The Sun Bowl in 1977
“Down in the West Texas Town of El Paso” - Cards for the The 1977-78 Sun Bowl for SOM College Football
More College Football 🏈 fun from Big Stew!
Dropbox link for 1977 Stanford:
Dropbox link for 1977 LSU:
The Sun Bowl was played on December 31, and featured Stanford, who had tied for second in the PAC -8 race, and LSU, who had finished in fourth place in the SEC. Stanford was led by Guy Benjamin who threw for 2,500 yards and 19 touchdowns, NFL Hall of Famer James Lofton, and all purpose runner Darrin Nelson. Most notably, they were coached by Bill Walsh. Walsh led Stanford to another bowl win the next season in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, and then was hired as head coach of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, eventually leading them to three Super Bowl titles in ten seasons. The Tigers, coached by Charlie McClendon, were led by tailback Charles Alexander, who was a two-time All American selection. McClendon coached two more seasons for LSU, leading them to postseason appearances in the 1978 Liberty Bowl and 1979 Tangerine Bowl, and then retired from coaching.
During the game, Stanford overcame a 14-10 deficit at halftime to pull out a come-from-behind victory over LSU, 24-14 at the 44th Annual Sun Bowl. LSU dominated the ground game, rushing for 307 yards, while Stanford proved to be a force in the air, picking up 269 yards passing. For Stanford it was a case of smoke eaters versus smoke throwers, as the 1977 LSU defense allowed only 42 pct completions and intercepted 15 passes.
Bill Walsh and Guy Benjamin
Tiger tailback Charles Alexander, a two-time All-America selection, set the Sun Bowl rushing record racking up 197 yards on 31 carries to earn the C.M. Hendricks Most Valuable Player Award. LSU scored on its second possession to set the tone of the game.
Stanford fired back with a touchdown and a field goal for a brief lead before LSU reignited its offense. With one minute to play before halftime, Alexander plowed into the endzone. Kicker Mike Conway’s successful extra point conversion put the Tigers back on top 14-10.
LSU QB Steve Ensminger
A crucial turnover by LSU in the fourth quarter surrendered any hopes of a victory. The Tigers were driving on the Stanford 15-yard line when quarterback Steve Ensminger threw an interception on a third-and-twelve.
Stanford would later put the game away on a score with a James Lofton reception from Benjamin. Lofton finished with two touchdown catches, while Benjamin fired three scoring strikes in the game.
Stanford linebacker Gordon Ceresino led the Cardinals with a game-high 18 tackles, 14 of which unassisted, and was named Jimmy Rogers, Jr. Most Valuable Lineman.
Lofton and his coach Bill Walsh would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. LSU’s Charles McClendon would later become a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Initial Date of Publication: 8/3/2025
Courtesy Chris Stewart, reprinted with permission
Includes Stanford correction dated 4/17/2024
Smoke eaters vs smoke throwers, brilliant. Thank you (and Chris Stewart) for the 77 cards. Excited to see if the Huskers make an appearance!
ReplyDeleteYou bet and thanks!
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