Bluebonnet Bowl
1964
Tulsa 14
Mississippi 7
Before 1964, passing had been used on third down situations primarily. Offensive schemes were not built around the forward pass. In 1964, the University of Tulsa changed the college football landscape with their record-breaking passing season. Coach Glenn Dobbs’ Hurricane ranked first nationally in three team statistical categories including passing (317.9), total offense (461.8), scoring (38.4). They outscored the opposition 398 to 140 points and established 27 new NCAA team and individual records. They were led by quarterback Jerry Rhome and split end Howard Twilley. Rhome was voted as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, as he completed 244 passes for 2,870 yards and 32 touchdowns on the year. Twilley broke NCAA records for receptions and yards with 95 catches for 1,178 yards. The Hurricane finished 9-2 in 1964, losing only close games against Arkansas and Cincinnati.
Under the legendary John Vaught, Ole Miss entered the 1964 rated #1 in the nation in the major polls. But, the Rebels had an unexpectedly difficult season, posting a 5-4-1 record while losing three of those games by a total of 10 points and tying Vanderbilt, 7-7. The low point of the season came in a home loss in the regular season finale to cross state rival, Mississippi State, 20-17. It was Coach Vaught’s first loss to MSU in 18 years of coaching at Ole Miss. Vaught, the nation’s winningest coach at that time, had the daunting task of trying to close down the Tulsa offensive machine.
Ole Miss jumped on Tulsa early, opening the scoring with a one-yard run by quarterback Jim Weatherley in the second quarter. Tulsa responded by driving 72 yards. Rhome answered on a fourth down situation with a one yard run of his own with 6:15 remaining in the first half. Rhome would strike again midway through the third quarter. His 35-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Fletcher put Tulsa up 14-7 and the Golden Hurricane defense would hold the rest of the way.
Vaught had prepared his defense well for Tulsa, but Rhome offset Mississippi’s speed and blitzes with a mixture of running and passing in the Hurricane’s upset of the favored Rebels.
Rhome completed 22 of 36 passes for 252 yards and gained 29 yards on the ground. He was the unanimous selection for the most outstanding back. Tulsa defensive lineman Willie Townes, who harassed Rebel quarterback Jim Weatherley, was named the game’s outstanding lineman.
Tulsa limited Ole Miss to 217 yards of total offense, while the Golden Hurricane totaled 323. Weatherly was 16-of-24 passing, but managed just 113 yards and was intercepted twice. Mississippi’s Mike Dennis rushed for a game-high 73 yards on 17 carries and also caught nine passes for 114 yards.
Rhome sets to pass
Gerald Warfield cuts down Tulsa runner
David Wells makes jersey tackle of Tulsa runner
Attendance- 50,000
Game Summary
Second Quarter
UM- Weatherly 1 run (Irwin kick)
TU- Rhome 1 run (Twilley kick)
Third Quarter
TU - Fletcher 35 yard pass from Rhome (Twilley kick)
Individual Leaders
Rushing
UM- Dennis 17-73
TU- Daugherty 6-32, Rhome 22-29
Passing
UM- Weatherly 16-24-113
TU- Rhome 22-36-252
Receiving
UM- Dennis 9-114
TU- Daugherty 9-80, Roberts 8-108
