The Longhorns tied for second in the Southwest Conference, with a 3–2 start followed by with five victories in their final six games of the regular season, including a victory over #9 Texas A&M. Auburn started 7–0 on the season, reaching as high as #5 in the polls, before a loss to #11 Florida. A loss to #2 Alabama three weeks later sealed their fate in second place in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) alongside Georgia. This was the seventh straight bowl appearance for both the Tigers and the Longhorns. This was the first appearance in the Gator Bowl for the Longhorns, and Auburn's third Gator Bowl of the decade.
Game summary
After Texas punted the ball to the Auburn 40 after failing to advance the ball from their own 4 after the opening kickoff. Auburn promptly drove the ball 60 yards, culminated by a 7-yard pass from Phil Gargis to Ed Butler. After the Longhorns fumbled the ball at their own 27, the Tigers scored two plays later, on a Mitzi Jackson touchdown plunge, nine minutes into the game. The Longhorns drove from their 23 to the Auburn 18, before they settled for a Billy Scott field goal from 35 yards out. In the second quarter, Jim McKinney blocked a Longhorn punt that fell into the end zone for a safety, making it 16–3 at halftime. In the fourth quarter, a Mike Fuller interception gave the Tigers the ball at the Longhorn 29. A few plays later, Butler caught another touchdown pass from Gargis (with Nugent catching the conversion pass) to make it 24–3. With nine seconds remaining, the Tigers added in their final points on a Chris Wilson 28 yard field goal. Phil Gargis went 6-of-11 for 60 yards and 2 interceptions and 2 touchdowns, with 14 carries for 51 yards, in a co-MVP effort. Earl Campbell went for 91 yards on 23 carries for the Longhorns in an co-MVP effort.[1]
Aftermath
Jordan retired the following season. The Tigers did not return to a bowl until 1982. Neither has returned to the Gator Bowl since this game.
