28 12 8 7 0 7 | 11 12 Ohio State 0 7 14 | |
The 1987 Cotton Bowl Classic was the 51st such held. It matched the Texas A&M Aggies and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
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Background
This was the first Cotton Bowl appearance by a team from the Big Ten Conference. Ohio State was co-champion of the Big Ten, sharing it with Michigan, to whom they lost 26–24 on November 22. Ohio State hadn't played a SWC team since 1982. Texas A&M won their second consecutive Southwest Conference championship under Sherrill. A&M hoped to be only the second team to win consecutive Cotton Bowl Classics (the first being Texas in 1969 and 1970).
Game Summary
It was a close first half that had Ohio State leading 7-6. Scott Slater kicked two field goals for the Aggies contrasted with Jim Karsatos's touchdown run. But the second half is where Ohio State and their defense shone, as on the third play of the half, Chris Spielman intercepted a Kevin Murray pass and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown. When the Aggies tried to drive again, Sonny Gordon intercepted the ball. Vince Workman cultivated Ohio State's drive with his 8-yard run midway through the 3rd quarter. Roger Vick narrowed the lead down with his touchdown run, but the conversion missed, making it only 21-12 with nine minutes to go. When A&M tried to drive with three minutes to go, Michael Kee intercepted the ball and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown. Despite having less first downs, three passes picked off, and more penalties than A&M, it was Ohio State's defense that won the game for them, for they had five interceptions on the day, two of which that were returned for touchdowns, and one that led to a touchdown.
Aftermath
A&M would go to the Cotton Bowl the following year, and win in Sherill's second-to-last year as coach. Ohio State would go 6-4-1 the following year and fire Bruce. They have not played in the Cotton Bowl since — indeed, no Big Ten team would participate in the Cotton Bowl until Michigan State defeated Baylor in 2015.