1963 Sun Bowl
The 1963 Sun Bowl was played on December 31 in El Paso, Texas, between the SMU Mustangs (4–6) and the Oregon Ducks (7–3). Oregon, coached by Len Casanova, won 21–14 in the Sun Bowl’s first game at the new stadium. It was Oregon’s first bowl win in 47 years and their last bowl appearance until 1989. This was also Oregon’s final year as an independent before joining the Pac-8 (AAWU) in 1964.
Oregon jumped out to a 21–0 lead at halftime, with Dennis Keller scoring in the first quarter, and Bob Berry throwing two second‑quarter TD passes. H. D. Murphy, filling in for injured Mel Renfro, had two crucial interceptions. SMU’s Danny Thomas and Mac White rallied in the fourth quarter with two TD passes to John Roderick, but Oregon held on. Berry finished 11 of 26 for 146 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and was named the game’s MVP; SMU’s Thomas went 15 of 26 for 188 yards with one TD and two interceptions. Murphy added 49 rushing yards on three carries. Attendance was about 26,500, NBC aired the game, and referee Jack Sprenger presided.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:32 (CET).