QB Chris McCoy (6-10-74-1 + 31-205-3) and RB Tim Cannada (30-133-1) (9, 2 Discs, CBS - McDonough/Donahue, PAL)
06/12/97 - SEC Championship - Tennessee (30) v (29) Auburn - In a good offensive game, Tennessee QB Peyton Manning (25-43-373-4) put in an MVP performance to beat Auburn QB Dameyune Craig (14-34-262-2). The game had a lot of big plays as Tennessee scored on 40, 46 and 73 yard TD passes. Auburn scored on a 51 yard TD pass and on a 2 point conversion return by the defense (2 versions : 9, Full game but missing the opening kick-off, 1 Disc, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Swann, PAL / 10, ESPN Classic re-broadcast - 1 hour 34 minutes hi-lites, 1 Disc, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Swann, PAL)
31/12/97 - Sun Bowl - Arizona State (17) v (7) Iowa - Arizona State finally won it's first Bowl game in 10 years with a big defensive effort against Iowa. The Sun Devils were starting a back-up QB Steve Campbell (5-11-109-1) in his first start but he was ably supported by game MVP RB Mike Martin (27-169-1) and a stout defense led by LB's Pat Tillman (8 tackles in his final game) and Scott Van Der Ahe. Iowa were led by ailing QB Matt Sherman (8-22-120-0), who was still recovering from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, and RB Tavian Banks (14-52-0). The Hawkeyes could only manage 209 yds total offense and scored their only points in the 4th quarter when already down 17-0 (7, 1 hour 40 minute Hi-lites, 1 Disc, CBS - Ryan/Logan/Lasky, PAL)
31/12/97 - Fiesta Bowl - Kansas State (35) v (18) Syracuse - #8 ranked Kansas State completed an 11-1 season with a big win over the Big East Champion. The heroes for the Wildcats were first year QB Michael Bishop (14-23-317-4 + 15-73-1) and WR Darnell McDonald (7-206-3) who set a Fiesta Bowl receiving yardage record and scored on 41 and 77 yard TD passes. The #14 ranked Orangemen were led by QB Donovan McNabb (16-39-271-0) who was hassled and harried by the KSU defense, led by LB Jeff Kelly and DL Darren Howard, all game. Syracuse also featured WR's Kevon Johnson and Quinton Spotwood (7, 1 hour 40 minute Hi-lites, 1 Disc, CBS - Brando/Cunningham, PAL)
01/01/98 - Rose Bowl - Michigan (21) v (16) Washington State - Led by Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson (1 interception) and Senior QB Brian Griese (18-30-251-3), the Wolverines completed a perfect season with a hard-fought win over the cinderella Cougars, led by QB Ryan Leaf. With the win the Wolverines gained a share of the National Championship, their 1st in 46 years (8, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Swann, PAL)
02/01/98 - Orange Bowl - Nebraska (42) v (17) Tennessee - In Nebraska coach Tom Osborne's last game, his team sent him out a winner by beating the #3 ranked SEC champion and claiming a share of the National Championship. The #2 ranked Huskers broke open a close game at the half with a 21 point 3rd quarter then used their strong defense to keep Tennessee at bay. Huskers RB Ahman Green (29-206-2) put in an MVP performance while the defense, led by DL Jason Peter and Grant Wistrom, kept Tennessee QB Peyton Manning (21-31-134-1), in his last game, in check. The Vols also featured WR's Marcus Nash and Peerless Price + RB Jamal Lewis (14-90-0). Nebraska were led by QB Scott Frost (9-12-0-125-0 + 17-60-3), in his last game, and also featured RB Joel Macovicka (9-61-0) (7, 1 hour 40 minute Hi-lites, 1 Disc, CBS - McDonough/Donahue, PAL)