In honor of the latest round of SEC expansion talk, we present facts (you’re welcome, Thom) and never-before-seen photos (you know-how-we-roll) from the 1973 Sun Bowl played Dec. 29 in salsa-soaked’ El Paso, Texas. It was the Auburn Tigers’ first and only game against the Missouri Tigers. We lost, 34-17. Alas.

The game was televised nationally by CBS, kickoff was at noon. Mizzou was favored by seven points. Both teams flew into town the day after Christmas. Auburn gave up four fumbles and an interception. Tight end Rob Spivey broke his leg. Alas.

“Only the passing combo of freshman quarterback Phil Gargis to junior wingback Tom [sic] Gossom kept it from being a rout as they teamed for a pair of touchdown strikes for the War Eagles.” — Montgomery Advertiser, Dec. 30, 1973

Shug: “It was very typical of our entire season.”

Alas.

War Eagle.

Photos by Brad Ashmore.

Related: Crowd Shots from the 1973 Auburn-Florida game / Coeds with Watermelons in 1973.

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