University of Arizona Athletics

EL PASO, Texas - Arizona battled Auburn on even terms for one half, but within a period of seven minutes in the second half, the Tigers scored 24 points to crush the Wildcats, 34-10, before 32,302 weather-beaten fans and a national television audience in the 34th annual Sun Bowl.

Auburn had taken the lead, 10-0, on a John Riley 52-yard field goal, tying a Sun Bowl record, and a 65-yard touchdown pass from All-SEC quarterback Loran Carter to Mickey Zofko.  But the Cats were fit to be tied as Steve Hurley booted a 37-yarder after both teams exchanged turnovers. Arizona held Auburn on fourth down with under two minutes left in the half, and Arizona’s Bruce Lee went to work. Two first-down pass completions set up a 12-yard toss to Hal Arnason in the end zone, tying the score 10-10 at the half.

In the third quarter, Auburn took the lead and didn’t look back as Tommy Taylor scampered nine yards to put the Tigers up 17-10. Then Buddy McClinton intercepted Lee for the third time in the game and raced 32 yards to score. Auburn’s next possession produced a dazzling Carter to Tim Christian 42-yard touchdown pass. Riley then kicked a 41-yard field goal to secure the victory with 11:14 left.

Auburn’s Buddy McClinton was voted MVP of the game, and All-America tackle Dave Campbell was honored as the outstanding lineman.