Colorado State University Athletics
Bowl Rewind: 1997 Holiday Bowl
12/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
1997 Holiday Bowl Photo Gallery | Watch Entire ESPN Broadcast
Colorado State served notice on the game’s first drive that it was a team bent on making history. The Rams secured a spot in the laurels of school annals with a ninth win in a row, a 35-24 win over Missouri in a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Holiday Bowl.
Colorado State made its intentions known from the outset, taking the first drive on a crisp evening in San Diego 85 yards in 13 plays for a touchdown. Wide receiver Darran Hall — a San Diego native — capped the drive, scoring on a 14-yard reverse. Hall played a major role in the game, taking a punt early in the third quarter and returning it 85 yards for a touchdown, the longest such return in the bowl’s history.
He and teammate Moses Moreno — another San Diego-area native — were the game’s co-MVPs. Moreno, despite a sore foot injured during the game, completed 18-of-24 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Kevin McDougal gained 110 yards on 18 carries.
Colorado State’s defense was equally as impressive. The Rams limited Missouri to just 68 passing yards. Linebacker Willie Taylor and safety Myron Terry led the way with eight tackles apiece, while Eric Vaughn had seven stops. One of the game’s many highlights came with 10:44 to play and the Rams nursing a 28-24 lead. Reserve quarterback Ryan Eslinger, lined up as the holder in a field goal formation, faked that play and instead ran up the middle for a 23-yard touchdown to seal the victory.
CSU finished the 1997 season with an 11-2 record, the only 11-win season in school history.